Wallet-friendly prepaid data plans
- Excellent coverage with a choice of three major networks
- Easy to find phones and SIM cards
- Affordable low- and no-data plans
Tracfone is a prepaid phone carrier and not a type of mobile device. Instead, Tracfone provides the service for cell phones to make calls, send texts, and use the internet. As a service provider, Tracfone uses the major networks—AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon—instead of operating its own towers.
Tracfone doesn’t sell an unlimited data plan, but it does offer affordable low- and no-data packages. Additionally, you can pick up SIM cards or phones almost anywhere, including gas stations and grocery stores. But is Tracfone right for you? Discover if you should sign up in our comprehensive Tracfone review.
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#1
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TracFone
1GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$10.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
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#2
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TracFone
4GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$15.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
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#3
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TracFone
10GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$25.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
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#4
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TracFone
60GB Data 3-Month Smartphone Plan
$108.00
$108.00 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $36.00/month); with Auto-Refill
+ $4.99 Upfront
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#5
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TracFone
Freedom Unlimited Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$45.00/mo
+ $4.99 Upfront
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Is Tracfone for you? Pros and cons
Tracfone is a budget-friendly prepaid mobile service provider available at a variety of nationwide chains like Best Buy, 7-11, or CVS. You can choose three different networks for excellent 5G and 4G LTE coverage. Its no- and low-data plans don’t break the bank, plus you can pick up a SIM card and phone on the cheap.
What we love
- Choice of all three major networks
- Affordable low- and no-data plans
- Readily available phones and SIM cards
What could be improved
- No unlimited plan
- Middling prices
75/100
Tracfone plans
Tracfone offers a slew of no-contract prepaid plans that don’t require a credit check. Its service plans start at just $9.99/month for 30 minutes of talk, text, and data. Tracfone doesn’t offer an unlimited plan; the carrier’s plans top out at 8GB of data for $40/month. Its wallet-friendly low- or no-data plans are excellent for folks who aren’t constantly connected, such as children and seniors. Tracfone sells 30-day, 90-day, and even a few annual packages for a choice of payment intervals.
What we like: Choice of networks
Tracfone doesn’t operate its own network but instead piggybacks off of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon towers. While you can’t switch between them—you’re locked to one carrier—we appreciate the choice of networks. Simply check 5G and 4G LTE coverage in your area, select the carrier with the best signal strength, and get a Tracfone SIM card.
What we like: Low-cost low- and no-data plans
Tracfone’s low- and no-data plans range from $9.99/month to $199.99/year. If you or someone you’re shopping for doesn’t need tons of data, a Tracfone plan lets you save.
What we like: Easy-to-find phones and SIM cards
Tracfone shines because of its widespread availability. You can purchase SIM cards and cell phones online from Tracfone’s website or in brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or even your local gas station. Just pop into your local establishment of choice and pick up a Tracfone handset or SIM card. It’s a solid option if you’re in a pinch and need wireless service quickly on the cheap.
What could be improved: No unlimited plan
Whereas many MVNOs offer heaps of mobile data, Tracfone’s largest monthly data allocation is 8GB. Although that’s fine for modest music streaming, web browsing, and email checking, it’s not ideal for lots of video streaming or online mobile gaming. While we wish Tracfone featured an unlimited data package, most people should be fine (remember, Wi-Fi is your friend). While you can purchase additional data if you run out, it's not a replacement for an unlimited data plan.
What could be improved: Middling prices
Tracfone’s prices are hit-and-miss. The $15/month talk and text only plan ($10/month with auto-refill) is a compelling choice for kids or seniors who don’t need much mobile data. The $20/month ($15/month with auto-pay) package with 2GB of data is a decent value and about the same as other carriers charge. But the $9.99/month talk, text, and web plan with 30 minutes isn’t a great deal when a few more dollars per month provides more minutes, messages, and data.
By contrast, Mint Mobile gives you unlimited talk, text, and data (50GB of premium) for just $30/month ($15/month for the first 3 months). Likewise, Visible Wireless offers unlimited data starting at $25/month. For its lower or no-data packages, Tracfone remains a good deal, but for higher data, look elsewhere.
Tracfone coverage
As an MVNO, Tracfone operates using the networks operated and maintained by the three major carriers in the United States: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Therefore, its coverage is extensive and reaches most areas of the country. Coverage quality depends on the specific network SIM you’re using and connectivity in your area, but overall, Tracfone provides reliable coverage to its customers.
Nationwide 5G coverage:
Nationwide 4G LTE coverage:
Compare coverage maps below to see signal strength in your area:
Tracfone vs. competitors
Now we’ve established what we like about Tracfone, let’s see how it fares against the competition.
Tracfone vs. major carriers
TracFone’s parent networks—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—trounce the prepaid carrier in many regards. The major carriers offer more high-speed premium data, generous mobile hotspot allowances, and perks like streaming subscriptions.
Nevertheless, Tracfone is a great prepaid wireless service provider that’s easy to get without a credit check and has phones and SIM cards nearly everywhere. Plus, TracFone’s plans are exceedingly affordable. If you need service fast and on the cheap, Tracfone has you covered.
Tracfone vs. other MVNOs
Now, let’s see how Tracfone stacks up against its fellow MVNOs.
