Best Personal Cell Phone Plans

Cell phone companies, also known as Mobile Network Operators (MNO), are constantly jockeying to give the most dependable coverage, the best-prepaid plan, or the most cost-effective cell phone plans. These cellular companies develop and provide wireless communication services at premium plans that are not affordable to everyone. To compensate for that, the major carriers employ two strategies:

Developing flanker brands

Brands developed by the same firm to appeal to a specific customer group are known as flanker brands. Verizon's Flanker brand is Visible. While Verizon provides its services to high-end customers who can afford costly plans, Visible is attractive to budget-conscious customers who also want to access wireless communication services at a bargain. AT&T owns Cricket, Sprint owns Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile, and T-Mobile owns Metro. 

Leasing network access to smaller carriers

Large carriers' second approach is to lease their networks to smaller operators at wholesale rates. Because they don't create their network but instead operate an existing one, these smaller carriers are known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). 

MVNOs use other cost-cutting methods to offer some of the cheapest plans in the market. They are usually only available online, don't provide unlimited plans, provide self-help materials to aid their support staff, and have lately begun providing their plans in bulk 3-, 6-, or 12-month bundles. Either way, customers have access to low-cost cell phone plans that provide virtually the same coverage and service. 

5 Best Personal Cell Phone Plans For More Data

Much like family cell plans, you want quality service at a bargain. While a low monthly fee is appealing, there are many options for inexpensive, unlimited data, along with other benefits such as unlimited talk and text. Some let you use LTE hotspot access, use your subscription when traveling abroad, and HD video streaming. Some of the best available options include:

#1. Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is the way to go if you're only looking for a cheap unlimited data package for short-term purposes. It brings the price of unlimited data down to only $30 per month. At that fee, you receive 5G connectivity with no usage or video quality restrictions. However, the plan is only suitable for three months; after that, you'll need to join up for another 12 months to keep the $30 cost. The service provider also throttles your speed after a while. But at $30, it is a bargain.

#2. Verizon

Verizon's Play More package, the polar opposite of Mint Mobile's, will set you back $80 per month. But it is one of the most feature-rich choices available. Verizon's Play More package comes with 5G, Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ subscriptions, and 15GB of LTE hotspot bandwidth. Verizon's excellent coverage and speeds make this plan the best unlimited-data package, but it is the most expensive. 

#3. Visible

While Mint Mobile has the lowest unlimited data plan, Visible's unlimited plan gives you unlimited 5G internet with Verizon's coverage and speeds. You also get unlimited hotspot data and no LTE speed restrictions (5G speeds are now limited to 200 megabits per second). The 'Party Pay' arrangement is another perk of Visible's unlimited subscription. If friends join a plan with you, you can save money. All of the contracts will be individual, and each of you will be responsible for your own cost. 

#4. T-Mobile

The Magenta plan from T-Mobile has a lot going for it. You receive 100GB of priority data and 5GB of LTE hotspot data, as well as unlimited 3G hotspot data. While Magenta may not have as many services as Verizon, it is less expensive and offers the best value among its peers. Tmobile covers the cost of an extra line if a customer buys the Magenta plan for two or more lines.

#5. Xfinity Mobile

Consider bundling in Xfinity Mobile as a phone service if you already have Comcast internet service -- the country's largest internet service provider. At $45/month for unlimited data on a single line, the pricing is quite reasonable. You may also switch to gig pricing for months when you know you won't need as much data. Its major downside is that it is available to only Xfinity internet subscribers.

Cheapest personal cell phone plans

While it is feasible to acquire mobile service for $10 or less per month, the number of carriers that do so is rapidly decreasing. Although the plans are under $10, most do not include taxes and charges, which may nearly quadruple the cost depending on where you live. 

Right now, there are only a few providers that provide reliable service at a low cost. For one, there is Tello. This MVNO uses the T-Mobile network for its speeds, coverage, and 5G. For $10, you can build a bespoke plan with unlimited calls, messages, and 1GB of data on the company's website. If you have an old phone or want to get an unlocked phone that works on many carriers, this is a great price. 

Meanwhile, RedPocket's basic plan costs $10 a month and includes 1,000 minutes of talk time, unlimited texts, and 1GB of data. It's also the only MVNO in this pricing range that has partnerships with all major carriers, allowing you to choose the one that provides the most fantastic service in your area. 

US Mobile is an excellent option if you have a feature phone or don't use LTE internet. For $10 a month, the carrier offers a personalized package that includes 500 minutes of call time, 300 text messages, and 100MB of data. While US Mobile does not sell phones directly, you may pick a SIM that works with Verizon or T-Mobile phones, so your existing phone, or one you've been eyeing, should work.

