Best Prepaid Phone Plans for 2025

The big carriers offer phone plans with unlimited data , perks -- and higher costs. But some people just need a fixed amount of data, or they want to avoid the long-term commitments that traditional postpaid plans carry. A prepaid plan from carriers like Mint Mobile or US Mobile could be a better fit. Our Picks MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK $349 (save $450) $749 (save $250) What is the best prepaid phone plan? We field this question a lot and it would be great to point to one prepaid plan and say, "Get this one." But as you've no doubt discovered, phone plans involve many factors. Which major cellular network -- AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon, which together cover nearly all of the US -- is strongest in your area? Do you need unlimited data? How many people will be on your plan? That said, we have some biases: We prefer unlimited plans to those that meter wireless data by the gigabyte, but we rarely go for those with the most features. So, for example, check out US Mobile Unlimited Flex for a single line and Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Standard for multiple lines. Those are good places to start and as you read through the rest of our picks you'll hopefully narrow in on the features and prices that best suit your needs. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. Best unlimited prepaid plans for a single line Pros Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed" 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price 5GB of hotspot data Cons Limited times you can switch networks free The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up Cheapest rate requires annual purchase With the three major carriers in the US, you’re using their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They’re given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. That sounds convoluted but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it’s a good way to see which one works best in your area. OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for...

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