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

#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/best-cell-phone-plans-2026 Partner Deals Quince: Affordable luxury essentials with free shipping + 365 day returns Fora: Become a Fora Advisor today Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth DeleteMe: ⁠20% off removing your personal info from the web Zocdoc: Find and instantly book a doctor you love today For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Carriers & Plans US Mobile (← Get $30 off) Total Wireless Mint Mobile Visible Backup Lines & Backup Internet RedPocket Tello MobileX Keepgo (← Get 1GB free) Roamless UniFi 5G Max Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage BestPhonePlans Coverage Map Cell Phone Insurance AKKO Buying a New iPhone DON'T Buy Your iPhone 18 Pro Max From Your Carrier (Buy From Here Instead) Apple Shortcut to Change Active SIM Card Swappa ATH Podcast #138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More! #284: 20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected] Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans (05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive (11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers (13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live (14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter? (16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits (16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need? (16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data (17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches (17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers (19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile (20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star) (22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon (22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month (24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium (25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts (28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans (29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature (35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile (36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts (38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home (41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans (44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone Connect with Chris ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠Membership⁠⁠ | ⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices