The 8 Best Cell Phone Plans Under $30 — Plus 3 Other Options

Searching for the most affordable cell phone plans can be intimidating given the large number of choices, especially if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.

The ideal plan for you depends on your monthly data needs, how much time you spend on calls, and whether you’re a heavy texter.

How to Compare Cell Phone Plans

Several factors come into play when choosing budget cell phone plans.

Whether you opt for an individual plan or a family/shared plan will greatly affect the monthly price. Multi-line or family plans typically increase the total bill, but they usually lower the per-line cost. Unlimited data options can push the bill higher — and you should ask yourself whether you truly need unlimited data.

According to a recent analysis from WhistleOut, many people subscribe to unlimited data plans they rarely use. WhistleOut suggests that dropping an unlimited plan could shave about $50 off your monthly bill.

With those questions in mind, we examined the best options available, comparing which cell phone plans help most people reduce their monthly wireless expenses.

Our selections span from $8 to $65 per month and cover everything from unlimited to no-data plans. Our top pick, Mint Mobile, is one of several low-cost prepaid carriers offering a $15 monthly unlimited plan for the first three months.

The amount you can cut from your bill depends on how much data you need and which carrier offers the coverage you prefer.

The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans

Why Are These Plans So Affordable?

Many of the budget-friendly plans in this guide come from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Mint Mobile and Tello.

MVNOs rent network access from one of the big carriers — T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon — but they don’t own the wireless infrastructure themselves.

Because MVNOs don’t have to build or maintain large networks, they can price plans lower than the major carriers.

That dynamic explains why major carriers typically charge more for service.

The trade-off is that customers on the primary carrier’s network get priority, so MVNO customers can experience reduced data speeds during busy periods or in crowded areas.

For many people, the cost savings of MVNOs are well worth the occasional slowdown. But if you need consistently fast data at all times, an MVNO may not be ideal.

Only you can determine whether an MVNO fits your needs, but if trimming your bill is the priority, they’re often the best option.

Mint Mobile Unlimited

• Flexible family plan options
• Mobile hotspot capability
• Runs on T-Mobile’s network

If you want an inexpensive plan without complications, Mint Mobile is a reliable pick for most people. Their unlimited plan begins at just $15 per month for the first three months for new customers.

Mint Mobile’s unlimited offering is available at $30 per month for the six- and 12-month terms, giving you access to the strong T-Mobile network.

The unlimited package includes unlimited talk and text, plus 35GB of high-speed 5G data before speeds throttle to a still-serviceable 4G LTE.

Mint Mobile’s perks go beyond its celebrity endorsement. You can call friends and family in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost.

Mint Mobile generally allows unrestricted data usage, so you can use your plan as a mobile hotspot when you need internet on the go.

Tello Smart

• Customizable plans
• Referral rewards
• No hidden fees

Although Mint Mobile is our top overall pick, not everyone requires unlimited data. Tello is a solid runner-up with capped data options on the T-Mobile network.

If you mainly check email and do light browsing rather than streaming video, Tello’s Smart plan could be an economical fit.

Tello Smart includes 5GB of data per month along with unlimited talk and texts so you can stay connected.

To estimate your needed data, review your current phone bill to see monthly usage. If you’re on a shared plan, check the usage for just your line.

If you use very little data, Tello has plans starting as low as 500MB for $9, 1GB for $10, and 2GB for $14 per month — all with unlimited calling and texting.

You can push costs even lower with tiny plans that offer minimal minutes and data, such as $6 for 100 minutes and 500MB, while text remains unlimited.

Visible Unlimited

• Unlimited hotspot access
• Two unlimited plan tiers
• Operates on Verizon’s network

Visible provides two unlimited choices with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot on Verizon’s network — starting at $25 per month. The basic Visible plan is $25, while Visible+ adds faster hotspot speeds and smartwatch support for $45 per month — plus one free Global Pass day each month. There are no surprise fees or contracts.

Visible sells current phones from Apple, Google, Samsung, Motorola, and others. If you switch to Visible, you can apply your trade-in value toward a new device.

For a limited time, new customers can snag the Visible plan for $15/month or try Visible+ for $35/month for the first three months with promo code MOOLAH. Switch now to stretch your wireless dollars further!

Honorable Mentions

Ultra Mobile 2 GB Plan

Another good choice on the T-Mobile network is Ultra Mobile.

While Ultra Mobile’s unlimited plan isn’t the cheapest at $49 per month, its 2GB plan is an attractive bargain at $19 monthly.

The 2GB option includes high-speed data until you hit the cap, after which you can continue to browse at reduced speeds. The plan also includes unlimited talk and text and hotspot support.

US Mobile Talk & Text

If you only require basic calling and texting, consider the US Mobile Talk & Text option.

Unlike the other selections, this plan excludes data. It’s ideal for someone using a basic feature phone who only needs calls and SMS.

At just $8 per line each month (dropping to about $6 per line with three or more lines), it’s the most budget-friendly pick in our list.

Google Fi Simply Unlimited

Want the convenience of a major network without a high price tag? Google Fi leverages T-Mobile’s network to deliver simple, cost-effective unlimited plans.

Google Fi’s best value comes when you add multiple lines. With up to four lines, the price falls to $20 per line, though a single line costs $50.

Google’s unlimited plan deprioritizes data after 35GB per person, but it still includes unlimited data, calls and texts, and no domestic cap in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Unlimited Plus subscribers also get 100GB of cloud storage.

Boost Mobile 5GB

If you don’t need unlimited or premium data speeds, Boost Mobile’s 5GB plan is worth a look. Many people who mainly use Wi‑Fi at home don’t require constant high-speed mobile data.

For $15 per billing cycle, Boost provides unlimited calling and texting, 5GB of 5G/4G data on AT&T’s network, and hotspot access.

