There's nothing worse than trying to make a call or send a text message, only to discover that there is no cell service in your area or that the network is clogged with traffic. Not being able to send a message when you need to can effectively turn the advanced smartphone in your pocket into a useless paperweight.
That's why it's so important to find a reliable cell phone provider. In this guide, we will review the 10 best cell phone companies available today. We consider everything from coverage and pricing to data allowances, so you can choose the right provider for your needs.
What to Look for in the Best Cell Phone Providers
What sets apart the major mobile phone providers? Let's take a closer look at several factors that influence a provider's affordability, reliability, and overall quality.
- Cell Phone Plan Price: Cell phone providers can charge very different amounts for what may seem like the same level of service. It's important to dig into carrier pricing to find out if there are any limitations on talk, text, or data, and if an unlimited data plan is really unlimited after all. If you're looking for cell coverage for an entire family, look for providers that offer family plans that can save you money.
- Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Offerings: MVNOs are operators that take advantage of the cellular networks of major telecommunications companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. MVNOs can offer much cheaper prices, but typically get second-tier status when networks are busy. So think carefully about whether saving money is worth a slight decrease in reliability.
- Network Coverage and Service: All major cell phone carriers claim to provide nationwide coverage in the US, but coverage can still vary quite a bit depending on where you are. Some carriers offer better coverage in some areas, especially for LTE and 5G data speeds. Be sure to check coverage maps for your region when deciding on a cell phone provider.
- Offers and Features: Cell phone providers occasionally have introductory offers or promotions that can help them stand out. For example, if your family needs new phones, you may be able to find attractive deals like buy one, get one free when you sign up for a new cell plan.
The Best Cell Phone Companies in 2023
1. Mint Mobile
Ideal for: low-cost 5G data
Price per month: From $15/month
Money back guarantee: seven days
Uptime: 100%
Mint Mobile is an MVNO that takes advantage of T-Mobile cell towers. It offers some of the lowest prices for 5G data, with plans starting at just $15 per month for 4GB of data. All Mint Mobile plans include unlimited talk and text, and you can connect WiFi devices to mobile data through a mobile hotspot.
Mint Mobile has impressive uptime for an MVNO, eliminating any concerns about reliability. Plus, the company offers a seven-day money-back guarantee so you can try Mint Mobile's service in your area before committing to a plan. Mint Mobile requires a minimum plan term of three months, but there are no contracts longer than 12 months.
Pros:
- Affordable plans that offer 5G data
- Use your data as a mobile hotspot
- Introductory offer for new customers.
- Cons:
- Hotspot limited to 5 GB for unlimited plans
- No monthly plans
2. Tello
Best for making international calls
Monthly pricing starts at $5/month
Money back guarantee. there is none
Uptime: 99.6%
Tello offers free international calls to more than 60 countries with every plan, making it the ideal mobile provider for international travelers or those with family and friends abroad. Plus, plans with limited minutes and no data start at just $5 a month.
Tello offers an unlimited talk, text and data plan for $25 per month that is competitive with other top MVNOs. The unlimited plan comes with 35GB of high-speed data and 5GB of free hotspot.
Tello has no contracts and you can change your monthly minutes and data allowance as often as every month. All Tello plans include 24/7 customer support.
Pros:
- No contracts
- Free international calls to more than 60 countries
- Cheap calling plans without data
- Unlimited plan with 35GB of high-speed data for $25/month
Cons
- Highly variable coverage
3. AT&T
Best for: Access to 5G networks
Price per month: From $50/month
Money-back guarantee: None:
Uptime: 99.99%
AT& is one of the major cellular network providers in the US, and the company has been leading the charge for 5G. AT&T boasts more 5G coverage than any other carrier, although 5G networks are still mostly limited to cities.
ATTcell phone plans are somewhat expensive, with options for a single phone line starting at $50 per month. The company offers discounts if you sign up for multiple phone plans. Unlimited talk, text, and data for four phones, for example, costs $35 per line per month.
All AT&T plans include unlimited talk and text, and most include the ActiveArmor mobile security app to block spam.
