Choosing the right student phone plan in the USA can be a bit tricky, as there are many factors to consider, such as budget, data needs, and coverage. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Determine Your Usage Needs
Data: How much data do you typically use each month? If you stream a lot of videos or use social media frequently, you might need a plan with more data.
Calls and Texts: Some plans offer unlimited calls and texts, while others may have limits. Consider how much you talk or text.
International Calling: If you need to call or text internationally, look for plans that include this feature or offer affordable rates.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you can afford to spend each month on your phone plan.
Look for discounts specifically for students. Many carriers offer special student rates or discounts when you sign up with a student ID.
Check Coverage
Make sure the carrier has good coverage in the areas where you’ll be spending most of your time, such as your campus, dorm, and hometown.
Use coverage maps provided by carriers to compare signal strength in your area.
Consider Prepaid vs. Postpaid
Prepaid Plans: No contracts, often cheaper, and you pay for what you use in advance. These are great if you want flexibility and control over your spending.
Postpaid Plans: Monthly billing with more features like family plans, international calling, and device financing. These often come with contracts, but may offer more perks.
Look for Family or Group Plans
Some carriers offer discounts if you sign up as part of a family or group plan. If you have roommates or friends who also need a plan, consider signing up together.
Research Carriers and Plans
Major Carriers: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have extensive networks and often offer student discounts.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): Companies like Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Boost Mobile use the networks of major carriers but often offer cheaper plans.
Check for Perks
Some plans come with additional benefits like free streaming subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Hulu), discounts on new phones, or international data.
Consider Phone Financing
If you need a new phone, some carriers offer financing options that allow you to pay off your phone over time, often with 0% interest.
Read Reviews and Ask Around
Look for reviews of the plans and carriers you’re considering. Ask friends or classmates what plans they use and if they’re satisfied.
Trial Period
Some carriers offer a trial period where you can test their service before fully committing. Use this time to ensure the plan meets your needs.
By evaluating these factors, you can find a plan that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.
Best Phone Plans for Students
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are often a great choice for students because they offer lower-cost phone plans while still providing reliable service through major carrier networks. Here are some of the best MVNO phone plans for students in the USA:
Tello
- Network: T-Mobile
- Price: $5–$25 per month
| Data | Minutes | Texts | Price |
| 1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $9/ month |
| 2GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $10/ month |
| 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $14/ month |
| 10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $19/ month |
| 15GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | $24/ month |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25/ month |
Features:
- Fully customizable plans: choose your data, talk, and text amounts
- Unlimited talk and text plans available
- Free tethering (mobile hotspot)
- International calling to over 60 countries included
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Ideal for students who want to tailor their plan to their exact needs, avoiding paying for unnecessary extras.
Mint Mobile
- Network: T-Mobile
- Price: $15–$30 per month (for 3-12 month plans)
| Data | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | |
| 5GB | $15/mo. | $20/mo. | $15/mo. | View Plans » |
| 15GB | $20/mo. | $25/mo. | $20/mo. | View Plans » |
| 20GB | $25/mo. | $35/mo. | $25/mo. | View Plans » |
| Unlimited (40GB) | $30/mo. | $35/mo. | $30/mo. | View Plans » |
Features:
- Plans start at 5GB of 5G/4G LTE data and go up to Unlimited data.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Option to increase data during the plan cycle if needed
- Hotspot included
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Very affordable, especially for those who can pay for multiple months upfront. Great for flexibility with data needs.
Visible (by Verizon)
- Network: Verizon
- Price: $25 – $45 per month
| Visible | Visible+ |
|---|---|
| $25/mo (Taxes and fees included) | $45/mo (Taxes and fees included) |
| Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE | Unlimited Talk, Text & data 50 GB/mo of premium data 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE 5G Ultra Wideband Save $10/mo on Verizon Home Internet Smartwatch service included. Save $10/mo. |
| Unlimited Mobile Hotspot | Unlimited Mobile Hotspot at twice the speed as Visible plan |
| Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico & Canada | Unlimited Talk & Text to Mexico/Canada Unlimited Talk, Text & Data Roaming in Mexico/Canada (2GB of data per day) International Calling from US to 30+ Countries International Texting from US to 200+ Countries One Global Pass day per month included |
| View the plan> | View the plan> |
Features:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at 5 Mbps)
- No hidden fees or taxes, all-inclusive pricing
- 5G access on Verizon’s network
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Offers unlimited data at a low price. Ideal for students who want simple, all-inclusive pricing without worrying about overages.
