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For a straightforward, tax-inclusive unlimited plan, start with Visible at $25 a month. If you use little data, compare customizable options from Tello or US Mobile; if you are comfortable paying ahead, Mint may offer better value on T-Mobile’s network. Travelers may get more from Google Fi, while Cricket or Metro can suit families and people who want store support. The best deal depends on coverage where you actually use your phone, not just the advertised price.
Prices and terms below are current signals from provider pages and can change. This is a 2026 guide, not a record of what plans cost in 2025. Confirm the live offer, total checkout price, device eligibility, data priority, and hotspot rules before switching.
Quick comparison: affordable phone plans
“Entry price” and “unlimited price” are not always directly comparable: some are monthly charges, some may be monthly equivalents that require paying several months in advance, and some plans have different high-speed data or hotspot allowances. Treat approximate figures as starting points, not a guaranteed checkout total.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Provider | Best for | Network | Price signal | Taxes and fees | Hotspot and main catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Simple unlimited service | Verizon | $25/month base; $35 and $45 higher tiers | Included on listed plans | Base plan includes hotspot with a speed limit; tier rules differ. Digital-first support and Verizon coverage fit matter. |
| Mint Mobile | Value for people willing to prepay | T-Mobile | About $15/month equivalent for 6GB; about $30 equivalent for unlimited in comparison coverage | Extra | Plan-specific. Low monthly equivalents generally depend on multi-month payment; unlimited users may see reduced speeds after 50GB in a cycle in busy locations. |
| US Mobile | Network choice and flexible plans | Multiple underlying network options | Examples around $10 for entry plans and $25–$30 for unlimited | Often included, but verify the plan | Data priority, hotspot, roaming, and price vary by network and billing term. |
| Tello | Light-data and Wi-Fi-heavy users | T-Mobile | Build a plan; verify live pricing | Verify at checkout | Data and hotspot depend on the selected plan; check the current high-speed threshold. |
| Google Fi | International calling, texting, and travel | T-Mobile-based service | Flexible and unlimited structures; compare actual use | May apply | Plan-specific. A flexible plan’s data charges can add up for domestic heavy users. |
| Cricket Wireless | Families and retail-store access | AT&T | Single-line and multi-line prices vary; verify live offers | Generally included in advertised pricing | Hotspot and priority vary by plan; family pricing may improve value. |
| Metro by T-Mobile | Store access, T-Mobile coverage, and qualifying offers | T-Mobile | Offers and line counts vary; verify current plans | Included on listed plans | Hotspot varies. Low prices or phone deals may have eligibility or port-in conditions. |
| Consumer Cellular | People who value service simplicity and support | AT&T-based | Verify current plan and discounts | Verify current terms | May cost more than low-price rivals, especially for heavy data use. |
Secondary options include Total Wireless and Straight Talk for Verizon-network service, retail availability, or phone offers. Compare the service cost separately from any device promotion, and check eligibility, hotspot, priority, taxes, and phone-locking terms.
#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.
Best picks by the way you use your phone
Best simple unlimited value: Visible
Visible’s base plan is $25 per month with taxes and fees included, and it runs on Verizon’s network. The provider also lists Visible+ at $35 and Visible+ Pro at $45; annual options are shown at $275, $375, and $450 respectively. Those annual totals work out to roughly $23, $32, and $38 per month, but the full amount is paid up front, so the equivalent is not a monthly bill. See Visible’s current plan disclosures for plan-specific terms.
The base plan is attractive if Verizon works well at your home, job, and commute and you want a predictable bill. It is not automatically equivalent to Verizon postpaid: priority, hotspot speed, video, roaming, and international features depend on the plan. The base plan’s hotspot is unlimited but speed-limited; higher tiers have different hotspot and premium-data terms. Annual service is less flexible if you may move or want to switch quickly. Visible is primarily digital-first, which may be a drawback if you need in-person help.
Best for low-data users: Tello
If most of your data use happens on Wi-Fi, paying for unlimited service may be wasteful. Tello lets customers assemble plans with smaller data allowances, making it worth comparing for a light or moderate user. Check the live plan builder for the current price, data amount, hotspot allowance, and what happens after high-speed data is used. Tello uses T-Mobile’s network, so local coverage is still the deciding factor. It is less suitable if you need extensive hotspot use or travel roaming comparable to a travel-focused plan.
Rank #2
- 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)
Best annual-prepay value: Mint Mobile
Mint can make sense if T-Mobile performs well for you and you can pay for multiple months in advance. The monthly equivalent is not necessarily what Mint charges each month, and taxes and fees are extra. Its plan page says unlimited customers using more than 50GB in a billing cycle may notice reduced speeds for the rest of that cycle in some busy locations. Do not interpret “unlimited” as a promise of unlimited premium-priority data.
Before prepaying, calculate the full checkout amount, not just the monthly equivalent. Prepayment ties up cash and makes a bad coverage fit more costly; check refund and renewal terms before buying.
Best for network flexibility: US Mobile
US Mobile is worth considering if you want to choose among underlying network options rather than accept one by default. Its comparison material has shown entry plans around $10 and unlimited plans around $25–$30, but prices and terms vary with the network, data allotment, and billing term. Check the current plan page and confirm the exact network, high-speed data, priority, hotspot, roaming, and tax treatment. Flexibility is useful, but it requires more comparison than a single, simple plan.
