Quick Answer
The cheapest options with unlimited talk and text start at $0 with app-based services like TextNow’s ad-supported plan, though that uses VoIP and doesn’t include cellular data. For traditional cellular calling and texting, several MVNOs offer true unlimited talk and text with small data buckets for $10–$15 per month, including Tello, US Mobile, Red Pocket (often via annual prepays), Boost Mobile’s $15/5GB plan for new customers, Mint Mobile’s $15 intro plan, and T‑Mobile’s $15 Connect plan. Expect the best sub‑$15 prices to come with trade-offs like prepaying multiple months, new-customer promos, or limited data. Always check coverage with your phone’s compatible networks before switching.
What “cheapest” really means here
“Unlimited talk and text” is common across prepaid carriers, but the true lowest price depends on how flexible you are about data, billing, and technology. The rock-bottom price is $0 with an app-based VoIP setup (TextNow) that runs over Wi‑Fi or a zero‑rated cellular connection. If you want standard carrier voice and SMS/MMS, the sweet spot is $10–$15 per month from MVNOs that ride the major networks. Pricing under $15 often requires one or more of the following: multi-month prepay, new-customer promos, minimal data (1–3GB), or fewer extras like hotspot or international calling.
The cheapest plans worth considering
Below are consistently low-cost picks that undercut postpaid carriers while still delivering reliable calling and texting. Prices and promos change, so treat this as a short list to compare—then confirm on each provider’s site at checkout (taxes/fees and autopay requirements vary by state and carrier).
Absolutely lowest cost: free VoIP option
- TextNow Free Talk & Text (Ad-supported): $0/month for voice and texting through the TextNow app. Works over Wi‑Fi and on a compatible T‑Mobile LTE/5G signal without a paid data plan. It’s VoIP, not traditional cellular voice, so call quality depends on your data connection, MMS is app-based, and emergency calling (911) is handled differently. You can buy data passes if you want mobile data.
Under $15/month with traditional cellular calling
- T‑Mobile Connect ($15): 5.5GB of data with unlimited talk and text at $15/month on T‑Mobile’s network. The Connect program is designed to stay affordable, and the data allowance has increased over time. Simple, month‑to‑month pricing; taxes/fees may be extra.
- Boost Mobile 5GB ($15): Often available to new customers at $15/month for 5GB with unlimited talk/text. Uses Boost’s coverage footprint (primarily AT&T and T‑Mobile, plus Boost’s own network in some areas). Watch for “new customer” or “BYOD” requirements, autopay terms, and SIM activation rules.
- Mint Mobile 5GB ($15 intro): $15/month for your first three months, then typically renews at a higher rate unless you prepay 12 months. Runs on T‑Mobile’s network. All plans include unlimited talk/text and Wi‑Fi calling; hotspot draws from your data.
- Tello (from around $10 for 1GB): Build-your-own plans on T‑Mobile’s network. Unlimited talk/text with a small data bucket (e.g., 1GB) commonly prices near $10/month. Tethering is allowed, and you can change plans any month without penalties.
- US Mobile (around $10 for 1GB): Custom plans with unlimited talk/text plus 1GB often land near $10 on either Verizon or T‑Mobile networks. Noted for strong eSIM support and robust account tools. Regulatory recovery fees and taxes typically add a few dollars.
- Red Pocket (effective $8–$12 via annual): Frequently sells annual plans that average under $15/month for unlimited talk/text with 1–3GB on your choice of AT&T, T‑Mobile, or Verizon. Best pricing usually requires paying 12 months upfront or buying promotional kits.
Cheapest unlimited data that still includes unlimited talk/text
- Visible ($25): If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Visible (on Verizon) offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $25/month with taxes/fees typically included. Hotspot works at 5 Mbps. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but it’s one of the most affordable “set it and forget it” unlimited‑data options.
