MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, are small carriers that operate on one or more of the four major networks—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint. If you’re looking for a cell phone plan that doesn’t break the bank, it’s worth checking out a plan through an MVNO.

MVNOs typically offer less expensive cell phone plans than the major carriers and don’t require a credit check. A drawback is that data speeds are sometimes deprioritized in favor of customers on the main network. Plus, not all MVNOs are created equal—some have better plans and deals than others.

There are more than 50 MVNOs nationwide—it can make it difficult to keep track of which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve compiled a list for you, along with which network each MVNO runs on.

Know which network you’d prefer? Learn more about which MVNOs operate on which networks:


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What is an MVNO?

MVNO stands for mobile virtual network operator, which is just a fancy way of saying that it is a small carrier that runs on a major network. These small carriers buy wholesale minutes, text, and data from the major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint) and resell them to customers using their own brand name. Consequently, they can offer cell phone plans at lower prices than the big four.

Nearly every MVNO sells “prepaid” plans. As the name suggests, prepaid plans require that you pay for your service prior to receiving it. Postpaid customers, by contrast, pay for their service at the end of the month, following usage.

Prepaid cell phone plans tend to be more affordable than major carrier postpaid plans. This translates to getting essentially get the same quality service Big Four at a fraction of the price. Plus, MVNOs often run specials or deals for their plans.

Most MVNOs offer a range of phones for sale, though selection in some cases may be more limited than what’s offered by the major carriers. Most MVNOs allow you to bring your own phone (BYOP) as long as it’s unlocked. Many MVNOs (especially the smaller ones) don’t have a physical retail store.

Things to Consider

These are all things you will want to take into consideration when choosing a cell phone carrier:

  • What network do you want your MVNO to operate on?
  • What are your priorities?
  • Do you prefer prepaid or postpaid service plans?
  • Do you need a new smartphone? If so, do you have a specific device in mind?
  • Do you want additional features and benefits?
  • Do you want to forgo a credit check?
  • Would you prefer a long-term contract or no contract?
  • How often do you connect to WiFi?
  • Do you want to build your own plan?
  • Are you okay with occasional data deprioritization?
  • Do you frequently stream videos or music on data?

Nearly every MVNO sells “prepaid” plans. Prepaid cell phone plans tend to be more affordable than major carrier postpaid plans.


Popular MVNOs & Which Network They’re On

MVNOs come in all sizes, from massive companies like MetroPCS and Cricket (both of which are subsidiaries of major carriers) to smaller outfits like Ting and Tello. It’s always a good idea to check out reviews online before committing to a particular carrier.

Below are a few well-known MVNOs and the networks they’re on:

  • Virgin Mobile: Sprint
  • Metro by T-Mobile: T-Mobile
  • Boost Mobile: Sprint
  • Cricket Wireless: AT&T
  • Straight Talk: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile

What is the Best MVNO?

At the end of the day, the best MVNO will be the one that caters to your specific needs—whatever they may be.

We already listed some of the bigger MVNOs, but there are a litany of smaller ones that offer greats plans and deals as well. Think, Mint Mobile, who often has cheap, three-month packages, or FreeUp Mobile, whose affordable plans may include international calling and access to complimentary WiFi hotspots. What about Republic Wireless, who essentially lets you build your own plan? There are plenty of MVNO options for you to choose from.


Who Would Benefit from an MVNO?

Although an MVNO could be a great choice for any cell phone customer, there are specific target audiences who may benefit the most from one of these smaller carriers. Some reasons someone may choose an MVNO include:

  • They already own an unlocked smartphone.
  • They prefer a prepaid phone plan.
  • They want an affordable service plan with the reliability of a major network.
  • They want a variety of plan options to choose from.
  • They prefer plans that don’t require credit checks.
  • They have consistent WiFi access.

This is by no means an exhaustive list—many other people may find that an MVNO is the best choice for them.

You may want to consider an MVNO if you have an unlocked smartphone or prefer a prepaid phone plan.


Best MVNOs for Deals

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to check out Boost Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Straight Talk plans. They frequently run specials and typically have slightly better offerings than lesser-known MVNOs that limit their data or have none whatsoever.


List of Small Carriers

MVNO Network Plan Rating Phone Rating
Affinity Cellular Verizon ★★★
Airvoice AT&T ★★★★ ★★★★
Beast Mobile AT&T, Sprint ★★
Best Cellular AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile ★★★
Black Wireless AT&T ★★★★ n/a
Boom! Mobile AT&T, Verizon, Sprint ★★★★
Boost Mobile Sprint ★★ ★★★★★
Consumer Cellular AT&T, T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★
Credo Mobile Verizon ★★★ ★★★★
Cricket Wireless AT&T ★★★ ★★★★
easyGo AT&T ★★
EcoMobile Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★
Freedompop AT&T, Sprint ★★★ ★★
FreeUP Mobile AT&T ★★★★ ★★★★★
Gen Mobile Sprint ★★★ ★★★
Good2GO Mobile AT&T ★★★ ★★★
Google Fi Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular ★★
GoSmart Mobile T-Mobile ★★★ n/a
GreatCall Verizon ★★★
H2O Wireless AT&T ★★★★ ★★
Lycamobile T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★
Metro by T-Mobile T-Mobile ★★ ★★★★★
Mint Mobile T-Mobile ★★★★ ★★★★★
Net10 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★★
netTALK Connect T-Mobile n/a
Page Plus Cellular Verizon ★★★★ ★★★★
Patriot Mobile Sprint ★★★
Pix Wireless Sprint, Verizon, ★★★★★ n/a
Pure TalkUSA AT&T ★★★ ★★★
Ready Mobile Verizon ★★
Red Pocket Mobile AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★ n/a
Republic Wireless Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★
Selectel Wireless Verizon ★★
Simple Mobile T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★
Spectrum Mobile Verizon ★★★★
SpeedTalk Mobile T-Mobile ★★★★ n/a
Straight Talk AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★★
Telcel America T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★★
Tello Sprint ★★★ ★★★
Teltik T-Mobile ★★★ n/a
TextNow Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★ ★★
Ting Mobile Sprint, T-Mobile ★★★★ ★★★★
Total Wireless Verizon ★★★ ★★★★
Tracfone AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon ★★★ ★★
Twigby Sprint, Verizon ★★★ ★★★
Ultra Mobile T-Mobile ★★★ ★★★★
UNREAL Mobile AT&T, Sprint ★★ ★★★
U.S. Cellular U.S. Cellular ★★★ ★★★★
US Mobile T-Mobile, Verizon ★★★★ ★★
Virgin Mobile Sprint ★★ ★★★★
Visible Verizon ★★★
Walmart Family Mobile T-Mobile ★★ ★★★
Wing Sprint ★★★ ★★★
Xfinity Mobile Verizon ★★★
Zing Wireless Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon ★★★★ ★★
ZIP SIM T-Mobile ★★ n/a