Pros:
- Widespread 5G coverage
- Discounts for multiple lines
- ActiveArmor security app included
Cons:
- Expensive pricing for a single phone
- Hotspot data is severely limited
4. Visible
Best for unlimited high speed data
Monthly price: $30/month
Money back guarantee: 15-day free trial
Uptime:100%
Visible offers just two plans, both with unlimited talk, text and data. The more expensive, premium Visible+ plan, which costs $45 a month, includes roaming data in Canada and Mexico, plus international calls to more than 30 countries.
What's unique about Visible's unlimited plans is that they are truly unlimited. Visible does not throttle your data rate after a certain amount of data. You can use as much 5G data or use your phone as a hotspot as you like each month.
Visible is an MVNO that operates on the Verizon network. The service is very reliable, especially in rural parts of the US where other providers have more spotty coverage.
Pros:
- Unlimited high-speed data with no bandwidth limitations
- Offers roaming data in Canada and Mexico
- Reliable coverage
Cons:
- There are no cheaper plans with limited data
- No family plans
5. T-Mobile
Ideal for: couples 55 years or older
Price per month: From $55/month
Money back guarantee: None:
Uptime: 100%
T-Mobile recently merged with Sprint and now claims to have one of the largest high-speed cell tower networks in the US. It offers a variety of unlimited data plans for individuals and is notable for offering military discounts on active duty, veterans and first responders.
Additionally, T-Mobile has special cell phone plans for couples age 55 and older. These Unlimited 55+ plans include two lines with unlimited talk, text, and data starting at $55 per month. Premium plans also include a Netflix subscription and AAA membership as perks.
T-Mobile does not require annual contracts. Customer support is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Discounts for active duty military, veterans and first responders
- Offers subscriptions to Netflix and AAA.
- Fast-growing 5G network
Cons:
- Expensive for individual lines
- Very limited hotspot data
6. Boost Mobile
Best for: Mobile hotspot data plans
Price per month: From $8.33/month
Money-back guarantee: None
Uptime: 99%
Boost Mobile is an MVNO that offers cellular plans starting at just $8.33 per month for new customers. There's a relatively wide range of plans to choose from, all of which offer unlimited talk and text, plus varying amounts of 5G data.
Unlimited data plans start at $50 per month, making Boost Mobile slightly more expensive than competitors. Boost also charges an activation fee if you bring your own device.
If you plan to use your phone as a hotspot frequently, Boost Mobile offers hotspot data plans starting from $15 per month. The company also offers a hotspot device that can connect up to 16 devices for a one-time payment of $9.99.
Pros:
- Cheap plans offering limited high-speed data
- Hotspot data plans available
- Wide selection of phones
Cons
- Moderately expensive unlimited data plans
- Activation fee if you bring your own phone
7. US Mobile
Price per month: From $5/month
Money back guarantee: 10-day unlimited free trial
Uptime: 100%
US Mobile is a prepaid mobile phone provider that operates on the T-Mobile network. What sets US Mobile apart is its emphasis on customization, allowing users to tailor their plans to their specific needs by selecting the desired amount of talk time, text messaging and data. This flexibility gives users control over their mobile spending.
In addition to customizable plans, US Mobile offers useful add-ons like mobile hotspot data, international calling, and text messaging packages. These options allow users to upgrade their plans based on their individual needs. However, it is important to note that international texting is limited to a specific number of countries.
Pros:
- Affordable plans with customization options.
- Reliable coverage on the T-Mobile network
- Plugins for additional features
Cons: - International roaming limitations
- A limited selection of devices available for purchase.
8. Verizon
Price per month: From $35/month
Money back guarantee: None:
Uptime: 100%
Verizon is one of the major carriers and is closely following AT&T and T-Mobile in rolling out 5G coverage. Verizon also tends to have better coverage in rural parts of the US, so it may be more reliable for frequent travelers.
What's unique about Verizon is that the company has a phone plan for seemingly every situation. There are prepaid data plans with unlimited talk and text, 5G plans with hotspot data included, and data-only plans for connecting tablets and other smart devices. Verizon makes it easy to combine plans to create a custom family plan.
Pros:
- Wide range of plans with mix and match options
- Excellent coverage throughout the US
- Includes free subscriptions to major streaming services.
Cons:
- Expensive 5G plans
- Plan Offers Can Be Confusing
9. Xfinity Mobile
Best for: Xfinity Internet customers:
Price per month: From $15/month
Money back guarantee: None:
Uptime: 99%
Xfinity Mobile makes it easy to get the data you need for an entire family without paying for an expensive unlimited plan. You can purchase 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB of high-speed data per month and share your data allowance across as many lines as you like. Built-in alerts and measurements help ensure you don't exceed your data limit. Each line receives unlimited calls and texts.