At-a-glance comparison
| Plan | Typical monthly price | Data included | Network | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TextNow Free Talk & Text | $0 | No cellular data (add-ons available) | T‑Mobile (VoIP via app) | Ad-supported; calls/texts via app over Wi‑Fi or supported cellular signal |
| T‑Mobile Connect | $15 | 5.5GB | T‑Mobile | Simple month-to-month option; data allotment historically increases over time |
| Boost Mobile 5GB | $15 (often new customers) | 5GB | AT&T / T‑Mobile / Boost | Watch eligibility, autopay, and SIM activation terms |
| Mint Mobile 5GB | $15 intro (then typically $20+) | 5GB | T‑Mobile | Pay 3–12 months upfront to keep pricing low |
| Tello (1GB build-your-own) | ~$10 | 1GB (customizable) | T‑Mobile | Hotspot allowed; change plan anytime |
| US Mobile (1GB custom) | ~$10 | 1GB (customizable) | Verizon / T‑Mobile | Fees/taxes extra; strong eSIM support; solid app |
| Red Pocket (annual deals) | ~$8–$12 (effective) | 1–3GB | AT&T / T‑Mobile / Verizon | Best prices via annual prepay or promos; flexible network choice |
| Visible (unlimited data) | $25 | Unlimited | Verizon | Taxes/fees typically included; hotspot at 5 Mbps |
How to pick quickly
If you just need the cheapest phone number with nonstop calling and texting and can live with app calling, grab TextNow’s free SIM. If you want normal cellular calling and texting at the lowest steady price without annual prepay, start with T‑Mobile Connect ($15) or Boost $15/5GB if you’re eligible. If you’re comfortable prepaying, Mint at $15 for three months or Red Pocket annual kits can push your effective monthly cost under $15. If you burn through data or tether a lot, skip the nickel‑and‑diming and go straight to Visible at $25.
Coverage and compatibility matter more than a dollar or two
A $10 plan is worthless if your phone barely gets a signal where you live and work. Before switching:
- Check which network the MVNO uses and test that network with your current carrier or a friend’s phone.
- Confirm your phone’s bands support that network well (especially for rural LTE bands and 5G n71/n41 on T‑Mobile, n5/n77 on AT&T, n5/n77/n66 on Verizon).
- Verify Wi‑Fi calling if you need it at home or in the office.
- Use eSIM trials where available (US Mobile, T‑Mobile) to test coverage for a few days.
Also look at how the carrier handles congestion. MVNOs can be deprioritized behind postpaid users on the same network. Voice and basic texts usually sail through, but data speeds can dip at stadiums, rush hour, or crowded downtowns. If you live in a high‑traffic area and depend on data for work, consider stepping up to a plan with better priority or using a carrier that performs best where you are.
Taxes, fees, and the usual fine print
Budget carriers keep base prices low, but your out‑the‑door bill can be higher due to:
- Taxes and regulatory fees: Some providers (US Mobile, Boost) line‑item these. Others, like Visible, typically include them in the sticker price.
- Autopay and new‑customer promos: $15 pricing on Boost or Mint often requires autopay, bringing your own phone, or being a new activation. Renewals can cost more.
- Multi‑month or annual prepay: Mint and Red Pocket hit their lowest rates when you pay 3–12 months upfront. Make sure you’re comfortable locking in.
- Hotspot limits: Many cheap plans allow hotspot but draw from your data. Visible’s hotspot is unlimited at 5 Mbps; others cap usage by data allowance.
- International and roaming: Most sub‑$15 plans do not include international roaming. Some include free calling to select countries from the U.S. Check the details if you call abroad.
Finally, check feature support. VoLTE is a must on modern networks; Wi‑Fi calling is common but not universal on every MVNO/phone combo; visual voicemail varies by carrier and model. If a feature is critical—visual voicemail on Android, for instance—verify it on the provider’s support pages before you commit.
Who each plan suits best
- TextNow Free: A backup number, kids’ phones, minimalists who stay on Wi‑Fi, or anyone who wants a true $0 line and accepts VoIP quirks and ads.
- T‑Mobile Connect: A simple, stable, month‑to‑month plan for people who want predictable billing under $20 with enough data for maps, messaging, and light browsing.
- Boost Mobile $15: Bargain hunters who qualify for the promo and want more data than most $10–$12 plans, without the commitment of a year upfront.
- Mint Mobile: Planners comfortable paying ahead to lock a low rate, especially in strong T‑Mobile coverage areas.
- Tello: Tinkerers who want to fine‑tune talk, text, and data amounts and change month to month without penalties.
- US Mobile: Users who prize carrier choice (Verizon or T‑Mobile), eSIM convenience, and a polished app at a low price point.
- Red Pocket: Shoppers who don’t mind annual prepay to squeeze the most savings and who may need to pick a specific major network for coverage.
- Visible: Heavy data users who want a one‑line, tax‑included price with unlimited data and hotspot without tracking gigabytes.
Ways to push your bill even lower
- Use Wi‑Fi aggressively: Calls and texts over Wi‑Fi reduce cellular use and improve indoor call quality. Most carriers support Wi‑Fi calling.
- Right‑size your data: If you use under 2GB, don’t pay for 5–10GB. Many MVNOs let you change plans monthly.
