Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans with Free Phone

Cell phone bills can be very costly. You’re not alone if you’re sick of spending a lot of money on a phone plan. Finding solutions within their budget is a challenge for many people. Unbelievably, some phone companies offer the best cheap cell phone plans with free phones and unlimited data plans! These options are ideal for people who wish to stay in touch without going over budget.

Because there are no overage fees, cell phone consumers opt for unlimited everything plans. Depending on your usage, this might save you significant money over time. Unlimited data plans are the best option for people who stream videos or spend most of their time away from Wi-Fi. Thankfully, there are lots of reasonably priced choices! However, which business offers the best discounts? Continue reading to learn how to pick the ideal free phone plan for you!

In this post, we’ll examine affordable cell phone plans with unlimited data and free phones. We’ll also highlight some special offers and explain how to be eligible for these programs. This post is for you whether you’re trying to find a new supplier or want to cut costs.

Overview of Affordable Unlimited Data Plans

Plans with unlimited data don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. These reasonably priced solutions will keep you connected without breaking the bank.

Essential characteristics of plans with unlimited data

With these plans, you can utilize much data without incurring additional costs. You don’t have to worry about running out of data to play games, stream movies, or surf the internet. These plans’ main characteristics include unlimited data usage, no unexpected costs, and no slowing down data speeds unless you’re on a congested network.

These plans typically cost $30 to $60 per month, which is reasonable given that all data is included! They could also include extra perks, such as free phones, streaming, hotspot data, and overseas service—all of which would sweeten the deal! Check out the individual page for each provider for the specifics of each offer, including any extra features listed here. Different providers have varying prices, promotions, and availability areas, which may affect overall user satisfaction.

This will help your research phase go as smoothly as possible. After reading our analysis, you should be able to select a satisfactory option from those that perfectly match your criteria. Numerous Americans struggling with tight family budgets will find great relief from the LifeLine eligibility checker, which awaits the possibility of lowering the final cost monthly bill amount once the qualified discount becomes active. This is especially relevant in light of the national financial assistance programs offered in recent years, as the website hand-collects buyers’ resources and ensures maximum savings apply to ACP Lifeline.

Comparison of monthly costs

Affordable unlimited data plans are available from various providers with different prices. The monthly prices for a few well-known unlimited data plans are summarized here:

Best Providers Offering Cheap Cell Phone Plans With Free Phone

When you sign up for Mint Mobile’s unlimited data plan, you get a phone for free! There are no hidden costs or additional expenses! Bring your old number to receive a free phone plan with unlimited data from Visible by Verizon!

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile has a great offer: $30 per month for unlimited data. Unlimited text and calls are also included in this cost-effective plan. Before speeds start to decrease, you get 35GB of 5G/4G LTE data. Mint Mobile has excellent coverage by utilizing T-Mobile’s network.

Do you need a new phone? Mint Mobile covers you. They also give you free phones with their unlimited data plans. There are many phones to choose from, including the latest models. Mint Mobile’s plans are flexible, affordable, and devoid of surprise or commitment pricing.

You can even bring your phone if you want. Switch to Mint Mobile and start saving today! Mint Mobile is dedicated to lowering the cost of wireless service for all.

Visible by Verizon

With no commitments or unpleasant surprises, Visible by Verizon provides a cost-effective unlimited data plan for $30 a month for one line. You can purchase a phone from them or bring your own; many models are under $200.

They get unlimited texting and talking as part of their plan. plus limitless bandwidth on Verizon’s 4G LTE network—no additional costs for hotspot data or taxes! Another easy method to save extra money is via Visible’s Party Pay feature, which allows you to add friends or relatives for $25 per line (up to four lines). Let’s check at Metro by T-Mobile options next!

READ MORE: Free Government iPhone 12 Pro Max

Metro by T-Mobile

Moving on from Verizon’s Visible, Metro by T-Mobile is another reasonably priced choice. Metro’s plans, which start at $30 a month for a single line, come with unlimited data and access to T-Mobile’s countrywide network! You can have four lines for $120 a month, which is only $30 per line.

Along with savings on well-known gadgets like iPhones, Metro also offers some fantastic phone deals, such as a buy one, get one free promotion! Metro’s network covers more than 99 percent of Americans, so dependable coverage is available practically everywhere!

US Mobile

Affordable unlimited data plans from US Mobile start at $40 monthly for a single line, taxes included! With their personalized plan, you can select the amount of data you require, up to a limitless amount.

US Mobile has dependable nationwide service because it utilizes Verizon’s network! They’ll give you a $50 credit on your first payment if you transfer from another carrier, bring your own phone, or purchase one from them. That’s pretty awesome!

