There is no single best or cheapest mobile phone plan for everyone: the lowest advertised price may not be the lowest bill, and it is no bargain if coverage or data limits do not fit your needs. For a dated 2025 comparison, NaLA’s survey collected prepaid plan information from carrier websites on October 23–27, 2025. The examples below are later prices checked October 8, 2026, and are labeled separately rather than presented as 2025 offers.
What counts as the cheapest plan?
Compare the recurring cost for the same number of lines, not just a per-line headline. Include taxes and fees, required Auto Pay, multi-line conditions, promotional pricing, and any prepaid term paid upfront. A plan’s advertised price may omit costs that change its actual monthly total.
NaLA’s 2025 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Price Survey, published in November 2025 and submitted as an Oregon PUC exhibit, says its information came from carrier websites on October 23–27, 2025. It excludes free handsets and cautions that plan prices typically exclude taxes and fees, which can be substantial. Treat it as a dated prepaid snapshot, not a current quote or a complete ranking of every plan.
Examples of published plan prices—and what they mean
The following are examples from official carrier pages checked October 8, 2026. They are not 2025 prices and do not establish a universal cheapest carrier.
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#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
| Plan example | Published price and data | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Connect by T-Mobile | $15 per month plus tax for 5GB; $25 plus tax for 8GB; or $35 plus tax for 12GB. Each includes unlimited talk and text. | The official Connect plan page says no annual contract is required. These prices were checked October 8, 2026, not in the 2025 survey. |
| Visible base plan | $25 per month with unlimited data. | Visible’s official broadband facts and disclosures list government taxes as included and no provider monthly fee. Service may temporarily slow compared with other traffic during busy periods; hotspot speeds depend on plan tier. Checked October 8, 2026. |
These offers are not directly equivalent: they differ in data structure, tax treatment, and network-management terms. Connect’s prices are listed plus tax, while Visible’s base-plan disclosure includes government taxes. A plan labeled unlimited still needs to be checked for congestion management, hotspot terms, and any applicable high-speed limits.
How to choose a plan that fits your household
1. Calculate the actual recurring bill
Multiply the line price by the number of lines you need, then add taxes and fees. Check whether a quoted rate requires Auto Pay, a qualifying payment method, multiple lines, or a loyalty discount. Verizon Prepaid’s official plan terms illustrate that eligible prices can depend on Auto Pay and loyalty discounts. Its disclosures also describe temporary slowdowns during congestion and reduced speeds after the high-speed allowance on applicable plans. Compare the conditions attached to a rate, not only its headline.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
2. Check coverage where you use your phone
Look at coverage for your home, workplace, and regular travel routes. A nationwide network label cannot tell you whether service is reliable at a particular address. If possible, ask people who use the network in those locations about their experience; no carrier can be named the best choice for every reader’s location.
3. Match the data allowance to your use
Consider your typical monthly use and whether you often stream video, use navigation, or share a phone’s connection. Compare the high-speed data allowance and what happens when it is used. “Unlimited” does not by itself explain whether traffic may be managed during congestion or whether speeds change under particular conditions.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
4. Check hotspot terms and extras
If you use your phone as a hotspot, verify the allowance and speed for the plan tier you are considering. International calling, roaming, or bundled perks matter only if you will use them; include them in the comparison when they replace something you would otherwise pay for.
5. Confirm the phone will work before switching
Check device compatibility and whether your phone must be unlocked. Confirm whether activation supports eSIM or requires a physical SIM. Connect by T-Mobile says customers can bring their own device and do not need to buy a new one, but that does not mean every phone is compatible or every customer needs a physical SIM. Verify the requirements with the carrier before switching.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
A quick way to compare your shortlist
- Set the household details: write down the number of lines, your current phone models, and the locations where coverage matters.
- Estimate data needs: use recent bills or phone settings to check typical monthly data use, including hotspot use.
- Collect the full terms: record each plan’s recurring price, taxes and fees, discounts, data allowance, post-allowance terms, hotspot rules, and any upfront payment.
- Check coverage and compatibility: review the carrier’s coverage information for your regular locations and confirm that each phone can be activated on the plan.
- Compare household totals: calculate the cost for all lines and include only benefits you will actually use.
A cheaper plan is a good fit only when its coverage and service limits work for you. A higher-data or unlimited plan may be better value for frequent streaming or hotspot use, but only after comparing its terms and total household cost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