Xfinity Mobile also offers an unlimited plan that costs $30 per line per month when you sign up for at least 2 lines.
Please note that Xfinity Mobile is only available to current Xfinity Internet customers.
Pros:
- Share data across multiple lines
- Affordable unlimited data plan
- Bring your own phone for free
Cons
- Only available to Xfinity Internet customers
- A limited selection of phones for sale.
10. PureTalk
Best for families needing up to four lines
Monthly price: $25/month
Money back guarantee: 30 days
Uptime: 99%
PureTalk offers a wide variety of prepaid plans with no contract and unlimited talk and text. All plans include high-speed data and unlimited plans starting at $55 per month.
PureTalk offers discounts the more lines you add. There will be a 10% discount for two lines, a 15% discount for three lines or a 20% discount for four lines. That makes this carrier a great option for families who want to mix and match lines with varying amounts of data while keeping their monthly costs as low as possible.
New PureTalk customers can also get up to $250 off a new phone.
Pros:
- Combine and match data plans
- Discounts for adding multiple lines
- Get up to $250 off a new phone
Cons:
- There are no international data options
- Does not offer live chat support
Choosing the Best Plan for Your Needs
With so many cell phone providers and plans available today, the options are almost endless. Each cell phone carrier has different selling points, cell phone coverage, and all of their plans offer different amounts of minutes, data, and bundle costs. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you find the best choice.
What Kind of Cellphone User are You?
Finding the right cell phone plan is all about knowing what you need based on what you use your phone for. Are you a phone call or do you spend most of your time texting? Do you spend your commute catching up on the news and streaming video, or do you prefer listening to pre-loaded audiobooks?
These are all questions you should answer as they will go a long way in helping you narrow down your choices to find the right plan.
Are You Choosing a Plan for Your Entire Family?
If you're planning to share a plan with a social media-obsessed, TV-watching teenager, you'll get the most bang for your buck with Mint Mobile's plan, which offers unlimited plans for the first 3 months starting at just $15. month
T-Mobile is ideal for families as it starts at just $160 for 4 lines. You also get a free Netflix plan, unlimited HD streaming and 4G LTE data with the plan.
Because you're buying a plan for your family, you'll likely have members who own a tablet or wearable device, such as an Apple Watch or other smartwatch. Adding them to your plan is simple and only costs $20 per tablet and $10 per wearable. If that's not enough, T-Mobile also offers bonuses on Tuesdays with its T-Mobile Tuesday app. The company really offers a great program that you and your whole family will enjoy. Your kids and spouse will be able to do whatever they want with their phones, while you'll feel like you're getting what you pay for.
Is It Just You and Your Partner?
If you're buying a phone plan just for you and your partner, you'll likely need less data and minutes compared to a family plan. Two really popular providers for couples are Boost Mobile and Cricket. Boost Mobile has a $60 per month plan that gives you unlimited talk, text and data, along with 20GB of mobile hotspot.
Since it's powered by Sprint, you'll get high-quality nationwide LTE coverage. You can also add extras to your plan, such as BoostTV, Boost Dealz and roaming. Cricket also has an ideal plan for couples that gives you a whopping 8GB per user for just $90 per month. Cricket works on AT&T's network, so you know you'll get good coverage in most locations and offers excellent customer service.
There are also simpler and more straightforward providers like Tello where you can choose how many minutes and data you want. .
Do You Have any Family Members Living Abroad?
Whether you're a single person, a family, or a couple looking for a plan, if you have family living abroad that you plan to stay in touch with, you should choose Verizon. It's important to choose a plan that allows you to make international calls, because if not, you'll be paying your monthly bills. Verizon offers really great coverage and competitive rates for international calls.
There’s a Plan for Everyone
Cell phone companies offer many plans to cater to a wide range of customers, including cell phone plans for seniors or children, whether they have a smartphone or not. But before you walk into the store and get overwhelmed by the choices, plan types, and differentiating factors, it's important to be informed. So get the most bang for your buck by knowing what you need and how much you need. By doing so, you are sure to leave a happy customer.