Best phone carriers in 2025: top carriers and networks to choose from

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Best phone carriers: The quick list

I know not everyone wants to scroll through a long article to figure out which carrier to go with – so here's the TL;DR version to get you started:

• Verizon: Still the go-to for top-notch coverage and reliability, especially if you live outside the big cities. And its 5G Ultra Wideband network keeps growing.
• T-Mobile: The current 5G champ in the US. Fast, widespread coverage, solid perks and often cheaper than the competition. Ookla even calls it the "Best Mobile Network in America."
• AT&T: A well-rounded choice. Strong nationwide 4G and expanding 5G coverage, with good plan variety and decent customer satisfaction ratings.
• Google Fi: Runs on T-Mobile's network and gets high marks for simplicity and reliability. Great for light-to-moderate users who want no fuss.
• Mint Mobile: Budget-friendly, especially if you are okay paying upfront for 12 months. Uses T-Mobile's towers.
• Visible:Verizon's no-frills, no-store budget brand. Unlimited data and low prices – not a bad combo.
• Cricket Wireless: AT&T's prepaid spin-off. Affordable, reliable and often ranks well for customer happiness.
• US Mobile: Offers flexible, customizable plans with the option to run on either Verizon or T-Mobile – your choice.
• Boost Mobile: One of the more aggressive prepaid players with big data buckets and a growing hybrid network built on DISH, AT&T and T-Mobile towers.

Best overall: Verizon

Best alternative choice: T-Mobile

Next up is T-Mobile – the self-proclaimed "Un-carrier" that always finds a way to stay in the headlines, whether it's for big 5G wins or, let's be honest, the occasional controversy.

While Verizon still holds the top spot in our rankings, T-Mobile is right there, barely a step behind – and in some cases, ahead – especially if 5G speed is what you're after.

T-Mobile's been killing it in the 5G game. It's consistently clocked the fastest 5G download speeds in the US and has built out a massive nationwide 5G footprint, particularly strong in cities. So, if you are mostly in urban areas and want speedy, reliable 5G, this is where T-Mobile really shines.

However, the prices of its plans are also speedy sometime and change fast and unpredictable. For example, just recently, T-Mobile ditched its more wallet-friendly Go5G plans.

Yep, we now have the new Experience plans, which start at $85/month for Experience More and climb to $100/month for Experience Beyond (that is the price for one line).
That's not cheap, but the included perks do soften the blow a bit.

If you are considering a T-Mobile plan, Experience More is the sweet spot. Whether you are going solo or setting up a family plan, this one hits the right balance. For example, a family of four can score it for $140, thanks to a promo that wipes out the cost of the third line. That plan also comes with Netflix and Apple TV+, which can shave a few bucks off your monthly streaming bill.

And T-Mobile doesn't skimp on data either – you get 60 GB of hotspot data, 15 GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico and you're eligible for phone upgrades every two years.

Want even more? Experience Beyond pushes it further with 15 GB of international data, adds Hulu with ads, and preps you for satellite connectivity, which is expected to launch later this summer – a pretty solid backup for when you're off-grid.

In terms of raw network performance, T-Mobile has the receipts. Ookla gave it the crown for the fastest 5G and fastest overall network, though Verizon still had the best coverage score. Meanwhile, Opensignal's January 2025 report was practically a clean sweep for T-Mobile – best in overall experience, fastest downloads, and top-tier 5G availability.

Bottom line? T-Mobile is the best alternative to Verizon, especially if speed and extras matter more to you than coverage in the rural backwoods. Just be ready to pay a little more for those new plans than you might've a few months ago.

Best low-cost unlimited data: Visible

If you are just looking for cheap unlimited data and don't care about all the bells and whistles, Visible is hands-down the best deal out there right now.

Its base Visible Unlimited plan costs just $25/month and that gets you unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon's 4G and 5G networks – yes, the same backbone as the biggest carrier in the country. You can even use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot with no extra charges, which isn't always a given at this price point.

Need smartwatch support? That's an easy add-on for $10/month – perfect if you want to keep your wearable connected without jumping to a much pricier plan elsewhere.

Visible also just introduced annual payment options, following in the footsteps of other budget-friendly names like Mint Mobile. You can now lock in a full year of service for $275, which means you save one monthly bill.

It's not the flashiest carrier, but if your goal is to get reliable unlimited data without draining your wallet, Visible nails the basics.

Best value plans: AT&T

No, I didn't forget about AT&T – it just fits better right here, in the "best value" category. Why? Because AT&T strikes a really solid balance between wide-reaching coverage, reliable performance, and pricing that (surprisingly) undercuts some of the big-name competition.

First off, the network: AT&T has some of the broadest 4G LTE coverage in the US by land area, and its 5G network now covers over 295 million people. That includes faster 5G+ service (which mixes in both mid-band and high-band speeds) in more and more places.

