Top Cell Phone Plans to Consider in 2022
- Tech
- By Kirstie H. on
The monthly price is only part of the equation when shopping for a mobile plan. How much data you burn through and the kind of service you prefer count just as much. The seven affordable options below stand out for their features in 2022.
Mint Mobile Unlimited: Flexible Prepaid With a Free Trial
Mint Mobile Unlimited suits anyone who wants a prepaid plan with strong upgrade options. It comes with 35 GB of high-speed data and up to 5 GB of mobile hotspot data. Minutes and texting are unlimited across the country, and calls to Mexico and Canada are free, so there are no surprise charges for them.
Shoppers who are unsure can test the plan for seven days at no cost before committing. The best value comes from the 12-month prepaid renewal rate of $360.
T-Mobile Magenta: Fast 5G Without a Coverage Trade-Off
A lower price does not have to mean weaker coverage. T-Mobile's Magenta plan offers nationwide 5G with some of the fastest speeds on the market. It includes 100 GB of high-speed data, with 5 GB available as a mobile hotspot.
The cost is $70 per month, taxes and fees included. Customers get unlimited minutes and texting, both within the country and internationally in over 200 countries. A Netflix account and video streaming are part of the package too.
Verizon 5GB Shared Plan: A Family-Friendly Choice
Families looking for a shared plan can look at Verizon's 5GB Shared Plan. The first line starts at $55 per month for customers who sign up for autopay and e-billing. The plan covers unlimited minutes, texts and data, including 5 GB of high-speed data.
Those who need more can add 1 GB of high-speed data for $15 per month through Verizon's Data Boost option. Unused data rolls over from month to month, so nothing goes to waste.
Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text: Simple and Phone-Flexible
Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk and Text is a no-frills, talk-and-text-only plan that starts at $15 per month. Data can be added if needed, from 1 GB per month for $20 up to 15 GB per month for $45.
Several discounts help bring costs down:
- Signing up for autopay and e-billing earns a $5 credit.
- AARP members get 5% off their monthly bill.
Customers can keep their own device, which is a major advantage. Anyone who would rather upgrade can choose from several phone models.
Google Fi Simply Unlimited: Built for Privacy
Google Fi is a good match for people who care about privacy. The service uses a virtual private network (VPN) and spam-blocking software to help keep data safe and secure. Parental controls are included as well, which makes it easier to manage children's data.
The Simply Unlimited plan costs $60 per month and provides unlimited texts and minutes plus up to 22 GB of high-speed data. A 1 GB add-on is available for $10 per month when more data is required.
Tello Economy: The Lowest Price on the List
Tello Economy is the cheapest plan here, starting at $10 per month. For that price, customers receive unlimited minutes and texts, 1 GB of high-speed data, and free calls to over 60 international countries.
The plan is flexible, since it can be upgraded or downgraded at any time. Tello also allows new customers to bring their own phone.
Visible Unlimited: Verizon's Network at a Lower Cost
Visible Unlimited is a cost-effective option that runs on Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks. At $40 per month, it includes unlimited high-speed data, minutes, texts and mobile hotspot data. Calls and texts to Canada and Mexico are free.
Adding lines unlocks a group rate called "Party Pay." Up to four additional members can join, and each one brings a $5 monthly discount.
Quick Price Recap
For a fast side-by-side look at starting costs:
- Tello Economy: $10 per month, with 1 GB of high-speed data.
- Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text: $15 per month, talk and text only, with data add-ons from $20 to $45.
- Visible Unlimited: $40 per month, with unlimited high-speed data.
- Verizon 5GB Shared Plan: $55 per month for the first line, with autopay and e-billing.
- Google Fi Simply Unlimited: $60 per month, with up to 22 GB of high-speed data.
- T-Mobile Magenta: $70 per month, with 100 GB of high-speed data.
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: $360 for a 12-month prepaid renewal, with 35 GB of high-speed data.
Compare Plans Online to Find Your Match
The search for the right 2022 plan can begin online today. Comparing prices is quick and easy, and it may even lead to some savings along the way.