You want to get a new cell phone plan, but you're not sure where to start. You have a lot of options when you're only shopping for a one-line plan. In this article, I'll tell you about the best single line cell phone plans!
What To Look For In A Single Line Cell Phone Plan
The most important thing to do before signing up for a new single line plan is make sure the carrier has coverage in your area. The best single line cell phone plan in the world is useless if you can't get a signal. Make sure to take a look at our coverage maps to see which carriers have the best service where you live!
Next, you'll have to figure out how much data you need. Since it's just one line, you won't have to worry about deciding between fixed-line or shared data.
Most people don't need an unlimited plan, especially now that free Wi-Fi is available in most places. Both iPhones and Androids have built-in settings that will tell you how much data you've over the course of a month. Most carriers have free apps that will do the same.
Unlimited data plans aren't really “unlimited” either. They have high-speed data caps, usually around 25 GB per month. We prefer prepaid plans because they're less expensive and have enough high-speed data to get your through the month. Most prepaid plans let you continue using cellular data at slower speeds after you've used your high-speed allotment.
Can I Keep My Phone When I Switch Plans?
Cell phones are expensive and you probably like the one you have now. Each of the plans we recommend below give you the option to bring your phone with you when you switch. Each carrier has a handy tool that will let you know whether or not your current phone is compatible with their network.
Is 5G Coverage Worth It?
As carriers start including 5G coverage with more plans, it's worth taking into consideration whether or not you need a plan with 5G coverage.
5G coverage has been rapidly expanding over the past couple years. Carriers have been making big investments in low-band, mid-band, and high-band 5G infrastructure.
Despite the sometimes faster speeds, we don't think access to 5G should be a significant factor when you're deciding to switch to a different carrier or plan. 5G isn't widely available yet, and the most useful 5G for consumers (mid-band) won't be widely available until later 2021.
If the plan you like already includes 5G, that's great! Just don't pay extra for it.
Single Line Plan Discounts
Discounts can be hard to come by with single line plans. The average price per line of a cell phone typically drops when you start adding lines thanks to multi-line discounts. The easiest way to save money on your family's cell phone plan by signing up for a multi-line plan. Check out our other article to learn about the best family plans!
Many carriers do offer paperless billing and autopay discounts ranging from $5–10 for single line cell phone plans. Paperless billing and autopay are convenient for you too, as they'll help you avoid forgetting to renew your cell phone plan.
Single Line Plans Comparison
| Plan | Minutes | Messages | Data | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello Economy | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 GB | $10 / month |
| AT&T Prepaid | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 GB | $25 / month |
| Verizon Prepaid | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 GB | $25 / month |
| Tello Mobile Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $39 / month |
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $70 / month |
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 GB | $25 / month |
| Twigby | 200 | Unlimited | 3 GB | $20 / month |
| Ting Mobile Set 5 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 GB | $20 / month |
| TextNow | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $39.99 / month |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 / month |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30 / month |
Tello Mobile Economy Plan
Tello Mobile's Economy Plan is a great deal for individuals on a tight budget. For just $10 / month, you'll get unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and 1 GB of data.
This plan includes access to mobile hotspot, but with just 1 GB of cellular data, you won't get much mileage out of it. You can also use your minutes to make calls to Canada, China, and Mexico.
You'll never be charged overages on this plan. Instead, after you use your monthly gigabyte of high-speed data, you'll be able to continue using cellular data at throttled speeds.
This is a no contract cell phone plan and it automatically renews after 30 days. If you need more than 1 GB of data, you can upgrade at any time for free.
AT&T Prepaid Plan
AT&T is currently offering an amazing deal on their prepaid cell phone plan. $25 / month gets you unlimited messages and minutes, 8 GB of high-speed data, and access to mobile hotspot. The only catch is that you have to pay for the year upfront, which works out to roughly $300 plus taxes and fees.
You can continue to use data at throttled speeds if you use your 8 GB of high-speed data. This plan also includes Stream Saver, which helps you cut down on data usage by streaming videos at 480p.
Verizon Prepaid Plan
This is the cell phone plan I have and I absolutely love it. Your Verizon Prepaid Plan includes 5 GB of 4G LTE data, mobile hotspot, and unlimited minutes and messages. Just like the other plans we've recommended, there are no overages.
Verizon lets you continue to use data at slower speeds if you exceed your monthly high-speed allotment. This plan also includes rollover data, so whatever you don't lose the data you don't use!
There's a 15 GB and an Unlimited version of this plan if you decide that 5 gigabytes isn't a great fit. Since this is a no contract plan, it's easy to upgrade or downgrade.
