If you need a phone plan with just a single line, there are several options to choose from. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best phone plans as well as the cheapest cell phone plans for one person.
I’ve researched more than 70 available phone plans to find the absolute best phone plans for one line based on prices, features, discounts, network reliability, availability, each network’s best offerings and more.
This article was updated in March 2024 and I review it every three months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
- Unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data
- Cheapest monthly plan available with high-speed data
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Unlimited mobile hotspot with 5 Mbps speeds
- The cheapest price for unlimited data
- Unlimited talk, text and data (including 5G)
- Multiline discounts available for 3+ lines
- Best price for high-speed data that never slows
- 40GB of hotspot data
- Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of high-speed data
- $1 cheaper than Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile’s 5GB plans, plus you can pay prepay monthly
- 12 months of service for $100, which works out to be $8.33 per month before taxes and fees
- Unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data per month
Choosing the Best Phone Plan for One Person
If you’re shopping for the best cell phone plan, it’s important to consider exactly which features you need. If you have regular access to Wi-Fi, you can save on your monthly phone bill by opting for a plan with limited data usage. You can also save by choosing an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that runs on the same tower as a major phone service provider.
I mention these ways to save on a phone plan for one because you won’t be eligible for any multiline discounts. While your price per line may be higher with just one line, you can still save big on your total monthly bill with the right plan.
Here are my top picks for the best cell phone plans for one person:
- Cheapest Phone Plans for One Person
- Tello 1GB: Cheapest Phone Plan for One
- Tello 5GB: Best Value for One
- Boost Mobile Annual Plan: Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plan for One
- Unlimited Data Plans for One
- Visible: Best Cheap Unlimited Phone Plan for One
- AT&T Value Plus: Cheapest Single Line Plan from a Major Carrier
- T-Mobile Magenta Max: Best Unlimited Data Plan for One
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans for One
- The Best Phone Plans for One by Network
Cheapest Phone Plans for One Person
If getting the best price is your biggest priority, you can find deals from as low as $9 per month. For that price, you can get Tello Mobile’s 1GB plan, which also includes unlimited text and calls. For $15 per month, you can get 5GB of data with Mint Mobile. However, you’ll have to pay three months in advance when you sign up. Boost Mobile offers 5GB of high-speed data for the same price ($15 per month), but you can prepay one month one at a time.
If you’re willing to commit to a phone plan for a full year, Boost Mobile also offers annual plans that cost more upfront but are ultimately the cheapest rates over 12 months. These plans start at $100 for 12 months of service, which works out to be $8.33 per month before taxes and fees. For that price, you can get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data per month.
Below, you’ll find additional information about my top picks for the cheapest phone plans for one person:
- Cheapest Phone Plan for One Person: Tello 1GB
- Best Value for One Person: Mint Mobile
- Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plan for One Person: Boost Mobile
Tello 1GB
Cheapest Phone Plan for One Person
|
Price:
$9/month (plus taxes)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
1GB
|
|
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest monthly phone plan for one person, you’ll find it with Tello Mobile. Tello Mobile is a T-Mobile MVNO that provides access to the same network towers. The cheapest plan you’ll find at Tello Mobile that includes unlimited texting, talk and 1GB of high-speed data costs only $9 monthly. Once you use 1GB of high-speed data per month, you’ll still have access to unlimited 2G-speed data.
In addition to Tello’s 1GB plan, Tello Mobile offers 2GB for $10 monthly and 35GB for $25 monthly.
If you’re thinking about switching to Tello, be sure to read our full Tello Mobile review. You may also be able to bring your own phone to save additional money. You can check your phone’s eligibility online.
Tello 5GB
Best Value for One Person
|
Price:
$14/month (plus taxes)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
5GB
|
If you need a bit more data than just 1GB for one line, consider Tello Mobile’s 5GB plan.
