You're in the market for a new cell phone plan, but don't want to get locked into a long-term contract. Maybe you want to try a new carrier, but aren't ready for a permanent switch or a years-long commitment. In this article, I'll tell you about the best no contract cell phone plans available now!
What Is A No Contract Cell Phone Plan?
A no contract cell phone plan is a cellular service plan that doesn't require you to commit to paying for a predetermined period of time. Without a contract, consumers are free switch carriers at any time without having to worry about termination fees. Most of the time, these plans allow you to upgrade or downgrade at whenever you'd like.
Cell phone plans with contracts have become less common ever since T-Mobile launched its Un-carrier campaign in 2013.
Benefits Of A No Contract Plan
The primary appeal of a no contract plan is the flexibility that it allows consumers. For example, you are free to change or cancel the details of the plan as you see fit, making it possible to try out a different plans from different carriers before making any long-term commitments.
No contract phone plans are often cheaper than the alternative. If you need a new plan, but worry about its financial accessibility, a no contract plan might be ideal for you.
No Contract vs. Prepaid Plans
Though similar in many ways, no contract and prepaid plans are not exactly the same thing. For example, while prepaid plans do not have contracts, many carriers require customers to pay 3, 6, or 12 months in advance. Having to pay for so much upfront might not be a good fit for everyone. However, you can often get great discounts on prepaid plans when you pay for several months upfront.
No contract plans often have options that do not require upfront payments for extended periods of time. Other common options include postpaid, where you can pay at the end of each billing cycle, and pay-as-you-go. We typically don't recommend pay-as-you-go plans, as they can often be misleadingly advertised by carriers and can require much more than other payment methods.
If you're worried because the absence of a contract sounds a little too casual or loosely organized, fear not. Prepaid plans can include all the bells and whistles of a contract plan including texting, unlimited data, mobile hotspots, and more.
Check Wireless Coverage Before You Switch
The most important thing to consider when choosing a no contract cell phone plan is wireless coverage. A phone plan is only useful if your carrier has good coverage where you live! Check out our coverage maps to see which wireless carriers have the best service near you.
Stuck In A Contract?
It's easy to feel like you're stuck in a contract that's keeping you from switching to a better plan. However, most major carriers will actually buy your current contract when you switch. Below, you'll find details on the switching process for some major carriers.
Switching To T-Mobile
When you switch to T-Mobile, you're able to keep your current phone, trade it in, or buy a new one. In addition, you also have the choice between keeping your current phone number or switching to a new one when you transfer.
If you choose to get a new phone when you switch, T-Mobile will help pay off your old phone and contract. This offer stands for up to $650 per line from your original plan, or $350 in early termination fees.
Switching To Verizon
Verizon offers similar support to T-Mobile for their new customers. When you leave your current carrier and switch to Verizon, they reimburse you up to $650 for the devices you leave behind, as well as up to $350 for early termination fees.
Switching To AT&T
AT&T has a slightly different system for new customers. If you trade in your old device when you move to an AT&T plan, they will provide you up to $650 in AT&T credit in exchange. This is a good deal, if you want to switch to AT&T and have a new device you've been looking to invest in.
Will An MVNO Pay Off My Current Plan?
Recently, mobile virtual network operator (MNVO) companies have fallen into popularity like never before. These are smaller companies that lease out access to the cellular service provided by major carriers.
While their plans are often more affordable, and can come with a number of great perks, they are unlikely to buy out your existing contracts. You may want to keep that in mind if you're looking to switch!
Best No Contract Cell Phone Plans
Verizon 5 GB Prepaid Plan
Verizon offers several no contract prepaid plans. Our favorite is the 5 GB Prepaid Plan, which also includes unlimited minutes and messages. We love this plan because it has enough 4G LTE data for most users and doesn't require paying for several months at a time.
This plan also includes unlimited texting to over 200 countries and mobile hotspot. After using 5 GB of 4G LTE data, your data speeds will be throttled for the remainder of the month.