- Watch for holiday promos: Black Friday and back‑to‑school periods often bring the best annual plan discounts.
- Bring your own phone: BYOD avoids device financing and locks. Ensure it’s fully paid off and unlocked.
- Consider annual: If you won’t move or change jobs, annual prepay can save $3–$10 per month versus monthly.
- Check low‑income programs: Lifeline still provides discounts for eligible customers. While the ACP program has wound down, some carriers continue offering internal low‑income plans or credits—ask customer support.
- Use eSIM trials: Test coverage and features for a few days before you port your main number.
When paying a bit more is smarter
If you rely on your phone for work, drive through dead zones, or need consistent hotspot, an extra $5–$10 per month can make a noticeable difference. Plans like Visible ($25) or entry postpaid tiers from the big carriers include better prioritization in congestion, fewer roaming gotchas, and stronger customer support. If you’ve tried an MVNO and consistently see slow data when crowds gather, consider stepping up.
Setup checklist before you switch
- Confirm coverage: Check the carrier’s map and ask neighbors or coworkers on the same network how service is.
- Verify compatibility: Enter your IMEI on the provider’s website to ensure your phone supports the right bands and VoLTE/Wi‑Fi calling.
- Decide on eSIM vs physical SIM: eSIM makes switching faster and easier to test‑drive plans.
- Unlock your number: If porting, collect your account number and transfer PIN from your current carrier before you start.
- Back up your phone: Especially if you’re also swapping devices during the move.
- Turn off iMessage/RCS temporarily: If you’re switching platforms or SIMs, disable, then re‑enable after activation to avoid SMS issues.
Key takeaways
For rock‑bottom pricing, TextNow delivers unlimited talk and text for $0 through an ad‑supported VoIP app. For standard cellular calling and texting with minimal data, T‑Mobile Connect, Boost’s $15/5GB, Mint’s $15 intro plan, Tello, US Mobile, and Red Pocket’s annual deals are consistently among the cheapest, generally sitting between $10 and $15 a month. Your best choice depends on whether you value paying month‑to‑month, minimizing taxes/fees, picking your underlying network, or prepaying to lock in a lower effective rate. Always verify coverage where you actually use your phone before committing to a long prepay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the absolute cheapest way to get unlimited talk and text?
TextNow’s ad-supported plan offers unlimited talk and text at $0/month via its app. It’s VoIP-based, so calls and texts travel over Wi‑Fi or a supported cellular data connection rather than the carrier’s native voice/SMS channels. If you want traditional cellular calling and texting, expect to pay around $10–$15 with providers like T‑Mobile Connect, Boost, Mint, Tello, US Mobile, or Red Pocket (often with prepay or promos).
Are these budget plans reliable for everyday calling?
Yes, with the caveat that coverage and prioritization vary by network. MVNOs use the big networks but can be deprioritized during congestion, which affects data more than voice. For critical calls, Wi‑Fi calling at home or work can improve reliability. If you constantly experience slowdowns in busy areas, a plan with higher priority (like certain postpaid options) may be worth a few extra dollars.
Can I keep my number when switching to a cheaper plan?
In most cases, yes. Porting your number is standard. Gather your current account number and a transfer PIN before starting activation with the new carrier, and keep the old line active until the port completes. eSIM can make the transition nearly instant on compatible phones.
Do these low-cost plans include Wi‑Fi calling and visual voicemail?
Most T‑Mobile‑based MVNOs (Mint, Tello, US Mobile on T‑Mobile) support Wi‑Fi calling on modern iPhones and Android phones. Verizon‑based options like Visible also support it. Visual voicemail support varies by carrier and phone model; it generally works on iPhone and many Android phones, but check the provider’s support pages if it’s essential.
Are taxes and fees included in the advertised price?
Not always. Some carriers, like Visible, typically include taxes and fees in the advertised price. Many MVNOs list a low base price and add regulatory fees and taxes at checkout. Expect the final bill to be a few dollars higher than the sticker in many states, unless the provider explicitly says taxes and fees are included.
Is “unlimited talk and text” truly unlimited?
For traditional cellular plans, yes—domestic calls and texts are not metered. International calling and texting are different and often limited or sold as add‑ons. App‑based free options like TextNow are unlimited within fair use and subject to VoIP service constraints, ads, and data availability.
Will my phone get 5G on these plans?
If your phone and the underlying network support 5G, most modern MVNO plans allow 5G access. Data speeds and prioritization can vary, and hotspot rules still apply. Always check the plan details and confirm your phone’s band support before switching.