9 Best Prepaid Phone Plans of 2026

This list is for people who want a phone plan with no contract and no credit check, paid one month at a time or prepaid for a short term. We compared documented features and published prices on each carrier's own plan pages in November 2026, covering both the prepaid brands of the three big networks and the smaller online carriers that run on them. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. The starting price is the cheapest plan a new single line can buy in USD per month, with the condition attached (AutoPay, prepayment or a first-month surcharge) stated beside it. Several carriers add taxes and fees on top, so check whether the price you see is the full bill.

1. 01Top value

   

   Visible

   8.9/10

   Online prepaid carrier on Verizon's network with flat unlimited plans that include taxes and fees.

   Price

   $25per line per month, taxes and fees included

   Visible $25 per month and Visible+ $35, with Visible+ Pro above that, all with taxes and fees included; code HOLIDAYHACK cuts the base plan to $19 a month for 1 year

   “Unlimited data, powered by Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, for $25/mo taxes and fees included.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Free trial

   15 days

   Value (40%)

   9.3

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.9

   Best forSingle-line buyers who want unlimited data on a major network for one predictable monthly price.

   Visible is the cleanest answer for a prepaid buyer who wants unlimited data and no surprises. The base plan costs $25 a month for unlimited data, talk and text on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, and its Broadband Facts label states that the price is not an introductory rate, needs no contract, carries no early termination fee and already includes government taxes. The plan includes unlimited hotspot at 5 Mbps and unlimited talk and text from the US to Canada and Mexico. Visible+ at $35 moves you to premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network with hotspot up to 10 Mbps, and Visible+ Pro adds calling to 85+ destinations and smartwatch service. In November 2026 the code HOLIDAYHACK cut the base plan to $19 a month for a year. A 15-day free trial with no credit card lets you check coverage first. The trade-offs are default 480p video on the base plan and the need for Visible+ to get premium data.

   • ✓The $25 price is the whole bill, with taxes and fees included
   • ✓No contract, no early termination fee and no one-time purchase fee
   • ✓Free trial lets you test coverage before porting your number

   • ✕Video defaults to 480p unless you change it in account settings
   • ✕Ultra Wideband and faster hotspot need Visible+ or Visible+ Pro
   • ✕Promo codes that set the lowest prices change through the year

   Cheapest plan:

   $25 a month, unlimited data

   Network:

   Verizon 5G and 4G LTE

   Taxes and fees:

   Included in the price

   Free trial:

   15 days

   Bottom line: Visible gives the most for the money on one line: unlimited data on Verizon for $25 with nothing added at checkout. Step up to Visible+ only if you need premium data or faster hotspot.

   Visit visible.com ↗

2. 02

   

   Tello

   8.6/10

   Prepaid carrier that lets you build a plan from data and minute options and change it any time.

   Price

   $10per line per month

   Starter 2GB with unlimited talk and text $10 per month; Everyday 10GB $15 ($10 for the first 3 months); Power 20GB $20; Max unlimited $25

   “Starter 2 GB Data + Unlimited Talk & Text $10 /mo” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.4

   Features (35%)

   7.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forLight users and Wi-Fi-heavy households who want the lowest monthly bill.

   Tello suits prepaid buyers who want to pay only for what they use. Its build-your-own page lets you pick data from none to unlimited and minutes from none to unlimited, with unlimited text on every plan. The ready-made plans are Starter at $10 a month for 2GB with unlimited talk and text, Everyday at $15 for 10GB ($10 for the first 3 months in November 2026), Power at $20 for 20GB and Max at $25 for unlimited data. The unlimited plan gives 50GB at full 5G speed with 10GB of hotspot before speeds drop, and unused high-speed data rolls over. Every calling plan includes free calls to 60+ countries, and Wi-Fi calling is free. Tello says you can upgrade, downgrade or cancel a line at any time without penalty, which fits month-to-month buyers well. Taxes come on top of the plan price, and the extras are thinner than at the bigger carriers.

