Mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs, are small carriers that offer cell service from the country's "Big Three" phone networks (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) without paying the steep cost you'd incur through a phone plan purchased directly from one of those major carriers.
For example, AT&T's mid-tier unlimited plan costs $75.99/month, whereas a comparable unlimited plan from US Mobile costs $44/month and actually includes more premium data. With AT&T's recent price hike, now is a great time to switch to an MVNO and save some coin.
AT&T's MVNOs include some of the most recognizable prepaid carriers, such as US Mobile, Boost Mobile, and AT&T-owned Cricket Wireless. All these small carriers use AT&T towers, but which should you switch to? We'll look at some of the best carriers that offer cheap, flexible plans and great data allowances.
Best Phone Plans on AT&T's Network
| Carrier | Plan Name | Cost | Data | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket | Supreme Unlimited Plan | $55/month | Unlimited | View plan |
| US Mobile | Unlimited Premium Plan | $44/month | Unlimited | View plan |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited Plan | $25/month | Unlimited | View plan |
| Consumer Cellular | Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data Plan | $25/month | 5GB | View plan |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited Premium Monthly Plan | $30/month | Unlimited | View plan |
AT&T Alternatives: What carriers run on AT&T's network?
AT&T boasts an expansive 4G LTE network and a growing 5G network, and many MVNOs take advantage of this reliable coverage. Smaller carriers lease network bandwidth from major carriers, so they don't have to maintain physical towers. This is how MVNOs make cheap phone plans possible. The downside to this is the possibility of deprioritization when AT&T's network is congested.
However, we've tested a handful of carriers that use AT&T, like US Mobile and Red Pocket, and have never experienced significant slowdowns. In fact, we reached speeds of 488Mbps when we tested US Mobile's Dark Start Network, aka AT&T's network.
The following is a list of MVNOs that utilize AT&T towers. Some also utilize multiple carriers' towers to provide service rather than only relying on AT&T.
List of AT&T MVNOs
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | AT&T, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile Network |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
| Consumer Cellular | AT&T, T-Mobile |
| FreedomPop | AT&T, T-Mobile |
| FreeUP Mobile | AT&T |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T |
| H2O Wireless | AT&T |
| Lyca Mobile | AT&T |
| PureTalk | AT&T |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| TracFone | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| US Mobile | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| Wing | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
Best AT&T MVNOs
The best AT&T budget carriers offer a variety of feature-rich phone plans while maintaining an affordable price point. While the best plan for you will depend highly on how you use your phone and your own budget, some of our favorite AT&T MVNOs include Cricket, US Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and Red Pocket.
Best overall AT&T MVNO: Cricket Wireless
As a wholly AT&T-owned-and-operated carrier, Cricket's prepaid phone plans pack quite the punch despite their affordable cost. Every Cricket plan provides access to AT&T's 4G LTE and 5G networks, plus unlimited talk and text and free HD voice and Wi-Fi calling. There's a variety of data options for every type of phone user, from the Sensible 10GB plan to its top-tier Supreme Unlimited option.
We think the best AT&T MVNO plan on the market is Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan, full stop. At $55/month (with autopay), it's ten bucks cheaper than AT&T's equivalent Unlimited Starter SL plan. Better yet, Cricket's plan includes more—yes, more—perks and features when compared to AT&T. With Cricket, you'll get:
- 150GB of cloud storage
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- 50GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data—a whopping 45GB more than AT&T's Unlimited Starter SL plan
- Free HBO Max (which AT&T no longer offers to its direct customers at all!)
View plan
Best AT&T MVNO for perks: US Mobile
US Mobile is relatively new as an AT&T MVNO. Like Red Pocket below, it's one of the only carriers that offers access to all three major networks. US Mobile nicknamed its AT&T mobile network the Dark Star network. US Mobile offers a variety of plans starting at just $10/month, but our favorite offering is US Mobile's premium data plan packed with extras.
The Unlimited Premium plan is one of the best on the market for AT&T service because of its incredible perks. Not only does it offer more premium data and hotspot data than AT&T's mid-tier unlimited plan, it starts at just $44/month. This unlimited plan includes:
- Unlimited premium data
- 200GB mobile hotspot
- 5G coverage
- Up to 10GB of international data
- International calling and texting
- Streaming perk with 3+ family lines
That's a ton of great plan inclusions and rivals unlimited postpaid options from AT&T at a much friendlier price point.
View plan
2 for 1 unlimited plans with US Mobile
Get two annual unlimited data plans for the price of one with US Mobile's BOGO promotion. Their current deal includes an additional full year of unlimited when you sign up for 12 months of Unlimited Starter or Unlimited Premium.
Make sure you choose US Mobile's Dark Star network with AT&T coverage to snag your second plan for free. New customers have to bring their old phone number, so be prepared to port in as well. Don't wait too long since this offer ends August 15.
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan (Dark Star)
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Premium Plan (Dark Star)
$39.00/mo
|
Cheapest AT&T MVNO: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a well-known stalwart among prepaid phone carriers. It offers access to the AT&T and T-Mobile networks and its own up-and-coming Boost Mobile 5G Network. Boost offers a $25/month Unlimited plan with 30GB of data. It's one of the cheapest prices for unlimited data available on the AT&T network. Plus, there's a price-lock guarantee. Unlike other carriers, Boost will never raise your cost as long as you consistently stick with this plan.
The plan doesn't include extras like international perks and mobile hotspot data, but they're available as add-ons.
View plan
Best AT&T MVNO for seniors: Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is our top AT&T MVNO pick for seniors because it includes an AARP discount.
Most of Consumer's plans are solid options, but we think the best overall for the average senior's needs is the Unlimited Talk, Text, and 5G plan. It includes unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of premium data. This is a perfect amount of data for people who don't use their phones as much. Plus, it includes mobile hotspot capability that uses your data allotment.
