Many people who currently use cell phones can remember a time before we had the convenience of these hand-held miniature computers that serve as our society’s main means of both communication and entertainment at our fingertips. 

The significance of this technology has not gone unappreciated by those who once lived without it, which is probably why the devices have become permanent fixtures in the lives of most people living in developed countries.

Our phones are never more than an arm’s reach away, plugged in at our bedsides every night. Operating a cell phone, however, has become a costly endeavor, with many mobile phone users paying hundreds of dollars a month for the most premium plans, especially in households with multiple users. Service providers are constantly in competition to offer the best value for your money while still turning a profit. Here are some of the most competitive cell phone plans currently on the market, ranging from premium to more affordable, and even totally free plans.  

Mint Mobile

First founded in August of 2016, this relative newcomer is offering some of the most affordable high-performance cell phone plans. The company is called Mint Mobile, and the service piggybacks on the T-Mobile 5G network, so you will have great coverage in much of the continental United States. This mobile service is based entirely online, so you will never have to visit a retail location, and you will not be paying for the overhead of retail stores or the salaries of salespeople, all while getting great deals on a cell phone service plan.  

All of Mint Mobile’s plans include unlimited talk and text, 5G high-speed data, free calling to Mexico and Canada, the ability to create a mobile hotspot, a free 3-in-1 SIM card, and Wi-Fi calling & text. Their online “savings calculator” allows you to start your plan search by getting an idea of the features you need, your data usage, and the number of lines you will need on your plan. You have the option of keeping your current device or buying a new one while keeping your current phone number. Easily transfer photos, contacts & apps after activating your plan remotely in just a few minutes. 

Data plans are available for purchase at 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or unlimited GB per month. Family and individual plans start at just $15 per line, per month. Your first contract timeline will be three months long to give you an adequate trial period without too much commitment upfront, after which your plan can be renewed in three, six, or twelve-month increments. 

Tello

Afraid of commitment? If contracts are not your style, try this pay-as-you-go cell phone service. You will have many of the features offered by premium cellphone companies without the attachment. No bulk buying, no contract or extra fees, free hotspot capabilities, and free Wi-Fi calling. 5 GB plans start at $19 per month, and an unlimited data plan starts at $29 per month, making Tello one of the most affordable options for cell phone service. They also have a referral incentive that can earn you and a friend ten “Tello dollars” towards your next pre-payment. 

You can bring your existing phone to your Tello plan or choose from a selection of popular devices, including Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, among several others. You will not have to sacrifice device quality to get one of the most affordable cell phone plans.

SafeLink Wireless and Other Government Phone Plans

When it comes to your wireless phone plan, you can’t beat free if you qualify for such benefits. One such government-afforded cell phone plan is through SafeLink Wireless. You could be eligible for a free smartphone and free unlimited talk, text, and data through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). How do you know if you’re eligible? 

You may meet the qualification criteria for these benefits if you participate in certain other government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline. You may also qualify if your family qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunches, or if you have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current year. All you must do is confirm household eligibility, apply for the ACP, and sign up for your free service upon approval. 

Other cell phone plans offering coverage through the ACP are Life Wireless, QLink Wireless, and Assurance Wireless among many others. This makes government-afforded options available to you no matter your location. 

AT&T Wireless Services

One of the most well-known names in the cell phone service market, AT&T is known for offering reliable service for a variety of devices such as television and internet services in addition to wireless cell phone plans. AT&T offers both prepaid wireless plans as well as monthly contracts to help you find the best fit for your service needs and your budget. Prepaid plans currently start at 16 GB of data for $25 per month for the first 12 months when you pay $300 for a year upfront. It might be a higher out-of-pocket upfront cost than their standard monthly plans but is a wonderful way to save money on some of the most reliable and effective 5G coverage on the market. 

You can also usually bring your device into a new service plan, but AT&T offers so many great deals on new premium cell phones regularly so that you can get the best in the latest tech for a great deal while getting an awesome new service plan. Currently, you can get $700 off one of the latest iPhone models with an eligible trade-in, or $800 off the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Deals like this are not permanent but occur often, so if you sleep on this promotion, keep an eye out for the next one and it just might make switching to AT&T worth the transition. If you’re a current or former member of the military, a first responder, nurse, physician, or teacher, you and your family could be eligible for exclusive AT&T benefits for even more savings. 

Visible by Verizon

While Verizon is a cell phone provider ranking head-to-head with AT&T, they have created a unique branch-off wireless company to accommodate more customers who are seeking more affordable plans. Visible is one of these spin-off services. For cell phone plans with multiple users, Visible offers a unique “Party Pay” plan that is, essentially, a monthly plan, but it’s not limited to your household, and you can have as many lines as you want. It’s perfect for a group of friends to all benefit from the savings together.

One user is only $40 per month, while parties of four or more people will pay $25 per person per month. The more people in your party, the more savings to share. Everyone pays individually for their own service, and there is no cap on the number of party members who can join one party. If you have no one to party up with, that is okay! You can use Visible’s community forum to find a party to crash, and no one will mind because everyone is saving money. It’s a unique option that allows people to bundle lines together and save on cell phone service. 

Xfinity Mobile

Another cell phone service provider offering great coverage and multiple options is Xfinity Mobile. Whether you prefer to purchase data by the gigabyte or unlimited, they have options for you, and you can control your data usage with the Xfinity mobile app which allows you to conserve your data as needed when using a by-the-gig plan. You can choose one or the other, or even both! Either way, you will have access to nationwide 5G, though the unlimited options seem to have more fully loaded features. Bundle up to four lines for increased savings per line. Xfinity also offers you the flexibility to change up your plan as needed so you are always getting the most out of your cell phone service. 

Conclusion

What sorts of features do you look for in a cell phone plan? Is it unlimited lines at no extra cost, free or great deals on devices, or unlimited high-speed data on a reliable network? It simply takes a little price shopping and comparisons, but you can always find a wireless phone plan that works for you and your family. Great coverage, modern devices, and affordability are all becoming standard practice in the cell phone industry, and big names are being beaten out by smaller, more affordable competition. Some people will still pay the higher prices of bigger cell phone service brands if they feel like they’re getting a good deal, but most wireless customers jump at the chance to save more money on their cell phone service. 

The saying, “You get what you pay for,” doesn’t necessarily apply to cell phone service. Thankfully, many cell phone companies are offering more than adequate service at better prices for cell phone users. Shop around today and you just might end up saving yourself some money while staying connected.