Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall AT&T MVNO is Boost Mobile.
- Consider your data needs, network coverage, international options, and customer service when choosing an AT&T MVNO.
- Other AT&T MVNOs include Cricket Wireless, H2O Wireless, Airvoice Wireless, and FreeUP Mobile.
- Ultimately, the right AT&T MVNO for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
As one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, AT&T has a reputation for providing reliable mobile services to its customers. However, many consumers seek more affordable alternatives without sacrificing quality or coverage. This is where Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) come in. These companies rent network access from major carriers like AT&T and sell it to customers at a lower price point.
If you’re looking for an AT&T MVNO to switch to, you’ll be pleased to know that many options are available. However, each one has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing 5 AT&T MVNOs that you should consider. We’ll cover everything from pricing and plans to network coverage and customer service. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand which MVNO might be the right choice for you. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
- Best Overall: Boost Mobile
- Best Prepaid AT&T MVNO: Airvoice Wireless
- Best AT&T MVNO for Family: Cricket Wireless
- Best AT&T MVNO for 5G Network Coverage: Red Pocket
- Best AT&T MVNO for International Calling: FreeUP Mobile
| MVNO | Price | Features | Coverage | 4G or 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | 5GB of data for $15/month or $180 annually Hotspot data 5GB for $25/month or 35 GB for $40/month or 40GB $50/month Pre-paid, no-credit-check plan with family discount. Two lines 30GB of data for $50/month or $600 annually. | Unlimited minutes/text Unlimited minutes, texts | Nationwide | 5G + LTE |
| Airvoice Wireless | Affordable plans starting at $5.00 per month | Unlimited talk and text | Nationwide | 5G or 4G LTE data |
| Cricket Wireless | Four lines for $100/month | Unlimited talk and text, unlimited international texting, mobile hotspot, cloud storage (select plans) | Nationwide | Varying amounts of 4G LTE data |
| Red Pocket | $10/month for 1GB of data $40/month for 25GB of data at 5G before slower speeds applied | Unlimited talk and text available | Nationwide | 5G |
| FreeUp Mobile | $15/month for 1GB of 4G LTE | Unlimited talk, text, data access, ability to call over 150 countries | Nationwide | 4G LTE |
Best Overall AT&T MVNO: Boost Mobile
- Includes no limits for Talk or Texts
- Includes a mobile hotspot
- 5GB of 5G/4G data included (AT&T network coverage)
- Use with any compatible device including the one you currently own.
Boost Mobile stands out as the best overall AT&T MVNO. The no-credit-check single-line monthly prepaid plans offered by Boost Mobile come with many features that are hard to ignore. With 5 GB of data at just $15 per month, or $180 annually, this plan is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Boost Mobile’s plans offer unlimited minutes and texts, which is an excellent value for the price. Additionally, their hotspot data of 5GB at $25 per month and 35GB at $40 per month ensures that you can stay connected to the internet anywhere you go.
For those who need more data, Boost Mobile’s $50 per month plan is a great option, as it comes with 40GB of hotspot data and unlimited minutes and texts. This plan is perfect for power users who need to stay connected while on the go.
Even better, Boost Mobile offers a no-credit-check prepaid plan with family discounts, where two lines can enjoy 30GB of data at just $50 per month or $600 annually. This plan also includes unlimited minutes, texts, and 30GB of hotspot data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Credit Check. | Limited international calling options. |
| Affordable prepaid plans. | Data speeds may be slower during peak hours. |
| Unlimited talk and text. | Video streaming quality is limited to 480p. |
| Hotspot included in most plans. | No international roaming. |
| Family discounts are available. | Limited customer support options. |
| Multi-month plans are available. | Limited phone selection. |
| No contracts. | High-speed data is limited to specific plans. |
| Prepaid plans offer budget control. | |
| Multiple data options are available. | |
| Hotspot data is included in most plans. |
Best Prepaid AT&T MVNO: Airvoice Wireless
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Airvoice Wireless is the best pick for an affordable prepaid AT&T MVNO. The service offers nationwide coverage, unlimited talk & text, and 5G or 4G LTE data. The plan starts from as low as $5 per month with AutoPay, making it cost-effective. In terms of coverage, Airvoice Wireless uses the AT&T network, which many consider one of the most reliable in the country.
Airvoice Wireless is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable prepaid AT&T MVNO with reliable coverage. However, the service has limitations, such as no international calling, texting, or mobile hotspot. Nonetheless, the service provides good value for money and is suitable for those who don’t require advanced features or extensive customer support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable plans start from $5. | No international calling or texting. |
| Nationwide coverage. | Data speed may be slower during peak hours. |
| It uses the AT&T network, which is considered reliable. | No mobile hotspot. |
| AutoPay discount available. | Limited customer support options. |
Best AT&T MVNO for Family: Cricket Wireless
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The best AT&T MVNO for families is Cricket Wireless. As an AT&T-owned prepaid wireless provider, Cricket Wireless offers reliable nationwide coverage, affordable pricing plans, and no annual contracts. In fact, the provider’s Multi-Line Discounts can save families up to $100/month for four lines.
Cricket Wireless plans come with unlimited talk and text and varying amounts of 4G LTE data. Moreover, Cricket Wireless offers impressive features like unlimited international texting, data add-ons, and mobile hotspot on select plans. HBO Max, an Ad-supported program, and cloud storage are also included in their top-tier programs. Cricket Wireless’s network prioritization policy may slightly affect data speeds, but its customer support is always ready to help.
