What Hidden Fees Should I Watch for With a Phone Plan?

Extra charges on your cellphone bill are a combination of fees, charges, and taxes. While some charges are government-mandated, such as the Universal Service Fund, others are fees that cellular providers choose to impose. Those charges commonly appearing on cellphone bills include 911 fees, the Universal Service Fund, regulatory charges, administrative charges to cover operating costs, and state and local taxes.

How Much Does the Average Phone Plan Cost?

The average monthly cellphone bill in the U.S. is around $155 based on more than one line. Most carriers discount the cost per line when more lines are added to a customer’s plan or when customers opt for a family plan. Find out everything you need to know about cellphone plans if you have any uncertainties.

How Can I Cut Down on Phone Plan Costs?

First, try switching to an alternative low-cost carrier. A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), like Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular, is often a much more budget-friendly option than the large carriers like Verizon or AT&T. Also, consider choosing a group or family plan if possible. Finally, before committing to a plan, consider how much data you need, as you can save on a low-cost plan if you reduce mobile data usage and don't stream a lot of music or movies over your cellular network.

What Should I Look for in a Good Phone Plan?

Picking a carrier with strong coverage in your hometown is a good starting point, since claiming nationwide coverage does not ensure the carrier has cell towers in your neighborhood. Look for carriers that allow you to pick the services, like unlimited data and hotspot data, that best fit your needs—and budget. And, since things can and will go wrong, excellent customer service is a must.

The 7 Best Cheap Cellphone Plans of 2024

Getting a good deal on a cellphone plan will help tackle the rising costs of keeping in touch with friends and family. You can get basic voice and data service for as little as $20 a month—even unlimited data with many plans. While these plans rarely give you premium-priced plan perks like free streaming subscriptions and hotspot data, the extra money in your pocket will make up for them.

From plans that consider savings and simplicity of no-contract prepaid vs. traditional postpaid plans to the excellent coverage area of the new low-cost mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service providers, there is a plan for every wallet. If you’re trying to save money on your cellphone bill, our list of cheap cellphone plans can help.

Best Cheap Cellphone Plans of 2024

Best Overall: Ting

"Ting is a wireless reseller that operates off of T-Mobile's 4G LTE networks, and is by far the most affordable."

Best Individual: Google Fi

"Google Fi is an inexpensive option with plenty of highlights."

Best Prepaid: Mint Mobile

"Mint Mobile comes with unlimited talk and text, along with nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage, and an included mobile hotspot."

Best for Streaming: Visible

"Visible runs on Verizon's network so that you can have the reliable coverage of a major phone carrier but at a bargain price."

Best for Seniors: Consumer Cellular

"Consumer Cellular offers rate plans dedicated to seniors that keep costs to a minimum and offer peace of mind."

Best for Families: Cricket Wireless

"Cricket Wireless is a less expensive solution that piggybacks on the AT&T network for a more budget-minded customer."

Best Unlimited: Boost Mobile

"Boost Mobile offers the best unlimited plan, dollar-for-dollar."

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Ting

Plan Types: Unlimited talk and text plans
Average Price: $13 per month per line
Unique Feature: 5 GB to 12 GB mobile hotspot

Why We Chose It

With five flexible and understandable unlimited talk, text, and data plans starting at just $10 monthly, Ting is a budget-friendly wireless service featuring nationwide coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Great coverage using T-mobile's 4G LTE networks
Plans start at $10 per month
Purchase latest phones on installment plan
Flexible plans
Mobile hotspot data

Cons

Speed reduced after monthly data limit exceeded
Pricey unlimited plan

Overview

Ting is a wireless reseller that operates off of T-Mobile's 4G LTE networks and is the most budget-friendly option. Unlike most wireless providers that offer pre-packaged plans, Ting's offerings are a little more varied and customizable.

The Flex plan costs $10 per month per line, and you pay $5 per GB of data you use. The Set 5 Plan is $25 per month per line and includes 5 GB LTE/5G data and unlimited talk and text. The Set 12 plan is $35 monthly with 12 GB LTE/5G data and unlimited talk and text. There are also Unlimited and Ollo Unlimited Pro plans that start at $45 (22 GB) and $55 (35 GB) per month per line.

Operating off of T-Mobile's networks, Ting offers the latest devices for purchase outright or on a monthly installment.

Best Individual: Google Fi

Google Fi Logo

Plan Types: Unlimited and pay-as-you-go
Average Price: $40 per month
Unique Feature: Free texts and international calls from just one cent per minute

Why We Chose It

Google Fi’s Flexible plan is simple and budget-friendly. It's $20 monthly for unlimited phone calls and texts and $15 for each additional phone line.

Pros & Cons

Pros

International features
Flexibility to only pay for data used
High-speed data
Excellent 5G coverage
Multi-line discounts

Cons

Small selection of Android-only phones
More costly than other unlimited plans

Overview

With a monthly base rate of $20 for unlimited U.S. calls and texts, Google Fi is an inexpensive option with plenty of highlights. Unlike the more traditional carrier model that offers set plans, Google Fi's Flexible plan bills you $10 per GB used at the end of the month, so you're paying only for the data you use. Calculating your bill right from the start is easy, so expectations are comfortable, and budgeting is a breeze.