   • ✓$10 a month is the lowest starting price in this list
   • ✓Upgrade, downgrade or cancel a line any time with no penalty
   • ✓International calls to 60+ countries are built into calling plans

   • ✕Unlimited data slows after 50GB at full 5G speed
   • ✕Taxes are added on top of the plan price
   • ✕Fewer extras such as streaming perks than larger carriers

   Cheapest plan:

   $10 a month, 2GB and unlimited talk and text

   Unlimited plan:

   $25 a month, 50GB at full speed

   Plan changes:

   Any time, free of charge

   International calls:

   Free to 60+ countries with minutes

   Bottom line: Tello is the cheapest dependable entry point at $10 a month, and its free plan changes make it easy to adjust as your use changes. Heavy streamers will get more from Visible or US Mobile at $25.

   Visit tello.com ↗

3. 03

   

   US Mobile

   8.6/10

   Online carrier that sells unlimited and by-the-gig plans across more than one network.

   Price

   $25per line per month, taxes and fees included

   Unlimited Starter $25 per month and Unlimited Premium $44, taxes and fees included; port-ins pay $15 and $25 for the first 6 months; annual billing saves up to 43%

   “Renews at $25/mo. after 6 mos.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   8.7

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.8

   Best forBuyers who want a choice of networks, taxes included and an optional premium tier for travel.

   US Mobile is a no-commitment online carrier that sells unlimited, by-the-gig and custom plans, with taxes and fees included in every listed price. Unlimited Starter costs $25 a month and includes unlimited high-speed data and 20GB of hotspot. Unlimited Premium costs $44 and adds unlimited priority data, 20GB of roaming in 180+ countries and a free smartwatch plan on one of its networks. In November 2026, people porting a number in paid $15 and $25 for the first 6 months before the plans renew at $25 and $44. Paying annually saves up to 43%. International roaming is free on Premium and $15 a month on other plans, charged only for the months you need it. The company says it has no retail locations and offers 24/7 support. The extra network and add-on choices are useful but mean more decisions than a single-plan carrier like Visible.

   • ✓Taxes and fees are included in the plan price
   • ✓No commitments, with monthly billing available
   • ✓Premium tier bundles international roaming that others sell as add-ons

   • ✕Choosing between networks and add-ons takes more reading
   • ✕No retail stores, by the company's own description
   • ✕The $15 and $25 rates are port-in offers for 6 months only

   Cheapest unlimited:

   $25 a month, Unlimited Starter

   Premium plan:

   $44 a month, Unlimited Premium

   Taxes and fees:

   Included

   Roaming:

   Free on Unlimited Premium, $15 a month on other plans

   Bottom line: US Mobile matches Visible's $25 price with taxes included and gives frequent travelers a better premium option. Pick it if you want network choice and do not mind a few more settings.

   Visit usmobile.com ↗

4. 04

   

   Mint Mobile

   8.5/10

   Prepaid carrier that sells 3, 6 and 12-month plans paid upfront on T-Mobile's network.

   Price

   $15per month, new-customer rate prepaid for 3 to 12 months

   New customers pay $15 per month on every plan, prepaid as $45 for 3 months, $90 for 6 or $180 for 12; regular 3-month prices run $25 to $45 a month; taxes and fees extra

   “Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month plan, $90 for 6-month plan, or $180 for 12-month plan (each equiv. to $15/mo.) req’d.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.3

   Features (35%)

   8.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.9

   Best forNew customers willing to prepay a few months to get the lowest monthly equivalent.

   Mint Mobile is prepaid in the literal sense: you buy 3, 6 or 12 months of service upfront. New customers pay the equivalent of $15 a month on every plan, which means $45 for 3 months, $90 for 6 or $180 for 12, whether they choose 6GB, 17GB, 23GB or unlimited. Every plan includes unlimited talk and text, free mobile hotspot and free calling to Mexico, Canada and the UK. Mint's Broadband Facts labels show the regular 3-month price after the intro term at $25 for 6GB, $35 for 17GB, $40 for unlimited and $45 for 23GB, and they list no early termination fees. Taxes and a recovery fee of $1.88 to $2.58 a month are added on top. Unlimited users who pass 50GB in a month may see slower speeds when the network is busy, and video streams in SD. For a buyer who wants to pay strictly month to month, the upfront payment is the main drawback.