In the past, I’ve recommended the 5GB plan from Mint Mobile (Review) as the best value for one person. When Tello Mobile announced new plans and pricing in December 2023, the lineup included an option with 5GB of high-speed data (plus unlimited talk and text) for $14/month. That officially beat Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan price by $1! Plus, with Tello Mobile, you can prepay for one month at a time which makes it a cheaper option upfront. Boost Mobile (Review) also offers a 5GB monthly plan for $15.
Again, if you’re thinking about switching to Tello, be sure to read our full Tello Mobile review. You may also be able to bring your own phone to save additional money. You can check your phone’s eligibility online.
Boost Mobile
Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plan for One Person
|
Price:
$100 ($8.33/month)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
1GB
|
Boost Mobile offers an annual phone plan with 1GB of high-speed data per month with unlimited calls and text. The plan costs $100 upfront, but it covers your service for an entire year. That works out to be $8.33 per month! This plan is available only to new customers with eligible phones; you can check your phone’s compatibility online. This plan is completely prepaid, which means you won’t have to worry about annual contracts, monthly bills, overage fees or credit checks. Instead, you’ll pay for everything upfront.
Additional plans available from Boost Mobile include $300 annually for 30GB of high-speed data per month ($25 per month). You can check out all of Boost Mobile’s annual plans here. Boost Mobile also offers monthly prepaid plans including 5GB for $15 per month and unlimited plans with 30GB starting at $25 per month.
It is important to know that these plans won’t work on every phone. In fact, when I tested Boost Mobile myself, my phone wasn’t compatible with the cheapest plans available. For this reason, I recommend checking your phone’s compatibility in person at a Boost Mobile store before you make your decision. If you’re thinking about switching to Boost Mobile, be sure to check out our full review first.
Unlimited Data Plans for One
If your biggest priority is having unlimited data, you can expect a higher monthly price on single-line phone plans. Still, there are ways to save, including opting for an MVNO with a big allotment of high-speed data before unlimited data at reduced speeds.
Which network offers the best unlimited data plan? Mint Mobile and Tello Mobile both offer great unlimited plans for $30 and $25 per month for one line respectively. Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan includes 40GB of high-speed data while Tello’s includes 35GB. If you need truly unlimited high-speed data, T-Mobile’s Magenta Max plan is available for $85 per month. If you need a more affordable unlimited postpaid plan from a major carrier, AT&T’s new Value Plus plan offers unlimited talk, text and data for $50.99 per month on a single line. Boost Mobile has also unveiled a new unlimited plan on AT&T’s network that includes 30GB of high-speed data for $25 per month.
Below, you’ll find more information about my top choices for the best unlimited phone plans for one line:
- Best Cheap Unlimited Phone Plan for One: Visible
- Cheapest Single Line Plan from a Major Carrier: AT&T Value Plus
- Best Unlimited Data Plan for One: T-Mobile Magenta Max
Visible
Best Cheap Unlimited Phone Plan for One
|
Price:
$25/month (taxes & fees included)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
None, but speeds may slow during congestion.
Hotspot Data:
Unlimited (speeds up to 5Mbps)
|
If you’re looking for the best cheap unlimited data plan for one line, it’s hard to beat Visible. The Verizon MVNO offers a basic plan for $25 per month per line that includes unlimited talk, text and data. It also includes unlimited mobile hotspot data (max 5Mbps speeds).
You can also bring your own phone to Visible to save money instead of buying a new one. To see if your phone is compatible, visit Visible’s website before switching. You can learn more aboutVisible in our full review.
Other Plans to Consider:
- Tello Mobile (Review) also runs on T-Mobile’s network and offers unlimited data (35GB high-speed) for $25/month.
- Mint Mobile (Review) runs on T-Mobile’s network and offers unlimited data (40GB high-speed) for $30/month.
AT&T Value Plus
Cheapest Single Line Plan from a Major Carrier
|
Price:
$50.99 (plus taxes & fees)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
Speeds slow during congestion
|
If you’re looking for an affordable postpaid plan from one of the big three cell phone service providers, AT&T’s Value Plus plan is the best deal you’ll find on a single line. It costs $50.99 per month and includes unlimited talk, text and data including access to AT&T’s 5G network on compatible devices. Data speeds may slow when the network is busy, but there is no high-speed data cap with this plan.
