Best MVNOs of 2026 — Ranked by Price, Network & Value

US Mobile's edge over every other MVNO is network choice. Pick Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T when you sign up — all at $25/mo, taxes included. Not happy with coverage? Switch networks from the app (first 2 moves free, then $2 each) without getting a new SIM, changing your number, or switching plans. No other MVNO on this list offers that.

The specs hold up too: 70GB priority data on Verizon and T-Mobile (unlimited data on AT&T's Dark Star — deprioritized by default, no hard cap), 10–20GB hotspot depending on network, and full 5G access. US Mobile also offers a $10/mo Light Plan for light users who just need 2GB — same multi-network flexibility at the lowest price point.

Tello has the lowest prices of any MVNO on this list. Their build-your-own model lets you mix any data amount with unlimited talk and text — from $10/mo for 2GB all the way up to $25/mo for unlimited (50GB priority, 10GB hotspot). No annual prepay, no multi-month requirement. Change your plan up or down any month you want.

The main caveat: taxes are not included — add roughly $3–4/mo to the advertised price. On the unlimited plan that puts you at about $28–29/mo. Still cheaper than most competitors. Tello is a smaller, lesser-known brand than Mint or Metro, but their T-Mobile network and BYOP compatibility are solid. The taxes-extra model is the real trade-off — it's what keeps the headline price lower than it looks. If your goal is the absolute lowest monthly cost on T-Mobile, Tello wins.

Visible is owned by Verizon — not a third-party reseller. Same towers, same 5G Ultra Wideband where available, same nationwide coverage that puts Verizon consistently at or near the top in independent reliability testing. At $25/mo with taxes included, it's the cheapest way to get on Verizon's network.

The trade-off is data priority: Visible has no priority data tier — all data is deprioritized behind Verizon postpaid customers during congestion. The unlimited hotspot is capped at 5 Mbps (fine for basic use, limited for video calls or large downloads). If Verizon's network is the priority and simplicity is the goal, Visible is the answer.

Mint Mobile is the most recognized budget wireless brand in the US — sold at Target, Best Buy, and Costco. Annual prepay unlocks some of the best prices in wireless: 5GB for $15/mo, 15GB for $20/mo, and Unlimited for $30/mo on T-Mobile's network. The Unlimited plan includes 20GB of hotspot — one of the largest hotspot allowances in this price range on T-Mobile, double Tello's 10GB.

Two things to plan around: Mint requires at least a 3-month upfront purchase (so no true month-to-month), and taxes are not included — add $3–6/mo depending on your state. The intro rate ($25/mo for Unlimited for the first 3 months) reverts to $40/mo at the 3-month term before dropping to $30/mo annually. Best value when you commit to 12 months upfront.

Metro by T-Mobile is T-Mobile's own sub-brand — trusted by millions, available in over 4,500 retail stores across the US. The $25 BYOD plan (bring your own phone) includes 35GB priority data, 5G access, and taxes in the price. The standout feature: a 5-year price guarantee for BYOD customers. That's rare in any tier of wireless.

Note: the $25 tier does not include hotspot. If you need tethering, the $30 web-exclusive plan adds 10GB hotspot at the same 35GB priority tier. The first month bills at $30 regardless of plan; AutoPay is required for ongoing $25 pricing.

Cricket is AT&T's own prepaid brand — same towers, taxes included in all plans, and one of the best options if you frequently call or travel to Mexico and Canada. The Smart plan ($45/mo with AutoPay) includes unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, data usage while in Mexico/Canada, 15GB hotspot, and 100GB of cloud storage. The Supreme plan ($55/mo) bumps hotspot to 50GB and adds HBO Max Basic.

The entry-level Sensible plan ($30/mo) gives you 10GB on AT&T's network with taxes included — a solid value for light users who want AT&T coverage without overpaying. Activation is free online ($25 in-store). Cricket runs a 14-day free trial through the TryCricket app that doesn't interrupt your current service.

Straight Talk is the easiest MVNO to buy — available at over 4,700 Walmart locations, plus Target and online. Plans start at $35/mo (Bronze 10GB) and go up to $55/mo (Gold Unlimited with 30GB hotspot and Walmart+ included). The Gold plan on a Verizon SIM also includes 5G Ultra Wideband and a $100 anniversary device credit after 12 months.

The main complication: plan features vary based on which network SIM you receive. Verizon SIM customers get more features on the Gold and Platinum plans than AT&T or T-Mobile SIM customers. Taxes are not included in the advertised price. For families, multi-line discounts bring 4 lines to $100/mo on the Silver plan. The $25/mo StraightSAVINGS! promo plan (Verizon, new lines only) is a strong value if you qualify.