You don’t need to pay tons of money for a great cell phone plan on Verizon’s, AT&T’s, or T-Mobile’s networks. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are smaller carriers that offer great plans on the same networks as your favorite major carriers.
There are dozens of these smaller carriers out there, but some offer better value than others. We've done the hard work for you and curated a list of the best alternative carriers for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You'll find excellent coverage, competitive pricing, and a variety of plans to suit your needs.
Read on to find the perfect alternative carrier and why switching might be the right move for your next phone plan.
Cheap Verizon alternative carriers
Three of the cheapest alternative carriers on the Verizon network are Visible, US Mobile, and Twigby Mobile. Check out our full list of Verizon MVNOs for all of your network options.
Compare Verizon alternatives
| Carrier | Plan | Price | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Visible | $25/month | Go to plan |
| US Mobile | Unlimited Starter | $25/month | Go to plan |
| Twigby Mobile | Unlimited Talk, Text & 10GB plan |
$10/month | Go to plan |
Visible
If you're a fan of Verizon's coverage, then Visible is one of the best alternative carriers to buy a plan from. Visible is owned by Verizon, so you'll have access to the same towers as Verizon's customers. All of its plans come with unlimited talk, text, data, and an unlimited mobile hotspot. Plus, its more expensive plan comes with added perks like access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and international data in Mexico and Canada.
For just $25/month, the Visible plan is one of the best-valued unlimited options on the market. You’ll enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data with 4G LTE and 5G service. The plan also comes with an unlimited hotspot with speeds capped at 5Mbps, which is fast enough for basic internet tasks. Compared to the $65/month Verizon Unlimited Welcome plan, the Visible plan offers the same data allotments and more mobile hotspot data for less than half the price.
Visible $25 Visible Plan
| Carrier | Visible |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
Taxes & Fees included
|
| View Plan |
US Mobile
US Mobile technically has access to the Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks. That said, its Verizon service includes access to 5G mmWave technology, which offers some of the fastest speeds available. If you like streaming and international perks, then US Mobile is probably the best competitor to Verizon. Its top-tier plan includes a standard amount of international data and a streaming subscription with certain family plans.
The cheapest monthly US Mobile unlimited plan is the Unlimited Starter for $25/month. It includes 70GB of premium data, a 10GB mobile hotspot, access to the Verizon 5G mmWave network, and optional international add-ons. That's more premium data and more mobile hotspot data than Verizon's cheapest postpaid plan.
US Mobile Unlimited Starter Plan
| Carrier | US Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this plan for only $45 for 3 months ($15/mo.) with new number activation OR $5 off per month for 6 mo. (up to 3 lines) OR 30 Days FREE Trial |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
| View Plan |
Twigby Mobile
Twigby Mobile is another no-frills alternative carrier that operates on Verizon's network. Not everyone needs an unlimited plan, so this carrier is perfect for customers who don't need a ton of data and want a simple phone plan without extra bells and whistles.
The Twigby Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB plan is one of the best options for average customers. Starting at just $10/month, it offers unlimited talk and text, 10GB of premium data, and mobile hotspot capability. 10GB of premium data is plenty for average customers who spend most of their day connected to Wi-Fi. Your mobile hotspot usage comes from the same 10GB data pool for your whole plan. If you exceed the data allotment, it won't shut off. Instead, it slows down to 2G speeds, which are fast enough for tasks like sending instant messages and syncing your apps.
Twigby Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text and 10GB Data
| Carrier | Twigby Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | 10GB Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | New Customers get 10GB of data for $15 a month for 3 months! |
| Total Price |
$15 per month
for the first 3 months then $25.00/month
|
| View Plan |
Budget T-Mobile alternative carriers
T-Mobile's top alternative carriers are Mint Mobile, Tello, and Ultra Mobile. That said, there are plenty of other carriers with T-Mobile service. Check out the full list of T-Mobile MVNOs if you don't like the options below.
Compare T-Mobile alternatives
| Carrier | Plan | Price | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | $30/month | Go to plan |
| Tello | Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data |
$25/month | Go to plan |
| Ultra Mobile | 24GB 1-Month Plan | $39/month | Go to plan |
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is one of the best alternatives to the T-Mobile network. As it's now owned by T-Mobile itself, its customers can rest easy knowing they'll get excellent coverage and fast 5G speeds. One thing you should note about Mint is you must purchase plans in blocks of 3, 6, or 12 months. The longer your plan, the cheaper the price per month, but you must pay for the entire plan period up front. Mint is also the best choice if you need a family plan. Mint's Modern Family Plan guarantees the lowest possible price per line no matter the length of the plan.
The Mint Unlimited plan is one of our top recommendations for unlimited data on T-Mobile's network. It offers a generous 50GB of priority data and a 20GB mobile hotspot starting at just $30/month ($15/month for new customers). If you're on the T-Mobile Essentials plan, Mint Unlimited is an alternative that is much cheaper. It includes almost the same amount of premium data and more high-speed mobile hotspot for a much cheaper price.
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data Plan
| Carrier | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this plan for just $25/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
| View Plan |
Tello
Tello is a no-frills alternative carrier with coverage on T-Mobile's network. If you want customizable plans, Tello is the best option on the market. While there are several prebuilt options, Tello allows you to build your own plan with custom minutes, texts, and data allotments to best suit your needs. Its unlimited plan is also one of the cheapest you'll find on T-Mobile's network.