To get this deal, you can bring your own phone to AT&T’s network by checking its compatibility online here. You can also learn more about AT&T’s Value Plus plan before deciding to make the switch.
T-Mobile Magenta Max
Best Unlimited Data Plan for One
|
Price:
$85/month (taxes & fees included; autopay required to get best rate)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Data Cap Overage:
Unlimited
|
If you’re looking for a completely unlimited data plan with high-speed access that never slows, T-Mobile Magenta Max is one of the best plans to consider. For $85 per month for one line, it includes completely unlimited talk, text and 5G access. It also includes 40GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data and a basic Netflix subscription. Other plans from T-Mobile begin as low as $50 per month for the Essentials Saver plan which includes unlimited talk, text and data with reduced speeds after 50GB.
You may also be able to bring your own phone instead of having to buy a new one. Before you switch to T-Mobile, be sure to check your phone’s eligibility online.
Best Prepaid Phone Plans for One
Prepaid phone plans are great options to consider because you don’t have to worry about a credit check and you only pay for what you use. A few of the phone plans I’ve already highlighted are prepaid including Tello Mobile, Boost Mobile, Visible and Mint Mobile. Tello and Mint Mobile run on T-Mobile’s network while Boost Mobile provides access to T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks. Visible runs on Verizon Wireless’ network. If you don’t have the best coverage with T-Mobile or Verizon in your area, you could also consider H2O Wireless, which runs on AT&T’s network.
Here, you’ll find more information on my picks for the top three prepaid phone plans for one line. I’ve also included a short list of other plans to consider including T-Mobile Simply Prepaid, and AT&T Prepaid Unlimited.
| Tello Economy | Tello 5GB | Visible | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
 |
|
| Tello Mobile 1GB | Tello Mobile 5GB | Visible | |
| Price | $9/month (plus taxes) | $14/month (plus taxes) | $25/month (taxes & fees included) |
| Talk and Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data Cap Overage | 1GB | 5GB | None, but speeds may slow during congestion. |
The Best Prepaid Phone Plans for One:
- Tello (Review) offers the cheapest overall prepaid phone plan for one. For only $9 per month, you’ll get access to 2GB of high-speed data from T-Mobile’s expansive network. Additionally, Tello Mobile offers 5GB of high-speed data for $14/month, which is a great value for a bit more high-speed data. That’s $1 cheaper per month than Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile’s 5GB plans! Both Tello Mobile plans also include unlimited talk, texting and 2G data speeds once your monthly high-speed data limit is met.
- Visible (Review) offers unlimited plans for one line starting at $25 per month. For that price, you’ll have access to unlimited data, and typical download speeds are reported to be 9-149Mbps. Visible runs on Verizon’s network.
Other Plans to Consider:
- H2O Wireless (Review) offers a prepaid phone plan on AT&T’s network that includes unlimited talk, text and data for $18 per month, but high-speed data is capped at 3GB. After you’ve used 3GB, you’ll still be able to continue using unlimited data at slowed speeds. If you need more high-speed data, you can get 10GB for $27 or 60GB for $54 per month with autopay.
- Mint Unlimited (Review) is a phone plan that allows you to prepay for the first three months of service and then prepay for annual service to keep the same low price. This plan includes unlimited talk, text and data for $30 per month. After 40GB of premium data, speeds will reduce. If you don’t need unlimited data, you can save with Mint’s 5GB plan. It includes unlimited talk, text and 5GB of data for $15 per month.
- Boost 5GB (Review) is one of the cheapest prepaid phone plans for one line at only $15 per month with taxes and fees included. For that price, you get unlimited talk, text and 5GB of data. If you’re looking for more data, check out Boost Unlimited. This plan includes unlimited talk and text plus 30GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds for $25 per month. If you’re willing to commit to Boost Mobile for a full year, you can save even more with an annual plan starting at $100 ($8.33 per month).
