Make the most of your new Android with one of the best cell phones plans - Android

The best cell phone plan in 2021 is T-Mobile Magenta, thanks to its 5G-focused design with a massive 100GB of premium data and full 5G access included for everyone with a compatible phone. This is a huge bonus, especially as most of the best Android phones ship with 5G support, and T-Mobile's network is comfortably in the lead for 5G coverage. If you're looking to save some money over the big postpaid carriers, there are more options than ever in prepaid from carriers like Visible and US Mobile whether you need one line or need service for the whole family.

What are the best cell phone plans?

Cell phone plans aren't just about getting as many minutes and texts as possible anymore. People are using their phones for more than ever before and have come to rely on their phone plan as an essential part of their daily lives. Getting the right plan comes down to getting enough data for your needs, using a network with coverage where you need it, and not wasting money on features you don't want.

Our top plan is T-Mobile Magenta, thanks to its focus on next-generation phones with great support for 5G phones and plenty of data to use them. T-Mobile's network has also seen major coverage improvements enabled by its acquisition of Sprint and consistent expansion on its coverage-focus band 71. T-Mobile Magenta also offers great value for families with its multi-line savings and Netflix for free with two or more lines.

When it comes to prepaid plans, Visible is a phenomenal choice with only a single plan, unlimited hotspot data, and great ways to save on your bill. Visible is built on the Verizon LTE and 5G network, and while phone support isn't great, most of the best Android phones are compatible and pretty much every iPhone. Visible only has one plan starting at just $40 per month, but if you link up with a Visible Party on Visible's website, you can bring your bill down to just $25 per month.

Visible isn't designed with families in mind, so if you're looking for great value for the whole family, Verizon Start Unlimited is your best option. You get unlimited data on Verizon's LTE network, which is still your best bet for consistent rural coverage plus nationwide 5G coverage. This plan can also be combined with Verizon's Just Kids plans if your kids aren't ready for a full phone plan. Verizon's huge network and reliable data make this plan a great choice for keeping your family connected.

T-Mobile Magenta

Best Overall

Bottom line: T-Mobile's Magenta plan allows you to make the most out of T-Mobile's growing 5G network and reliable coverage. With unlimited data, 100GB premium data, unlimited hotspot data, international features, and a Netflix subscription, the Magenta plan is the best value cell phone plan you can find today.

Pros:

• 100GB of high-speed data before deprioritization
• Multi-line discounts (third line for free)
• Unlimited hotspot data
• Unlimited international data and texting
• Taxes, fees, and Netflix included

Cons:

• SD streaming
• Expensive single line
• Netflix included with only 2+ lines
• Only 5GB of high-speed hotspot data

T-Mobile's coverage has come a long way over the years, and today this carrier offers some of the best cell phone plans you can get. T-Mobile's 5G network is the largest in the nation and already reaches more than 280 million people with Extended Range 5G. Adding even more speed and capacity is its high-performance Ultra Capacity 5G, which is available to more than 100 million Americans. There's no time like the present to join this wireless carrier, and if you're looking for great value, then look no further than T-Mobile's Magenta plan.

The Magenta plan is a reasonably affordable postpaid cell phone plan, especially when you factor in multi-line discounts. A single line on this plan will come out to be $70, with taxes and fees included in this price. You'll pay a total of $120 per month for three lines and four lines $140 per month. Because T-Mobile is such a great deal when you add a few lines, it also makes for an excellent family plan and comes with a Netflix subscription (one SD screen) included when you have at least two lines. Steaming is offered only in SD, but you can pay $3 extra for an HD day pass.

What's best about the Magenta plan is the unlimited data you'll get and the 100GB of premium data. If you consume a lot of high-speed data and want to avoid having to deal with slower speeds, this is the plan for you. You'll also get 5GB of high-speed hotspot data, which should be more than enough for anyone who occasionally tethers their device. Should you run out of your 5GB, you'll still get unlimited hotspot data just at 3G speeds.

T-Mobile's Magenta plan doesn't cease to impress when it comes to international features. With this plan, you'll be able to use your data abroad at 128Kbps. Unlimited international texting is included, as is unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of LTE data in Mexico and Canada (later unlimited at 2G speeds). This plan gives you everything you could expect from a great cell phone plan and more. It's the perfect fit for most smartphone users who like having no limits when it comes to data (premium, hotspot, or international) and appreciates T-Mobile's multi-line discounts and perks.

Best Overall

T-Mobile Magenta

• From $70/mo. at T-Mobile

The Magenta plan goes beyond most smartphone users' expectations, offering the fastest speeds on T-Mobile's vast network with 100GB of premium data.

Visible

Best Overall Prepaid

Bottom line: Visible is one of the most affordable prepaid plans available today, and it gets even better with a Party Pay discount. Along with excellent Verizon coverage, Visible gives you access to unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, and no secret taxes, fees, or contracts to tie you down.