Note that Boost is a prepaid carrier and the low introductory pricing may be limited to new subscribers.

Spectrum Mobile Unlimited

Looking to bundle cell service with your home internet? Spectrum Mobile offers options for existing internet customers.

If you already subscribe to Spectrum Internet, you can add a mobile line with unlimited data, calls and texts plus nationwide 5G speeds for about $29.99 per month.

Spectrum Mobile is also useful for those who communicate internationally: it provides free international texting in the U.S. and affordable roaming in over 200 countries.

Best Cheap Plans from Major Carriers

Choosing a smaller carrier can save money, but remember you may face slower speeds during peak times or in crowded areas since MVNOs share networks with the major carriers.

These aren’t necessarily the cheapest plans overall, but they are the most affordable options from the major carriers — T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.

T-Mobile Essentials

T-Mobile offers the nation’s widest high-speed 5G coverage, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming.

The most budget-friendly T-Mobile option is the Essentials plan at $60 a month, which includes 50GB of premium data alongside unlimited calling and texting.

Essentials becomes much more affordable per line when you add family members — dropping to about $24 per line for five users, which is attractive for groups.

AT&T Unlimited Starter

If AT&T provides the best reception where you live, the Unlimited Starter plan at $65 a month for a single line could be a solid choice.

The Starter plan supplies unlimited data, texts and calls on AT&T’s 5G network. With up to five lines, the per-line cost can fall to roughly $30 monthly.

AT&T also has a cheaper $50/month plan we don’t endorse here because it deprioritizes data and is limited to a single line. In that scenario, one of our budget picks may be a better fit.

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

Verizon presents an unlimited plan at $60 per month for one line — a competitive offer from the carrier with the broadest U.S. coverage. The rate can fall to $25 per line with a four-line plan.

You’ll receive unlimited talk and text, 5G or 4G LTE service, international texting, and calls/text/data in Mexico and Canada. Family plans allow mixing different Verizon unlimited tiers so members can choose what suits them.

How We Chose the Best Cheap Phone Plans

To compile our list, we examined pricing, data allotments, and whether plans included nationwide unlimited talk and text.

We also evaluated how costs change when adding lines or signing contracts and considered perks and limitations of each plan.

Selecting an affordable plan that fits your needs matters. Keep the following factors in mind when you compare options.

Price

At the end of the day, how much you’ll pay and what you receive in return is crucial. Many plans bundle extras like mobile hotspot access that you may not need.

Data

Since most plans include unlimited talk and text, data is often the deciding factor. Review your current bills to estimate how much data you use, consider streaming habits on the go, and account for anyone else sharing your plan.

Discounts

Check whether prices fall when you add lines, enroll in autopay, or commit to a contract. Also compare costs for bringing your own device versus buying a new phone. Some carriers provide discounts for students, military, teachers, seniors, or healthcare workers.

Coverage

Verify coverage maps to ensure reliable service where you live and work. A low-cost plan is worthless without adequate coverage. For instance, a T-Mobile plan might struggle in a dead zone where Verizon thrives.

7 Reasons the Cheapest Plan Might Not Be the Best Fit

1. You’re Still Under Contract

Some carriers will offer to pay off your existing contract, but run the numbers to confirm switching is financially sensible.

2. You Need a New Phone

Switching carriers can be a way to get a discounted or free phone, with the device cost spread across monthly payments.

3. You Pay for Streaming Services

Consider carriers that include streaming subscriptions as part of bundle deals. For example, T-Mobile’s Go 5G Plus includes Netflix for certain plans, and Verizon offers Google Play Pass with some of its unlimited tiers.

4. You Live in an Area With Weak Coverage

A cheap plan won’t help much if coverage is poor in your area. Smaller carriers may be cheaper but can suffer from dropped calls and slower speeds at busy times.

5. You Don’t Want Prepaid Plans

Prepaid plans typically cost less overall, but if you prefer postpaid billing, some cheap prepaid options might not suit you.

6. You’re Eligible for Special Discounts

Remember to factor in discounts for students, military personnel, teachers, seniors, and healthcare workers — these can significantly lower your monthly cost.

7. You Make Many International Calls

Low-cost domestic plans sometimes charge more for international calling and roaming. Confirm international rates and coverage before switching if you call abroad frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We evaluated budget smartphones and recommend the Apple iPhone SE for iOS users and the Google Pixel 6a for Android fans.

For an inexpensive handset, consider the OnePlus Nord N20 5G for under $300 or the BLU G51S for under $100.

In our review, Tello provides some of the lowest-priced cellular plans. The Tello Smart plan with 5GB of data and unlimited calling and texting is a great value at $19 per month.

If you can tolerate minimal data, Tello’s Economy plan offers 1GB for only $10 monthly.

When comparing the cheapest unlimited plans from AT&T and T-Mobile that don’t deprioritize data, T-Mobile is about $5 cheaper per month than AT&T.

However, if you don’t mind slower speeds during peak times, AT&T has a $50/month option limited to a single line, though we typically recommend one of the budget alternatives instead.

Verizon and T-Mobile remain the top major networks: Verizon for nationwide coverage and T-Mobile for 5G reach. Both have competitive offerings.

Among MVNOs, Mint Mobile is our leading recommendation for price and performance on the T-Mobile network.

Choosing a major carrier (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) generally means paying more for superior nationwide coverage and priority data. MVNOs like Mint Mobile or Boost Mobile ride on these networks to provide lower-cost alternatives but without priority during busy periods.

Alex Cortez is a senior staff writer at Savinly covering personal finance and frugal living. As a reporter, Alex has written about budgeting, technology, and consumer tips for several years.

For more options and to see side-by-side pricing, you can compare cell phone deals to find the plan that best matches your needs.