Rank #3
- 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.
Best for international use: Google Fi
Google Fi’s flexible and unlimited plan structures can be worthwhile if the international calling, texting, or roaming features match the countries you actually visit. It is usually not the cheapest choice for someone who mainly wants domestic low-data service. Flexible pricing can also rise with data use. Review Google Fi’s plan and international details, then check destination coverage, device compatibility, and any use restrictions before relying on it abroad.
Best family or retail-store options: Cricket and Metro
Cricket runs on AT&T’s network and can be more competitive for a household than for a single line, especially when its multi-line pricing fits. Advertised prices generally include taxes and fees, but verify the offer and plan-specific hotspot and priority. Metro uses T-Mobile’s network, has retail stores, and states that taxes and fees are included on listed plans. Some low prices or phone deals can depend on a new line, port-in, or other eligibility rules; check the full conditions and any activation fee.
Best for support and simplicity: Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is a candidate for people who prioritize account support and straightforward service, including older adults and caregivers managing a line. It is not necessarily the cheapest plan, particularly for high data use. Compare current plan limits and any AARP-related discount directly with the alternatives, and confirm what support channels and device policies apply.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
First decide what “cheap” means
- Lowest monthly bill: A small data bucket can beat unlimited if you mostly use Wi-Fi.
- Lowest effective unlimited cost: Often involves a lower-priority plan, limited hotspot, annual prepayment, or other trade-off.
- Best total value: The plan that works at your locations, covers your data and hotspot use, fits your phone, and has a realistic total price.
Compare the monthly recurring total, checkout amount, first-year cost, regular price after promotions, and whether taxes and fees are included. Add activation or SIM/eSIM charges and do not fold a phone trade-in or financing deal into the service price. A $25 tax-inclusive plan can be a better and more predictable deal than a lower advertised rate plus fees or a large up-front payment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understand prepaid, MVNO, and postpaid
Prepaid generally means paying before service, usually without a long service contract or credit check. MVNO means a carrier sells service using another provider’s wireless network. Postpaid typically means receiving a bill after service and may include device financing, family discounts, or different priority rules. Some prepaid brands are owned by or closely associated with major networks; that relationship does not make the plans identical.
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A plan running on Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can differ from that network’s postpaid service in data priority, congestion management, domestic roaming, hotspot, video quality, support, and international access. Check the plan’s own disclosures instead of choosing by network name alone.
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.
Choose data and hotspot based on actual use
As a starting estimate, a light user who calls, messages, uses maps, and occasionally streams music may need about 1–5GB a month. Social media, music streaming, and occasional video can put a moderate user around 5–15GB. Frequent video, gaming, uploads, or navigation may call for 20GB or more. Regular tethering to a laptop or several devices deserves a separate hotspot check; phone data and hotspot data may have different limits.
“Unlimited” may mean unlimited on-device data with lower priority during congestion, a premium-data threshold followed by deprioritization, high-speed data followed by slower service, or unlimited phone data but a small hotspot allowance. Video may be capped at SD or HD, and tethering may have separate speed limits or restrictions. Look for the threshold, what happens after it, and whether the change lasts until the billing cycle resets.
Check coverage and phone compatibility before paying
- Check the network at real locations. Use the provider’s address-level map for home, work, school, commute, and frequently visited rural roads. A map cannot guarantee indoor reception. If possible, test with a short monthly plan before committing for a year.
- Check your phone. Confirm it is unlocked and eligible by IMEI. Verify the required LTE/5G bands, eSIM support if you plan to activate digitally, VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, and whether the phone is too old for current network requirements. “Uses the same network” does not mean every phone will work.
- Check the full plan disclosure. Confirm high-speed data and priority, hotspot allotment and speed, roaming, video limits, taxes, fees, autopay conditions, and any promotional end date.
- Compare first-year cost. Include recurring service, fees, activation, SIM/eSIM charges, and required prepayment. Compare service alone against service alone; a discounted handset may require a qualifying plan, trade-in, port-in, or installment agreement.
For an address-sensitive decision, check more than one network. Rural and indoor performance can vary substantially even between nearby locations, and a coverage map is not a guarantee of usable service.
Switch without losing your number
- Confirm your phone is unlocked and passes the new carrier’s IMEI check.
- Get your current account number and transfer PIN or port-out PIN from your existing carrier. Check the remaining device balance and any account-owner requirements.
- Save voicemail and make sure you can access recovery methods for accounts that use your phone number for two-factor authentication.
- Keep the old service active. Do not cancel it yourself before the number transfer completes; porting normally closes the old line when successful.
- Activate the new SIM or eSIM, then test outgoing and incoming calls, SMS, MMS, mobile data, Wi-Fi calling, and voicemail.
- If the number transfer stalls, contact the new carrier with the exact port status and verify the old account details and PIN. Avoid repeatedly canceling or restarting the port, which can complicate a transfer.
If you depend on the line for work, banking, or caregiving, schedule the switch when you can troubleshoot and retain access to another contact method during activation.
Quick Recap
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.
