Consumers are increasingly finding that they don’t have to commit to contracts to get a great cell phone service plan.
The best no-contract cell phone plans don’t have to be expensive, either. You can find a cheap, no-contract cell phone plan that offers all of the features you need and want in your cellular service.
Whether your cell usage calls for unlimited data, generous long-distance features, or an uber-basic plan, there is likely a no-contract cell phone plan that works for you.
| Starts at | Learn More | |
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5GB of high-speed data for $15 per month | Learn More |
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Unlimited 5G/4G LTE data for $25 per month | Learn More |
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No data, 100 minutes for $5 per month | Learn More |
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No data for $10 per month | Learn More |
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1GB of data for $10 per month | Learn More |
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1GB of data for $20 per month | Learn More |
1. Mint Mobile
Best For: Families with varying usage
- Network: T-Mobile
- Multi-line Discounts: No
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Canada and Mexico
You’ve probably seen the Mint Mobile ads featuring spokesperson Ryan Reynolds. Owned by T-Mobile as of 2023, Mint Mobile offers inexpensive rates by giving you pay-ahead options.
All plans come with unlimited talk and text, and you have data plan options that include:
- 5GB of high-speed data for $15 per month
- 15GB of high-speed data for $20 per month
- 20GB of high-speed data for $25 per month
- Unlimited (technically, 40GB) of high-speed data for $30 per month
Once you’ve used your monthly data allotment, you will not be charged for any overages. However, your phone will run at 2G and 3G speeds instead of 5G and 4G LTE speeds.
All plans include unlimited talk and text, free calling to Canada and Mexico, and mobile hotspot. Know that mobile hotspot usage will take from your data, and that unlimited plans come with a max of 10GB of data for mobile hotspot.
The biggest downside to Mint Mobile is that you get the cheapest price when you pay for 12 months in advance. If you want to pay for 3 (the minimum) or 6 months in advance, you’ll pay higher rates.
Family/Multi-Line Options: Mix-and-match multi-line options, but no discounts
Read our full Mint Mobile review to learn more.
Pros
- Free calling to Canada and New Mexico
- No overage fees
- Affordable data plans
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- No monthly pay plan available
- Unlimited mobile hotspot is capped at 10GB
2. Visible
Best For: Those who want big carrier service at lower prices
- Network: Verizon
- Multi-line Discounts: No
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Visible is a discount cellular phone service provider that was launched in 2018 and is owned and operated by Verizon.
The company offers just two unlimited data plans, both have unlimited talk and text:
- Visible: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE data for $25 per month
- Visible+: Unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data for $45 per month
There are some other notable differences between the two plans. Visible offers unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada from the U.S.
However, Visible+ gives you unlimited talk and text from the U.S. to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also gives you unlimited texting to over 200 countries and 500 free minutes each month to over 30 countries.
There are other perks with Visible+ as well, including a $10 monthly savings on Verizon Home Internet, 0.5GB high-speed data each day in Mexico and Canada, and other occasional offers.
Family/Multi-Line Options: No multi-line discounts or family plans.
See our full Visible review to learn more.
Pros
- Ultra Wideband 5G on the plus plan
- Attractive international calling features
- Two easy-to-understand plans
- Discounts for annual pay
Cons
- SD only for video playback
- Slower speeds possible during congested times
3. Tello
Best for: The budget-conscious user seeking a balanced plan
- Network: T-Mobile
- Multi-line Discounts: No
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Over 60 countries
Tello is an independent cellular service provider that operates on the T-Mobile network. It offers 5G/4G LTE speeds, but you may see slowdowns in peak usage times.
One of Tello’s most admirable features is its mix-and-match plan design. You get to choose your talk minutes and the amount of data you need. All plans come with unlimited text.
Some of the mix-and-match options you can choose from include:
- No data, 100 minutes for $5 per month
- 2GB of data and unlimited minutes for $10 per month
- 5GB of data and 500 minutes for $13 per month
- 15Gb of data and 300 minutes for $22 per month
- Unlimited (35GB) of data and unlimited minutes for $25 per month
Or any other combination of data and minutes. Tello’s services are prepaid, and you can upgrade or downgrade any time.
All Tello plans include free calls and texts to over 60 international countries. You can use Tello outside of the U.S. if you have a wifi connection.
Family/Multi-Line Options: Mix-and-match family plan options
Tello does offer family/multi-line plans, however you will be billed separately for each plan.
See our full Tello review for more information.
Pros
- Mix-and-match plans to fit any budget
- Free calls and texts to over 60 countries
- Hotspot usage in line with your data plan
- Add-on data available
Cons
- Unlimited plan offers a max of 5GB hotspot data
- Individually billed lines, even on family plans
- Limited international features
4. Twigby
Best For: Those seeking a generous referral program
- Network: Verizon
- Multi-line Discounts: No
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Over 80 countries
Twigby is an MVNO that was launched in 2016 and operates on the Verizon network. One of Twigby’s most attractive features is that it offers plans to suit nearly any user. All plans come with unlimited talk and text
Plan options include:
- No data for $10 per month
- 2GB of high-speed data for $15 per month
- 5GB of high-speed data for $20 per month
- 10GB of high-speed data for $25 per month
- 20GB of high-speed data for $35 per month
If you use all of your data in any given month, you’ll have 2G data for the remainder of your billing period or purchase add-on data to use through the current billing cycle.