READ MORE: Apply for Free Cell Phone for Homeless

Boost Mobile

Starting at $50 a month, Boost Mobile provides cost-effective cell phone plans with unlimited data—no contract necessary! You won’t be shocked to see additional expenses on your payment because their plans cover taxes and fees.

Boost Mobile uses Sprint’s network, which is owned by T-Mobile and serves around 99% of Americans. However, speeds can change depending on where you live! Continue reading to find out if your unlimited data package includes a free phone!

Tello

Related must-read: Speaking of what Boost Mobile offers, Tello is another who deserves our attention.

Tello offers affordable cell phone plans for $10 monthly , with taxes included! Unlimited data costs only $29 per month, compared to up to several times that for several large carriers! They also have great phone options, including free phones when you sign up. Sprint’s network provides high-quality service, so you don’t have to be concerned about bad reception! They also let you alter your plan to suit your needs so that you may save money on unnecessary items!

Understanding Lifeline and ACP Assistance Programs

The federal government provides low-income families with access to inexpensive cell phone plans with unlimited data through two aid programs called Lifeline and ACP. Consider them as a helping hand with money, assisting people who need it most to handle their phone expenses!

How to Apply for ACP and Lifeline

You must apply for Lifeline and ACP benefits. Here’s how to accomplish it:

• Verify your eligibility: To check if you qualify for government programs, such as Medicaid or SNAP, or if you satisfy the income requirements, visit the USAC website.
• Get your paperwork together: To apply, you must verify your address, identity, and income. Utility bills, driver’s licenses, and pay stubs are examples.
• Locate a supplier: Find a phone or internet provider that provides ACP and Lifeline services. They can assist you in applying for and receiving the benefits.
• Complete the application: Your provider will send you an application form. Complete it and affix the necessary paperwork.
• Apply: Give your provider the filled-out application. After reviewing it, they will forward it to the USAC for approval.
• Receive your advantages: Your provider will notify you if you are authorized; at this point, you will begin receiving the ACP and Lifeline benefits.
• Recertify annually: To continue receiving benefits, you must recertify your eligibility annually. When it’s time to recertify, your provider will notify you.

Suppliers of ACP and Lifeline Benefits

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline are two government initiatives that assist low-income individuals in paying for phone service. These initiatives offer free phones or reduced phone fees.

The following companies provide ACP and Lifeline benefits:

• Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile provides free phones as part of their unlimited package if you are eligible for ACP or Lifeline.
• Verizon: Verizon collaborates with nonprofits that support low-income families and offers unlimited calls and texts in addition to 15 GB of data.
• Metro by T-Mobile offers low prices on several plans, including the $30 Unlimited Plan. It participates in both the Lifeline and ACP programs.
• US Mobile provides free phones through the Lifeline and ACP programs and reasonably priced bespoke plans.
• Boost Mobile: With reduced prices on a few plans, notably their $35 Unlimited Plan, Boost Mobile supports Lifeline.
• Tello: Provides low-income households with phone service discounts by participating in Lifeline and ACP.
• Verizon Wireless: Provides a $30 Unlimited Plan and lower rates via Lifeline and ACP.
• Xfinity Mobile: Takes part in ACP by providing eligible consumers with phone service savings.
• AT&T: Provides Lifeline customers with subsidized prices, including their $30 Unlimited Plan.

Unlimited Data Plans with Free Phone Offers

Is it too good to be true that you may receive a free phone with unlimited data? It’s not! When you join up for their unlimited data plans, many carriers give you free phones.

How to Get a Free Smartphone

Companies that offer these incentives as part of their marketing campaigns or government aid programs like Lifeline or ACP have requirements that must be fulfilled to qualify for a free phone.

Frequently, the criteria entail enrolling in federal assistance programs or purchasing particular insurance.

Here’s how you’re eligible:

Participate in Government Support Programs: Several providers provide free phones if you are enrolled in government programs such as Food Stamps or Medicaid.

