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Switching to a prepaid phone plan is a great way to reduce your monthly costs, but with so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. If you’ve come across Simple Mobile, you may be wondering if this low-cost prepaid carrier is worth considering.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the plans, pricing, and coverage that you can expect with Simple Mobile to help you decide whether or not you should make the switch.
This article was updated in May 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
Simple Mobile launched in 2009. As a Verizon MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), Simple Mobile runs on Verizon Wireless’ network and doesn’t require a contract.
If Verizon Wireless has strong service in your area, you’ll likely also have great coverage with Simple Mobile.
Plans begin as low as $25 for 3GB of high-speed data and range through $60 for unlimited (40GB high-speed data). All of the plans include unlimited talk, text and data at 2G speeds.
Simple Mobile offers five different prepaid phone plans ranging from $25 to $60 per month for one line.
In the table below, you’ll see each of Simple Mobile’s cell phone plans including the price, monthly high-speed data caps, mobile hotspot capabilities and multiline discounts.
| Price | High-Speed Data | Hotspot Data | Multiline Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | 3GB | Included | Add up to 4 additional lines for $20/mo each |
| $30 | 5GB | Included | Add up to 4 additional lines for $25/mo each |
| $40 | 15GB | Included | Add up to 4 additional lines for $25/mo each |
| $50 | Unlimited (40GB) | +5GB Hotspot Data | Add up to 4 additional lines for $25/mo each |
| $60 | Unlimited (40GB) | +15GB Hotspot Data | Add up to 4 additional lines for $25/mo each |
All of Simple Mobile’s plans come with unlimited talk, text and 2G data. Additionally, you can frequently find discounts on single-line plans when you sign up for auto-refill.
When it comes to multiline accounts, you can add up to four additional lines for $20-$25 each depending on the plan. You can check out the details of Simple Mobile’s multiline plans here. Click “Save more with Add A Line” to see the multiline rates.
Each plan includes unlimited international calling to 85+ destinations. Additionally, all plans come with international roaming in 16 Latin American countries.
Each plan also includes a $10 international calling credit for 100+ destinations, except for the $60 plan which includes a $20 credit. The same plan is also the only one to include 50GB of cloud storage.
According to Simple Mobile’s website, customers may experience reduced data speeds during periods of congestion as compared to Verizon’s postpaid customers. Speeds will be further reduced for customers who use more than 40GB of data.
However, compared to Verizon Wireless’ postpaid plans, you’ll definitely save on your phone bill with Simple Mobile. Verizon’s unlimited postpaid plans begin at $65 per line for one line with autopay.
In addition to the plans listed above, Simple Mobile offers a selection of data add-ons that can be used as both regular data and hotspot data. Here are the available add-ons:
Simple Mobile provides access to Verizon Wireless’ 5G and 4G/LTE networks. If Verizon offers coverage in your area, you’ll likely have reliable access to service with Simple Mobile.
Below, you can see the Simple Mobile coverage map:
To see if you’ll have coverage with Simple Mobile, visit the company’s website and enter your ZIP code on the coverage map. Additionally, you can check Verizon’s coverage map for a more comprehensive overview of coverage in your area since they run on the same towers.
If you decide to make the switch to Simple Mobile, you’ll need a compatible phone and a SIM card or an eSIM-compatible phone.
To make sure your phone is compatible, it needs to be unlocked. If it is, you can choose to keep your phone when you activate your service. You can check your phone’s compatibility online. Additionally, you may choose to shop for a new phone through Simple Mobile or buy an unlocked phone online.
Either way, you can get started by visiting Simple Mobile’s website and choosing the plan you’d like to purchase. Once you make your selection, you can click “Get Started” to begin as a new customer.
From there, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to get a SIM kit or buy a new phone.
I went through the process of getting a SIM kit and found that Simple Mobile’s website provides very clear step-by-step instructions on how to complete this process.
Once you enter your phone’s information, you’ll be able to see whether or not your device is compatible with Simple Mobile. Then, you’ll be able to follow the prompts on the screen to start your activation, verify your plan and set up your device.
Once you receive your phone and/or SIM kit in the mail, you can return to Simple Mobile’s website and click “Activate” to complete the process.
You can check out the company’s website to learn more about signing up for Simple Mobile. You can also use the online store locator to find a physical location near you for in-person assistance.
If you’re thinking about switching to Simple Mobile, you may be able to bring your own phone. This is one of the best ways to save money when switching to any new cell phone service provider. If you have an unlocked device, you can check its compatibility online.
If you are looking to buy a new phone, know that Simple Mobile offers a fairly wide selection. In May 2024, Simple Mobile offered 28 different phones online.
Prices begin at $29.99 for an Orbic flip phone and range up to $629 for an iPhone 13 (128GB). Pricier phones are eligible for monthly payments (24 months) that range from $4.17 to $26.21 monthly depending on the device.
Here are a few other popular phones available at Simple Mobile (prices are accurate as of May 2024)
You can check out the currently available selection of phones online at Simple Mobile’s website.
Before you purchase a phone from Simple Mobile, be sure to compare prices. Check out this article on the best places to buy unlocked phones to find the best deals. You may also be interested in one of our top picks for the best budget Android phones.
Data is one of the biggest concerns that people have when switching to a prepaid carrier. If you’re currently paying for an unlimited data plan from one of the major three cell phone service providers, you may be wondering if Simple Mobile will be able to meet your needs.
According to Simple Mobile’s website, typical 5G download speeds are 34-149 Mbps. Typical 4G LTE download speeds are 9-69 Mbps.
For reference, Netflix recommends a download speed of 15 Mbps for streaming 4K. Amazon says you’ll need a download speed of at least 1 Mbps for SD video and 5 Mbps for HD video on Prime.
Of course, actual data speeds vary based on a number of factors including your location and coverage in your area, the device you’re using, network traffic and more.
Simple Mobile does not offer truly unlimited high-speed data with any phone plan. Instead, its unlimited plans include a set amount of high-speed data before deprioritization kicks in. At that point, speeds will be throttled.
The $25 plan comes with 3GB of high-speed data while the $30 plan comes with 5GB and the $40 plan comes with 15GB. While both the $50 and $60 plans are advertised as truly unlimited, they don’t include truly unlimited high-speed data. According to Simple Mobile’s website, customers using more than 40GB of data are susceptible to reduced speeds.
Once you’ve reached your high-speed data allotment, you’ll still have unlimited data at reduced 2G speeds.
Visit the company’s website to learn more about Simple Mobile’s plans and data.
There are two primary ways that you can contact a live representative at Simple Mobile: over the phone or via online chat.
You can contact Simple Mobile’s customer service over the phone at 1-877-878-7908.
If you’d rather chat with a representative online, you can visit Simple Mobile’s website and click the red “chat now” button.
Customer service representatives are available every day from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. ET.
For more information on how to contact Simple Mobile, visit the company’s website online.
You’ll find decent prices at Simple Mobile; however, other prepaid phone plans offer better deals. For example, Simple Mobile’s cheapest plan is $25 for 3GB of high-speed data. Mint Mobile offers 20GB for the same price, or unlimited (40GB of high-speed data) for $30 per month. Tello Mobile offers 35GB of high-speed data for $15 per month, and Visible offers a basic unlimited plan for $25. Additionally, Boost Infinite also offers an unlimited postpaid plan for $25 with includes 30GB of high-speed data.
If you do decide to make the switch, be sure to check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process. If you’re still looking for the best fit, you can find more options in our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now.
Have you tried Simple Mobile? Let us know in our Clark.com Community or check out the latest conversations around cell phones.
This post was last modified on May 3, 2024 3:10 pm
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