Best Cell Phone Service Deals in the US: Compare Plans and Save Money

Cell phone service deals in the US vary widely based on coverage, data allowances, and additional perks. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile dominate the market with extensive networks, while smaller providers offer competitive pricing for budget-conscious consumers. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial to selecting the best plan for your lifestyle and budget.
Major Carrier Plans
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are the three largest wireless carriers in the US, each offering a range of postpaid and prepaid plans. Verizon is known for its superior coverage, especially in rural areas, while T-Mobile excels in urban regions with fast 5G speeds. AT&T strikes a balance between coverage and affordability, often including perks like HBO Max with select plans.
Verizon
Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan starts at $65 per month for a single line, offering unlimited talk, text, and data with 5G access. Their higher-tier Unlimited Plus plan includes premium data and mobile hotspot for $80 per month. Verizon also provides discounts for bundling with home internet services.
AT&T
AT&T’s Unlimited Starter plan is priced at $65 per month, with unlimited data and talk/text. The Unlimited Extra plan adds 50GB of premium data and a mobile hotspot for $75 per month. AT&T frequently includes streaming services like HBO Max as part of their premium plans.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s Essentials plan starts at $60 per month, offering unlimited talk, text, and data. Their Magenta plan includes 100GB of premium data and Netflix for $70 per month. T-Mobile is known for its aggressive 5G expansion and international roaming benefits.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those looking to save money, prepaid and MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) providers offer affordable alternatives. These carriers use the networks of major providers but at lower prices.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network and offers plans starting at $15 per month for 5GB of data. Their unlimited plan costs $30 per month, making it one of the most affordable options available.
Visible
Visible, a Verizon-owned brand, provides unlimited data, talk, and text for $25 per month. Their Party Pay feature allows groups to save even more, with prices dropping to as low as $20 per month per line.
Comparison Table
| Provider | Plan Name | Price (Single Line) | Data Allowance | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Unlimited Welcome | $65 | Unlimited | 5G Access |
| AT&T | Unlimited Starter | $65 | Unlimited | HBO Max (with select plans) |
| T-Mobile | Essentials | $60 | Unlimited | Netflix (with select plans) |
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | $30 | Unlimited | Wi-Fi Calling |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25 | Unlimited | Party Pay Discounts |
Choosing the Right Plan
When selecting a cell phone service deal, consider your data usage, coverage needs, and budget. If you frequently travel internationally, T-Mobile’s included roaming benefits might be ideal. For those in rural areas, Verizon’s extensive coverage could be a better fit. Budget-conscious consumers should explore prepaid options like Mint Mobile or Visible for significant savings.