• Fulfill Income Needs: You are eligible if your income is below the thresholds established by your provider’s regulations or government guidelines.
• Select Eligible Plans: Some providers give away free phones when you buy specific unlimited data plans that are more expensive than their basic ones.
• Switch from Another Provider: Some businesses give away free phones to new clients who switch from another carrier.
• Trade-in Your Old Device: After activating specific plans on their network, some providers allow you to trade your old phone for a new one for free. This locks your device until paid in full, but you still save money up front!
• Reside in Specific Places: Businesses may provide free phones to residents in regions they’re growing into to attract more clients. Find out whether this offer is available where you live!
• Seek out exclusive deals: Monitor carriers’ websites and social media accounts. They occasionally announce limited-time freebies that are open to everyone, regardless of other conditions. Usually, they are given out on a first-come basis, so those who act quickly enough will be able to get them before the supply runs out!
• Join AARP: If you are over 50, you can join AARP to access exclusive discounts that carriers collaborate with and give to members alone. This increases the number of ways you can get phones by taking advantage of these benefits!
• Include Extra Lines: Occasionally, adding more lines to an existing account qualifies each new line for a free device connected under specific conditions, such as purchasing a higher-tiered plan during ongoing promotions.
• Keep Your Account in Good Standing: Pay your bills on time each month, maintain your account in good standing, and reward your loyal customers with devices when you buy new ones. Usually, this means you won’t be eligible until the following upgrade period starts, so it’s essential to manage your payments wisely to get upgrades as soon as possible!

Current Offers for Free Phones

When purchasing new cell phones with unlimited data plans, free phone promos are fantastic offers that can help you save money. Let’s examine a few of the top free phone offers that are now going on:

• Free Phone Offer from Mint Mobile: When moving from another carrier, Mint Mobile gives away free phones. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the iPhone SE (2020) are among the smartphones that qualify.
• T-Mobile iPhone Offer: Receive up to $1K off your new iPhone purchase (on various plans) when you purchase an iPhone 13 series handset with a Magenta MAX plan and trade in an eligible device.
• Verizon Visible Swap Program: Under some restrictions, you can exchange your existing device for a free Android smartphone, such as the Visible ZTE Blade X1 5G.
• This is a limited-time promotion from Boost Mobile: get a free Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G when you port in your number and buy an applicable plan. Terms and conditions apply.
• Metro PCS Unlimited Offer: The Metro PCS plan includes a free Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and unlimited data; trade-ins are necessary for some devices.
• Offer from Cricket Wireless: Get a free Samsung Galaxy A14 with an unlimited data plan; activation and port-in are needed (limited time).
• You can buy the reconditioned Samsung Galaxy S21 from Tello Mobile for just $99 after transferring from another carrier and enrolling in Tello’s plan.
• Google Fi Trade-In Offer: Trade in your old gadget through the Google Fi Trade-In offer and receive a Google Pixel 6 Pro for $599 (saving up to $500). Terms and conditions apply (limited time).
• AT&T Unlimited Data Plan Offer: Buy an AT&T unlimited data plan and get a free Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. This is a limited-time buy-one-get-one-free offer (certain plans).
• US Cellular Switcher Offer: This limited-time, trade-in-required offer allows you to save $500 on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and receive $200 in credit toward accessories (conditions apply).

Special Offers and Promotions

Major carriers are prepared to offer incredible freebies to win your business. Consider T-Mobile’s promotion of four free iPhones.

T-Mobile’s offer of four free iPhones

Switching to T-Mobile’s Magenta plan allows you to get four iPhones for free! You must sign up for four lines of service and trade in your old phones. Each iPhone is worth up to $800, for $3,200!

The Magenta package, which starts at $30 per line for four lines and includes unlimited data, including messaging and calling, is subject to taxes and fees. However, if you’re currently on T-Mobile’s Magenta plan, you may still take advantage of this offer by upgrading your phones or adding more lines.

Let’s now examine another exclusive offer.

The ‘Truly Unlimited’ plan from MobileX

The ‘Truly Unlimited’ package from MobileX costs $30 a month and provides unlimited data. Just make monthly payments; there is no need for a contract.

Local and long-distance talk time is unlimited, and texting is also included! A single line costs $30 a month. If you wish to add more lines, you can use multiline discounts. For example, the second line costs $25 per month, the third line costs only $20, and so on. These prices appear reasonable compared to larger businesses that now provide comparable deals!

Things to Take Into Account Before Selecting a Plan

You’re almost done choosing a strategy! Before making the decision, consider the local network coverage. Is there a signal where you live? Is your new provider reliably covering your everyday travel?

Reliability and network coverage

Most importantly, your home and workplace should have strong network coverage for your phone.

Before registering, look at your provider’s coverage map, highlighting their strong and poor points.

• Verizon offers 99% dependable 4G LTE service across the country!
• AT&T serves around 98% of America and is not far behind.
• T-Mobile still has room for improvement, but its 94% rate is respectable.
• Your needs may vary; think about what is most important to your way of life.

Additional benefits like Wi-Fi hotspot functionality or worldwide coverage may be desirable.