   • ✓$15 a month on any plan for a new customer's first term
   • ✓No early termination fees on its Broadband Facts labels
   • ✓Calling to Mexico, Canada and the UK is included

   • ✕Requires $45 to $180 upfront rather than a monthly bill
   • ✕Renews at full price, up to $45 a month on a 3-month term
   • ✕Taxes and a monthly recovery fee are added on top

   Intro price:

   $15 a month on any plan

   Upfront payment:

   $45, $90 or $180

   Regular 3-month price:

   $25 to $45 a month

   Unlimited slowdown:

   May slow after 50GB a month when busy

   Bottom line: Mint gives the lowest monthly equivalent for unlimited data in this list during a new customer's first term. It ranks below Visible because you must prepay and the renewal price is higher.

   Visit mintmobile.com ↗

5. 05

   

   AT&T Prepaid

   8.3/10

   AT&T's own prepaid brand with unlimited plans on the AT&T network.

   Price

   $20per month, $240 prepaid for 12 months

   12-month unlimited $20 per month when you prepay $240; Unlimited $25 per month with a 5-year price lock; Unlimited Saver $35; Unlimited Enhanced Plus $45; taxes and fees extra

   “12-month unlimited $20.00 per month.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.7

   Features (35%)

   8.1

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.0

   Best forSingle-line buyers who want AT&T's network and are happy to prepay a year or lock a price.

   AT&T Prepaid gives no-contract buyers direct access to AT&T's network at prices close to the online carriers. The cheapest option is 12-month unlimited at $20 a month, which requires a $240 prepayment, a new single line and an online order; it includes 10GB of hotspot and slows to 1.5Mbps after 16GB. For month-to-month buyers, the Unlimited plan costs $25 a month with a 5-year price lock for new single-line customers, with 30GB at up to 3Mbps before slowing. Unlimited Saver is $35, Unlimited Enhanced Plus is $45 with 10GB of hotspot and use in Mexico and Canada, and Unlimited Ultra was $45 for 6 months before rising to $60, with data that does not slow based on usage. All plans include unlimited text from the US to over 230 countries and ActiveArmor spam call blocking. Taxes and fees are added, and the speed caps on cheaper tiers suit browsing more than heavy video.

   • ✓$25 monthly unlimited with a 5-year price lock for new single lines
   • ✓Multi-line savings of up to $20 a month per line on qualifying plans
   • ✓Range of plans from $20 to $60 on one network

   • ✕The $20 rate needs $240 upfront and slows after 16GB
   • ✕Lower plans slow from 3Mbps to 1.5Mbps after 30GB
   • ✕Taxes and fees are extra

   Cheapest plan:

   $20 a month with $240 prepaid

   Monthly unlimited:

   $25 a month, 5-year price lock

   Network:

   AT&T

   Taxes and fees:

   Extra

   Bottom line: AT&T Prepaid is the best way to use AT&T's network without a contract, and the $25 price lock is strong for one line. Data speed caps on the lower plans keep it behind Visible and US Mobile.

   Visit att.com ↗

6. 06

   

   Boost Mobile

   8.3/10

   No-contract carrier with unlimited plans and a $25 price it promises not to raise.

   Price

   $25per line per month with AutoPay

   Unlimited $25 per month with AutoPay ($30 without), $10 a month for the first 6 months for new customers; Global Connection $40; Unlimited+ $50

   “Unlimited $25 $10/mo for the first 6 months, then $25 forever.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.9

   Features (35%)

   7.7

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forBuyers who want a low unlimited price with no credit check and a money-back window.

