Finding the right cell phone provider is crucial, whether you’re looking for an all-around family plan or a simple plan for you and your partner. Here are the top 10 cell phone companies of 2023 to help you make the perfect choice.
Why Choose a Cell Phone Plan?
There’s nothing more frustrating than attempting to make a call or send a text only to discover that there’s no cell service in your area or the network is congested. Being unable to communicate when you need to can render your advanced smartphone useless. That’s why finding a reliable cell phone carrier is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 cell phone companies of 2023, considering factors such as coverage, pricing, and data allowances, to help you select the right provider for your requirements.
What to Consider in the Best Cell Phone Providers
What sets apart the leading cell phone providers? Let’s examine several factors that influence a provider’s affordability, reliability, and overall quality.
Cell phone plan pricing: Different providers can charge significantly varying amounts for seemingly similar levels of service. It’s essential to delve into the pricing details to determine if there are any limitations on talk, text, or data, and whether unlimited data plans are genuinely unlimited. For families seeking cellular coverage, it’s advisable to look for providers offering family plans that can result in cost savings.
Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offers: MVNOs are carriers that operate on the cellular networks of major telecom companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. While MVNOs often offer more affordable prices, they may have lower priority during network congestion. Consider whether the cost savings are worth a slight decrease in reliability.
Network coverage and service: All major cellular carriers claim to offer nationwide coverage in the US, but the actual coverage can vary significantly depending on your location. Some carriers excel in certain areas, particularly in terms of LTE and 5G data speeds. Before selecting a cell phone provider, it’s essential to check coverage maps specific to your region.
Deals and features: Cell phone providers occasionally provide introductory offers or special deals that make them stand out. For instance, if your family needs new phones, you might find enticing offers like buy one, get one free when signing up for a new cellular plan.
The Top Cell Phone Companies of 2023
- Mint Mobile Affordable coverage with ample high-speed data
Mint Mobile stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking low-cost 5G data. Operating as an MVNO on T-Mobile’s cell towers, Mint Mobile offers some of the most affordable prices for 5G data, with plans starting at just $15 per month for 4GB. All plans include unlimited talk and text, and you can even use your data as a mobile hotspot. With impressive uptime and a seven-day money-back guarantee, Mint Mobile ensures reliability and customer satisfaction. While there are no month-to-month plans available, the affordable pricing and reliable service make Mint Mobile a top contender.
Pros:
- Affordable plans with 5G data
- Mobile hotspot capability
- Introductory offer for new customers
Cons:
- Hotspot limited to 5GB for unlimited plans
- No month-to-month plans
- Tello Free international calling to over 60 countries
Tello is a great choice for those who frequently make international calls. With plans starting from $5 per month, Tello offers free international calls to more than 60 countries, making it an ideal option for international travelers or individuals with friends and family abroad. Tello’s unlimited talk, text, and data plan for $29 per month is competitively priced among other top MVNOs. While high-speed data is capped at 25GB, all plans include the option to use your phone as a hotspot. With no contracts and the ability to adjust your monthly minute and data allotments as needed, Tello provides flexibility and convenience.
Pros:
- No contracts
- Free international calling to over 60 countries
- Affordable calling plans with no data limits
Cons:
- Unlimited plan limited to 25GB of high-speed data
- Coverage can vary
- AT&T Unlimited plans with exceptional 5G coverage
AT&T, one of the major cellular network providers in the US, offers outstanding 5G coverage and a range of unlimited plans. With more 5G coverage than any other carrier, AT&T is leading the way in terms of next-generation networks. While AT&T’s cell phone plans may be relatively pricey, starting at $50 per month for a single line, the company offers discounts for multiple lines. For example, unlimited talk, text, and data for four phones can cost as low as $35 per line per month. All AT&T plans include unlimited talk and text, and many include the ActiveArmor mobile security app for added protection.
Pros:
- Extensive 5G coverage
- Discounts for multiple lines
- Includes ActiveArmor security app
Cons:
- Expensive pricing for individual lines
- Limited hotspot data
- Visible Truly unlimited 5G data
Visible stands out for offering truly unlimited 5G data without any speed throttling. With two plans to choose from, both with unlimited talk, text, and data, Visible provides a reliable and affordable option. The premium Visible+ plan at $45 per month includes roaming data in Canada and Mexico, as well as international calling to over 30 countries. Operating as an MVNO on the Verizon network, Visible ensures reliable coverage, particularly in rural areas where other providers may have spotty service.
Pros:
- Unlimited high-speed data with no limits
- Roaming data in Canada and Mexico
- Reliable coverage
Cons:
- No cheaper plans with limited data
- No family plans
- T-Mobile Discounted plans for seniors, veterans, and first responders
T-Mobile, following its merger with Sprint, offers one of the largest networks of high-speed cellular towers in the US. With a range of unlimited data plans for individuals, T-Mobile stands out by providing discounts to active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders. Additionally, T-Mobile offers special cell phone plans for couples aged 55 and older, starting at $55 per month for two lines with unlimited talk, text, and data. Premium plans also include a Netflix subscription and AAA membership as added perks. T-Mobile does not require annual contracts, and 24/7 customer service is available.