T-Mobile Magenta Plan
If you're interested in a premium unlimited plan, look no further. The T-Mobile Magenta Plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data. On top of that, you'll be able to enjoy 3 GB of 4G LTE hotspot data and a Basic Netflix subscription.
This is a great cell phone plan for individuals who like to travel a lot. The Magenta plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and 5 GB in Mexico and Canada. T-Mobile lets you send unlimited texts and use unlimited 2G in more than two hundred other countries too.
Being a T-Mobile subscriber has some other perks too. You'll have access to T-Mobile Tuesdays, a rewards program for customers that includes discounts at restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and more.
Mint Mobile Prepaid Plans
Mint Mobile offers a 12-month single line plan with 4 GB of high-speed data for just $15 / month. If 3 GB isn't enough, Mint also has 10 GB and 15 GB versions of this plan. These plans includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and 5G access.
If you already have a phone, you can bring it with you! Mint Mobile will send you a SIM card which will activate your phone on their network.
You won't be charged for overages if you exceed your data limit. Instead, your data speeds will be throttled.
Twigby
Twigby's Smartphone Value Plan that comes with your choice of 3, 5, or 10 GB of data. Similar to Mint, this is a prepaid plan that’s great for people who only need a small amount of data access. Twigby’s plan includes unlimited minutes and messages.
This plan also offers unlimited international messages, allowing you to send a receive messages from across the globe as long as you’re in the United States. Twigby does charge for data overages, but you can prevent these by turning on their Overage Protection feature.
Ting Mobile Set 5 GB Plan
This new plan from Ting Mobile is a great option for individuals who want an affordable plan that still includes a fair amount of cellular data. For just $25 each month, this plan includes 5 GB of cellular data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited messages. Your monthly data allotment can be used for mobile hotspot.
Ting Mobile was acquired by Dish as part of the T-Mobile and Sprint merger. For now, Ting Mobile customers will get coverage through T-Mobile's nationwide network. This includes both 4G LTE and 5G. T-Mobile is currently leading the way in terms of 5G implementation, so we strongly recommend Ting Mobile if you're someone who really wants reliable 5G coverage.
This plan has no contracts or overage charges. If you use all 5 GB on this plan, you can continue using data at slower speeds for free. Ting Mobile Set 5 GB also gives you the option to purchase additional high-speed data by the gigabyte.
Single Line Unlimited Plans
Unlimited data plans can be a great choice when deciding between the different wireless plans. From not having to worry about going over your allotted monthly data to enjoying constant high speed data access, unlimited plans feature something for almost everyone.
TextNow
TextNow offers a very affordable unlimited plan for just $39.99 per month plus taxes and fees. This plan includes 23 GB of 4G LTE data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited messages. After using 23 GB of premium data, your speeds will be throttled.
This plan also includes other benefits such as high-speed group texting, conference calling, and voicemail transcription. Similar to some of the other plans we’ve covered, TextNow doesn’t charge for overages on any of its plans.
Verizon
The Verizon Do More Unlimited plan features high-quality service without high prices attached. This major carrier prices the unlimited plan at $90 per month, but after adding in the $10 AutoPay and paperless billing discount, your cost for one line comes out to just $80 / month. You can save even more if you add multiple lines to your plan!
With no overage charges, Verizon’s plan includes unlimited messages, unlimited minutes, and up to 50 GB of high-speed per month. You can continue using data at throttled speeds if you exceed the high-speed data cap. International texting, an Apple Music subscription, and 15 GB of 4G LTE mobile hospital are also included.
Mint Mobile Unlimited Plan
Regardless of data needs, Mint Mobile's single line unlimited plan is a great option for all to consider. The $30 monthly charge includes unlimited data, minutes, and messages as well as 5 GB of mobile hotspot. In order to keep the $30 per month rate, you have to renew your plan for a year once the intro offer runs out.
Subscribers of this plan can enjoy 4G LTE or 5G speeds from T-Mobile's cellular network. Your phone will normally connect to whichever is fastest, as long as you have a 5G phone.
You can keep your phone when you switch to Mint Mobile. They'll send you a startup kit that includes a SIM card, which you can easily insert into your phone to activate your plan.
Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan has a high-speed data cap of 35 GB. Once you've used that allotment, your speeds will be throttled. However, you can keep using data and you won't be charged overages.
Hitting A Home Run On A Single Line Plan
You've found a great new cell phone plan! We know comparing cell phone plans can be difficult, so check out our plan tool if you want to do more research. Leave a comment below if you have any other questions about the best single line cell phone plans.