Pros:

• Huge Verizon network
• Unlimited data
• Affordable price
• Party Pay discounts
• Taxes and fees included

Cons:

• Data speeds may slow at times of congestion
• Hotspot speed is capped
• SD streaming
• Limited international benefits
• No extra perks

Visible is a prepaid carrier operated by Verizon, and its single plan is a great fit for those that want to forget all about data caps. Along with Verizon 4G LTE and 5G coverage, this prepaid plan gets you unlimited data. Though it may be slowed down during times of congestion, at $40 per month on Verizon's network, it's certainly worth the reduced cost. With Visible, you're able to lower your monthly bill even further by joining Party Pay. Once four lines are in a "party," your bill drops down to $25 per month. Fortunately, taxes and fees are included, so what you see is what you get. Also, each account pays for its bill separately, so if your family member, friend, or roommate misses a payment, it won't affect you. It's a great plan whether you need a single line or want to take advantage of Party Pay.

In addition to unlimited data, a Visible plan comes with unlimited hotspot data. Speeds are capped at 5Mbps, but that's just enough to do some basic browsing and streaming from your local coffee shop. Streaming will, however, be in SD, and there aren't any entertainment perks like you would get with a core Verizon plan. Visible prides itself on being as simple as it gets by offering just one plan, and it's hard not to respect that. Best of all, if you don't like how things are going, you can cancel anytime. Visible doesn't have any physical stores, but you can chat with customer service 24/7 via its website or the Visible app.

One drawback of this plan is that international features are limited, and you'll get no roaming domestically or abroad. But you can call or text loved ones in Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Another caveat to note with Visible is that though it does support unlocked phones, they must be compatible with Visible's network, so you'll have to check. But if you have an eSIM, switching to Visible should be a breeze. It's a fantastic prepaid plan to consider if you're hoping to save some money but still want great coverage and unlimited data.

Best Overall Prepaid

Visible

• From $40/mo. at Visible

For only $40 a month and even less with Party Pay, Visible gives you unlimited data on Verizon's network without any hidden taxes, fees, or contracts.

Verizon Start Unlimited

Best Family Plan

Bottom line: Unlimited data on Verizon's network along with access to streaming platforms make this plan a great choice for families. With multi-line discounts, this plan is affordable, but you can save even further by adding a Just Kids plan for the little ones.

Pros:

• Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide network
• Unlimited data
• Can be combined with Just Kids plan
• Multi-line discounts
• Entertainment perks

Cons:

• No hotspot
• SD streaming
• Data may be slowed down
• Taxes and fees not included
• Entertainment perks for a limited time

Verizon Start Unlimited gives you just what you need from a cell phone plan on Verizon's network at one of this carrier's lowest prices, making it an ideal option as a family cell phone plan. Though one line on this plan will cost $70 per month plus taxes and fees, this price quickly drops down when you add a third line ($135 total per month) or a fourth line ($140 total per month). This plan doesn't come with premium data, so you could see slower data speeds when the network is busy, but you'll still get unlimited data and access to Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide network. You won't have access to its 5G Ultra Wideband network, but until its coverage improves, this shouldn't be much of a dealbreaker.

Like all of Verizon's core plans, Start Unlimited comes with perks. For six months, you'll get access to Disney+, Apple Music, and discovery+, which is a great way to try out these platforms and see which ones you really need. Streaming on this plan will be in SD, so if you can't live with that, you'll have to upgrade to a more expensive Verizon plan that offers HD streaming. Fortunately, Verizon has a mix-and-match policy when it comes to family plans. Because not everyone in a household has to be on the same plan, if you find that you want premium data along with a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ subscription, you're able to make the switch.

And as long as you have one unlimited plan, whether that be Start Unlimited or another, your younger ones can be on Verizon's "Just Kids" plan. One Just Kids plan will cost $50 per month, and the price keeps dropping as you add more lines. Your kids will get unlimited data at 5Mbps and unlimited talk and text for up to 20 contacts with this plan. Best of all, parents can relax with parental controls and location tracking in the Verizon Smart Family app. It's another great way to save some money while still getting top coverage and keeping everyone happy.

Verizon Start Unlimited isn't perfect, and unfortunately, it doesn't come with any hotspot data. Another weakness is when it comes to international features. On this plan, you get unlimited texting to 200+ countries and unlimited talk, text, and data (2G speeds after 0.5 GB per day) in Mexico and Canada. Still, you won't get unlimited data abroad like you would with some of T-Mobile's plans. Nevertheless, Start Unlimited remains one of the best Verizon plans that will satisfy most families' cellular needs.

Best Family Plan

Verizon Start Unlimited

• From $70/mo. at Verizon

Start Unlimited doesn't include premium or hotspot data, but it's Verizon's most affordable plan and will keep families (and their wallets) happy.

