AT&T’s unlimited data plans range from $65-$85 per month for a single line. However, you can access AT&T’s network for a fraction of the cost with an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Using an MVNO is a great way to get a cheap phone plan.
Over the past few years, Team Clark has tried out a handful of low-cost cell phone carriers that use AT&T’s network.
In this article, I’ll take a close look at the best and cheapest AT&T MVNOs.
This article was updated in July 2024 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
- 50GB of premium high-speed data that can be shared via mobile hotspot
- Global Talk & Text and North America Connect included
- Get four lines for $25 each ($100/month total).
- Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data that slows during congestion
- Get 2 lines for $50/month or 4 lines for $100/month
- Each line gets 10GB of LTE data before reduced speeds
Save on Your Cell Phone Bill With an AT&T MVNO
AT&T is a well-known cell phone provider that offers reliable coverage across the United States. Unfortunately, unlimited data plans start at $65.99 for a single line from AT&T.
If you know that AT&T has good service in your area but you don’t want to pay full price for an AT&T phone plan, consider an MVNO that runs on the same towers. AT&T MVNOs provide access to the same service for a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can find plans as low as $8.33 per month when you pay a year in advance with H2O Wireless.
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Below, you’ll find more information on these MVNOs including links to their coverage maps and our picks for the best phone plan from each.
Boost Mobile
Best Hotspot Plan
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Price:
$60 (taxes & fees included)
Multiline Discounts:
None
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
50GB high-speed data
Data Cap Overage:
Speeds reduced to 512Kbps after 50GB
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Boost Mobile and Boost Infinite have recently merged to become one cell phone service provider under Boost Mobile’s new brand. The company has also launched its own 5G network while still partnering with AT&T and T-Mobile to provide coverage to 99% of the country.
Until now, Boost Mobile has offered prepaid phone plans beginning as low as $8.33/month (paid annually). Alternatively, Boost Infinite has offered postpaid plans beginning as low as $25 for unlimited talk, text and data. Now, Boost Mobile offers both prepaid and postpaid unlimited plans that begin at $25/month. The Unlimited Premium plan ($60) includes unlimited talk, text and data (50GB high-speed data). All of your high-speed data can be shared via mobile hotspot with this plan.
If you’re thinking about switching to Boost Mobile, be sure to check its coverage map online. You may also be able to bring your own phone to save even more. Check your phone’s compatibility here before switching.
To learn more about Boost Mobile before you make the decision to switch, read our full review here.
Cricket Wireless
Best Family Phone Plan
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Price:
$55/month (taxes included; $50 rate available w/ autopay)
Multiline Discounts:
$40 for 2, $30 for 3, $25 for 4
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
No
Data Cap Overage:
Speeds may be slowed during congestion.
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If you’re looking for a family phone plan with multiple lines on AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless is an MVNO to consider.
The Cricket Wireless Unlimited plan is available for $55 per month for one line, but that price drops to $40 per line for two lines, $30 per line for three lines or $25 per line for four or more lines. That means that a family of four can get Cricket Wireless for $100 a month in total! The plan includes unlimited high-speed data, but speeds may slow during congestion. It also includes unlimited text and calls, SD video streaming, Mexico and Canada usage and unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries. The plan does not include mobile hotspot, but you can add 10GB for $10 per month.
Be sure to check out Cricket Wireless’ coverage map before you decide to switch. Also, test your phone online to see if you can bring it with you to your new plan. To learn more about Cricket Wireless, read our full review here.
H2O Wireless
Cheapest Phone Plan for Two
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Price:
$25 per line per month (plus taxes & fees)
Multiline Discounts:
2-4 lines for $25 per line
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
5GB
Data Cap Overage:
40GB per line
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H2O Wireless is another MVNO that runs on AT&T’s towers. They offer several prepaid monthly plans for one line starting at $18 per month for 3GB of high-speed data. But if you’re shopping for two to four lines, H2O Wireless’ multi-line plans are worth checking out. For $25 per line, each line will get 40GB of LTE data, unlimited talk, text and 2G data, unlimited international talk to 70 countries and unlimited international texting. This data plan won H2O Wireless the award of the cheapest phone plan for two lines on Clark.com.
If you’re shopping for a single line, H2O Wirelss’ annual plans are also a great way to save. You can get 1GB of high-speed data monthly plus unlimited talk and text for $100 for 12 months. That works out to $8.33 per month! Once you’ve reached your high-speed data allotment each month, you’ll have access to unlimited data at slower speeds. Additional annual plans include 3GB of high-speed data for $150 ($12.50/month) or 10GB of high-speed data for $300 ($25/month).
