Phone plan types compared

The same network can be sold at very different prices depending on the kind of plan. Here's how the main plan types compare, so you can choose by what you use, not by the ads.

Plan type	How it works	Often good for	Watch for
Postpaid, major carrier	Pay after each month, often with a credit check. Phones are often financed through the carrier.	People who want in-store support, perks or device financing.	Higher prices, carrier fees, and device payments that tie you to the plan.
Prepaid, major carrier	Pay at the start of the month. No credit check.	Most people who own their phone.	Some perks and international features may be limited.
Prepaid, smaller brand	Smaller companies that use a major carrier's network.	Light to moderate data users looking for the lowest price.	Data may slow at busy times; check the network and terms.
Family or shared plan	Several lines on one account, with a lower cost per line.	Households with similar needs.	Everyone shares one account; leaving can be complicated.
Talk-and-text or pay-as-you-go	Minimal or no data, low monthly cost.	Light users, backup phones, some older adults.	Data can be expensive if you go over.
Lifeline-supported plan	A federal discount for eligible households, through participating providers.	Households on qualifying programs or with low income.	One benefit per household. Never pay anyone to apply.

General information. Plans, prices and terms change often. We don't recommend specific carriers and aren't paid by any. For Lifeline, see FCC.gov and LifelineSupport.org.

Pick by what you use

Under 5 GB a month

Look at prepaid plans from smaller brands, or talk-and-text.

Mostly on Wi-Fi

A small data plan is often enough.

Heavy data, several lines

Compare a shared plan with separate prepaid lines.

Compare your current bills with a cheaper setup using the phone and internet bill calculator.