Compare Mobile SIM Plans in United States
Live offers across tracked providers in United States — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
- Tello Economy 5GB
- US Mobile Starter 2GB
- Ting Flex Plan
- Tello Economy 5GB
- Mint Mobile 15GB
What are Mobile SIMs in the US?
A mobile SIM plan provides cellular service—talk, text and data—on your phone in the United States. The market divides between the three major carriers that own the networks and a large field of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and prepaid brands that lease capacity from them at lower prices. Most plans are unlimited-data prepaid or postpaid, and eSIM support means many phones can activate service digitally without a physical card.
How the US market works
Three national carriers—Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T—own the wireless networks, offering premium unlimited plans with perks, priority data and the newest devices. MVNOs and their prepaid brands run on those same networks but cost far less, sometimes trading away perks or getting lower data priority during congestion. Prepaid plans have no contract or credit check, while postpaid plans bill monthly and often bundle phone financing. Coverage depends on which carrier's network the plan uses, so matching network to your area matters.
Benefits
MVNO savings — Budget brands run on the big networks for a fraction of carrier prices.
No-contract prepaid — Prepaid plans need no credit check or long-term commitment and can be canceled anytime.
Unlimited data — Most plans now include unlimited talk, text and data with high-speed allotments.
eSIM convenience — Many carriers activate service digitally, letting you switch or add a line in minutes.
How to choose
Start with coverage: check which network—Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T—works best where you live and travel, then pick a plan on that network. Decide if you need carrier perks like premium data priority, hotspot, streaming bundles or the latest financed phone, or whether a cheaper MVNO meets your needs. Compare the high-speed data allotment, hotspot data, and whether the price is a promotional teaser. Prepaid suits those wanting flexibility and no credit check; postpaid suits perk-seekers financing a device.
Leading providers in the US
Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T are the three network-owning carriers with premium unlimited plans and nationwide coverage. Among value brands, Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile) is known for cheap multi-month prepaid plans, Visible (owned by Verizon) offers simple unlimited plans on Verizon's network, and US Mobile lets customers pick among major networks. Cricket Wireless (AT&T) and Straight Talk (multi-network) are widely available prepaid brands offering low-cost unlimited options.
What it costs
Monthly plans generally range from about 0 to $90. Budget MVNOs and multi-month prepaid deals sit at the low end, often 5–$30 a month for unlimited data, while premium carrier unlimited plans with perks run $60–$90 per line, dropping with multi-line family discounts. Prepaid plans avoid taxes-on-top surprises by including them in some cases, and buying several months upfront often unlocks the lowest per-month rates.
Protections and regulation
Wireless carriers are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees spectrum, requires broadband and mobile transparency labels disclosing plan terms and fees, and mandates number portability so you can keep your number when switching. The FCC and FTC address billing and advertising practices, and consumers can file complaints with the FCC. Rules also cover emergency 911 access and, increasingly, protection against unwanted robocalls.
Common questions
Are MVNOs as good as the big carriers? They use the same networks but may get lower data priority during congestion, so heavy users in busy areas may notice a difference. Can I keep my number? Yes—federal rules guarantee number portability when you switch. Prepaid or postpaid? Prepaid means no credit check and full flexibility; postpaid bundles perks and phone financing.
The cheapest Mobile SIM Plans in United States is 0 /month from Tello Mobile.
Mobile SIM Plans in United States — FAQ
What is the cheapest SIM-only deal in United States right now?
Giraffy tracks 5 live SIM plans across Tello Mobile,US Mobile,Ting Mobile,Mint Mobile networks in United States. The lowest tracked price is 0 /month. Sort by lowest price to see the cheapest options for your data needs.
Which network has the best coverage in United States?
Coverage quality varies by area and carrier. Check each network's official coverage map before switching — indoor coverage, rural reach, and 5G availability differ significantly between operators in United States.
What is eSIM and do I need a physical SIM card?
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your device — you activate a plan without swapping a physical card. Most flagship and mid-range phones released after 2020 support eSIM. Check your device settings or ask the carrier to confirm compatibility before you switch.
Is 5G worth it on a SIM-only plan?
5G delivers significantly faster download speeds and lower latency than 4G — typically 100–500 Mbps versus 20–50 Mbps. It's worth it if your handset is 5G-capable and you're in a coverage area. Most 5G plans are now priced similarly to 4G equivalents.
Can I keep my phone number when switching networks?
Yes. In most markets you can port your number to a new network within one working day by requesting a PAC or porting code from your current provider. The switch happens automatically once you activate the new SIM.
What is the difference between prepaid and pay-monthly SIM plans?
Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans require no contract — you top up credit and use what you pay for. Pay-monthly plans bill you at the end of each month and typically offer more data for the same price, but require a credit check and a rolling or fixed-term commitment.
Do I need to unlock my phone before switching networks?
If your handset was purchased directly from a carrier, it may be network-locked and need unlocking before accepting a different SIM. Phones bought from manufacturers or retailers are usually unlocked. Contact your current carrier to check — unlocking is often free or available for a small fee.