If you’re thinking about switching to H2O Wireless, enter your ZIP code on the coverage map to make sure you’ll have service at home. You may also be able to bring your own phone when you switch to save even more.
Consumer Cellular
Best Cell Phone Plan for Seniors
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Price:
$25/month (plus taxes & fees)
Multiline Discounts:
$40/month for 2, $55/month for 3
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
5GB
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
If you go over 5GB, you’ll be upgraded automatically to the next plan.
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Consumer Cellular is an MVNO that runs on AT&T’s network. AARP members can also get a 5% discount with Consumer Cellular phone plans. Although its prices aren’t the lowest, the carrier makes our list for its high consumer satisfaction scores and Consumer Reports ratings. Consumer Cellular has also won the award for best overall plan for seniors on Clark.com.
Consumer Cellular offers four different plans including 5GB of data for $25 per month for one line. For twice the data, you can get 10GB for $35 per month. Unlimited plans begin at $50 per month for a single line. Alternatively, if you don’t need much data, you can also get 1GB for $20 per month on one line with Consumer Cellular. Multiline discounts are also available for each plan.
If you’re thinking about switching to Consumer Cellular, make sure you’ll have service first by checking the coverage map online. You can also enter your unlocked phone’s IMEI number to see if it’s compatible with a Consumer Cellular SIM card. For more information about Consumer Cellular before you switch, read our full review here.
Red Pocket
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Price:
$20 (taxes included)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
5GB
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Red Pocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone and choose from any of the major networks including AT&T. Its monthly plans start at $10 for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. For $20, you can get 5GB of high-speed data. Additionally, you can usually find deals and promotions offering discounts or free months of service. In the past, I’ve seen Red Pocket offer any plan for $10 for the first month.
Be sure to view Red Pocket’s coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. If you’re thinking about switching to Red Pocket, check your phone’s compatibility online to make sure it will work. Also, be sure to check out our full review before making the decision to switch.
Final Thoughts
The AT&T network offers reliable coverage across the nation. And with a variety of MVNOs to choose from, you don’t have to pay $65 a month (or more) to access AT&T’s towers. Below are Team Clark’s top picks for the best AT&T MVNO carriers.
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest alternative, I recommend checking out H2O Wireless’ 12-month plan. You’ll find the lowest total price available for a year of service at $100 ($8.33 per month) for 1GB of high-speed data monthly plus unlimited minutes for talk, text and 2G data. However, I do recommend trying out H2O Wireless for just a month first to make sure the service will work for you before you commit to a full year.
For slightly more high-speed data, check out Red Pocket at $20 per month for 5GB. If you’re shopping for a family plan, you can get two to four lines with H2O Wireless for $25 per line per month, or get four lines with H2O Wireless for the same price. For more unlimited data options, consider Boost Mobile. Unlimited plans begin at $25 monthly. If you need a lot of mobile hotspot, Boost Mobile’s $60 unlimited plan comes with 50GB of high-speed data that you can share.
If you aren’t sure about switching to an AT&T MVNO, you can still save on AT&T’s service with a prepaid plan directly from the carrier. AT&T offers a 12-month prepaid plan for $300 ($25 per month) that includes 16GB of high-speed data and 10GB of mobile hotspot data. Monthly plans start at $30 per line for 5GB of high-speed data. You can even get an unlimited data plan starting at $50 per month.
For more options, be sure to read our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now. Once you’ve decided on a new phone plan and you’re ready to make the switch, check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process.
Article Updates
- July 22, 2024: Removed Boost Infinite (merged with Boost Mobile)
- July 22, 2024: Updated Boost Mobile’s plans and pricing
- July 22, 2024: Added information on H2O Wireless’ annual plans
- January 29, 2024: Consumer Cellular no longer partners with T-Mobile; customers will exclusively be on AT&T’s network
- January 29, 2024: Added Boost Infinite
- July 3, 2023: H2O Wireless’ multi-line plan now includes 10GB of LTE data per line before slower speeds; $18 monthly single-line plan now includes 3GB of high-speed data (previously 2GB)
- July 3, 2023: Removed Straight Talk Wireless (new customers will be on Verizon Wireless’ network)
- May 31, 2023: Added information about Boost Mobile’s monthly plans to consider before prepaying for a year
- May 31, 2023: Updated Consumer Cellular’s plan selection and pricing
