Best MVNO deals of August 2024: Is it time to switch?
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1. Quick links
2. Phone deals
3. Service deals
If you're currently using a Big Three phone company, the single best way to save money on your wireless bill is to switch to an MVNO, full stop. Not only do these prepaid carriers offer a simpler wireless solution at a much lower cost, but there are typically plenty of MVNO deals to make your plan even cheaper.
An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) is an alternative carrier that utilizes the vast networks of larger companies — such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T — so you get the same great coverage for cheap, without the hassle of a complicated contract or loads of hidden fees. Some of these companies might even sell you one of the best Android phones at a serious discount. If you aren't totally sold on the prospect, it's also worth noting that many of the best MVNO carriers also offer free trials with zero hassle or commitment whatsoever. In other words, if you want to save some cash on your phone bill, there's almost no reason not to try an MVNO.
Patrick Farmer (he/him) is a no-nonsense deal hunter who uses his 10+ years of experience to find the best prices and offer practical shopping advice to our readers. Whether you need a new smartphone, TV, streaming service, or phone carrier, if Patrick recommends a deal, you know it's worth your attention.
Quick links
- Mint Mobile: Save $440 on the Pixel 8 Pro, get six months free
- Visible: Save up to $10 every month for two years with code CHAMP
- Straight Talk: Walmart Plus membership included with select plans
- Boost Mobile: New customers get 2GB of data for just $10/month
- MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket
Phone deals
Google Pixel 8a 128GB: $499 $399, plus six months of free wireless with any six-month data plan at Mint Mobile
The Google Pixel 8a just hit store shelves on May 14th, but you can already grab a $100 discount plus six months of FREE wireless when you pair the purchase of the midrange phone with any six-month data plan at Mint Mobile. That includes the carrier's popular Unlimited plan!
Google Pixel 8 128GB: $699 $519, plus six months of FREE wireless with any six-month plan at Mint Mobile
Pick up a Google Pixel 8 alongside any six-month data plan at Mint Mobile and the T-Mobile MVNO will slashing a whopping $180 off the phone AND give you an additional six months of wireless service for 100% free. It's this kind of offer that earned Mint the title of best MVNO carrier on the web.
Google Pixel 8 Pro 128GB: $999 $559, plus six months of FREE wireless with any six-month plan at Mint Mobile
Surprise, surprise: the outstanding Google Pixel 8 Pro has also been thrown into the ring at Mint Mobile, and now you can get a straight $440 off plus six months of free wireless when you bundle the purchase of the AI-powered phone with any six-month data plan.
Motorola Razr (2023): $599.99 $99.99 with Unlimited Plus plan at Boost Mobile
Sign up for Boost Mobile's Unlimited Plus plan and you'll score a $500 discount on the Motorola Razr (2023), a versatile foldable that boasts a Snapdragon chip, vibrant 144Hz OLED display, and a durable hinge. Keep in mind that the data plan in question is $60/month, so make sure that works with your budget before you commit.
Total by Verizon: Save $50 on the Samsung Galaxy A23
Pick up a prepaid Samsung Galaxy A23 through Total by Verizon and you'll instantly save $50. That makes the cheap Android phone just $150, or $6.25 if you pay over 24 months.
Service deals
Visible: Save up to $10 every month for two years with code CHAMP
Join Visible Wireless and use the code CHAMP during checkout and you'll get $5 off the Visible plan or $10 off Visible Plus every month for two years. That could drop the best unlimited plan in the business to only $35 per month, and you're still getting unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus 50GB of premium data and a bunch of international perks.
Mint Mobile New Customer Offer: Get any 3-month data plan for $15/month ($45 upfront)
New customers who join Mint Mobile during the promotional period will get to enjoy ANY three-month data plan for an upfront payment of $45. Since this offer includes Mint's Unlimited plan, you're essentially looking at a discount of up to 50% off.
Straight Talk: Free Walmart Plus memberships with select plans
Sign up for Straight Talk's Gold Unlimited or Platinum Unlimited wireless plans and the Verizon-owned carrier will hook you up with a free Walmart Plus membership indefinitely. That means free shipping, fuel savings, and even free streaming on Paramount Plus, not to mention all of the advantages that come with the data plans.
Boost Mobile: New customers get 2GB of data for just $10/month
Boost Mobile has launched a promo that'll hook new customers up with unlimited talk and text, 2GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and a free SIM kit for just $10 per month. Check the website to see if your location is eligible.
Should I switch to an MVNO?
Most MVNOs provide the same great coverage as a mainstream carrier at a much lower cost, but of course, they aren't for everyone. Many companies will deprioritize you when the network becomes busy, and you may miss out on some international perks. In many cases, these alternative carriers are also digital-only, which means you won't get the convenience of a company with a local retail presence.
That said, if none of those things is a problem to you and you're sick of paying hundreds on your wireless bill every month, it might be time to switch!
- MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket
Are you a Verizon customer? Not sure if you're ready to make the switch to prepaid? You might be able to keep your existing coverage and save some money in the process with one of the best Verizon deals of the month.
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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child.