Finding a reliable and affordable phone service can be a real struggle, especially when you need international calling features. You don’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower price, but you also don’t want to break the bank. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best cheap phone services that offer both affordable plans and reliable international calling options.
These providers understand that staying connected with loved ones abroad is essential, and they’ve made it possible without draining your wallet. From unlimited talk and text to international calling plans with low rates, you’ll find a range of options that cater to different needs and budgets.
This article will dive deep into each provider, examining their key features, pricing, pros and cons, and customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for a basic plan or something more comprehensive, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to discover the best cheap phone service for your needs.
Get ready to say goodbye to expensive phone bills and hello to reliable, affordable communication with our carefully curated list of top-rated providers.
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| Mint Mobile | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visible | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tello | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Fi | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mint Mobile
A popular MVNO that runs on the T-Mobile network, known for its affordable plans and no-contract approach.
Read more about this on 30 Best Cheap Phone Companies: Affordable and Reliable
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile
- Plans: Starting at $15/month for 4GB of data.
- Features: Unlimited talk and text, international calling (with additional fees), mobile hotspot.
Reasons to buy :
- Low prices: Mint Mobile offers some of the cheapest plans on the market.
- No contract: You're not locked into a long-term agreement, so you can switch carriers easily.
- Good coverage: T-Mobile's network is generally reliable and provides good coverage in most areas.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited customer support: Mint Mobile's customer service options are primarily online.
- No physical stores: You can't go to a store for help or to buy a phone.
- Data throttling: After using a certain amount of data, your speeds may be slowed down.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a very affordable plan.
- You don't need a lot of data.
- You're comfortable with online customer support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need excellent customer service.
- You need a large amount of data.
- You want a plan with no data throttling.
Bottom Line:
Mint Mobile is a great option for budget-conscious consumers who don't need a lot of data. Their plans are incredibly affordable, and you can easily switch carriers if you're unhappy with the service. However, their limited customer support and data throttling policies may be drawbacks for some users. If you're looking for a cheap plan and you're comfortable with online support, Mint Mobile is worth considering. But if you prioritize customer service or need a lot of data, you might want to look elsewhere.
Visible
A subsidiary of Verizon, Visible offers a single, simple plan with unlimited data, talk, and text.
Specifications :
- Network: Verizon
- Plans: One plan with unlimited data, talk, and text for $45/month.
- Features: No-contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees).
Reasons to buy :
- Simple and straightforward: Visible only has one plan, making it easy to choose.
- Unlimited data: You won't have to worry about data caps.
- Verizon network: You'll get access to Verizon's reliable and extensive network.
Reasons to avoid :
- Higher price: Visible is more expensive than some other MVNOs.
- Limited international calling: International calling is available but with limited minutes and at an additional cost.
- No family plans: You can't add multiple lines to your account for a discounted price.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a simple and straightforward plan.
- You need unlimited data.
- You prioritize a reliable network.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a lot of international calling.
- You want family plan options.
Bottom Line:
Visible is a good choice for those who want a simple, no-fuss plan with unlimited data and reliable coverage. The single plan makes it easy to choose, and Verizon's network is known for its quality. However, Visible is more expensive than some other MVNOs, and its limited international calling and lack of family plans may be a drawback for some users. If you're willing to pay a premium for unlimited data and a reliable network, Visible could be a good fit for you. But if you're looking for the cheapest possible plan or need a lot of international calling, you might want to look elsewhere.
Tello
A popular MVNO that offers flexible plans and allows you to customize your data, talk, and text allowances.
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile
- Plans: Customizable plans starting at $5/month for 100 minutes of talk and 100 texts.
- Features: No contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees).
Reasons to buy :
- Customizable plans: You can create a plan that perfectly suits your needs.
- Low prices: Tello's plans are very affordable.
- Good network coverage: T-Mobile's network is generally reliable and provides good coverage in most areas.
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be confusing: The many options available can make it difficult to choose the right plan.
- Limited customer support: Tello's customer support options are primarily online.
- Data throttling: After using a certain amount of data, your speeds may be slowed down.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a lot of control over your plan.
- You're on a tight budget.
- You're comfortable with online customer support.
Don't buy it if:
- You want a simple and straightforward plan.
- You need excellent customer service.
- You need a large amount of data.
Bottom Line:
Tello is an excellent option for those who want to tailor their plan to their specific needs and budget. Their customizable plans allow you to choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need, making it an affordable choice. However, the many options available can be confusing, and their limited customer support may be a drawback for some users. If you're comfortable with online support and want to create a plan that perfectly suits your needs, Tello is worth considering. But if you prefer a simpler approach or need excellent customer service, you might want to look elsewhere.
Google Fi
Learn more about 16 Best Cheap Phone for Genshin Impact: Budget-Friendly Options
Dive deeper into 15 Best Cheap Phone for Seniors: Easy-to-Use and Affordable
A unique MVNO that utilizes a network switching technology to connect you to T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular.
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular (depending on your location)
- Plans: Flexible plans starting at $20/month for 1GB of data.
- Features: No contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees), data roaming in 200+ countries.
Reasons to buy :
- Network switching: You get access to multiple networks, providing better coverage in more areas.
- Flexible plans: You can adjust your data and talk allowances based on your needs.
- International roaming: You can use your phone in over 200 countries without paying exorbitant roaming fees.
Reasons to avoid :
- Higher prices: Google Fi's plans are more expensive than some other MVNOs.
- Can be confusing: The network switching technology can be confusing for some users.