The Tello Unlimited plan includes unlimited minutes, texts, and 50GB of priority data for $25/month. That's plenty of data for average customers. It also includes a 10GB mobile hotspot, which is enough for customers who don't use their hotspot very often. There are not any major perks included with this plan, but we think it's still packed with value for the $25/month cost.
Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data Plan
| Carrier | Tello |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
|
| View Plan |
Ultra Mobile
Limited time: Get 3 lines for $85
Save even more when you bundle lines with Ultra Mobile. For a limited time, add three lines of unlimited data to your Ultra family plan and pay just $85/month! Make sure to take advantage while you can.
See Ultra's unlimited plansUltra Mobile is not the cheapest T-Mobile alternative on this list. That said, it does offer mobile hotspot capability and international calling and texting with every plan. Those are not perks you'll find with every MVNO. If you're looking for international calling as a standard part of your next plan, Ultra Mobile might be worth a look.
Ultra Mobile's 24GB 1-Month plan for $39/month is generally the best option. The average customer only uses 10-15GB of data per month, so this plan perfectly fits that allotment. It includes unlimited talk, text, 24GB of premium data, and mobile hotspot capability. Plus, like Mint Mobile, you can lower the price of the plan by purchasing multi-month blocks of service up to a year in advance.
Ultra Mobile 24GB 1-Month Plan
| Carrier | Ultra Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | 24GB Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get a FREE 1-month plan service with new line activation and auto-renewal required. Receive FREE month after 3rd month renewal OR 10% off any 1-month plan with auto-renewal required |
| Total Price |
$39 per month
|
| View Details |
Affordable AT&T alternative carriers
Our picks for the top alternative carriers for AT&T are Red Pocket, Cricket Wireless, and Consumer Cellular. Check out all of AT&T's MVNO carriers for other options.
Compare AT&T alternatives
| Carrier | Plan | Price | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | Premium Unlimited Plan | $30/month | Go to plan |
| Cricket Wireless | Smart Unlimited Plan | $45/month | Go to plan |
| Consumer Cellular | Unlimited Talk, Text & Data |
$50/month | Go to plan |
Red Pocket
Red Pocket is another MVNO with access to all three major networks. The plans are similarly priced no matter which network you get. That said, we feel Red Pocket holds the most value as an AT&T alternative as there are Verizon and T-Mobile options with much cheaper price tags.
The Red Pocket Unlimited Monthly Plan offers unlimited talk and text, unlimited data with 50GB of premium data, and 10GB mobile hotspot capability for $30 a month. Red Pocket is a budget-carrier, so you won't find any extra perks with this plan. That said, 50GB of premium data is plenty of data for average customers, and you'll only notice slower speeds if you go over that amount. Unlimited data and a 10GB hotspot for $30 a month is a solid price for AT&T coverage.
Red Pocket Premium Monthly Plan (GSMA)
| Carrier | Red Pocket |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get 50% off your first month of service with this monthly plan. New customer only. |
| Total Price |
$30 per month
|
| View Plan |
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is not the cheapest AT&T alternative, but it does have solid value. It's owned by AT&T itself, so you can generally count on being deprioritized (slowed speeds during high usage times) less than other budget AT&T MVNOs. Plus, although its unlimited plans are more expensive than some MVNO competitors, they're still cheaper than AT&T's postpaid options.
Cricket's Smart Unlimited plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data for $45/month with autopay. Your data is subject to deprioritization during network congestion, but you can generally count on having excellent 5G speeds. You'll also get a 15GB dedicated hotspot, a free 100GB cloud storage plan, and unlimited calls and texts to Mexico and Canada.
Cricket Smart Unlimited Plan
| Carrier | Cricket |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$45 per month
with AutoPay; $50 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is another MVNO with access to AT&T's network. For most customers, it's not the best option. That said, if you're a senior, Consumer Cellular is probably the best AT&T alternative you'll find. It's one of the only smaller carriers with an AARP discount.
The Consumer Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data plan comes with unlimited minutes and texts, 50GB of premium data, and mobile hotspot capability. It starts at $40 a month and includes one of the largest allotments of priority data you'll find with an AT&T MVNO. It even includes more priority data than the AT&T Unlimited Starter SL plan, which costs an extra $15 a month. Seniors can get this plan even cheaper with an AARP discount.
Consumer Cellular Unlimited for Ages 50+ Plan
| Carrier | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$35 per month
|
| View Details |
Why buy an MVNO plan?
MVNO plans offer a ton of value over traditional postpaid wireless plans from big carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Truthfully, you're probably paying for data you don't need if you have a postpaid plan from a major carrier. Our recent surveys have shown most Americans overpay by almost $1,500 a year on their phone service. Remember, average customers only use 10–15GB of high-speed data per month. Most customers don't need to pay for expensive data plans with massive premium data allotments.
Reasons to purchase an MVNO phone plan include:
- Access to the same networks as the AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile customers
- Cheaper prices for mobile data
- Optional mobile hotspot and international perks
- No contracts or credit checks for most plans
That said, alternative carriers aren't right for everyone. If you need the absolute fastest speeds at all times or use massive amounts of data, you might be better served by a major carrier. Additionally, MVNOs typically don't offer device installment plans—you must either bring your own phone or purchase one outright. If you need to pay for your phone over time, a major carrier will generally be your only option.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "Best Cell Phone Deals for June 2026: Get the New iPhone 17 for Free")
