Verizon’s newest unlimited data plans cost between $70 and $90 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 (MNVOs) partner with Verizon to use its towers.
Switch to a Verizon MVNO and cut your wireless bill in half!
Over the past year or so, I’ve tested a handful of these low-cost Verizon alternatives and will review the best ones in this article. Some of the carriers that made my list can cut your Verizon bill in half…
Table of contents
Visible
Key details:
- Visible is owned by Verizon, but it operates independently
- One simple unlimited plan for $40/month; taxes and fees included
- Mobile hotspot included and capped at 5 Mbps
- Buy a phone from Visible or bring your own device (check compatibility)
- Online-only: No stores, lines or sales professionals
Visible is unlike the other cell phone providers on our list because it’s actually owned by Verizon. Since its launch in 2018, Visible has offered a $40/month plan with unlimited talk, text and data. Taxes and fees are included. As the service has grown, so have the phone options. You can either buy a new phone or bring your own compatible Apple or Android device. Users can expect download speeds of 5-12 Mbps, while video streams at 480p resolution. 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. This is the only carrier on my list that I haven’t personally tried, but I plan to test it out soon. Stay tuned!
Total Wireless
Key details:
- Owned by TracFone, America’s largest no-contract cell phone provider
- Runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE network
- Featured plans: 5GB for $35/month; Unlimited for $50/month
- Family plans also available with shared data
- No mobile hotspot access
For a few years now, TracFone-owned Total Wireless has been helping former Verizon customers save money on their cell phone service. This carrier has several affordable plans, including a $50/month “Unlimited” plan. This plan comes with 25GB of high-speed data, followed by unlimited data at 2G speeds. Auto-refill discounts are available. When I tested Total Wireless, I found it to be just as reliable as a major network. One of the drawbacks was its customer service. My interactions with customer service were limited, but there are quite a few negative experiences detailed on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Overall, I think Total Wireless is a good option for most smartphone users who don’t require mobile hotspot.
TEAM CLARK REVIEW: Total Wireless review: Cheap cell phone plans on Verizon’s network
Straight Talk
Key details:
- Owned by TracFone, America’s largest no-contract cell phone provider
- Straight Talk is available at Walmart locations nationwide
- 25GB data plan is $45/month before auto-refill discount
- Partners with all of the major networks (Check coverage)
- Bring your own device or buy a phone from Straight Talk
Straight Talk is also owned by TracFone, but it’s not the same as Total Wireless. For starters, Straight Talk partners with all of the major networks, not just Verizon. In fact, I reviewed the service using an AT&T SIM card. If you want to bring your Verizon-compatible device to Straight Talk or purchase a new one, you can. The prepaid carrier sells phones at Walmart and through its website, StraightTalk.com. Just keep in mind that the phone financing is not 0%, so you may be better off paying in full or buying a phone elsewhere. The provider’s 25GB plan is $45 per month before an auto-refill discount. Extended and multiple line plans are also available.
TEAM CLARK REVIEW: Straight Talk review: Is this cheap cell phone provider worth it?
Xfinity Mobile
Key details:
- Combines Verizon’s network and Xfinity’s Wi-Fi hotspots
- Available to customers with an Xfinity internet account
- Unlimited plan is $45/month per line
- By the Gig plan starts at $12 per GB; data can be shared across all lines
- Purchase a phone or bring your own (iPhones and select Androids)
Xfinity Mobile is the cell phone service from Comcast that relies on Verizon’s network and Xfinity’s network of Wi-Fi hotspots. This service is available only to customers with an Xfinity internet account. There are two data options: $45/month per line for Unlimited or a By the Gig plan that starts at just $12 per GB. There are no line access or activation fees with Xfinity Mobile. As of mid-2019, you can bring your own iPhone or select Androids to Xfinity Mobile. About a dozen devices are also for sale. This was my personal cell phone service for nearly two years, and I had no problems with it. My bill was usually $15 a month, including taxes and fees. You can learn more about Xfinity Mobile on its website or at an Xfinity store. If Spectrum is your internet provider, you may want to check out a similar service called Spectrum Mobile.
TEAM CLARK REVIEW: Xfinity Mobile review: How I lowered my cell phone bill to $12/month
Red Pocket Mobile
Key details:
- Monthly data plans start at $10
- Cheaper annual plans available on eBay
- Choose your network: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint
- If you’re looking for Verizon’s network, choose the CDMA SIM card
- Bring your existing phone and keep your number
- Customer service is available by phone only
Red Pocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone and choose from any of the major networks, including Verizon. Its monthly plans start at $10, but you’ll pay closer to $20/month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. Annual plans are for sale through eBay at a discount. I tested Red Pocket Mobile with an AT&T and Verizon SIM card. My experience using the service on Verizon’s network was much better. I had frequent call quality issues using the AT&T SIM card. Like the other services on my list, you can bring a compatible device to Red Pocket. Customer service is available by phone and live chat. Hold times can be lengthy.
TEAM CLARK REVIEW: Red Pocket Mobile: Cheap phone plans on any major network
Final thought
If you’re still not sure about switching away from Verizon after reading through this list, consider one more option: Verizon Prepaid.
Recently, Verizon Prepaid’s no-contract plans have become a better value. For example, a 16GB plan was offered for $45/month with auto pay when we last checked in August 2019. That’s plenty of data for most people!
The prepaid plans have fewer perks compared to Verizon’s postpaid service, but the savings may be worth it to you.
To learn more about cheap cell phone service plans from other major networks and carriers, see Team Clark’s guide to the best cell phone plans and deals. It’s updated several times a month!
