Best Verizon MVNOs: Cell Phone Companies That Use Verizon’s Towers

Verizon’s unlimited data plans cost between $75 and $85 per month (before taxes) for a single line of service, but there are ways to keep the network that you love for a lower price. 

A number of smaller carriers called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) partner with Verizon to use its towers and access the Verizon network. 

Over the past few years, our team has tested several low-cost Verizon alternatives. In this article, I’ll take a close look at the best and cheapest Verizon MVNOs.

This article was updated in August 2023 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.

Switch to a Verizon MVNO and Cut Your Wireless Bill in Half! 

Verizon is one of the best cell phone networks when it comes to coverage. If you know that Verizon offers good service in your area, you can still access the same towers without having to pay full price for a Verizon phone plan. 

For a single line, Verizon’s unlimited phone plans begin at $75 monthly. However, some MVNOs that run on Verizon’s towers offer plans beginning as low as $10 monthly. For this price, you can usually find a limited-time deal with Twigby or Red Pocket. If you need unlimited data, I recommend Visible.

Table of Contents: 

• Visible
• Twigby
• Xfinity Mobile
• Spectrum Mobile
• Total by Verizon
• Lively
• Straight Talk
• Red Pocket

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.

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Visible

Best Overall Verizon MVNO

Team Clark’s Review Price: $25/month (taxes & fees included) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: Unlimited (speeds up to 5Mbps) Data Cap Overage: None, but speeds may slow during congestion.

Visible is unlike the other cell phone providers on our list because it’s actually owned by Verizon, so it’s not technically an MVNO, but it still offers all the same money-saving benefits! In fact, this year, Visible dropped the price on its basic plan to $25 per month per line! It still includes all of the same perks, including unlimited mobile hotspot data.

You can either buy a new phone or bring your own compatible Apple or Android device. However, it must be an unlocked phone in order to work with this wireless carrier. Users can expect download speeds of 5-12 Mbps, while video streams at 480p resolution. A mobile hotspot is included, though speeds are capped at 5 Mbps. Visible says it’s able to keep costs down because it has no stores, so you have to be comfortable dealing with an online-only company.

If you’re thinking about switching to Visible, make sure you’ll have coverage in your area by checking out its coverage map online. Be sure to also read our full review of Visible here.

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Twigby

Best Limited-Time Cheap Deal

Team Clark’s Review Price: $10/month for the first 3 months, then $20/month (plus taxes & fees) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: Free; pulls from monthly data Data Cap Overage: 5GB

Twigby is an affordable prepaid cell phone service provider with plans beginning as low as $5 per month for 2GB of high-speed data. However, that price is only available for the first three months of service. After that, the plan costs $15 per month. For a little more data, you can get 5GB for $20 per month ($10 per month for the first three months).

Additional plans include 8GB for $26 per month ($16 for the first three months) or 20GB for $35 per month ($25 for the first three months). 

If you’re thinking about taking advantage of a Twigby deal, you should check the coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. Also, be sure to test your phone’s compatibility to see if you can bring it with you. 

I tested out Twigby for 30 days and found that the service was just as reliable as a phone plan directly from a major network. To learn more before you decide to switch, read my full Twigby review here.

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Spectrum Mobile

Best for Spectrum Internet Customers

Team Clark’s Review Price: $29.99 (taxes & fees included) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: After 5GB, speeds reduced to 600 kpbs Data Cap Overage: 20GB

Spectrum offers its own cell phone service with Spectrum Mobile. It’s currently available only to Spectrum Internet customers, and you can choose an unlimited data plan or pay per GB.

By-the-GB plans begin at $14/GB per month. The unlimited plan costs $29.99 per line monthly. This plan includes 20GB of high-speed data before speeds are reduced to 1Mbps. For $10 more per line, you can get Unlimited Plus which includes a high-speed data cap of 30GB.

If you’re thinking about switching, you can check out our full Spectrum Mobile review here. Also, make sure you’ll have coverage in your area and see if you can bring your own device to save money.

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Xfinity Mobile

Best for Xfinity Internet Customers

Team Clark’s Review Price: $45/month (plus taxes & fees) Multiline Discounts: 2-4 lines for $30 each Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: 600 kbps Data Cap Overage: 20GB

Xfinity Mobile is the cell phone service from Comcast that relies on the Verizon network and Xfinity network of Wi-Fi hotspots. Similar to Spectrum, this service is available only to customers with Xfinity internet accounts.

There are two data options: Unlimited or By the Gig. Unlimited plan options include 20GB of high-speed data before reducing the data speed and start at $45 per month for one line. Multiline discounts are available. By-the-GB options begin with 1GB of data for $15 per month.