If you want an unlimited plan, Google Fi's Simply Unlimited tier starts at $50 per month for one line, $40 for two, $25 for three, and $20 for four to six. The Unlimited Plus offering, which adds perks like free international data, starts at $65 per line for one line, $55 for two lines, $45 for three lines, and $40 for four to six lines.

There's only a small selection of Android-based phones available, so iPhone fans are out of luck, but if you're OK with the device selection, Google Fi runs on both the Sprint and T-Mobile networks for nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage.

Best Prepaid: Mint Mobile

Plan Types: Prepaid unlimited talk and text
Average Price: $23 per month
Unique Feature: Keep your current phone and number

Why We Chose It

Offering unlimited talk and text, and nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage for just $15 per month, Mint Mobile keeps its rates low by eliminating the overhead of stores and salespeople, selling directly online instead.

Pro & Cons

Pros

No contract
Runs on Verizon and T-Mobile networks
Excellent network coverage
No hidden fees
Excellent customer service

Cons

No physical stores
All lines must use same plan
Phones can be expensive

Overview

Mint Mobile offers some of the lowest prices for individual plans, with base rates of $15, $20, $25, and $30 per month with three-, six-, and 12-month plans. Each mobile package comes with unlimited talk and text, nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage, a mobile hotspot, and 5 GB of data to start (with the option to expand to 20 GB for $25 a month or unlimited for $30). Need more data? You can replenish your account in real time for a small fee with one quick text.

Additionally, Mint offers a decent amount of flexibility with its plans, allowing you to switch between the various data packages easily.

To switch to the Mint network, you can sign up online, choose your plan, activate your mobile device, and install a new SIM card. While Mint sells an array of smartphones on its site, the company lets users keep their current phone number and device, making for a seamless transition to their network.

Best for Streaming: Visible

Plan Types: Two unlimited talk, text, and data plans
Average Price: $25 or $30 per month
Unique Feature: 15-day free trial for new customers

Why We Chose It

Running on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, Visible offers the reliable nationwide coverage of a major phone carrier at a bargain price.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Simple plans
Runs on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks
Ultra-fast streaming capabilities
Frequent discounts on newest phones

Cons

No physical stores
Only two plans offered

Overview

Get the best of both worlds: Visible runs on Verizon's network, so you can have the reliable coverage of a major phone carrier at a bargain price. Visible offers unlimited talk, text, and data usage for $30 monthly (no taxes or hidden fees, just one flat rate). In addition to this basic plan, Visible offers Visible+ for $45 a month, which includes everything from the basic plan, plus 5G Ultra Wideband, premium network experience, and international texting and calling.

The carrier's main draw is its overall streaming capabilities; with 5-12 Mbps, you get hyper-fast wireless connections and lag-free video streaming at 480p. Visible's data packages also turn your phone into a mobile hotspot, allowing unlimited data access on any device.

Additionally, Visible supports the most recent Apple models, from the 6/6s to the iPhone's latest iterations, along with Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ and SE devices. You can purchase a new phone or keep your current device if it meets Visible's compatibility requirements and has completed the most recent software updates.

Best for Seniors: Consumer Cellular

Plan Types: Unlimited talk and text or talk only
Average Price: $30 per month
Unique Feature: Roadside assistance option

Why We Chose It

Consumer Cellular is a solid choice for seniors, starting at $20 monthly per line for unlimited talk and text with 1 GB of data and $15 monthly for talk only.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No long-term contracts
Large selection of phones
Talk-only plans
Free roadside assistance option
Low-priced plans

Cons

Inconsistent customer service
No prepaid options
Confusing return policy

Overview

For those senior citizens who use their cellphones mostly for quick calls and emergencies, robust data plans may be unnecessary. Providers such as Consumer Cellular offer rate plans dedicated to this age group and have inexpensive plans that keep costs to a minimum while providing peace of mind.

Consumer Cellular pricing starts at around $20 per month per line for unlimited talk and text with 1 GB of data. There's also a $25-per-month plan with unlimited talk and text but 5 GB of shared data. With unlimited data, plans can jump as high as $50 per month per line, but lower-tier plans are the best solution for most Consumer Cellular customers.

If you don't need any data, there's an unlimited monthly talk plan for $15.

As a bonus, Consumer Cellular connects with AARP to offer customers an additional 5% discount on monthly service. Customers can bring their own devices, but there's also a wide selection of the latest devices and flip phones designed with larger buttons and numbers for more straightforward functionality.

