Best cheap cell phone plans for students
On campus Wi-Fi most of the day, students rarely need a pricey unlimited plan. We ranked cheap plans that cover the gaps between hotspots without the big-carrier markup.
1. US Mobile · Unlimited Flex
Verizon network (MVNO)
$17.50/mo
- Fits your $25/mo budget at $17.50/mo
- No surprise add-ons: taxes and fees are already in this price
⚠ High-speed data is limited to 10GB, well under the 15GB you use; beyond that US Mobile may slow you during congestion
View on US Mobile's site →2. US Mobile · Unlimited Starter
Verizon network (MVNO)
$25/mo
- Fits your $25/mo budget at $25/mo
- No surprise add-ons: taxes and fees are already in this price
⚠ A budget brand that rents the Verizon network (an "MVNO"): same towers, but your data may slow down when towers get busy
View on US Mobile's site →3. Mint Mobile · 17GB Plan
T-Mobile network (MVNO)
$21.66/mo
- Fits your $25/mo budget at $21.66/mo
- 17GB covers your medium (~15GB) usage without overpaying
⚠ A budget brand that rents the T-Mobile network (an "MVNO"): same towers, but your data may slow down when towers get busy
View on Mint Mobile's site →4. Visible · Visible
Verizon network (MVNO)
$25/mo
- Fits your $25/mo budget at $25/mo
- No surprise add-ons: taxes and fees are already in this price
⚠ No premium data guarantee: Visible may slow this plan any time the network is busy
View on Visible's site →5. Mint Mobile · 23GB Plan
T-Mobile network (MVNO)
$27.07/mo
- 23GB covers your medium (~15GB) usage without overpaying
⚠ About $2.07/mo over your stated budget
View on Mint Mobile's site →
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This ranking assumes a typical user. Coverage in your ZIP, your line count, and your budget can change the answer, so tell us yours and we'll rank every plan for you, free.
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