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Determining what to look for in a cell phone service is harder than it should be, thanks to the slew of providers and plans on the market.
The best cell phone plan for you will depend on your needs. Ask yourself (and answer) these questions to nab your top plan, and hopefully lower your cell phone bill.
Which cellular network works best in your area?
When it comes to the usability of your cell phone, signal quality matters most, and that quality can vary based on your location.
If you’re unhappy with the quality of your current connection, check coverage maps and ask local acquaintances about their experiences on other networks before you settle on a new plan that uses a different network.
J.D. Power’s 2024 study of more than 255,500 wireless customers may also give you an indication of which of the major networks may work best for you, based on U.S. region:
- In the Mid-Atlantic region, Verizon Wireless ranks highest for network quality.
- In the North Central region, UScellular and Verizon Wireless rank highest.
- In the Northeast region, Verizon Wireless ranks highest.
- In the Southeast region, Verizon Wireless ranks highest.
- In the Southwest region, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless rank highest.
- In the West region, Verizon Wireless ranks highest.
Is there a cheaper brand in your network?
Say you already buy a plan directly from one of the big three carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon — and like the coverage but not the price. You may be able to save money by switching to a brand with cheap cell phone plans that run on the same network. Take these for example:
- Visible is a subsidiary of Verizon that uses its network.
- Mint Mobile is a T-Mobile subsidiary and runs on its network.
- Cricket Wireless is owned and operated by AT&T.
- Consumer Cellular resells service on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
» Cut your cell phone bill: Use this script and save
Should you choose postpaid or prepaid?
Postpaid plans tend to include perks and priority data, while prepaid plans are typically cheaper.
Postpaid
With a postpaid plan, you pay for service after the fact and will likely need a credit check to qualify. These pricier plans from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon tend to feature unlimited data, come bundled with perks like a streaming service subscription and give you the opportunity to finance a new phone when you sign up.
These plans also often place users higher in the pecking order when it comes to priority data (more on that in the next section).
Prepaid
With prepaid plans, you pay in advance. Even the ones offered directly from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, tend to be more straightforward, in that they’re not bloated with extras you may not need. They usually don’t require a credit check and often cost less than postpaid plans.
The potential for deprioritized data can be the tradeoff with prepaid plans. That means there is the possibility that the network owner may reduce data speeds for prepaid plan users during times of congestion, like a crowded sporting event or popular vacation spot during peak season.
That said, some prepaid brands offer plans with premium data that they say won’t be slowed during congestion. “Premium” is the operative word if you’re shopping for a plan with data that will remain fast.
Do you need a family cell phone plan?
Adding lines to flagship unlimited plans from AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon will bring down the cost of service per line. Multi-line plans from the big three may be the preference for a parent or guardian who wants to maintain control of all plans under one primary account.
Typical cost for a flagship family plan with unlimited data
Expect to pay around $200 a month plus possible taxes and fees for four lines of a top-tier unlimited plan from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Compare that with an average of roughly $85 for just one line on a top-tier plan.
Family plans on a budget
Not all budget prepaid carriers offer family plan options, but some do. For example, Cricket has family plans, and offers a no-frills unlimited data plan with four lines for $100 a month, taxes included. Cricket’s site notes data may be slowed during congestion though.
» See our list: best international cell phone plans
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What plans are best for older adults?
If you’re an older adult, it’s worth shopping around for a discount. Of the big three carriers, AT&T is compelling based on price. For $35 per month per line, assuming you opt for two lines, you’ll get unlimited talk, text and data.
Another option is T-Mobile’s Experience More, which costs $55 each per month for unlimited talk, text and data if you opt for two lines.
Verizon has a plan for older adults, too, but it is solely available to Floridians and more expensive than other options.
For any consumer not planning to use much data, Consumer Cellular offers an unlimited talk and text plan with just 1GB of data for $20 a month, plus taxes and fees.
» See our list: best cell phone plans for seniors
Is it time for you to switch to a better plan?
It’s easy to lose track and get stuck paying too much for an essential service like a cell phone plan. But as you review your budget and look for areas to cut costs. A new, cheaper plan may do just the trick.
And if you’re sticking with a flagship postpaid plan just to finance a phone, buying a used cell phone could be cheaper in the long run.
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