Cricket Wireless
- Network: AT&T
- Price: $30–$60 per month
| Brand | Monthly Cost | Talk & Text | Data | Hotspot | No. of Lines | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited +15 GB Mobile Hotspot Plan | $60.00 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 GB | Up to 5 | View Plans |
| Unlimited Plan | $55.00 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Optional | Up to 5 | View Plans |
| 12-Month Unlimited Plan | $25.00 | Unlimited | Unlimited | None | Up to 5 | View Plans |
| 3-Month Unlimited Plan | $25.00 | Unlimited | Unlimited | None | Up to 5 | View Plans |
Features:
- Various unlimited plans
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB mobile hotspot with the Unlimited + 15GB plan
- Discounts for multi-line accounts (up to $70 off)
- Access to HBO Max with ads on the higher-tier plan
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Reliable network coverage with AT&T, plus entertainment perks. Good for students who want a balance of data and extra features.
Boost Mobile
- Network: T-Mobile (some plans also use AT&T)
- Price: $25–$65 per month
| Plans | Data | Hotspot | Perks | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Plans | ||||
| Unlimited | 30GB | Not Included | Price Guarantee (valid as long as plan is active & enrolled in autopay) | $25/mo (Plus tax) |
| Unlimited+ | 40GB | Included | Global Talk & Text included | $50/mo (Tax included) |
| Unlimited Premium | 50GB | Included | – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $60/mo (Tax included) |
| PostPaid Plans | ||||
| Infinite Access for iPhone | 30GB | Not Included | – New iPhone included – Annual device upgrades – Up to $830 in device savings – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $65/mo (plus taxes) |
| Infinite Access for Galaxy | 30GB | Not Included | – New Galaxy included – Annual device upgrades – Up to $800 in device savings – Global Talk & Text included – North America Connect included | $65/mo (plus taxes) |
Features:
- All are Unlimited data plans
- Unlimited talk and text
- Free mobile hotspot on most plans
- No contracts and affordable pricing
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Perfect for students who need an unlimited data plan.
US Mobile
- Network: Verizon and T-Mobile
- Price: $8–$44 per month
| Data | High Speed Data | Minutes & Texts | Price |
| 2GB Light Plan | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. $8/mo. ( pay annually) |
| By the Big 2GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 2 GB | Unlimited | $10/mo. |
| By the Big 10GB (Add line $8/line/mo. Share data) | 10 GB | Unlimited | $20/mo. |
| Unlimited Flex | 10 GB | Unlimited | $17.5/mo. |
| Unlimited Starter | 35 GB | Unlimited | $25/mo. $22.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
| Unlimited Premium | 100 GB | Unlimited | $44/mo. $32.5/mo. ( pay annually) |
Features:
- Customizable plans with options for data, talk, and text
- Unlimited plans with up to 100GB of high-speed data
- Access to 5G on Verizon and T-Mobile networks
- International roaming and global eSIM options
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Offers robust customization with access to top-tier networks. Good for students who need flexibility and international features.
Red Pocket Mobile
- Network: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
- Price: $8–$40 per month
| Plans | Data | International Calling | Monthly Plans | Annual Plans | |
| Unlimited Essentials | 1GB | Yes | $10/mo | $9/mo | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Plus | 10GB | Yes | $20/mo | $18.3/mo | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | Yes | $30/mo | $27.6/mo | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Elite | Unlimited | Yes | $40/mo | $36.6/mo | View Plan> |
Features:
- Choose your network based on coverage in your area
- Plans include a mix of talk, text, and data, with unlimited options
- International calling to over 70 countries included
- Multi-line discounts available
Why It’s Good for Students:
- Allows students to choose the best network for their location while offering affordable pricing and international calling features.
These MVNOs provide a variety of options to fit different budgets, data needs, and network preferences, making them ideal for students looking to save money while staying connected.