Comparatively, Cricket’s Multi-Line Discounts and unlimited international texting make it an attractive choice for families looking to save on wireless bills. However, their network prioritization policy may slightly affect data speeds during network congestion.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing plans. | Data speeds may be slow during network congestion. |
| Multi-Line Discounts are available. | 5G coverage is not available for all plans. |
| Unlimited international texting. | Mobile hotspot data is not available on all plans. |
| HBO Max is included in the top-tier plan. | Some features may not be available on all plans. |
| Ad-supported plan and cloud storage on the top-tier plan. |
Best AT&T MVNO for 5G Network Coverage: Red Pocket
The best AT&T MVNO for 5G network coverage is Red Pocket. Our testing and hands-on experience show that Red Pocket offers reliable 5G coverage, even in areas with weak signals. Red Pocket’s 5G plans start at just $10 monthly for 1GB of data and offer unlimited talk and text.
Red Pocket’s $40 per month plan offers 25GB of data at 5G speeds before they apply slower speeds for heavier users. Additionally, Red Pocket offers promotional deals that can save you hundreds of dollars.
One potential downside of Red Pocket is that their plans are primarily unlimited, which may not be ideal for users who do not require that much data. However, they offer a 10GB high-speed data add-on for those who need more data without paying for an unlimited plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable 5G coverage. | Mostly unlimited plans may not be ideal for some users. |
| Affordable plans start at $10 per month. | Slower speeds are applied after data caps are reached. |
| Unlimited talk and text are included with all plans. | A limited selection of high-speed data add-ons. |
| Promotional deals are available. | No access to AT&T’s highest priority network. |
Best AT&T MVNO for International Calling: FreeUp Mobile
The best AT&T MVNO for international calling is FreeUp Mobile. This brand offers a range of plans with unlimited talk, text, and data access and the ability to make international calls to over 150 countries.
FreeUp Mobile offers affordable plans starting at just $15 per month for 1GB of 4G LTE data. The plans auto-renew monthly and can be upgraded to higher data plans as needed. Further, the network coverage is reliable, and the international calling feature is easy to use. One drawback is that the plans may not have enough data for heavy internet users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable plans start at $15 per month. | Plans may not have enough data for heavy internet users. |
| International calling to over 150 countries, with a free international calling to over 60 countries. | Plans auto-renew each month. |
| Reliable network coverage. | |
| Easy to use international calling feature. |
How to Pick the Best AT&T MVNOs: Step-by-Step
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When it comes to picking the best AT&T MVNOs, you must consider several factors. Here are some of the features to look for when making your choice:
- Network coverage
- Data allowance
- Pricing and additional fees
- Customer service and support
Network Coverage
The first consideration when choosing an AT&T MVNO is the network coverage. While most MVNOs operate on AT&T’s network, some may have limited coverage in certain areas or offer slower speeds. Therefore, it’s important to research which MVNOs have the best range in your area and compare their plans to find the best fit for your needs.
Data Allowance
Another essential factor to consider is the data allowance. Different MVNOs offer different data plans, ranging from unlimited to pay-as-you-go. Thus, it’s essential to assess your data usage habits and pick a plan that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Pricing and Additional Fees
Pricing and additional fees can vary significantly between AT&T MVNOs. Some may offer lower rates but charge extra fees for activation, SIM cards, or other services. Be sure to read the fine print and compare the total cost of each MVNO’s plan before deciding.
Customer Service and Support
Finally, it’s necessary to consider the customer service and support offered by each AT&T MVNO. Look for reviews and ratings online to see how well each MVNO handles customer complaints and issues.
Considering these factors, you can pick the best AT&T MVNO for your needs and budget.
What to Know Before Buying an AT&T MVNO
If you’re considering an AT&T MVNO, you must remember several key factors before making a purchase. First, you’ll want to ensure that the MVNO you choose provides coverage in the areas you frequent most. Check their coverage maps to verify that they operate on the AT&T network in your area. Next, consider the plan options available to you.
Many AT&T MVNOs offer affordable prepaid plans that may include unlimited talk, text, and data. However, some plans may throttle your data speed after a specific usage limit, so read the fine print before committing. Additionally, some MVNOs may offer perks like international calling or mobile hotspot usage. Finally, ensure your phone is compatible with your MVNO, as some may only support specific devices.
Certainly, research is vital for finding the right AT&T MVNO for your needs. Take the time to compare plans, features, and coverage to make an informed decision.
Using AT&T MVNOs: What It’s Like?
Using AT&T MVNOs can be a great way to save money on your phone bill while still being able to use the AT&T network. When you choose to use an AT&T MVNO, you can enjoy many of the same features as you would with a traditional AT&T plan, such as reliable coverage and fast data speeds.
One of the advantages of using an AT&T MVNO is the flexibility it offers. You can choose a plan that fits your needs and budget, whether you want unlimited data or a set amount of data per month. With an AT&T MVNO, you can also bring your own device, which means you don’t have to buy a new phone if you don’t want to.
Another benefit of using an AT&T MVNO is customer service. While you might not have access to the same level of support as you would with a traditional AT&T plan, many MVNOs offer excellent customer service and support options, such as online chat or phone support.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.com.