You may be able to bring your own phone to Xfinity Mobile to save even more. Occasionally, the company will offer a deal for bringing your own device, such as a prepaid gift card. 

You can learn more about Xfinity Mobile by checking out our full Xfinity Mobile review. If you’re thinking about making the switch, be sure to also check out the coverage in your area first.

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Total by Verizon

Team Clark’s Review Price: $30/month Multiline Discounts: None Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: 5GB Data Cap Overage: 5GB high speed before 2G speeds

Formerly Total Wireless, Total by Verizon offers plans beginning as low as $30 per month. Unfortunately, that plan only includes 5GB of high-speed data before deprioritization kicks in. For $40 per month, you can get a bit more high-speed data (15GB) that can also be shared via mobile hotspot data. Unlimited plans from Total by Verizon begin at $50 per month, and they include access to Disney+.

If you’re shopping for a family plan, you’ll find a better deal with Total by Verizon. New customers can get four lines of unlimited service for $25/line, making the bill $100 total for a family of four.

All of Total by Verizon’s plans include unlimited data at 2G speeds once you’ve hit your high-speed data allotment for the month. They each also include unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada with more international features available with the unlimited plans.

If you’re thinking about switching to Total by Verizon, make sure you’ll have coverage in your area by checking out its coverage map online. Be sure to also read our full review of Total by Verizon here.

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Lively

Best for Senior Services

Team Clark’s Review Price: $24.99/month (plus taxes & fees) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: 1GB Hotspot Data: No Data Cap Overage: None

Lively is a cell phone service provider that’s marketed specifically toward seniors. The company sells cell phones made for seniors and even offers a health and safety package that provides access to emergency assistance, medical advice, locksmiths and more via the Lively app.

Lively also offers a variety of phone plans beginning at $19.99 per month without data. For this price, you’ll get unlimited calling and texting. For $24.99 monthly, you can add 1GB of high-speed data. Unlimited data starts at $30/month plus your basic plan price (starting at $19.99). Lively runs on Verizon’s network.

Unfortunately, Lively does not allow you to bring your own phone. Instead, you’ll have to purchase a compatible Lively or Jitterbug phone. They range in price from $49.99-$149.99, though you may be able to grab one on sale for up to 50% off.

For more information on Lively’s phone plans and devices, visit the company’s website online. There, you can check out Lively’s coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. Before you switch, be sure to also read our full Lively review.

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Straight Talk

Team Clark’s Review Price: $35/month (taxes & fees included) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: 10GB Data Cap Overage: 10GB

Straight Talk is also owned by TracFone, but it’s not the same as Total Wireless. Straight Talk partners with all of the major networks, not just Verizon. The prepaid carrier sells phones at Walmart and through its website. But if you want to bring your own device to Straight Talk, you can check its compatibility online before switching.

Straight Talk offers unlimited plans beginning at $35 per month for one line. With this plan, you’ll get 10GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds. You can also get 90 days of unlimited service with 25GB of high-speed data for $130 or 180 days for $225. If you’re only interested in shopping for a single line, use our guide to the best phone plans for one to find the right plan for you.

If you are shopping for a family plan, Straight Talk Wireless’ now offers four unlimited lines for $25 per line per month.

To see if you’ll have coverage in your area with Straight Talk, check out its coverage map online. Also, be sure to read our full Straight Talk review before making the decision to switch.

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Red Pocket

Team Clark’s Review Price: $20 (taxes included) Multiline Discounts: No Talk and Text: Unlimited Data: Unlimited Hotspot Data: Free; pulls from monthly data Data Cap Overage: 5GB

Red Pocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone and choose from any of the major networks including Verizon. Its most affordable plan costs $10 per month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. For $20, you can get 5GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds.

Be sure to check out the current deals and promotions available on Red Pocket’s website. Also, be sure to view its 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 Red Pocket review before making the decision to switch.

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Final Thoughts

Verizon Wireless is a great network that offers excellent coverage. And fortunately, you don’t have to pay for a plan directly from Verizon to access its towers.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, I recommend checking out Visible. For the cheapest possible prices, look for deals from Twigby or Red Pocket. If you have internet service from Xfinity or Spectrum, their mobile plans are also worth checking out. For the best deal on four lines, consider Total by Verizon or Straight Talk Wireless.

If you still aren’t sure about switching to an MVNO but know you want to stay with Verizon, consider Verizon Prepaid. These plans have fewer perks than Verizon’s postpaid service, but with options beginning as low as $35 per month for 15GB with autopay, the savings may be worth it to you.

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.