When it comes to plans, AT&T keeps things pretty straightforward. All its unlimited plans include talk, text, and data in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and they tend to score well in customer satisfaction surveys – especially for network reliability.

The top-tier plan is Unlimited Premium, priced at $86/month for one line. That may sound high, but it's actually cheaper than Verizon's and T-Mobile's most expensive options — and still packs a punch. You get truly unlimited data (no deprioritization), 60 GB of hotspot data per month, and free roaming in 20 Latin American countries. Just don't expect free streaming services here – AT&T skips the perks and puts all the value into the core features.

The rest of the unlimited lineup includes Unlimited Extra at $76/month and Unlimited Starter at $66/month. These come with fewer features but still give you the core coverage and access to AT&T's growing 5G network.

But where AT&T really flexes is with the Value Plus plan. If you just need one line, it's hard to beat this one – $51/month gets you unlimited data, 5G access, and usage in Canada and Mexico. No streaming perks, no frills, but still a steal. And now, you can even add multiple lines – four lines of Value Plus cost $25/month per line, which makes it one of the cheapest multi-line unlimited options out there.

AT&T also has solid prepaid deals, like a plan that gives you unlimited data (with 16GB of high-speed before slowdowns) for just $25/month. The catch? You have to pay $300 upfront for the full year, but if you can swing that, it's a great deal.

Bottom line – if you are looking for strong network performance and flexible plan options without paying a premium for extras you may not need, AT&T offers real value across the board.

Best customer service and support?

This one's tough – like, really tough. Customer service can be a total hit or miss, depending on your situation, the person you talk to, the time of day, and even the channel you use. So, rather than diving into a rabbit hole of personal anecdotes, let's stick with the data.

According to independent surveys from J.D. Power the smaller guys — aka Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) — tend to outperform the big three when it comes to customer support.

For example, the 2025 US Wireless Customer Care Study (Volume 1) — based on feedback from over 19,000 customers who contacted support in the last three months – looked at service quality across store visits, phone calls and digital channels. Here's how things shake out:

In the major carrier category, T-Mobile took the top spot for the 15th straight time, scoring 837, compared to the segment average of 819. So, if you're sticking with a big name, T-Mobile's support still leads the pack.

In the full-service MVNO space, Spectrum Mobile came out on top with a score of 845, followed by Metro by T-Mobile (836) and Cricket (832). These brands usually offer a more streamlined experience and shorter support wait times.

For value MVNOs, Consumer Cellular continues to dominate — ranked highest for the 18th volume in a row, with a massive 883 score. Right behind are Mint Mobile at 857 and Visible by Verizon at 821.

Long story short: if great customer support is high on your priority list, you may want to skip the big dogs and check out some of the MVNOs. They're consistently rated better in this area – and sometimes, that's the difference between a quick fix and hours stuck on hold.

Best phone choices

When it comes to picking a phone, all three major carriers – Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T – pretty much offer the same lineup. Think iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Pixels phones and a handful of Motorola phones. And… that's about it. If you are looking for something more niche or less mainstream, you're better off buying unlocked.

That said, if you want the widest selection of current flagship phones, the best upgrade offers and regular promo deals, the big three are still your best bet. You'll find new models the moment they drop, often with solid trade-in deals or multi-line discounts attached.

Lately, T-Mobile's been leaning hard into the upgrade game, with more aggressive promos and device incentives showing up in recent announcements. So, if switching to the latest phone every year is your thing, it's worth keeping an eye on what they're offering.

Bottom line: if you are sticking with a major carrier, you'll have no trouble finding the latest phones – and plenty of ways to save on them, too.

Other phone carrier options

Alright, let's not forget the rest of the crowd – they may not have the scale or name recognition of the big three, but these smaller carriers absolutely deserve a mention.

They often bring lower prices, more flexibility, or niche perks that the majors just don't offer. The catch? Most of them still rely on the big networks underneath, and their limited size means they can't always compete head-to-head.

Still, if you're looking for something different – or just a better bang for your buck – these are definitely worth a closer look.

Google Fi

Google Fi runs on T-Mobile's network, and while it's open to just about any phone these days (yes, including iPhones), it works best with Pixel phones, which are optimized to squeeze more efficiency out of Fi's setup. So, if you've got a Pixel 9, 9 Pro, or even a Pixel 9a, you're getting the most out of this service.

The other big perk? Travel. Google Fi is one of the easiest carriers to use abroad – your plan just works overseas like it does at home, with data and messaging included in many countries. If you're frequently hopping on planes, this could be a game changer.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is one of the most well-known budget players and for good reason – its prices are some of the lowest around. The catch? You've got to pay upfront to get those sweet rates.

Plans start at $15/month for 5 GB of data if you are a new customer and go up to $30/month for unlimited data. But to keep those prices long-term, you'll need to prepay for a full year. That means $180/year for 5GB or $360/year for unlimited – still a great deal if you don't mind the lump sum.