After learning what constitutes adequate coverage, let’s examine hidden expenses.

Plan for adaptability and other advantages.

Some carriers’ flexible plans allow you to add more features or modify your data limit. This can be really beneficial if your needs alter from month to month.

Seek out plans with extras like overseas coverage or streaming benefits; these can significantly improve your plan’s worth without breaking the budget! Some carriers even include freebies like hotspot data to keep you connected while you’re on the go!

Unexpected Expenses and Factors

Data throttling regulations may hamper your streaming experiences—picture your favorite show in excruciatingly poor quality! You may also be surprised by additional charges. Consider unexpected taxes or extra fees for services you believed were covered!

Policies for data throttling

Throttling is the practice of cell phone companies restricting how much data you can consume before slowing down your speeds. Typically, throttling occurs whenever your monthly data usage reaches a specific threshold.

Suppose you spend your entire day watching films on your phone—streaming consumes a lot of bandwidth! If your cell phone provider has a 20 GB monthly limit before limiting your speeds, you’ll most likely reach that limit quickly if you continue to stream those films! Your internet will continue to function after that, but it may be extremely slow until your subsequent paying cycle begins! Other fees

Additional expenses can quickly mount up on your cell phone bill. What you should know about them is as follows.

States have different tax rates, but monthly rates typically range from $10 to $20. Late payment penalties can amount to an additional $25. When you first sign up, some companies charge up to $30 activation fees.

If you exceed your limitations, you will be charged overage fees, which can reach $15 per gigabyte. Before you sign up, find out what extras your provider costs. You can also read other customers’ reviews.

Before deciding on a plan, let’s examine each network’s dependability.

Bottom Line

There are low-cost cell phone plans available with unlimited internet and free phones. All you have to do is know where to search. Numerous suppliers offer cost-effective plans with excellent features. Be astute, evaluate costs, and select your best offer.

FAQs: Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans With Free Phone

1. What are the best cheap cell phone plans that offer a free phone?

Several mobile carriers offer affordable plans with a free phone. Some of the best options include:

• T-Mobile Connect (via Metro by T-Mobile)
• AT&T Prepaid (with select deals)
• Verizon Prepaid (with promotions)
• Mint Mobile (occasional free phone deals)
• Assurance Wireless (Lifeline and ACP programs)
• TruConnect (government-assisted plans)

2. How can I qualify for a free phone with a cheap plan?

To get a free phone, you typically need to:

• Sign up for a new line or port-in your number to a participating carrier.
• Choose a plan that qualifies for promotional offers.
• Commit to a specific service term (some require 12-24 months).
• Be eligible for government-assisted programs like Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

3. Which carriers provide government-assisted free phones and cheap plans?

Government-funded programs like Lifeline and ACP offer free phones and discounted plans through these carriers:

• Assurance Wireless
• TruConnect
• SafeLink Wireless
• Q Link Wireless
• Cintex Wireless

These plans often include free unlimited talk, text, and data (subject to limits).

4. What kind of free phone can I get with a cheap plan?

Most providers offer entry-level smartphones from brands like:

• Samsung (e.g., Galaxy A series)
• Motorola (e.g., Moto G series)
• Apple (older iPhone models like iPhone SE or XR)
• OnePlus (Nord models)

Higher-end models may be available through trade-in deals or premium plans.

5. Are these cheap phone plans truly free?

Not always. Some “free” plans may include:

• Activation fees
• Taxes and surcharges
• Data limits or throttling
• Contracts or service commitments

Always read the terms and conditions before signing up.

6. Can I upgrade my free phone later?

Yes, but it depends on the carrier. Some allow upgrades after a set period, while others require trade-ins or additional payments.

7. Do these free phone plans support 5G?

Many budget-friendly plans now include 5G, but coverage depends on the carrier and phone model. Providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer 5G on select plans.

8. How do I apply for a government-free phone plan?

To apply:

1. Check your eligibility on Lifeline National Verifier (https://www.lifelinesupport.org).
2. Choose a participating carrier.
3. Submit necessary documents (proof of income, government assistance enrollment, etc.).
4. Wait for approval and phone shipment.

9. What are the downsides of cheap phone plans with free phones?

• Limited phone selection (often entry-level devices).
• Data speed restrictions (some plans throttle data after a certain limit).
• Locked phones (may not work with other carriers immediately).
• Hidden fees (activation or upgrade costs).

10. Is getting a cheap phone plan with a free phone worth it?

Yes, if you need an affordable option with decent service. Just make sure to:

• Compare plans carefully.
• Check coverage in your area.
• Read the fine print to avoid hidden fees.