6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans (2026): Tello, Boost, Google Fi, More

Matthew S. Smith Gear Feb 1, 2026 8:00 AM The Best Prepaid Phone Plans Forget the pricey, postpaid cell plans and two-year contracts. Save with one of these WIRED-tested options from US Mobile, Boost, and Google Fi. Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Featured in this article Best Prepaid Phone Plan Overall US Mobile Prepaid Phone Plans Read more Check Price at US Mobile Best Annual Prepaid Cell Plan AT&T Unlimited Annual Prepaid Read more Check Price at AT&T Best Budget Prepaid Cell Plan Tello Custom Plans Read more Check Price at Tello Best Prepaid Cell Plan With Retail Presence Boost Mobile Unlimited Plans Read more Check Price at Boost Mobile Prepaid cellular service is a type of service plan where you pay the cellular company in advance for access to its network. Unlike “postpaid” subscription plans, which often include a contract for service over a set period of months or years, prepaid plans don’t tie you down. You pay in advance every month, and you’re free to leave at any time. Subscription plans are popular because most offer upfront discounts for a new phone, and they’re backed by the most marketing dollars. However, prepaid plans can be less expensive overall, and they’re more flexible. You can go for unlimited data if you're a heavy user or snag just a couple of gigabytes per month. Unlike postpaid plans, which are a hassle to exit if you’re unhappy with the service, you can leave a prepaid cell plan at any time. In short: Prepaid plans are rad. Some, though, are radder than others. These are our favorites. Be sure to check out our other mobile guides, including the Best Unlimited Phone Plan , Best Android Phones , Best iPhones , and Best Cheap Phones . How Do Prepaid Plans Work? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron You might be surprised to learn that prepaid cellular services almost universally use the same networks as the major companies, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Many prepa