Mint runs on T-Mobile's network, so coverage is solid as long as T-Mobile's strong in your area. And yes, you'll get 5G or 4G depending on the signal strength – assuming your phone supports it.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket, owned by AT&T, gives you access to AT&T's solid network at more affordable prices. It used to have annoying speed caps, but those are gone now, which makes Cricket way more competitive than it used to be.

Plans start at $30/month for 5 GB and you get discounts as you add more lines. The most expensive plan – $60/month – gives you unlimited high-speed data plus 15 GB of hotspot, which is plenty for most users.

Just remember, as with many MVNOs, data speeds can slow during network congestion, but overall, Cricket offers a dependable experience at a lower price point.

US Mobile

US Mobile stands out with its customizable plans, letting you tweak things exactly how you want – from pooled data setups to multiple unlimited tiers. It also offers something pretty unique: the "Super Carrier" model, giving you access to all three major networks.

These are rebranded as Warp (Verizon), Light Speed (T-Mobile), and Dark Star (AT&T) and you can pick whichever works best for your location – or even switch later.

It is also known for top-rated customer service and while its phone selection is growing, most people just bring their own device.

The Unlimited Starter plan is just $25/month, while the Unlimited Premium plan at $44/month gets you Unlimited Priority Data, Hotspot, Talk & Text, Smartwatch support, and more.

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile has always been about aggressive pricing – and that hasn't changed. Plans start as low as $25/month and its flagship Unlimited Premium plan tops out at $60/month.

What's interesting here is Boost's "forever pricing" promise on some plans, like that $25 unlimited deal. Sure, there's no contract locking it in, but Boost says the plan will always be available, which is a nice bit of peace of mind in a world of ever-changing rates.

Boost runs on a hybrid network, combining DISH's own growing 5G coverage with roaming access on AT&T and T-Mobile, giving it a unique footprint.

How to determine the best carrier for you

The best phone carrier for you really comes down to your personal situation. What matters most is where you live, how much data you use and what kind of plan setup works for your lifestyle. So,

• Check coverage at your actual address
• Know how much data you actually use
• Think about your budget
• Consider customer support
• Need a new phone?

Bottom line: pick a carrier that matches how you use your phone – not just the one with the flashiest ads. Also check: 

How to compare plan prices and hidden fees

This is where things get tricky. A plan might look cheap at first glance, but there's often more to the story.

Some carriers include taxes and fees in the listed price. Others don't, so the monthly total is usually higher than what you see upfront. So, read carefully before choosing something.

Also, watch out for intro pricing. MVNOs like Mint Mobile offer great starting rates, but those often go up after three months unless you prepay for a year.

And finally, check what you're actually getting for that price. Are perks included? Are you getting premium data or slowed speeds after a cap? Dig into the fine print – that's where the real cost lives.

How to determine which network has the best coverage for you

It's not about who has the biggest nationwide map – it's about who has the strongest signal at your house and the places you spend the most time.

Here's what to do:

• Use coverage checkers on each carrier's site with your address.
• Read user reports from apps like OpenSignal or RootMetrics.
• Ask people in your area what works best for them.

Verizon is still king in rural areas. T-Mobile tends to dominate in cities with fast 5G. AT&T offers a good middle ground in a lot of places. But again – test where you live.
Nothing beats real-world results.

How much data do you need?

You'd be surprised how many people overpay for unlimited plans when they only use a few gigs a month. So here's a rough breakdown:

• Light use (5 – 10GB/month): You browse, check email, and scroll socials. A budget or limited-data plan is enough.
• Medium use (15 – 30GB): You stream music, watch some videos, maybe hotspot occasionally.
• Heavy use (50GB+): You stream in HD, game, tether devices often – go for unlimited with high caps and hotspot.

Check your phone's settings or your current bill to see how much you're really using before you pick a plan.

Should you buy postpaid, prepaid, or resold service?

Here's the quick breakdown:

• Postpaid (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T): More perks, premium data speeds, phone deals — but more expensive and usually involves credit checks and contracts.
• Prepaid (Cricket, Boost, Visible): Lower prices, more flexibility, no credit check. Speeds can be deprioritized, but for many users, it's totally fine.
• Resold/MVNO service (Mint, US Mobile, Google Fi): These ride on the big networks but cost less. You often pay upfront and skip the extras, but the savings can be huge.

If you don't need a phone on installments or don't care about bundled perks, prepaid and MVNOs are seriously worth considering.

Switching carriers: process and things to know

Switching is easier than it used to be, but there are a few steps you'll want to get right:

• Don't cancel your current plan first. Porting your number happens during the activation process with the new carrier. Cancel early and you might lose your number.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new network. If not, you might need a new SIM or a new device.
• Watch out for contracts or installment plans. If you're still paying off a phone, you'll need to pay it off before switching.
• Look for switching deals. Some carriers offer prepaid cards or trade-in credit when you jump ship – easy money if you're already planning to switch.