- AT&T Prepaid Unlimited is available for $50 per month with unlimited talk, text and data. However, you can get AT&T Prepaid Unlimited for as low as $45 per month when you activate a new line through Walmart. Note that speeds may slow with congestion.
- T-Mobile Simply Prepaid offers unlimited talk, text and data for $50 per month with a high-speed data cap of 50GB. After you’ve reached the premium data limit, you’ll still have access to unlimited data at reduced speeds.
The Best Phone Plans for One by Network
Most of the highlighted plans in this article have included the best and cheapest phone plans from MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that run on T-Mobile’s towers. If you know that you have better service from a different network, or if you’d rather buy a phone plan directly from a major provider, you can expect a higher monthly price. Still, there are several great options when it comes to choosing the best phone plan for one.
Below, you’ll find my top picks for each network including affordable MVNOs and plans available directly from the service provider:
T-Mobile
Best T-Mobile MVNOs
- Tello (Review) offers some of the cheapest phone plans available for one line. Tello Economy includes 1GB of data plus unlimited talk and text for $9 per month. The Mobile Data plan includes unlimited talk, text and data (35GB high-speed) for $25 per month.
- Mint Mobile (Review) is another great T-Mobile MVNO with great prices on single-line phone plans. You can get 5GB of data for $15 per month or unlimited data (40GB of high-speed data) for $30.
- Boost Mobile (Review) runs on AT&T and T-Mobile’s towers. This prepaid service provider offers a variety of great plans for one line including 5GB for $15 per month and unlimited data starting at $25 per month.
Best T-Mobile Plans for One Person
- T-Mobile Simply Prepaid offers unlimited talk, text and data for $50 per month with a high-speed data cap of 50GB. After you’ve reached the premium data limit, you’ll still have access to unlimited data at reduced speeds. If you don’t need unlimited data, consider T-Mobile’s Simply Prepaid 10GB data plan for $40 per month.
- T-Mobile Essentials Saver includes unlimited talk, text and data for $50 per month with 50GB of high-speed data. This plan also includes unlimited data sharing via hotspot at 3G speeds.
- T-Mobile Magenta Max is a great plan to consider if you need truly unlimited data. This plan includes unlimited talk, text and data with speeds that can’t slow based on usage. For one line, the plan costs $85 per month.
AT&T
Best AT&T MVNOs
- H2O Wireless (Review) is an AT&T MVNO that’s completely prepaid, which means you won’t have to worry about credit checks or paying for more than you need. Plans for one line start at $18 per month for unlimited talk, text and data (3GB high-speed). Additional plans include 10GB of high-speed data for $27, 20GB for $36, 40GB for $45 and 60GB for $54. Autopay is required to get these rates.
- Cricket Wireless (Review) is another prepaid MVNO that runs on AT&T’s network. Plans begin at $30 for 5GB of data. For $40, you can get 10GB of data. Unlimited plans start at $55 per month with autopay.
- Consumer Cellular (Review) is another great option. It runs on both AT&T’s network, and it won first place in our best cell phone plans for seniors category. Plans start at $20 per month for one line.
- Boost Mobile (Review) has launched several new plans that run on AT&T’s network. Prepaid annual plans begin at $100 ($8.33 per month) for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data per month. Unlimited plans are also available from $300 ($25 per month) and include 30GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds each month.
Best AT&T Plans for One Person
- AT&T Prepaid is one of a few different prepaid plans offered by AT&T. Prepaid plans begin at $30 per month for 5GB of high-speed data. For $40 per month, you can increase that data to 15GB with unlimited talk and text. If you need unlimited data, AT&T Prepaid Unlimited is available for $50 and includes 5G access. Each plan is available for a $5 monthly discount when you activate a new line through Walmart.
- AT&T Value Plus is a new affordable postpaid plan available directly from AT&T. For $50 per month on one line, you can get unlimited talk, text and data with this plan. Note that speeds may slow with congestion.
