Best No Data Plans

Best Coverage
US Mobile
US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text Plan
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Unlimited text and calls for $8/mo.
  • pro
    Reliable coverage
Free Texting
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
  • pro
    Unlimited text and calls for $6/mo.
  • pro
    Free texting after plan expires
Best Build-Your-Own Options
Tello
Tello Build Your Own Plan
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
  • pro
    Cheapest customization options
  • con
    Weaker coverage
Tyler Abbott
Staff Writer, Mobile & Wireless
Read More
August 08, 2022
4 min read

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

The most expensive part of every cell phone plan is the data that comes with it. If you cut data out of the equation, suddenly you're paying a single-digit dollar amount for your cell phone bill. Seriously, if you don't spend several hours a month streaming YouTube or scrolling through TikTok while not connected to Wi-Fi, you probably pay way too much for your cell phone bill.

If you're over the whole unlimited data-reliant lifestyle, these are the three best no data plans you can choose from.


Best no data cell phone plans
Plan
Price
Call minutes
Texts
Learn more

US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text

$7/mo.

Unlimited

Unlimited

Gen Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text $6/mo.

Unlimited

Unlimited

Tello Build Your Own Plan

Starts at $5/mo.

Starts at 100 minutes

Unlimited

What are the best cheap smartphone deals happening right now?
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Even if you don't pay for wireless data, a smartphone can still access the internet when connected to Wi-Fi. Browse all the best smartphone sales here.

US Mobile: Best no-data plan value

The cheapest way to get unlimited talk and text on Verizon's network
Pros
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Works on Verizon's network
Cons
  • Not compatible with many phones

What we like

If you're familiar with American Hero Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, I would wager that he probably uses US Mobile. You can stay off the data grid, have unlimited talk and text, and you can get a cell signal almost anywhere you go thanks to Verizon's awesome network. Take a look at the coverage map below to see how wide a coverage net Verizon casts.

US Mobile is an mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) which means it uses another carrier's network to provide cell service. In this case, US Mobile uses Verizon. The downside to MVNOs is that your data speeds can get throttled in crowded areas, but hey, no data speeds, no data throttling. So basically you get the cheapest access to Verizon's super-reliable network without the downside of data throttling.

What we don't like

It's honestly hard to come up with a con for US Mobile when it comes to no-data plans, but if you're in the market to buy a new phone, you won't get the best deals from US Mobile. Expect to pay the full price for any unlocked phone you buy directly from US Mobile.

Gen Mobile: Best no-data plan on T-Mobile’s network

Pay for your cell phone plan only when you use it
Pros
  • Cheap unlimited talk and text
  • Works on T-Mobile’s network
Cons
  • Not much phone compatibility

What we like

If you know that T-Mobile offers the best coverage in your neighborhood, Gen Mobile is the cheapest no-data plan that operates on that network. You can make as many calls and send as many texts as you want for $6/month. As cheap as that rate is, it doesn’t quite compare to US Mobile’s ultra-cheap $3/month plan. The main reason you’d go for Gen Mobile over US Mobile is due to the coverage difference.

Gen Mobile also gives its users a 15-day text freebie guarantee, meaning you get 15 days of free domestic and international texting for free after your plan expires. It’s a nice grace period that allows you to get texts out before you need to pay for a new month of service.

What we don't like

Like US Mobile, Gen Mobile isn’t compatible with the latest and greatest phones. In fact, the newest iPhone available for purchase from Gen Mobile is the iPhone XR, which came out about five years ago. But if you don’t plan on using any data on your phone, it’s not like you need the newest device anyways. Even an old phone can call and text perfectly.

Take a look at the most popular phones from Gen Mobile to get an idea of what your options look like:

Tello: Best build-your-own cell phone plans

Customize your cell phone plan how you want it
Pros
  • Variety of options
  • Cheap data with no overages
Cons
  • Pricier no-data plans

What we like

Tello offers lots of different options for cell phone plans, including no data plans. You can get your bill down to $5/month with Tello if you opt for the plan that only comes with 100 minutes of talk per month. For a $1/month more, you can add 500MB off data to your cell phone plan, which might come in handy.

Yes, we know that you're specifically looking for no-data plans, but a little bit of data can come in handy in a pinch. Let's say you're completely lost looking for a friend's house--you can use the maps app to get yourself straightened out. And the nice thing with Tello is that you're never charged for data overages, instead your data just slows down when you pass your allotment for the month.

Choosing between US Mobile and Tello
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It comes down to a game of "would you rather." Would you rather have 300 minutes of calls, unlimited texts, and 500 MB of data for $7 a month with Tello, or would you prefer unlimited talk minutes, unlimited texts, and no data for $7 a month with US Mobile? The choice is yours.

What we don't like

Tello prides itself on having tons of different customization options for your cell phone plan, but can't quite beat out US Mobile or Gen Mobile when it comes to price. Tello's unlimited talk and text plan costs $8/month, which is a whole dollar more than US Mobile.

Yes, we're splitting hairs talking about the difference of a $1/month, but US Mobile also offers better coverage than Tello. US Mobile operates on Verizon's super-reliable 4G LTE network, and Tello operates on T-Mobile's network. Like the price, there's not a huge difference between the coverage networks, but US Mobile gets the advantage in both categories.

Recap: What are the best no-data cell phone plans?

Out of all the no-data cell phone plans, we'd recommend choosing between these three options.

What are the best no-data cell phone plans?

Best value: US Mobile gets you unlimited talk and text on Verizon's awesome network for $7 a month. 
Free texting: GenMobile gives you unlimited talk and text on T-Mobile's network for only $6/month. You also get free texting for 15 days after your plan expires.
Best build-your-own options: Tello essentially lets you customize your own cell phone plan. It can't beat out US Mobile's value for no-data plans, but it makes up for it by offering small data plans that cost the same as a no-data plan.

Any questions about no-data cell phone plans? Need some more help deciding which options suits you best? Let us know in the comments below.

You can use Wi-Fi even with a no-data cell phone plan

Even if you don't pay for cell phone data, you can still use Wi-Fi if you have a smartphone. As long as you're connected to Wi-Fi, you can download apps like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram and scroll the day away.

These are our top picks for internet providers with Wi-Fi connections.

5 best home internet options
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Data cap
Learn more
Xfinity Internet$19.99$70*751200 Mbps1.2 TBUnlimited
Verizon Fios Home Internet$49.99$119.993002300 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Fiber$55$1803005000 MbpsUnlimited
CenturyLink Internet$50$70^100940 MbpsUnlimited
Viasat Internet$59.99$159.99°12150 Mbps35 GBUnlimited
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
* Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
^ Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.
° Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Tyler Abbott
Written by
Tyler Abbott
Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.

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