Pros:
- Discounts for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders
- Includes Netflix and AAA subscriptions
- Expanding 5G network
Cons:
- Expensive for individual lines
- Limited hotspot data
- Boost Mobile Affordable 5G data plans for individuals
Boost Mobile offers a range of affordable 5G data plans, starting at just $8.33 per month for new customers. With unlimited talk and text included in all plans, Boost Mobile provides flexibility to choose the amount of 5G data that suits your needs. While unlimited data plans start at $50 per month, slightly higher than some competitors, Boost Mobile also offers hotspot data plans starting from $15 per month. Additionally, Boost Mobile provides a wide selection of phones to choose from. Keep in mind that bringing your own device may incur an activation fee.
Pros:
- Affordable plans with limited high-speed data
- Hotspot data plans available
- Wide selection of phones
Cons:
- Moderately expensive unlimited data plans
- Activation fee if bringing your own phone
7. Cricket Wireless Highly customizable plans with 5G data
Cricket Wireless, an MVNO owned by AT&T, provides highly customizable plans with 5G data. With plans starting from $30 per month, Cricket offers 5GB of high-speed data (5G or 4G LTE), making it a suitable choice for those who need a decent amount of data. The Cricket Wireless Unlimited plan, priced at $55 per month, ensures unlimited data without throttling.
One of the standout features of Cricket is the ability to personalize your plan with various add-ons. These add-ons include options for international calling, mobile hotspot data, and additional high-speed data. Moreover, Cricket offers data-only plans starting from $35 per month, which is not commonly found among other carriers.
Pros:
- Customize your plan with add-ons
- Unlimited plans without data throttling
- Supports international calling
Cons:
- No cheap plans with minimal high-speed data
- International texts limited to 37 countries only
8. Verizon A wide range of mobile plans to suit every need
Verizon, one of the major carriers in the US, offers a diverse selection of mobile plans to cater to various requirements. With plans starting from $35 per month, Verizon provides options for prepaid data plans with unlimited talk and text, 5G plans with included hotspot data, and data-only plans for connecting tablets and smart devices. This flexibility allows for mix-and-match options, enabling you to create a customized family plan.
Verizon stands out with its excellent coverage across the US, particularly in rural areas, making it a reliable choice for frequent travelers. Additionally, the company offers free subscriptions to major streaming services as an added benefit.
Pros:
- Wide range of plans with mix-and-match options
- Excellent coverage across the US
- Includes free subscriptions to major streaming services
Cons:
- Expensive 5G plans
- Plan offerings can be confusing
9. Xfinity Mobile Data sharing across multiple lines for Xfinity internet customers
Xfinity Mobile offers a unique feature that allows data sharing across multiple lines, making it an ideal choice for Xfinity internet customers. You can purchase 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB of high-speed data per month and share the data allotment among multiple lines. Each line comes with unlimited talk and text. Xfinity Mobile also provides an affordable unlimited plan at $30 per line per month when signing up for at least two lines.
Keep in mind that Xfinity Mobile is exclusively available for current Xfinity internet customers. While bringing your own phone is free, the selection of phones for sale may be limited.
Pros:
- Share data across multiple lines
- Affordable unlimited data plan
- Bring your own phone for free
Cons:
- Only available to Xfinity internet customers
- Limited selection of phones for sale
10. PureTalk Affordable family plans with ample data
PureTalk offers a variety of prepaid plans with no contract and unlimited talk and text. Starting from $25 per month, these plans include high-speed data, and unlimited plans begin at $55 per month. PureTalk offers discounts for adding multiple lines, with 10% off for two lines, 15% off for three lines, and 20% off for four lines. This makes PureTalk an excellent option for families who want to customize their data plans while keeping costs low.
New PureTalk customers may also qualify for up to $250 off a new phone.
Pros:
- Mix-and-match data plans
- Discounts for adding multiple lines
- Up to $250 off a new phone
Cons:
- No international data options
- Limited live chat support
Choosing the Best Plan for Your Needs When selecting a cell phone plan, it’s crucial to consider your specific requirements. Ask yourself questions such as:
- What kind of cellphone user are you? Determine your usage patterns to find a plan that aligns with your needs, whether you prioritize calls, texting, or data-heavy activities like streaming videos.
- Are you choosing a plan for your entire family? Mint Mobile offers unlimited plans at a discounted rate for the first three months, while T-Mobile provides comprehensive family plans with perks like free Netflix and unlimited HD streaming.
- Is it just you and your partner? Boost Mobile and Cricket offer plans tailored for couples, with features like unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as mobile hotspot options.
- Do you have family members living abroad? Verizon is a recommended choice for international calls with competitive pricing and excellent coverage.
Remember, every individual or family has different requirements, and it’s important to be well-informed about the available options to make the best choice. By understanding your needs and evaluating the features and benefits of each plan, you can find the plan that suits you and your family while providing the most value for your money