Maybe you prefer a basic plan with good LTE coverage and automatic payment discounts. If so, H2O Wireless is an excellent choice. For $20 a month, AT&T's cheapest plan includes unlimited calls and texts as well as 2GB of internet on AT&T's network. You'll save $2 a month if you set up autopay. 

Since Dish took over, Republic Wireless' plans have gotten considerably more competitive. The best price is the $20 T-Mobile plan, which includes unlimited calls, texts, and 1GB of internet. If commitment does not scare you, Republic Wireless offers a significant discount if you pay for your service annually.

Best Personal Cell Phone Plans for Travelers 

Whether you have friends who live overseas or you're planning a trip abroad and know you'll need your phone, here is a list of the best international mobile phone plans as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile makes it easier to text and use data than any other carrier. You can practically get off the plane and pick up where you left off in a foreign country. T-Mobile provides unlimited messaging and data globally so that you can use your Google Maps, Lyft, and Airbnb applications almost everywhere. And, it's already included in your package. Despite these advantages, T-Mobile falters when it comes to international calling. The Magenta ideas appear to be aimed at tech-savvy tourists who can make do with just data and text. International phone calls to friends outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico will cost you 20 cents per minute on T-mobile.

Mint mobile

Mint Mobile has some of the best rates available for minute-to-minute international phone calls. In addition, you receive a fantastic rate on local calls. You may use Mint's UpRoam service to top up your foreign roaming balance if you have a Mint Mobile base plan. This package gives you access to call, text, and data in over 160 countries at a fraction of the cost of other international plans. Its major downside is that internet speed is unpredictable.

AT&T

For an additional $10 per day, you may add the International Day Pass to any AT&T plan. If you intend to make many calls while traveling, the Day Pass is an excellent option for minute-by-minute calling charges, especially because you're only charged for the days you make calls, send texts, or use data. However, data speeds in other countries are slow. This is because speed depends on the technology available in the area you're visiting; fluctuating 2G and 3G speeds are typical throughout international travel.

Google Fi

Rather than relying on a network, Google Fi leverages T-Mobile, US Cellular networks, and Wi-Fi networks. You'll receive the fastest international data speeds this way. If there are several cellular networks available, Google Fi will use the quickest of them. This happens in real-time, so if you're having trouble with coverage, you can be confident that Google Fi is looking for a better network for you. However, even though most Android and iPhones are compatible with Google Fi, only "Fi-friendly phones" can use Google Fi's unique network switching capabilities. The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL and Android smartphones like the Moto G7 and LG V35 ThinQ are among them.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Personal Cell Phone Plan

There are several factors to consider when selecting a new phone plan provider. Among the essential factors to consider are the expenses of text messages, phone calls, and data. However, you must also consider network coverage, speed capacity, and other aspects.

Here are a few key things to think about before signing up for a personal mobile phone internet subscription.

Cost

When looking for the most satisfactory phone plan, pricing is one of the most critical elements to consider, just as with any other purchase. Examine the price structure of the service supplier. Though the majority of smartphone users are contract customers, you may also choose prepaid services. If you're searching for a prepaid service, though, your options may be restricted. You should also consider the data pricing plan. 

Network coverage

You must check to see if the service provider has the coverage you need so you don't have to limit yourself to areas where a signal is available. The importance of having good area coverage is explained here. Check to see if the service provider supports 5G or 4G LTE network access. This is a major problem nowadays, and it's something you should think about when picking a phone plan provider. This is one of the well-optimized services available, and you should use it.

Customer care

Wireless network technology is not perfect. So, expect to run into problems with your plan from time to time, which means you may have to take the heat to your service provider. So, before you choose a service provider, ensure the company's customer care service is accessible and that the service provider has excellent policies.  

International plans

If business or pleasure takes you outside of the country often, you should look for a service provider that provides international coverage. Many service providers let you text or phone abroad, but the fees are prohibitively expensive. So, lookout for a phone package that includes low-cost international calling and texting. 

Service provider's reputation

Find out if the provider is dependable and reputable for supplying quality phone plans and coverage. As a rule of thumb, companies that have been in business for a long time have had time to build their reputation and are reliable. Still, this is not a catch-all. 

Available features

Features vary depending on the plan and carrier you choose. Some plans may offer a free Google One account to backup data and free up space on your phone. Certain carriers and plans may have scam protection features to identify and block scam calls and spam. Your choice of carrier may affect the number of irritating spam calls you get.   

Conclusion

All in all, no one can tell you what the perfect cell phone plan for you will be. Considering the factors that mean most to you like price, coverage, customer service, and international options can ease your decision-making process and help you choose the best plan for you.