The Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)

Legacy carrier device subsidies typically cost more in inflated plan pricing than the credits are worth, versus MVNO alternatives.

• Carrier subsidies are a mirage: Chris found T-Mobile's $689 device credit (vs. $511 trading straight to Apple) didn't offset plans running $30-60/month more than comparable MVNO options.
• Best budget picks named: Mint Mobile ($15/mo, no international, deprioritized data), Total Wireless Max 5G ($20/mo, priority data, 10GB international, capped hotspot), US Mobile Starter on AT&T's Darkstar network ($17/mo).

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