Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer mobile phone services, but they don’t own their own network. Instead, they rent network space from bigger carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. This way, it’s cheaper for them to provide affordable plans since they don’t have to build or maintain the network.
Knowing the best ones available to you can save you money if you don’t need a lot of data or extra features, even though they might not provide the same speed or customer support. That said, here are some top MVNOs to consider.
Note: Some of the MVNOs we’ve listed, such as Visible, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket Wireless, are not technically independent MVNOs. They are owned by major carriers and use their parent carrier’s network. Typically, MVNOs are independent companies. But we’ve included them because they are still marketed as budget-friendly alternatives with separate pricing and policies.
Mint Mobile
Best budget plans on T-Mobile’s 5G network
Pros
- Cheap plans, especially if you pay for several months upfront.
- Uses T-Mobile’s big 5G network.
- New customer deals help you save money.
- Works with most unlocked phones.
Cons
- You have to pay upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months.
- Slower speeds if the network is busy.
- Very slow internet if you use all your data on limited plans.
Mint Mobile offers low-cost, flexible plans with unlimited talk and text, plus high-speed data on the US’ largest 5G network. You can choose from a 3-month plan, starting at $15 per month for the first three months, and bring your own phone and number. If you already have an unlocked phone, you can start using their service without having to buy a new device.
Also, they run sales regularly, so you can get a new flagship for less than the original price. Their prices may be low, but they don’t skimp on customer support. You get access to a real human being in a few minutes, and there are self-support options also available to answer any questions.
| Plans | Starting from $15 |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA |
Tello Mobile
The cheapest MVNO with free international calls
Pros
- Plans as low as $5 & the choice of building your own plan.
- Uses T-Mobile’s large 5G network.
- 2G data after hitting cap is free.
- Wide coverage.
Cons
- No family plan discounts.
- Additional charges for international roaming & other features.
- Reduced data speeds to 2G after hitting the cap.
Tello’s plans start at just $5 per month for 1GB of data, and you can upgrade to plans with more data if needed. Like Mint Mobile, they don’t tie you into any long-term contracts or charge hidden fees. You only pay for what you need, and get free calls to 60+ countries including Canada, Mexico, and India on every phone plan.
If you regularly call family overseas, you can save hundreds of dollars annually on long-distance charges that would otherwise be expensive with other providers. Additionally, Tello’s referral program lets you earn $10 in Tello Dollars when you refer a friend. These referral rewards add up, and if you keep bringing people, you could eventually cover part of your own monthly bill or get extra credit to upgrade your plan or add more features.
| Plans | Starting from $5 |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA + free calls to 60+ countries |
Xfinity Mobile
Best for multi-line savings and wifi hotspot access
Pros
- Access to Verizon’s 5G & LTE networks for reliable service.
- Free access to 22 million hotspots, reducing data usage.
- Choose between by-the-gig or unlimited plans.
- Discounts for multiple lines on unlimited plans.
Cons
- Only for Comcast Internet customers.
- $20 per GB is pricier than some competitors.
- New phones purchased through Xfinity Mobile may initially be locked.
Among many reasons to use Xfinity Mobile plans is the multi-line savings. You’ll get a free unlimited line for a year when you pay for an unlimited plan. Compared to Tello, Xfinity Mobile’s biggest strength is its nationwide coverage and access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which can provide faster speeds and reduce your data usage when connected.
If you compare them with Mint Mobile, Xfinity Mobile offers a similar price. But it comes with the added benefit of being tied to the Xfinity ecosystem, allowing you to bundle and save on both internet and mobile services.
| Plans | By the gig plan starting at $20 per GB |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA + free calls to 60+ countries |
Visible
Unlimited everything on Verizon’s network
Pros
- Unlimited hotspot and talk/text to Canada/Mexico on basic plan.
- Great value with Visible Plus, offering Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G.
- Flexible phone options and ability to bring your own device.
- Affordable pricing with plans starting at $25 per month for unlimited data.
Cons
- Slower speeds during network congestion.
- Visible+ plan doesn’t allow unused Global Passes to rollover.
- Customer support only through the app.
Visible uses Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks to provide extensive coverage across the US. There are two primary plans: the standard Visible plan at $25/month, and the Visible+ plan at $45/month, with both including taxes and fees you want to review carefully.