   Boost Mobile pitches its plans directly at prepaid buyers and states on its plans page that no contracts or credit checks are required. The base Unlimited plan costs $25 a month with AutoPay, or $30 without, and Boost says that price stays the same with no hidden fees. In November 2026, new customers paid $10 a month for the first 6 months, and a limited offer raised premium data from 30GB to 50GB for the first 2 months. After 30GB of premium data, speeds may drop to 512kbps. Global Connection costs $40 with AutoPay and adds 40GB of premium data, unlimited calls to over 100 countries and 1GB of global roaming. Unlimited+ costs $50, includes mobile hotspot and offers $20 off for 2 lines or $40 off for 3. A 30-day money-back guarantee lowers the risk of switching. Hotspot is missing from the cheaper plans, which limits the base plan for laptop users.

   • ✓No contracts or credit checks required, by Boost's own description
   • ✓$10 a month for the first 6 months for new customers
   • ✓30 days to get your money back if it does not work out

   • ✕Speeds may drop to 512kbps after 30GB on the base plan
   • ✕$5 more a month without AutoPay
   • ✕Hotspot is only listed on Unlimited+

   Cheapest plan:

   $25 a month with AutoPay

   Intro offer:

   $10 a month for 6 months

   Credit check:

   Not required

   Guarantee:

   30-day money back

   Bottom line: Boost is a good fit for prepaid buyers who want an unlimited plan at $25 with a promise that the price will not change. Visible and US Mobile give more at the same price, but Boost's intro rate is lower.

   Visit boostmobile.com ↗

7. 07

   

   Cricket Wireless

   8.2/10

   AT&T-owned prepaid carrier with taxes-included plans and retail stores.

   Price

   $30per line per month with Auto Pay

   Sensible 10GB $30 per month with Auto Pay; Select Unlimited $35; Smart Unlimited $45; Supreme Unlimited $55; first month is $5 more; taxes included

   “Sensible™ 10GB $ 30 /mo per month with Auto Pay” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.0

   Features (35%)

   8.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forBuyers who want an in-person store, taxes in the price and AT&T's 5G network.

   Cricket Wireless is AT&T's longtime prepaid brand and the main pick here for people who want a store to walk into. Its Broadband Facts labels state that monthly prices are not introductory, need no contract and include government taxes, though a $25 activation fee applies only in Cricket stores. Sensible 10GB costs $30 a month with Auto Pay and slows to 128 Kbps after the allowance. Select Unlimited costs $35 with Auto Pay, Smart Unlimited $45 with 15GB of hotspot and 100GB of cloud storage, and Supreme Unlimited $55 with unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of hotspot, 150GB of cloud storage and HBO Max Basic with Ads. The first month on each plan costs $5 more. Plans run on AT&T's nationwide 5G network, and the unlimited tiers include unlimited calls and texts from the US to Mexico and Canada. Video is limited to SD on most tiers, and the starting price is higher than Tello, Visible or US Mobile.

   • ✓Taxes are included, so the bill matches the plan price
   • ✓Retail stores for in-person help
   • ✓Unlimited calls and texts from the US to Mexico and Canada on unlimited tiers

   • ✕$25 activation fee when you sign up in a Cricket store
   • ✕Starting price of $30 is higher than the online carriers
   • ✕Lower plans cap video at SD and lack hotspot

   Cheapest plan:

   $30 a month with Auto Pay, 10GB

   Cheapest unlimited:

   $35 a month with Auto Pay

   Network:

   AT&T 5G

   In-store activation fee:

   $25

   Bottom line: Cricket is the prepaid carrier to choose if you want taxes included and a store nearby. Online-only carriers are cheaper for the same amount of data.

   Visit cricketwireless.com ↗

8. 08

   

   T-Mobile Prepaid

   8.0/10

   T-Mobile's own prepaid line with monthly plans on its 5G network.