Tracfone vs. other MVNOs
| Tracfone | Straight Talk | Cricket Wireless | Mint Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Verizon AT&T T-Mobile |
Verizon AT&T T-Mobile |
AT&T | T-Mobile |
| Unlimited plan | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile hotspot allowance | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Perks | None | None | HBO Max Cloud storage |
None |
| View plans | View plans | View plans | View plans |
Tracfone vs. Straight Talk
Straight Talk and Tracfone both offer no-frills wireless service with a choice of service on the three major networks. We liked Straight Talk’s affordability, mobile hotspot allowances, and decent phone selection in our Straight Talk review. Both MVNOs are widely available online and in stores. Tracfone is a good choice for low- and no-data plans, but we recommend Straight Talk for most folks because of its better value high-data packages.
- Choice of networks
- Cheap low- and no-data plans
- Easy to find in stores
- No unlimited plan
- Choice of networks
- Affordable plans
- Unlimited data plan
- Average pricing
Tracfone vs. Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is an AT&T MVNO with low-cost cell phone plans, including three unlimited plans. Its Supreme Unlimited plan packs a generous 50GB mobile hotspot allowance, HBO Max subscription, and great family plan discounts.
By contrast, Tracfone is great for anyone who uses little data. And its choice of networks is solid if you want Verizon or T-Mobile service instead of AT&T. But Cricket’s more attractive plan pricing squashes Tracfone.
- Choice of networks
- Low-cost plans
- Readily available phones and SIM cards
- No unlimited plan
- AT&T network
- Three unlimited plans
- Good perks
- Entertainment perks only available with its top-tier unlimited plan
Tracfone vs. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is one of the most popular MVNOs around because of its wallet-friendly plans, including a fantastic $15/month unlimited package. Keep in mind however, that after the 3-month introductory period the price jumps to $30/month which we still think is a great value. The T-Mobile-powered Mint Mobile provides exceptional 5G service, budget-priced plans, and a large phone selection.
On the other hand, Tracfone lets you pick from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon and doesn’t require a year prepaid at once. Still, you’ll pay more money for less data in the long run with Tracfone, so we recommend Mint Mobile in this match-up.
- Choice of networks
- Great low-data plans
- Pay-as-you-go plans available
- No unlimited plan
- T-Mobile network
- Ultra-affordable unlimited plan
- Excellent 5G service
- Not very many perks
Tracfone Phones
Tracfone sells a variety of phones, both basic and smart. This includes devices from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia. Tracfone also offers refurbished phones, which can be a great way to save money while still getting a reliable device. The best Tracfone phones are the iPhone SE (3rd gen), Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Motorola Moto G Stylus, and Nokia G300 5G. Check out more terrific Tracfone phones below:
HMD Vibe
- 6.56 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 13MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
Moto G 5G (2025) 64GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Moto G Power (2026) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Bringing your own phone to Tracfone
You can purchase phones directly from Tracfone or bring your own device (BYOD) to use with Tracfone. You'll need an unlocked phone for the bring your phone (BYOP) route. If you've already got a mobile device through your carrier, chances are you can get your Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile phone unlocked.
Recap: Is Tracfone Right for You?
Overall, Tracfone is a great option for anyone seeking a low-cost, low-data prepaid wireless provider. The popular MVNO provides strong coverage and excellent availability. Tracfone offers plenty of phones, including both basic and smartphones, and bringing your own phone is easy.
Here’s what you get with Tracfone:
- Choice of Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile network
- Competitively priced low- or no-data plans
- Lots of plan options
- Easy to find phones and SIM cards in stores or online
Although Tracfone doesn't provide budget-priced high-data or unlimited plans, its affordable low- and no-data plans are excellent for kids or seniors who need little to no data. Additionally, we appreciate how easy it is to find Tracfone SIM cards and devices in brick-and-mortar stores, like the aisles of your local Best Buy or gas station. Ultimately, Tracfone is a solid choice for prepaid, no-contract wireless phone plans without a credit check.
Look at Tracfone's plans below to get started.
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#1
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TracFone
1GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$10.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
TracFone
4GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$15.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
TracFone
10GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$25.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
TracFone
60GB Data 3-Month Smartphone Plan
$108.00
$108.00 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $36.00/month); with Auto-Refill
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
|
#5
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TracFone
Freedom Unlimited Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$45.00/mo
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
Methodology
Our dedicated team of mobile enthusiasts analyzed proprietary data and real-world user reviews to evaluate Tracfone by price, plans, coverage, and phone availability. We compared Tracfone to its parent carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), as well as its fellow MVNOs including Mint Mobile, Straight Talk Wireless, and Cricket Wireless. Additionally, we considered dozens of other carriers to determine Tracfone's standing in the overall mobile market.
Tracfone Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tracrone reputable?
Yes, Tracfone is a reputable company with excellent network coverage on one of the three major carriers (Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile), plus it has great customer service.
Who is the carrier for Tracfone?
The carrier for Tracfone is either AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon depending on which SIM card you choose.
Can I bring my own phone to Tracfone?
Yes, you can bring your own device when switching to Tracfone, or you can buy a new one.
Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to Tracfone?
Yes, you can keep your current phone number if you switch to Tracfone Wireless.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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