View plan
Best AT&T MVNO for average users: Red Pocket Mobile
Red Pocket is a solid carrier that uses all three major networks, including AT&T. Its plans start as small as 3GB, but we're highlighting its $30/month Premium plan. It provides a generous 50GB of premium high-speed data and a 10GB mobile hotspot, which is perfect for average customers who use hotspot data.
Most people only use 10-15GB of priority data per month. This plan more than covers that and provides just enough hotspot data for people who need it during an emergency. Plus, you don't have to pay for extras you may not need, like a streaming perk or cloud storage.
View plan
AT&T MVNO coverage
Regarding the sheer area covered in the United States, AT&T gives Verizon a run for its money, claiming to cover 99% of the U.S. population. Where other networks falter in rural regions, AT&T's 4G LTE shines. And while AT&T's 5G network is still relatively lackluster in terms of both coverage and speed, Big Blue has invested a significant amount of money to build out the technology rapidly in the coming years. If coverage is important to you, choosing an MVNO that uses AT&T's network is a wise decision indeed.
If you take a look at AT&T's own coverage map, you may notice that much more territory seems to be covered compared to the map above. If you zoom in a bit, though, you’ll quickly learn that some of those colored bits are comprised of roaming, or extended areas.
If you’re an AT&T customer, getting service in these roaming zones won’t be a problem. This is network space AT&T has purchased from other carriers to ensure that their customers can stay connected, to some extent, almost anywhere.
Customers signed up with MVNOs that run on the AT&T network won’t necessarily enjoy that same privilege. That’s because MVNOs generally only have access to AT&T's non-roaming spectrum. So, while your AT&T-subscribed road trip buddy can stream away while you’re driving across Wyoming, you might not receive that same luxury on an MVNO. That's why we've only shown the territory covered by AT&T's non-roaming network in the map above.
AT&T MVNO phone compatibility
Finding out whether your phone works on an AT&T MVNO is as easy as punching in its IMEI number on the carrier's website and clicking "Check compatibility." Generally, most smartphones will work on AT&T's network with no problems. The newest phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google all work with AT&T's towers. Older devices will generally also work with AT&T, but they may not have access to its 5G network.
Not sure which carriers operate on what networks? Check out our guide to find out which network your MVNO is on.
As long as your phone is compatible, switching to an AT&T MVNO is as easy as swapping in a new SIM card and activating your new plan. If your AT&T MVNO offers eSIM capability, switching carriers is even faster.
If you're in the market for a new device, you can always purchase a new phone directly from your new carrier. Many MVNOs offer deals on popular smartphones for new customers. Here are some of the most popular AT&T MVNO phones right now.
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Pixel 10a 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Pixel 10 128GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
- Front Camera: 10.5MP
Bringing your own phone? Make sure it's unlocked!
Whether you're switching to an AT&T carrier or to Big Blue itself, unlocking your phone is a must so that it's no longer tied to your previous carrier. There are unique unlock requirements for each carrier, but they generally all require your account to be in good standing and your device to be paid off. Here's our round-up of unlocking guides for phones purchased from a variety of carriers:
Should you sign up with an AT&T MVNO?Pros & cons
Pros:
- More affordable prices for the same coverage
- Wider variety of data packages
- Cheaper single-line plans
- Family plan options
Cons:
- Can be deprioritized in favor of AT&T customers
- Generally fewer included perks
- Subject to deprioritization
An MVNO can be an excellent alternative to AT&T's expensive plans while still benefiting from using the major carrier's excellent 4G LTE and 5G networks. Because most AT&T MVNO plans are prepaid, you can try out different plans and carriers until you find one that best fits your needs. Plus, MVNO plans often offer more variety in terms of smaller data packages—perfect for those who only want to pay for just the data they actually use—whereas AT&T overwhelmingly relies on unlimited data plans.
AT&T MVNOs also offer some of the cheapest options for single-line and 2-line phone plans. You can also create a family plan with almost any AT&T MVNO, as most carriers provide multi-line discounts on many of their popular data plans.
On the flip side, some MVNOs are stingy with perks like entertainment subscriptions, cloud storage, device installment plans, and hefty hotspot allotments. That said, AT&T no longer provides any entertainment perks with its plans, so some AT&T MVNOs technically offer better perks than AT&T itself.
One last consideration: deprioritization. This is when AT&T MVNO customers' speeds are slowed down in favor of customers who have a phone plan directly through AT&T. Deprioritization happens during times of high network traffic, such as early in the morning or at crowded events. Considering how robust AT&T's network is, this is likely to be a rare occurrence for most MVNO customers, but it's an element to keep in mind when weighing which carrier to sign up with.
Which AT&T MVNO is right for you?
Picking the right AT&T MVNO comes down to knowing your own (or your family's) habits... and doing a bit of math. Ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Do you need unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited data?
- Do you often use your phone as a mobile hotspot?
- Will you need a family plan?
- What is your monthly budget?
- Which services are you currently paying for that a carrier might include with its plan?
Your answers will help guide you in the right direction or, at the very least, give you a solid starting point to build on.
Remember that some carriers also offer special advantages for certain kinds of customers. The best AT&T MVNO for seniors is Consumer Cellular and the best for customers wanting perks is US Mobile. For customers looking for a cheap unlimited data plan, Boost Mobile has one of the best options on the market. Finally, if you want lots of plan options or a cheap unlimited plan that includes a mobile hotspot allotment, check out Red Pocket.
It also makes sense to consider potential savings and discounts, as many carriers offer deals and incentives to switch to their service. We keep an updated list of deals from major carriers and MVNOs, with big savings you won’t want to miss out on.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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