- Economists predict a potential recession in 2025, prompting consumers to seek budget-friendly options.
- Affordable phone carriers like Tello, Total Wireless, Mint Mobile and Visible by Verizon offer competitive plans with customizable options and discounts.
- These low-cost plans often include unlimited talk and text, varying data allowances and sometimes international calling benefits.
Sometimes saving money can be a lot of fun, even brag-worthy. Other times, it is an absolute necessity in order to budget properly and keep your household running smoothly.
Economists have a pretty bleak outlook for the rest of 2025, with some predicting a recession despite any pauses on tariffs in an escalating trade war with China. So, if you're looking to pinch pennies and reduce spending where you can, it might be time to review your latest phone bill.
Plenty of popular carriers have affordable options right now. From T-Mobile offering four devices for $100 per month when you switch to super simple plans at Visible by Verizon starting at $25 per month. But they aren't the only budget-friendly phone service.
Here's a look at some of the most budget-friendly phone services and plans:
✔️ Tello: Customizable and affordable phone plans
Tellois known for its budget-friendly, customizable plans, making it a great option for those who want flexibility and savings. Right now, you can get three months of unlimited data, talk and text for $45 total. After the three-month offer ends, your plan will automatically renew at the regular rate of $25 per month. Other highlights include:
- Customizable Plans:Choose the amount of data and minutes you need, with plans starting as low as $5 per month.
- No Contract:Enjoy the freedom of no long-term contracts or hidden fees.
- Free International Calls:Plans include free calls to over 60 countries.
- Nationwide Coverage:Reliable coverage across the United States on a 4G LTE/5G network.
Tello
Sign up for Tello's Unlimited Data, Talk and Text plan for only $45 total for your first three months. Switch and save with Tello
✔️ T-Mobile: Reliable coverage at low costs
T-Mobileis a popular phone carrier for people looking to save money on their phone plan and more. T-Mobile carries a wide variety of plans to fit your entire household's needs, including prepaid plans, affordable plans, unlimited plans and 5G home internet.
- Prepaid plans:T-Mobile offersprepaid plans starting at $40 per monthfor just one line, which does not include taxes and fees. The plan does include unlimited talk and text, up to 10GB of 5G data and you can share your 5G data as a hotspot.
- Affordable plans:With a plan like Essential Savers, youpay just $50 per month for one line. This plan includes the basics, like unlimited talk and text, plus 50GB of premium data.
- Unlimited plans:You canget unlimited talk, text and premium data for $100 per monthat T-Mobile for just one line. Discounts apply for additional lines, but keep in mind the $100 per month does not include taxes or fees. But the plan comes with many more benefits, like Apple TV, Netflix and Hulu streaming paid for by T-Mobile. Your phone will also be upgrade ready every year.
Family Freedom: 4 iPhones at $25 per line
Get the latest iPhone model plus all the coverage of T-Mobile and benefits of their Magenta Status rewards program. Switch and save at T-Mobile
✔️ Total Wireless: Flexible and budget-friendly phone plans
Total Wirelessprovides a range of affordable phone plans with high data allotments, perfect for heavy data users. You can get up to $250 off select devices right now when you switch to a 5G Unlimited+ plan. Total Wireless plans include:
- Unlimited Data Plans: Get your fourth line at no additional cost, ideal for families and multipleusers
- Unlimited Talk and Text:Keep in touch without worrying about exceeding limits.
- Unlimited Data:Monthly plans are unlimited, so you'll never run out of data
- Nationwide Coverage:Extensive coverage on a reliable network.
Total Wireless 5G Unlimited
Save up to 50% when you switch to a Total 5G Unlimited plan and bring your own phone. Join Total Wireless
✔️ Mint Mobile: Low-cost and low-commitment phone plans
Mint Mobileis gaining popularity for its affordable prepaid plans and excellent service. You can save $120 when you pay upfront for the Mint Mobile Unlimited plan. More highlights include:
- 3-Month Plan Discounts:Significant savings on their 3-month plans, with prices starting as low as $15 per month.
- Unlimited Plans:Affordable unlimited data plans with high-speed data, 5G access and mobile hotspot.
- Free SIM Card:Free SIM card with the purchase of any plan.
Mint Mobile Wireless Plans
Mint Mobile has premium wireless phone plans starting at $15 per month. Sign up for Mint Mobile
✔️ Visible by Verizon: Unlimited data for less
Visible by Verizonoffers one of the most competitive and straightforward phone plans available. Right now, Visible is offering new members $300 off select Google devices when they use promo code DEALTIME at checkout. More offers include:
- Unlimited Data, Messages and Minutes:Enjoy unlimited data, text and talk on Verizon’s robust network.
- 5G Access:Experience ultra-fast 5G speeds where available, included at no extra cost.
- Hotspot Capability:Unlimited mobile hotspot data with speeds up to 5 Mbps.
Visible by Verizon Phone Plan
New members get $300 off select Google devices when they use promo code DEALTIME at checkout. Sign up for Visible by Verizon
Why should you switch to a budget-friendly phone plan?
Many budget-friendly phone plans offer excellent coverage and reliable service comparable to more expensive plans. Providers like Mint Mobile, Tello, T-Mobile, Visible by Verizon and Total Wireless help ensure that you get high-quality service without breaking the bank.
Many providers offer special offers such as family plans that bundle multiple lines at a discounted rate, making it easier to keep everyone connected. Overall, choosing a budget-friendly phone plan can be a smart financial move if you are looking to cut down on monthly costs.
