If you avoid contracts like the plague and saving money on your wireless bill is important to you, then MVNOs are worth checking out.

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Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) stand out with bottom-dollar pricing, but low-costs don’t mean a compromise on quality. On the contrary, MVNO carriers secure long-term wireless customers with flexible terms, reliable service, and exceptional consumer satisfaction.

Here’s what you need to know before you make the switch. I‘ll also share with you my top 3 favorite MVNO, plus a full list of MVNO carriers to help you find the right fit.

Cheapest MVNO: Mint Mobile plan $20/mo 8GB of 4G LTE data with unlimited talk/text Best Unlimited Plan: Tello $39/mo Unlimited Everything plan (throttled at 25GB) Reliable Worldwide Coverage: Google Fi Unlimited plan $45/mo per line with four lines (throttled at 22GB)

What is a MVNO?

A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a prepaid wireless carrier that piggybacks off of a more extensive network. MVNOs are unique because they operate virtually, meaning they don’t own their infrastructure or radio spectrum.

Instead, MVNOs purchase or lease their network from one of the big four MVNO providers, known as mobile network operators (MNO) – Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint. Some MVNO networks will use more than one MNO carrier to give their consumers broader coverage options.

The relationship between an MVNO and MNO is mutually beneficial; MNOs earn a return for unused data, and MVNOs gain access to a premium wireless network at a wholesale rate. The savings are then passed on to the consumer in the form of lower prices and flexible MVNO plans.

MVNO: Pros and cons

The most significant benefit of MVNO plans is access to high-quality network coverage at a low-cost. You may have to prepay for your service, but the plans are diverse, and you avoid restrictive contracts or credit checks. Additionally, many MVNOs offer international calling rates that are much cheaper than postpaid carriers.

Of course, prepaid wireless is not without its downsides. Because MVNOs borrow their network, there is a potential of slower speeds in areas of congestion. For example, if you attend a concert or another crowded event, customers on the primary MNO carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint) could receive mobile data priority.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is one of the most compelling prepaid wireless options on the market. Mint Mobile is worth switching to.

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However, on the brink of the 5G network release and other infrastructure advancements, prioritization is expected to become less of a concern as time goes on.

Top 3 best MVNO plans

Thanks to prepaid wireless carriers, our wireless options have never been more competitive or flexible than they are today. In fact, the $54 billion virtual-mobile industry is continually expanding.

Some MVNO carriers, like the Mint Mobile network, are changing the way we approach our smartphone plans with huge savings on bulk packages. Others, like Tello, give you everything you need with bargain-basement pricing on unlimited plans.

Here is an MVNO comparison of the best MVNO plans available this year and why they are worth considering. Skip ahead for even more choices and a full list of MVNO by carriers!

Recommended: The 9 Best Stores that Sell Prepaid Wireless Plans

	MVNO	Highlights
Cheapest MVNO	Mint Mobile T-Mobile	●      Cheap mvno network ●      Mint mvno plans as low as $15/mo ●      Available in bulk 3-, 6-, 12-month bundles. ●      Best Deal: $240 for the entire year 8GB/mo LTE high-speed data, unlimited talk/text ($20/mo). ●      No speed restrictions and free mobile hotspot. ●      Same great coverage as T-Mobile network ●      International and WiFi calling
Best MVNO Unlimited Data Plan	Tello Sprint	●      Tello mvno $39/month Unlimited Everything plan. ●      That’s unlimited talk, text, and LTE data (speeds throttled after 25 GB) ●      Free calls to Canada, Mexico, and China. ●      Free mobile hotspot. ●      Uses the Sprint network
Reliable Worldwide Coverage	Google Fi Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular	●      Multi-carrier mvno – T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular ●      Mvno Google unlimited talk, text, LTE data (speeds throttled after 22GB) ●      Best $45/mo each for four lines ●      Best mvno family plan $15/access per line ●      International roaming in over 200 countries ●      Data abroad for the same price you pay at home.

Full list of MVNO carriers

MVNO wiki sources reveal an astounding 139 MVNOs in the United States and more than 1300 active MVNOs worldwide. So, it’s safe to say you have a few options other than the best MVNO plans I listed above.

The good news is that the vast majority of MVNO networks are affordable and don’t have any contracts. This makes it easy to test out the service without a major commitment. The Mint Mobile MVNO I mentioned above offers a simple $5 starter kit, so you experience their coverage, completely risk-free. Want to know more about Mint Mobile and if it’s worth it? Read our Mint Mobile review

Here are the most popular US MVNO organized by the network they use (mvno Verizon, mvno T-Mobile, mvno AT&T, or mvno Sprint). Please note that this isn’t an endorsement of any of them, these are just lists, so you know where to begin your search!

*Indicates multi-network MVNO carrier.

Is an MVNO right for you?

An MVNO is an excellent option for those that want to bring lower costs and flexibility to their wireless plans. The best part about an MVNO network is that your coverage is the same as the big four premium wireless carriers.

Keep in mind that in order to get the best quality of service, you’ll want to choose the right device and an MVNO that is supported by a network with reliable coverage in your area.

The best way to find out if you love what MVNO carriers have to offer is trying it out for yourself. With prices that are more than affordable, no contracts, and no credit checks, testing out an MVNO plan is simple and completely risk-free.

If you don’t mind prepaying for your service and trading low-costs for slower speeds, an MVNO is the best option for you.

Stay up-to-date on MVNO news

Want to stay up to date on MVNO news and MVNO reviews? Check-in daily with Trickut for the latest in technology, electronics, gaming, and money, including first-hand reviews of the latest and most popular products.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is one of the most compelling prepaid wireless options on the market. Mint Mobile is worth switching to.

From $15/month at Mint Mobile