Tello Mobile Economy Plan
If you're looking to prioritize affordability, the Tello Mobile Economy Plan could be exactly what you need. For a minimal price tag, this plan comes with unlimited texts and calls domestically, as well as to Mexico, Canada, and China. It also accesses T-Mobile's nationwide network, so you can take advantage of your unlimited calls and texts anywhere.
If you're more concerned about using cellular data frequently throughout the month, this plan might not be for you. With 1 GB of cellular data per month, you'll only have a few hours of access to your plan's 4G LTE data, before it's reduced to 2G speeds for the remainder of the pay cycle.
TextNow Unlimited Data Plan
Comparable in price to Verizon's Prepaid 5 GB plan, TextNow's Unlimited Data Plan is perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of a no contract plan. With 23 GB of 4G LTE per month, you'll have no problem streaming or surfing the internet on their phones without having a Wi-Fi connection.
TextNow also has a free app available, allowing users to customize and monitor their plan at a moment's notice throughout the month.
One limitation of the Text Now Unlimited Plan is its international features. While it includes unlimited free calling to Canada, calling to all other countries comes with a small fee that could add up significantly, especially if you frequently make calls outside of the United States.
T-Mobile 2 GB Connect Plan
T-Mobile's 2 GB Connect Plan is great for users that don't need a lot of data and value a good deal. For just $15 / month for up to 5 lines, you'll receive unlimited minutes and messages with 2 GB of high speed data. Plus, you can pay for extra data if you run out or upgrade to 5GB of data per month for a small rate increase. Even if you upgrade, T-Mobile Connected is still a highly affordable plan!
Ting Mobile Set 5 GB
Ting Mobile was acquired by Dish as part of the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint. As a result, all Ting Mobile customers get coverage on T-Mobile's nationwide 4G and 5G networks.
Ting Mobile's Set 5 GB plan is a great, affordable plan. It costs $25 / month, and includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and 5 GB of data. Anyone subscribed to this plan can also use their cellular data allotment for mobile hotspot. If you ever run out of data, Ting Mobile also allows customers to purchase extra data at any point throughout their pay period.
Mint Mobile Unlimited Plan
The Mint Mobile Unlimited plan is a great option for users that only want to pay for what they need. Plus, there's no contract requirement! You'll pay for 3, 6, or 12 months of data upfront, and after that you're free to sign another contract with Mint Mobile, or anyone else.
We recommend starting with a 3 month plan to test Mint's network and see if it's right for you. Granted, this is a bit of a commitment, but the plan's great features may convince you.
For instance, you'll receive free international calling to Canada and Mexico. If you've been looking at MVNO providers, Mint Mobile is actually one of the few to offer unlimited calling, texting, and data as part of their basic plans. You can also enjoy mobile hotspot, all for $30 / month.
Mint Mobile also offers a variety of other prepaid plans at excellent values. These plans span from 4 GB to unlimited data, with prices that stay competitive across the board. Additionally, with Mint, each plan includes access to 5G and 4G LTE networks, free mobile hotspot, and a free 3-in-1 SIM card when you switch.
AT&T 8 GB Prepaid Plan
The AT&T 8 GB Prepaid plan is another great option for people who want a no-contract plan with plenty of cellular data. This plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and 8 GB of high-speed data that can be also be used as mobile hotspot.
This plan's unlimited messaging extends beyond the US to over 100 countries. You'll also enjoy unlimited calling to anywhere in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The 8 GB Prepaid plan also allows for rollover data, so customers will never lose data month-to-month. This package starts at just $25 / month when you pay for a full year of coverage up front.
No Contract Needed!
There's a diverse array of no contract phone plans out there and these are just a few available to you. Check out our cell phone plan comparison tool to explore some of your options Leave a comment down below if you'd like any further guidance on choosing a new plan!
