Introduction
Finding a cell phone plan that fits both your budget and your data needs can feel overwhelming, especially with the dozens of offers that change every month. News Of Los Angeles has gathered the latest deals from the biggest carriers and budget-friendly providers, so you can compare pricing, data limits, and extra perks in one place. The guide highlights the most compelling discounts, including free lines, heavily discounted third lines, and prepaid savings.
At a Glance
- The cheapest new-line price starts at $10 per month with select carriers.
- Major carriers offer free or heavily discounted third lines when you add multiple lines.
- Prepaid plans can cut costs by up to $10 per month and often include a 3-year price lock.
Why it matters: Choosing the right plan can save you hundreds of dollars a year, especially when you factor in bundled streaming services and loyalty discounts.
Carrier Plan Highlights
AT&T
AT&T’s Value Plus VL plan begins at $31 per month for a single line. When you add more lines, the price per line drops; four lines cost $36 each. AT&T also offers a $1,800 discount on a bundle of three Apple devices (iPhone 17, iPad, Apple SE 3 watch) that each cost $1 per month. Android users can receive a $1,600 discount on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Watch, and Tab bundle, also $1 per month each. Additional perks include unlimited talk and text, 5G access, and AT&T Active Armor mobile security. Military, veteran, and medical workers qualify for extra discounts.
Verizon
Verizon’s Unlimited plans start at $70 per month per line. Autopay and paperless billing give you a $10 monthly discount. Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plans let you add streaming subscriptions-Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Disney Plus, Hulu, TravelPass-for just $10 per month, saving up to $30 on select services. Verizon also offers prepaid plans starting at $35 per month per line, with loyalty discounts and a three-year price lock. These plans can save up to $10 monthly.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s Essentials, Experience More, and Experience Beyond plans give you a free third line, saving up to $40 per month. Military, veteran, first-responder, and over-55 discounts are available. Autopay provides a $5 monthly discount per line. Elite plans (Essentials Beyond) include Apple TV Plus, Netflix, a free one-year AAA membership, and more.
Prepaid and Budget Options
| Carrier | Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | $15 (3-month or 1-year) | 50% off the standard $30 rate; prepaid, nationwide T-Mobile network |
| Visible | Starter | $19 (new customer) | 3-month discount, $12 off per month for 26 months, annual savings up to $90 |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $25 (basic) | 30 GB Premium data, 2nd line 50% off for first year, autopay discount |
| Metro by T-Mobile | Flex Unlimited Plus | $60 | 25 GB hotspot, 100 GB Google One, Amazon Prime, unlimited texting to 200+ countries |
| Cricket Wireless | Unlimited prepaid | $25 per month (12-month plan) | 3-month plan at $15 per month, multiple prepaid options |
Prepaid plans often start lower than postpaid equivalents and lock in a price for a set period. For example, Mint Mobile’s $15 per month for a 12-month plan is half the usual rate, and the deal requires upfront payment but guarantees the price for the term.
Phone Bundles and Discounts
If you’re also looking to upgrade your handset, several carriers bundle phone purchases with plan discounts:
- Samsung Galaxy S25: New customers can save $450, plus up to $200 more when trading in an eligible device.
- Apple iPhone: Bundle offers are available with most carriers, often including a free month or discounted subscription.
- Google Pixel 10 Pro: Visible offers a promo code “PIXEL” on the annual Visible Plus Pro plan, reducing the monthly cost.
- Back Market partnership: Visible provides a $5 monthly discount for refurbished phones purchased through the retailer.
These bundles can reduce the effective monthly cost of a new phone to less than $10 when combined with a plan that offers a low base rate.
How to Choose the Right Deal
When comparing offers, consider the following factors:
- Number of lines: Multi-line discounts can reduce the cost per line significantly. Free or discounted third lines are common.
- Data needs: Unlimited plans are ideal for heavy users, while prepaid plans may have data caps or throttling after a threshold.
- Contract length: Postpaid plans often lock you into a contract, whereas prepaid options allow you to change plans or carriers more freely.
- Additional perks: Streaming subscriptions, mobile security, and loyalty discounts can add value beyond the monthly rate.
- Prepayment requirements: Some prepaid plans require upfront payment, which can be a barrier if you prefer monthly billing.
By weighing these variables, you can identify the plan that delivers the best balance of cost, flexibility, and service quality for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- The lowest starting price for a new line is $10 per month with certain carriers.
- Free or heavily discounted third lines are available with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile when you add multiple lines.
- Prepaid plans like Mint Mobile and Visible offer significant savings, especially when you pay for a longer term upfront.
- Bundling a new phone with a plan can reduce the effective monthly cost of the handset to under $10.
- Evaluate data usage, contract length, and extra perks to find the most suitable offer.