   Price

   $40per line per month with AutoPay, taxes and fees extra

   Starter Monthly $40 per month with AutoPay for 15GB; Unlimited Monthly $45; Unlimited Plus Monthly $60; first month is $5 more; taxes and fees extra

   “Starter Monthly $40/mo. with AutoPay” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.4

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forPeople who want T-Mobile's network and brand on a monthly prepaid plan.

   T-Mobile Prepaid sells monthly plans on T-Mobile's 5G network with a 5-year price guarantee on talk, text and 5G data. Starter Monthly costs $40 a month with AutoPay and includes unlimited talk and text and 15GB of 5G data. Unlimited Monthly costs $45 with AutoPay and includes unlimited mobile hotspot at 3G speeds, with heavy users above 35GB a month possibly seeing lower speeds during congestion. Unlimited Plus Monthly costs $60 with 5GB of high-speed hotspot and added international benefits. The first month on each plan is $5 higher, AutoPay requires a debit card or bank account, and without it the price rises $5 per line. The fine print lists a $35 device connection charge and says credit approval and a deposit may be required, which matters for buyers choosing prepaid to avoid a credit check. Taxes and fees are added on top. The network and price guarantee are strong, but the online carriers charge less.

   • ✓5-year price guarantee on talk, text and data
   • ✓Unlimited plan includes unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds
   • ✓A plan option for people who split time between the US, Mexico and Canada

   • ✕$40 starting price is the highest in this list
   • ✕$35 device connection charge and $5 more per line without AutoPay
   • ✕Plan fine print says credit approval and a deposit may be required

   Cheapest plan:

   $40 a month with AutoPay, 15GB

   Unlimited:

   $45 a month with AutoPay

   Price guarantee:

   5 years

   Taxes and fees:

   Extra

   Bottom line: T-Mobile Prepaid is worth it if you want T-Mobile's own brand and a long price guarantee. Mint Mobile and US Mobile reach similar coverage for less.

   Visit t-mobile.com ↗

9. 09

   

   Verizon Prepaid

   7.9/10

   Verizon's own prepaid service with no annual contract or credit check.

   Price

   $35per line per month with Auto Pay, taxes and fees extra

   15GB plan $35 per month with Auto Pay ($45 the first month); Unlimited Plus $70; multi-line discounts bring 4 unlimited lines to $35 each with Auto Pay; taxes and fees extra

   “You can choose prepaid plans starting at $35/mo with Auto Pay” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.2

   Features (35%)

   8.5

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forBuyers who want Verizon's brand, stores and 5G Ultra Wideband on a prepaid plan.

   Verizon Prepaid offers three phone plans on Verizon's nationwide 5G network, and its prepaid page states there is no annual contract, no credit check and no activation fee when you bring your own device. The cheapest plan is 15GB for $35 a month with Auto Pay after a $45 first month. Unlimited Plus costs $70 and is the only phone plan with 5G Ultra Wideband access, which Verizon says includes 4K UHD streaming on capable devices; it also qualifies for Global Choice calling to one country. Every prepaid phone plan carries a 3-year price lock on the base monthly rate, excluding taxes and fees. Families do better here than single lines: with Multiline and Auto Pay discounts, 4 unlimited lines total $140 a month, or $35 each. Phones bought from Verizon stay locked for 365 days. For one line, Visible gives unlimited data on the same network for less.

   • ✓No credit check and no annual contract, stated on the prepaid page
   • ✓Strong family pricing: 4 unlimited lines for $140 a month with discounts
   • ✓3-year price lock on every prepaid phone plan

   • ✕$35 start buys only 15GB, and the first month is $45
   • ✕Ultra Wideband is limited to the $70 Unlimited Plus plan
   • ✕Phones bought from Verizon are locked for 365 days

   Cheapest plan:

   $35 a month with Auto Pay, 15GB

   Top plan:

   $70 Unlimited Plus

   Price lock:

   3 years

   Credit check:

   None

   Bottom line: Verizon Prepaid makes sense for families of four who want Verizon stores and premium 5G without a contract. A single line costs less on Visible, which uses the same network.

   Visit verizon.com ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.