Best for Families: Cricket Wireless

Plan Types: Prepaid
Average Price: $50 per month
Unique Feature: International plans

Why We Chose It

Cricket Wireless is a less expensive solution for families and other budget-minded customers that piggybacks on the AT&T network for great coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Deep family discounts
Easy SIM card activation
Affordable unlimited plans
Inexpensive low-data options

Cons

Limited customer support
Rather high phone prices
No retail stores

Overview

A subsidiary of AT&T, Cricket Wireless is a less expensive solution that piggybacks on the AT&T network and has less expensive rates for a more budget-minded customer. The cost savings stand out right away for a family of four, with four lines of unlimited data for just $100 (including monthly taxes).

The Cricket rate plan gets you unlimited talk, text, and data. Also included are unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries and unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages to and from Mexico and Canada to the U.S.

Cricket also offers additional international plans for customers traveling overseas, plus an optional 15 GB mobile hotspot plan for an added monthly cost.

Best Unlimited: Boost Mobile

Plan Types: Prepaid unlimited talk, text, and data plans
Average Price: $50 per month
Unique Feature: Unlimited music streaming with all plans

Why We Chose It

Requiring no annual contracts, Boost Mobile provides prepaid plans with unlimited talk, text, and data that include unlimited music streaming without data charges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Good selection of phones
Keep your current phone and number
No annual service contracts
Lets deployed service members suspend service
No hidden fees or taxes

Cons

Limited access to customer service
Android and iOS only

Overview

Suppose you're OK sacrificing some extras, such as international roaming or a specialized streaming service tacked on to your plan for free. In that case, Boost Mobile offers the best unlimited plan, dollar-for-dollar.

With unlimited talk, text, and 35 GB of LTE data available for $50 a month, the plan includes 12 GB of a mobile hotspot and streaming mobile-optimized HD video up to 480p. Customers can upgrade for an additional $10 per month to increase streaming quality to 1080p HD.

The biggest highlight of Boost's $50 plan is the lack of additional taxes and fees. When the company says $50 per month, that's the exact amount you'll see on your bill every month until you make a switch.

After you use up the 35 GB on your plan, data speeds are throttled to 2G for the remainder of the month.

Final Verdict

We chose Ting as our best overall pick because of its selection of flexible and understandable unlimited talk, text, and data plans starting at just $10 monthly and its nationwide coverage over T-mobile's 4G LTE networks.

For savings from prepaid plans with great coverage over 5G and 4G LTE networks, Mint Mobile deserves a look. For seniors, Consumer Cellular offers ease of use and the peace of mind that comes from plans that keep costs to a minimum while including emergency notification features.

Compare the Best Cheap Cellphone Plans

Provider	Plan Types	Average Price	Unique Feature
Ting Best Overall	Unlimited talk and text plans	$13 per month per line	5 GB to 12 GB mobile hotspot
Google Fi Best Individual	Unlimited and pay-as-you-go	$40 per month	Free texts and international calls from just one cent per minute
Mint Mobile Best Prepaid	Prepaid unlimited talk and text	$23 per month	Keep your current phone and number
Visible Best for Streaming	Two unlimited talk, text, and data plans	$25 or $30 per month	15-day free trial for new customers
Consumer Cellular Best for Seniors	Unlimited talk and text or talk only	$30 per month	Roadside assistance option
Cricket Wireless Best for Families	Prepaid	$50 per month	International plans
Boost Mobile Best Unlimited	Prepaid unlimited talk, text, and data plans	$50 per month	Unlimited music streaming with all plans

FAQ

What Hidden Fees Should I Watch for With a Phone Plan?

Extra charges on your cellphone bill are a combination of fees, charges, and taxes. While some charges are government-mandated, such as the Universal Service Fund, others are fees that cellular providers choose to impose. Those charges commonly appearing on cellphone bills include 911 fees, the Universal Service Fund, regulatory charges, administrative charges to cover operating costs, and state and local taxes.
How Much Does the Average Phone Plan Cost?

The average monthly cellphone bill in the U.S. is around $155 based on more than one line. Most carriers discount the cost per line when more lines are added to a customer’s plan or when customers opt for a family plan. Find out everything you need to know about cellphone plans if you have any uncertainties.
How Can I Cut Down on Phone Plan Costs?

First, try switching to an alternative low-cost carrier. A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), like Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular, is often a much more budget-friendly option than the large carriers like Verizon or AT&T. Also, consider choosing a group or family plan if possible. Finally, before committing to a plan, consider how much data you need, as you can save on a low-cost plan if you reduce mobile data usage and don't stream a lot of music or movies over your cellular network.
What Should I Look for in a Good Phone Plan?

Picking a carrier with strong coverage in your hometown is a good starting point, since claiming nationwide coverage does not ensure the carrier has cell towers in your neighborhood. Look for carriers that allow you to pick the services, like unlimited data and hotspot data, that best fit your needs—and budget. And, since things can and will go wrong, excellent customer service is a must.

Methodology

In compiling this list, we researched dozens of cell carriers’ promotional websites and hundreds of reviews submitted by actual customers and independent experts. While we focused mainly on overall affordability, other factors we considered included coverage area, capabilities and limitations of plans offered, transparency of plan costs, selection of phones, special features—like emergency notification offered—and quality of customer service.

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