- AT&T Unlimited Starter is a truly unlimited AT&T plan that costs $65 per month for one line. It includes unlimited talk, text and 5G data, though AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
Verizon
Best Verizon Wireless MVNOs
- Visible (Review) has won several awards on our site for being the cheapest unlimited hotspot plan. Still, the plan is great for using regular unlimited mobile data as well. For $30 per month, you’ll get unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon’s network.
- Xfinity Mobile (Review) is available to Xfinity customers. This Verizon MVNO offers cheap phone plans from $20 per GB. If you have Spectrum instead, consider Spectrum Mobile (Review).
- Total by Verizon (Review) recently acquired Total Wireless. The new prepaid option offers plans beginning at $30 per month for 5GB of high-speed data followed by reduced speeds. Unlimited options begin at $50 for one line and include a six-month subscription to Disney+.
Best Verizon Wireless Plans for One Person
- Verizon Prepaid includes 15GB of 5G data plus unlimited talk and text starting at $45 per month. After loyalty discounts and autopay discounts, the plan can be as low as $35 a month for one line.
- Verizon Prepaid Unlimited includes unlimited talk, text and data starting at $60 per month with a prepaid plan. The plan can be as low as $50 per month with autopay.
- Unlimited Welcome is the most affordable unlimited postpaid plan directly from Verizon. It begins at $65 per month for one line and includes unlimited talk, text and data (autopay required).
Team Clark’s Methodology
Various members of our staff tried out each of these popular cell phone providers to get a feel for their reliability and service. We have individual reviews of those providers available on the website.
I also researched more than 70 phone plans available and analyzed the following characteristics when determining the “best” options for each category:
- Price
- Network reliability
- Network coverage
- Monthly data allotments
- “Bring your own device” availability
- Available deals and discounts (loyalty, autopay, additional lines, etc.)
- Online reviews from real customers
Final Thoughts
While you’re shopping for the best phone plans for one, simply ignore the multi-line pricing and instead pay attention to the features you need. If you’re looking for the lowest price available, check out Tello, Visible or Boost Mobile. You can find plans for as little as $9 per month. If you’re willing to commit to a phone service provider for a full year, Boost Mobile offers plans for even less ($100 for 12 months, which works out to be $8.33 per month before taxes and fees.)
If your priority is unlimited data, you’ll find great plans for one including Visible ($25 for unlimited data), Tello Mobile ($25 for 35GB of high-speed data), Mint Unlimited ($30 for 40GB of high-speed data), AT&T Value Plus ($50.99 for unlimited data with speeds that slow with congestion) and T-Mobile Magenta Max ($85 per month for truly unlimited data that never slows.) Boost Mobile also offers an annual unlimited data plan for $300, which works out to be $25 per month for 30GB of high-speed data. You can also pay $25 per month for 30GB of high-speed data with Boost Mobile’s newest monthly plan.
Also be sure to consider prepaid phone plans if you’re shopping for a single line. Visible, Tello Mobile, H2O Wireless and Mint Mobile are great prepaid phone service providers that include low prices and access to reliable networks.
For even 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.
Did we miss a plan on our list or did you find a better deal? Let us know in our Clark.com Community or check out the latest conversations around cell phones.
Article Updates
- March 30, 2024: AT&T Value Plus now costs $50.99 (up from $50) and is now available for multiple lines
- March 30, 2024: Replaced T-Mobile Essentials with T-Mobile Essentials Saver
- December 5, 2023: Updated Tello Mobile’s plans
- December 5, 2023: Replaced H2O Wireless with Tello 5GB (move H2O to other plans to consider) under “Best Prepaid Phone Plans for One”
- December 5, 2023: Replaced Mint Mobile with Tello 5GB for the best value for one
- November 30, 2023: Removed Tello Mobile’s Unlimited plan as the “best hotspot plan for one” as high-speed hotspot is now limited to 5GB/month.
- August 7, 2023: Replaced Mint Mobile with Visible for the Best Cheap Unlimited Phone Plan and updated Visible’s pricing
- August 7, 2023: Updated Verizon’s plans to the new myPlan options