- Data throttling: After using a certain amount of data, your speeds may be slowed down.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need reliable coverage in a variety of locations.
- You travel frequently and need international roaming.
- You're willing to pay a premium for flexibility and convenience.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a very tight budget.
- You're not comfortable with network switching.
- You need excellent customer service.
Bottom Line:
Google Fi is a good choice for those who need reliable coverage in a variety of locations and who travel frequently. Their network switching technology and international roaming capabilities make it a convenient option for travelers. However, Google Fi's plans are more expensive than some other MVNOs, and their customer service can be lacking. If you prioritize coverage, international roaming, and flexibility, Google Fi could be a good fit for you. But if you're on a tight budget or prefer a simpler approach, you might want to look elsewhere.
US Mobile
An MVNO that offers a wide range of plans and allows you to customize your data, talk, and text allowances.
Explore further with 25 Best Cheap Phone for Genshin Impact: Budget-Friendly Options
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile, Verizon (depending on your plan)
- Plans: Customizable plans starting at $10/month for 100 minutes of talk and 100 texts.
- Features: No contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees).
Reasons to buy :
- Customizable plans: You can create a plan that perfectly suits your needs.
- Low prices: US Mobile's plans are very affordable.
- Multiple network options: You can choose between T-Mobile and Verizon networks.
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be confusing: The many options available can make it difficult to choose the right plan.
- Limited customer support: US Mobile's customer support options are primarily online.
- Data throttling: After using a certain amount of data, your speeds may be slowed down.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a lot of control over your plan.
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a plan with reliable coverage in a specific area.
Don't buy it if:
- You want a simple and straightforward plan.
- You need excellent customer service.
- You want a plan with no data throttling.
Bottom Line:
US Mobile is a good choice for those who want to customize their plan and choose between T-Mobile and Verizon networks. Their plans are very affordable, and you can tailor them to your specific needs. However, the many options available can be confusing, and their limited customer support may be a drawback for some users. If you're comfortable with online support and want to create a plan that perfectly suits your needs, US Mobile is worth considering. But if you prefer a simpler approach or need excellent customer service, you might want to look elsewhere.
Republic Wireless
A unique MVNO that uses a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular data to provide affordable plans.
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile, Sprint (depending on your phone and plan)
- Plans: Starting at $15/month for unlimited talk and text with 1GB of cellular data.
- Features: No contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees).
Reasons to buy :
- Low prices: Republic Wireless offers some of the cheapest plans on the market.
- Wi-Fi calling: You can make calls and use data over Wi-Fi, saving on cellular data usage.
- No contract: You're not locked into a long-term agreement, so you can switch carriers easily.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited phone selection: Republic Wireless only offers a limited number of phones, which are all compatible with their Wi-Fi calling technology.
- Can be slow: If you don't have a strong Wi-Fi connection, your speeds may be slow.
- Limited international calling: International calling is available but with limited minutes and at an additional cost.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a very affordable plan.
- You have access to reliable Wi-Fi.
- You're comfortable with a limited phone selection.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a wide selection of phones.
- You need fast speeds all the time.
- You need a lot of international calling.
Bottom Line:
Republic Wireless is a unique option for those who want to save money on their phone bill. Their use of Wi-Fi calling can help you reduce your cellular data usage and keep costs low. However, their limited phone selection and potential for slow speeds may be drawbacks for some users. If you have reliable Wi-Fi access and are comfortable with a limited phone selection, Republic Wireless could be a good fit for you. But if you need a wide selection of phones or fast speeds all the time, you might want to look elsewhere.
Check this blog on 16 Best Cheap Phone for Seniors: Easy-to-Use and Affordable
Ting
An MVNO that offers flexible plans and allows you to customize your data, talk, and text allowances.
Specifications :
- Network: T-Mobile, Sprint (depending on your location)
- Plans: Customizable plans starting at $6/month for 100 minutes of talk and 100 texts.
- Features: No contract, mobile hotspot, international calling (with additional fees).
Reasons to buy :
- Customizable plans: You can create a plan that perfectly suits your needs.
- Low prices: Ting's plans are very affordable.
- Multiple network options: You can choose between T-Mobile and Sprint networks.
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be confusing: The many options available can make it difficult to choose the right plan.
- Limited customer support: Ting's customer support options are primarily online.
- Data throttling: After using a certain amount of data, your speeds may be slowed down.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want a lot of control over your plan.
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a plan with reliable coverage in a specific area.
Don't buy it if:
- You want a simple and straightforward plan.
- You need excellent customer service.
- You want a plan with no data throttling.
Bottom Line:
Ting is a good choice for those who want to customize their plan and choose between T-Mobile and Sprint networks. Their plans are very affordable, and you can tailor them to your specific needs. However, the many options available can be confusing, and their limited customer support may be a drawback for some users. If you're comfortable with online support and want to create a plan that perfectly suits your needs, Ting is worth considering. But if you prefer a simpler approach or need excellent customer service, you might want to look elsewhere.
Choosing the right phone service can be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for affordability without sacrificing reliability. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's why we've compiled this list of the 7 best cheap phone services that offer international calling, ensuring you stay connected with loved ones around the world without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider factors like data usage, call quality, and customer service when making your decision.
Remember, you don't have to settle for expensive phone plans. With a little research and comparison, you can find a cheap phone service that meets your needs and keeps you connected.
Take advantage of free trials and introductory offers to test out different services before committing to a long-term plan. And don't be afraid to switch providers if you're not satisfied with your current service. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
Karim 
Bilal