The Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)
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PocketCasts Key Takeaways
- Most people are significantly overpaying for cell phone service with major carriers and can save hundreds of dollars a year by switching to MVNOs without sacrificing coverage.
- When shopping for the best cell phone plans, it is crucial to evaluate your actual high-speed data, hotspot, and video streaming needs rather than paying for bloated unlimited tiers you might not use.
- MVNOs like US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Total Wireless offer robust unlimited plans running on the exact same major networks (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) for a fraction of the cost.
- Buying your new iPhone directly from Apple or secondary marketplaces like Swappa is almost always a smarter financial move than getting trapped in multi-year "free phone" carrier financing deals.
- You can set up ultra-cheap backup lines for two-factor authentication and even affordable cellular home internet backups starting at around $20.
#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone.
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Resources Mentioned
Carriers & Plans
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US Mobile (← Get $30 off)
Backup Lines & Backup Internet
Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage
Cell Phone Insurance
Buying a New iPhone
ATH Podcast
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#138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More!
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AMA: Submit Questions
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Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
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Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans
(05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive
(11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers
(13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live
(14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter?
(16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits
(16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need?
(16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data
(17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches
(17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers
(19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile
(20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star)
(22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon
(22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month
(24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium
(25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts
(28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans
(29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature
(35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile
(36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts
(38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home
(41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans
(44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cell phone plans right now?
The best cell phone plans often come from MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Total Wireless, which provide the same coverage as major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for significantly less money.
Are MVNOs as good as major cell phone carriers?
Yes, MVNOs use the exact same cell towers as the big three major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile), meaning you get identical coverage and reliability while paying a fraction of the monthly cost.
Should I buy my new iPhone from my carrier?
Chris Hutchins recommends avoiding carrier financing deals that lock you into long contracts for "free phones," and instead suggests buying unlocked iPhones directly from Apple or trusted platforms like Swappa.