7 Best Prepaid Phone Plans in 2025
The world is busy enough – your cellphone plan shouldn't add to the stress.
With everything going on in the world, the last thing you want to worry about is a cellphone plan.
Ideally, it's something you set and forget.
At least, in a perfect world.
For many, finding the right plan can come down to budget and flexibility.
That's why prepaid plans often make sense, offering clear advantages over postpaid plans.
However, finding the perfect prepaid plan isn't always easy.
That's why we've put together a guide to the best prepaid phone plans this year, for all sorts of needs and budgets.
What to Consider When Choosing a Prepaid Plan
Before jumping into our top picks, just remember these important factors:
- Data Allowance: How much data do you use monthly? Streaming, social media, and online gaming consume a lot of data.
- Talk Time: How many minutes do you spend on calls?
- Text Messages: Are you a texter or do you prefer other forms of communication?
- Network Coverage: Ensure the carrier you choose has reliable coverage in your area.
- Price: Balance your needs with your budget.
- Features: Consider extras like hotspot capabilities, international calling options, and rollover data.
Top Prepaid Phone Plans for 2025
(Note: Plan details and pricing are subject to change. Always check the latest information on the carrier's website before making a decision.)
- Visible by Verizon: Known for its single-line, unlimited data plan (often with party pay discounts), this option is excellent for heavy data users.
- Mint Mobile: Offering good data options at competitive prices, Mint Mobile often appeals to budget-conscious users. They utilize the T-Mobile network.
- Metro by T-Mobile: A solid option with various plans, including some with Amazon Prime included. Metro often has good deals on phones too.
- Cricket Wireless: Powered by AT&T's network, Cricket offers reliable coverage and a selection of plans, including multi-line discounts.
- Boost Mobile: Boost offers a range of plans and often has promotional deals. They operate on the DISH network, so check coverage in your area.
- T-Mobile Prepaid: These prepaid plans give you access to T-Mobile's network and sometimes offer perks like international roaming options.
- Verizon Prepaid: Verizon's prepaid options give you access to their extensive network, which often includes many data tiers and plans with hotspot data.
Vision by Verizon
Visible by Verizon is an American all-digital prepaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) wholly owned by Verizon. It operates on the Verizon network and offers unlimited data plans.
Pros
- Uses Verizon's reliable network.
- Relatively low prices for unlimited data.
- Simple, straightforward plans.
- Visible+ plan provides access to Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G.
Cons
- Data speeds can be deprioritized during network congestion (base plan).
- No multi-line discounts.
- Customer service is primarily app-based.
- Hotspot speeds are capped.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides prepaid wireless services in the United States. They're known for their humorous and direct advertising with actor, Ryan Reynolds. They offer prepaid plans sold in multi-month increments (3, 6, or 12 months), netting significant cost savings.
Pros
- Potential for significant savings with long-term plans.
- Uses T-Mobile's 5G network.
- Offers a variety of data options.
Cons
- Requires upfront payment for multi-month plans.
- Network quality depends on T-Mobile's coverage in your area.
- If you use all of your high-speed data, speeds are reduced.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile, often simply referred to as Metro, is a prepaid mobile phone service provider in the United States. It's owned and operated by T-Mobile US.
Pros
- Uses T-Mobile's network.
- Variety of plan options.
- Physical store locations for support.
- Often has good deals on phones.
Cons
- Data speeds can be deprioritized.
- May have more limited customer support options compared to T-Mobile postpaid.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid mobile phone service provider in the United States and a subsidiary of AT&T, meaning it utilizes AT&T's network infrastructure. Cricket Wireless offers prepaid plans, so customers pay in advance for their service.
Pros
- Uses AT&T's reliable network.
- Variety of plan options.
- Generally affordable.
Cons
- Data speeds can be capped or deprioritized.
- May have limited international roaming options.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier that operates on a network that utilizes its own 5G infrastructure alongside access to AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. They offer various budget-friendly plans including unlimited data, and are currently focused on expanding their 5G network and integrating with Boost Infinite.
Pros
- Offers a variety of plan options.
- Uses the AT&T network.
- Competitive pricing.
Cons
- Network experience can vary.
- Customer service feedback is mixed.
T-Mobile Prepaid
T-Mobile Prepaid offers wireless service that allows customers to pay in advance, without the need for a contract or credit check. They offer a range of plans with varying data allowances and features.
Pros
- Direct access to T-Mobile's network.
- Variety of plan options.
- Access to T-Mobile's 5G.
Cons
- May be more expensive than some other prepaid options.
- Prepaid customers can be deprioritized during network congestion.
Verizon Prepaid
Verizon Prepaid offers wireless services where you pay in advance, giving you access to Verizon's network without a long-term contract or credit check. They offer direct prepaid plans from Verizon.
Pros
- Access to Verizon's reliable network.
- Variety of plan options.
Cons
- Can be more expensive than some other prepaid options.
- Prepaid customers can be deprioritized during network congestion.
Making the right choice
Choosing the best prepaid phone plan depends entirely on your individual needs.
It's always best to compare the features, pricing, and network coverage of each plan to find the perfect fit.
Don't hesitate to visit the carrier websites or call customer service to get the most up-to-date information and ask any questions you may have.
Best Overall Prepaid Cell Plan: Visible by Verizon
Visible by Verizon is a very compelling choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want reliable network coverage and simple, unlimited data plans.
The Visible+ plan provides a very good value for users who need premium network access at an affordable price.
While data deprioritization and customer service are potential drawbacks, the overall value proposition makes Visible a strong contender in the prepaid market.
So, for those who want Verizon network access, at a lower cost, Visible is a very good choice.
Final thoughts on prepaid phone plans
With so many prepaid phone plan options available, finding the right one can be a breeze especially if you know what you want.
When it comes to choosing a prepaid phone plan, there isn't one single "biggest" factor, as it depends on individual needs and priorities.
However, one thing you should not settle on is reliability.
A phone plan is useless if you can't get a reliable signal where you live, work, and travel.
So make sure that the carrier's network provides adequate coverage in your area.
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