Mint Mobile Unlimited

Best unlimited savings

Bottom line: Mint Mobile Unlimited is the perfect plan for someone that knows they need a lot of data on a single line with great options for additional savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile's LTE and 5G network and has great phone compatibility. If it turns out you don't need unlimited, Mint Mobile will even recommend a cheaper plan at the end of your cycle.

Pros:

• Access to the full T-Mobile network with 5G
• Great phone compatibility
• Multi-month savings
• 5GB of hotspot data included
• No overages

Cons:

• Must buy at least 3 months
• No multi-line discounts

Mint Mobile delivers great network performance on the T-Mobile LTE and 5G network.. Mint has four basic plans with 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or unlimited (35GB) of high-speed data. Every Mint Mobile plan comes with unlimited talk and text in the U.S. with free calls to Mexico and Canada. 5G is included for free where available, including Ultra Capacity 5G. On top of that, this plan comes with 5GB of hotspot data to share with your other devices.

While Mint asserts that most people don't need unlimited data, signing up for its unlimited plan is one of the best ways to prove that thanks to a feature called unliMINTed. When it comes time to renew, Mint Mobile will recommend the plan that makes the most sense for you if it turns out you don't use that much data. Mint gives you another way to save with big discounts available to those willing to buy six or 12 months of service upfront. If you're not sure if Mint is a good fit, you can try your first three months for the 12-month rate.

Mint Mobile supports both international roaming and international calling with varying prices per country. For example, if you travel to the United Kingdom, calls are $0.25 per minute, texts are $0.05 each, and data is $0.20 per MB. Calling rates are much lower at $0.01 per minute for landlines. You can add funds to your roaming balance in $5, $10, or $20 increments. It's nice that this is included, but it might be worth finding another SIM with better roaming support if you travel a lot.

Mint Mobile allows you to bring the whole family with Mint Family. Mint Family allows one user to manage all of the lines on the account from one place, and you can choose a mix of whatever plans make the most sense. There is no multi-line discount, however. Finally, Mint Mobile supports just about any unlocked phone thanks to using the T-Mobile network, so if you've paid off your phone, there's a good chance you can bring it to Mint.

Best unlimited savings

Mint Mobile Unlimited

• From $30/mo. at Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile Unlimited comes with 35GB of high-speed data, 5G support, and a low price if you buy the whole year at once.

US Mobile

Best Prepaid Family Plan

Bottom line: US Mobile is one of the most unique family plans, and its features are almost too good to be true. For three or more lines, you'll pay only $25 per line (taxes and fees included) for great coverage, unlimited data with no speeds caps, international data, and even an entertainment perk or two thrown on top.

Pros:

• Choice between Verizon and T-Mobile networks
• Great deal for 3+ lines
• Unlimited data
• 5G access
• Taxes and fees included

Cons:

• Cannot switch between GSM LTE and Super LTE networks
• Extra hotspot data charge
• Limited phone selection

US Mobile offers one of the most unique family plans, mainly because this MVNO leverages Verizon's (Super LTE) and T-Mobile's (GSM LTE) networks. This means that you have the choice between the two networks depending on which one gives you better coverage. Though US Mobile offers various plans, including customizable plans, the ideal one for families is its unlimited plan. For three or more lines, you'll pay $25 per line, with all taxes and fees included, making this one of the most affordable prepaid family plans out there.

An inexpensive monthly bill isn't all that US Mobile has to offer. Along with unlimited data, your plan includes "ludicrous speeds" as well as 5G access—and no data caps. If you're on the Super LTE network, your data is uncapped and unthrottled. If you're on the GSM LTE network, you may notice slower speeds after 50GB of use. Fortunately, most people will never reach this amount, and you can rest assured that your data will be fast.

Unfortunately, the unlimited family plan doesn't come with any hotspot data, but you can add 20GB for only $10 per month. It'll count toward any high-speed data allotment, but if you're someone who doesn't always have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, it could be a good idea. Another great bonus of a US mobile plan is that you get the choice of one entertainment (music, video, or gaming) perk if you have more than three lines. With more than four lines, you get to pick two. These include a Netflix subscription, the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle, Spotify Family, Playstation Plus, etc. You're even able to stream in HD.

As if US Mobile didn't offer enough, each unlimited plan also comes with free international roaming. Depending on the country, you can get up to 10GB of high-speed 4G LTE data when you travel abroad. And if you're on the GSM LTE network, unlimited international texting is included. The major disadvantage of this prepaid plan is that purchasing a phone directly through US Mobile means you'll face a limited selection. Still, if the phone you currently own is compatible, then this family plan is one of the best deals you can find.

Best Prepaid Family

US Mobile

• From $45/mo. at US Mobile

US Mobile helps families save money while still getting great coverage, entertainment perks, fast unlimited data, and free international roaming.

Verizon Play More

Best Unlimited

Bottom line: Verizon Play More gets you unlimited data on Verizon's fast and reliable network, along with just enough hotspot data and some