The main features you’ll get include unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot services. The Visible+ plan gives access to premium data, faster hotspot speeds, and additional international features.
| Plans | Starting at $25 per month |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA |
Google Fi Wireless
Best for travelers with seamless network switching
Pros
- Pay only for the data you use with the Flexible plan.
- International coverage in 200+ countries, including unlimited data for Unlimited Plus plans.
- Best performance with Pixel devices, including VPN and W+ network access.
- Quick support response times via chat, email, or phone.
Cons
- Prices are expensive and closer to major carriers.
- Mainly uses T-Mobile’s network. Rural areas may have weaker coverage.
- Data speeds are throttled after reaching a certain limit.
Google Fi being from Google adds a strong layer of appeal, especially for Pixel users. It’s deeply integrated with the Android ecosystem, and offers many advantages. Among them is automatic network switching, courtesy of T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular being major providers behind it. You also get faster support and exclusive features like the ability to call over Wi-Fi when cellular service is weak.
Google’s plans start with Simply Unlimited, which costs $80 for two lines and provides unlimited data with 5GB of hotspot tethering. The Unlimited Plus plan, which offers unlimited hotspot tethering and extra perks like six months of YouTube Premium and 100GB of Google One storage, starts at $110 for two lines. If you prefer to pay for only the data you use, the Flexible plan starts at $35 for two lines, with $10 per GB for additional data.
| Plans | Starting at $80 for 2 lines ($40 each) |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA + 200+ international destinations |
Cricket
Affordable family plans with no annual contracts
Pros
- Access to AT&T’s reliable cellular network.
- Multiple lines can receive discounts.
- Bring your own unlocked devices.
- Offers 5G access on its more advanced plans.
Cons
- Slows your data speeds to 128kbps once you hit your monthly limit.
- Restricts video streaming to standard definition (480p).
- Cheaper plans don’t include mobile hotspot functionality.
Cricket plans start at $30 for one line and 5GB data, and they offer a range of options to suit different needs. For example, their family plan adds five lines to your plan, all with data included. The more lines you add, the more you save per line, with each one costing as little as $25 per month.
Cricket also doesn’t tie you down with annual contracts or hidden fees. You won’t have to worry about annual service commitments or having your credit checked before you get started. They even carry a variety of phones from brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Apple, with affordable options starting at $50.
| Plans | Starting at $30 per month |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA |
US Mobile
Best for international roaming and streaming perks
Pros
- Ability to switch between Verizon’s (Warp) and T-Mobile’s (GSM) networks.
- Reduced 1Mbps limit speed is still usable for basic functions.
- Access to full Verizon and T-Mobile 4G/5G networks.
- Shareable data plans for families and low data users.
Cons
- Unlimited Flex plan is only available with annual payments.
- Lacks support for data-connected smartwatches.
- Shareable data plan only supports tablets.
Contrary to its name, US Mobile isn’t restricted to just the United States. They support roaming in over 180 countries, putting them among the ideal carriers for travelers. You can call, text, and use data across the globe with ease, and enjoy low rates for international calls and texts to 200+ destinations. With the Unlimited Premium plan, you get up to $15 per month in credits for Spotify, Apple Music, Disney Plus, Netflix, PlayStation Plus, and more streaming services.
Their mobile app allows you to track your usage, manage your plan, and activate additional lines on both iOS and Android devices. More importantly, US Mobile gives you a 30-day free when you bring your own number, so that you can try their services risk-free before committing.
| Plans | Starting at $25 per month |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage in the USA + over 180 countries |
MVNOs offer the best savings
There are a variety of MVNOs apart from the ones we’ve reviewed so far. Each has its own unique approach to pricing, customer service, and target market. So ensure to review them carefully before settling for one. Also, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bringing your own unlocked phone to an MVNO is among them.
If your phone is already locked to a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, ask them to unlock it once it’s fully paid off. This way, you save yourself from buying a new phone and have the freedom to switch to a more affordable carrier. Whenever possible, look out for deals and promotions. MVNOs frequently offer promotions, especially for multiple lines or sales on new phones. These are just a few ways you can maximize savings, especially during holiday seasons.
