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The Best Phone Providers

Updated May 2026·Experts: WIRED, Tom's Guide, CNET

Best Overall ValueUS Mobile

US Mobile

$10-$44/month

US Mobile is the standout for people who want maximum flexibility without being locked into one network. It's genuinely independent, which is rare in the MVNO space, and the ability to pick your network or pay $10 extra for multi-network access is a game-changer.

What holds up

  • Access to all three major US networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) with ability to switch between them
  • Unlimited Starter plan at $25/month includes 20GB hotspot data and 10GB domestic roaming
  • Annual plans cost 25-40% less than monthly pricing
  • Slick, responsive mobile app for sign-up and customer service
  • International calling add-ons available at fair rates ($3/month)

What to know

  • No physical retail stores, sign-up and support primarily through app
  • Limited data plans start at only $10/month with minimal data
  • Multi-network service adds $10/month to any plan
  • Customer service relies on phone line and app rather than in-person support
Expert verdict
US Mobile is a relatively young MVNO, founded in 2015, and is one of the few that's independent. The company's strategy is rather simple: It tries to offer just about everything you could want, from every major cellular network at every price.
WIREDView source
Expert verdict
Our favorite plan for most people is the Unlimited Starter plan, which is $25 per month. It's an uncapped data plan on the Dark Star (AT&T) network with 20 GB of hot spot data.
WIREDView source
Read the full breakdown →
Best for TravelersT-Mobile Experience Beyond

T-Mobile Experience Beyond

$100/month

If you travel internationally and want to avoid the friction of switching SIMs or buying local plans, T-Mobile Experience Beyond is worth the premium. You get Netflix, Hulu, and Magenta status perks that sweeten the deal for globe-trotters.

What holds up

  • Unlimited high-speed 5G data with no throttling
  • Unlimited high-speed hotspot data for tethering
  • Coverage in 215+ countries with 30GB high-speed international data
  • Includes Netflix Standard (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and Magenta status for hotel discounts
  • Unlimited talk and text in 215+ countries

What to know

  • Expensive at $100/month for a single line
  • All lines on account must be on the same plan, no mixing with cheaper options
  • Requires all account lines to share the same perks even if some users don't need them
  • International data drops to 256Kbps after 30GB is consumed
Expert verdict
T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan also has unlimited high-speed hotspot data, but Better Value has a generous 250GB high-speed amount of it, then unlimited data at 600Kbps. For that you'll pay $100 a month for a single line for Experience Beyond.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
With just those features, Experience Beyond is the better plan, but the price and international options of Better Value pushes it to the top for travelers.
CNETView source
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget OptionGoogle Fi

Google Fi

$35/month

Google Fi is the smart choice if you want simplicity without sacrificing coverage. It automatically switches between networks for the best signal, and the $35 unlimited plan is genuinely affordable for what you get, plus international roaming is baked in.

What holds up

  • $35/month unlimited data plan with automatic network switching
  • Uses T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular networks for broader coverage
  • International roaming in 200+ destinations included
  • Works with eSIM for easy switching between devices
  • No contracts or long-term commitments required

What to know

  • Limited device compatibility, not all phones work optimally with Google Fi
  • May require manual eSIM setup on some devices
  • Network prioritization may vary depending on which carrier's network you're on
  • Customer support primarily digital rather than phone-based
Expert verdict
Google Fi's $35 unlimited data plan offers seamless connectivity across multiple networks with automatic switching for optimal coverage
Tom's GuideView source
Read the full breakdown →
Best for FamiliesT-Mobile Better Value Plan

T-Mobile Better Value Plan

$170/month (4 lines)

If you have three or more lines, T-Mobile's Better Value plan is genuinely hard to beat. You get 250GB of hotspot data (vs. 60GB on their other plans), international roaming, and streaming perks, all for less than competitors charge for similar features.

What holds up

  • 250GB high-speed hotspot data (vs. 60GB on Experience More plan)
  • Unlimited high-speed 5G data with no throttling
  • International coverage in 215+ countries with 30GB high-speed data
  • Includes Netflix Standard (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and Magenta status
  • $170/month for four lines, excellent value for families

What to know

  • Only available to new T-Mobile subscribers or customers with 5+ year accounts
  • Requires three or more lines on the account
  • All lines must be on the same plan, no flexibility to mix with cheaper options
  • International data drops to 256Kbps after 30GB is consumed
Expert verdict
T-Mobile introduced a new plan available for a 'limited time,' the Better Value plan, designed for families or groups with three or more lines as a way to attract new customers and reward longtime subscribers with more perks than the similarly priced Experience More plan.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
For travelers, the Better Value plan is great if you have three or more lines on an account. Otherwise, for one person or a couple, Experience Beyond is the better option.
CNETView source
Read the full breakdown →
Best Prepaid PlanAT&T Unlimited Annual Prepaid

AT&T Unlimited Annual Prepaid

$300-$500/year

AT&T's annual prepaid plan is ideal if you want to lock in savings upfront without a contract. Prepaid plans let you walk away anytime, which is a huge advantage over traditional carriers, and AT&T's unlimited option gives you the data freedom without the monthly commitment.

What holds up

  • Unlimited data with no monthly contract
  • Annual pricing offers 25-40% savings vs. monthly plans
  • No long-term commitment, cancel anytime
  • Access to AT&T's nationwide network coverage
  • Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees

What to know

  • Requires paying full year upfront, less flexible for budget-conscious users
  • Prepaid plans may have lower network priority than postpaid subscribers
  • Limited customer service options compared to postpaid plans
  • No device financing or upgrade programs available
Expert verdict
You pay in advance every month, and you're free to leave at any time. Subscription plans are popular because most offer upfront discounts for a new phone, and they're backed by the most marketing dollars. However, prepaid plans can be less expensive overall, and they're more flexible.
WIREDView source
Expert verdict
Unlike postpaid plans, which are a hassle to exit if you're unhappy with the service, you can leave a prepaid cell plan at any time.
WIREDView source
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