Most Americans are overpaying for their phone plan. The average monthly cell phone bill runs $100 or more, but prepaid plans on the same major networks can cost a fraction of that with zero contracts and no credit check required.
Here are five of the best prepaid options right now, ranked by overall value.
1. Sezzle Mobile — Best Overall Value
Starting price: $14.99/month | Network: AT&T
Sezzle Mobile may be the most underrated prepaid plan on the market right now. It comes from Sezzle, the buy now, pay later company, and runs on AT&T's nationwide 5G network. Plans start at $14.99 a month for the first three months, then $29.99 going forward — a price that still undercuts the competition.
Every plan includes unlimited 5G data, a 10GB mobile hotspot, unlimited HD video streaming, unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, no activation fees, and no credit check. Setup is through eSIM, so you can bring your current phone and number and switch the same day.
The main thing to know: the discounted rates on the Anywhere and Premium plans require an active Sezzle Anywhere or Sezzle Premium subscription respectively. The Standard plan at $49.99 a month has no subscription requirement.
Best for: Anyone who wants the lowest monthly rate on AT&T's network with no contract.
2. Mint Mobile — Best for Committing to a Year
Starting price: $15/month (annual plan) | Network: T-Mobile
Mint Mobile is one of the most well-known prepaid options for good reason. Its 5GB plan runs $15 a month on a 12-month commitment ($180 paid upfront), and the unlimited plan is currently available at $15 a month for new customers for the first three months, then $30 a month after that. Coverage runs on T-Mobile's network, which has strong reach across the country.
The tradeoff is flexibility. Mint's best rates require paying for multiple months upfront, which is a bigger ask than a standard monthly bill. There's also no international calling included, and customer support is primarily online.
Best for: People who can pay upfront and want to lock in a low rate for the year.
3. Visible — Best Unlimited Plan
Starting price: $25/month | Network: Verizon
Visible is owned by Verizon and offers truly unlimited data month-to-month with no annual commitment. The base plan is $25 a month and includes unlimited hotspot data (at standard definition speeds). The Visible+ plan steps up to $35 a month and adds unlimited premium data with no deprioritization, faster hotspot speeds, and coverage in Mexico and Canada. For heavier data users, the Visible+ Pro plan runs $45 a month and includes 4K video streaming and smartwatch data.
For people who stream a lot or work remotely and want month-to-month flexibility on Verizon's network, Visible is a strong pick.
Best for: Heavy data users who want no-contract unlimited on Verizon's network.
4. Boost Mobile — Best Price Lock Guarantee
Starting price: $25/month | Network: Boost/Dish + partners
Boost Mobile's standout feature is its price lock guarantee. The unlimited plan starts at $25 a month (with AutoPay) and Boost promises that rate never changes as long as you stay on the plan. It runs on Boost's own network, powered by Dish, with access to partner networks for broader coverage.
Boost also has physical retail locations, which is useful if you prefer in-person support or want help setting up a new device.
Best for: People who want long-term price predictability and the option of in-store support.
5. US Mobile — Most Flexible Network Options
Starting price: $16.58/month (annual) | Network: T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T
US Mobile's biggest differentiator is network choice. Unlike most prepaid carriers that lock you into one network, US Mobile lets you pick between T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T based on what actually has the best coverage in your area. Plans start at $16.58 a month on an annual plan, which includes taxes, hotspot data, and free international calling.
Best for: People who want to choose their network based on local coverage, or who travel frequently across different regions.
The Bottom Line
All five of these plans offer real 5G coverage at a fraction of what the major carriers charge. The right one depends on how you use your phone, whether you want to pay monthly or annually, and which network performs best where you live.
If you want the lowest possible monthly rate without a big upfront commitment, Sezzle Mobile is worth a serious look. At $14.99 a month to start and $29.99 going forward on the Anywhere plan, it's one of the few options that put AT&T-level coverage within reach for under $30 a month.