You can also upgrade or downgrade your plan as needed. Twigby also offers unlimited global text and unlimited talk to over 80 countries. Mobile hotspot is included in your Twigby plan, but its use will be deducted from your available data.
Twigby’s referral program is attractive. For every referral that mentions your name, both you and your referral get a $15 statement credit.
Family/Multi-Line Options: No multi-line discounts or family plans
Read our full Twigby review to learn more.
Pros
- Plans for any type of user
- Free talk and text to over 80 countries
- Change your plan at any time
- Great referral program
Cons
- Customer service is chat-only
- No dedicated hotspot data
- Speeds may be slower during peak usage times
5. RedPocket Mobile
Best for: Domestic travelers
- Network: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- Multi-line Discounts: Yes
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Over 80 countries
RedPocket Mobile launched in 2006 and was founded on the belief that cellular phone contracts should be a thing of the past.
One of Red Pocket Mobile’s biggest draws is that you can choose the network you want to run on. This is because RedPocket Mobile operates on all of the big three carrier networks.
This is a nice feature if you travel frequently in the U.S. where some spots may do better with different carriers. All plans include unlimited talk and text and offer several high-speed data options:
- 1GB of data for $10 per month
- 5GB of data for $20 per month
- 20GB of data for $30 per month
- Unlimited (30GB of data) for $40 per month
Data is technically unlimited, but once you’ve used your allotment, you’ll run on speeds lower than 5G. RedPocket users can call from the U.S. to over 80 countries for free. Calling to the U.S. from other countries requires a Wi-Fi connection.
Family/Multi-Line Options: Choose from several options, including mix-and-match networks.
Read our full RedPocket Mobile review for more info.
Pros
- Choose from several networks
- Family plan discounts
- High reviews for customer service
- Generous international calling plan
Cons
- Deprioritization could be an issue
- No designated hotspot data
6. Consumer Cellular
Best For: Consumers who want top-of-the-line customer service
- Network: AT&T and T-Mobile
- Multi-line Discounts: Yes
- Mobile Hotspot: Yes
- International Calling: Must enable the international calling feature
Consumer Cellular has been offering cheap no-contract cell phone plans for over 25 years. With an emphasis on excellence in customer service and a few great plan options, this company markets to the 50+ crowd but really has options for every age of user.
Plans include unlimited talk and text, as well as:
- 1GB of data for $20 per month
- 5GB of data for $25 per month
- 10GB of data for $35 per month
- Unlimited data for $50 per month
Data speeds are 5G and 4G LTE. Consumer Cellular runs on the AT&T and T-Mobile Networks. The prices aren’t the lowest you’ll find for no contract phones, but they are fair prices and the customer service is highly rated and U.S. based.
Consumer Cellular also offers a 30-day 100% risk-free guarantee. If you cancel your service within 30 days of activation, you’ll pay nothing.
Family/Multi-Line Options: Attractive discounts are offered on all plans when you get more than one line.
Pros
- Excellent customer service reviews
- Discounts for multi-line members
- Usage alert service available
- Discounts for AARP members
Cons
- More expensive than some other companies
- Shared data on family plans may not work for some families
What to Look for When Choosing a Cell Phone Plan
Whether you’re choosing a cheap, no-contract cell phone plan for yourself or searching for the best cheap family cell phone plan, it’s important to consider a few factors.
Start by understanding that choosing the lowest price point shouldn’t be your top priority. Instead, look at the features of each offering and choose the plan with features that best fit you or your family’s needs. Although budget is important, it’s still a waste of money if you’re spending your cash on a phone service that doesn’t meet your needs.
Next, look at coverage in your area. Choosing a phone plan that doesn’t provide good coverage in your area will only lead to frustration.
In addition, understand each plan’s phone and trade-in options. Can you bring your own phone and/or phone number? If not, what type of phones do they offer, and how much do they cost?
Lastly, read the fine print regarding cancellations, refunds, and other termination of service facts. These seemingly small details can turn into a big deal if the company you choose doesn’t meet your needs.
Summary
Although cell phone plans with contracts still exist, more consumers don’t want to be locked into a plan for two, three, or more years.
The best cheap, no-contract cell phone plans meet your usage, feature, and price needs. There’s no longer a need to sacrifice what you want in a cellular phone plan in order to avoid a lengthy contract.
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About Laurie Blank
Laurie Blank is a blogger, freelance writer, and mother of four. She’s psyched about teaching others how to manage their money in a way that aligns with their values and has been quoted in Bankrate.
She’s a licensed Realtor with Edina Realty in Minneapolis, Minnesota (also licensed in Wisconsin too) and has been freelance writing for over six years.
She shares powerful insights on her blog, Great Passive Income Ideas, that will show you how you can create passive income sources of your own.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
