Best No Data Plans

Even if you don't pay for mobile data, a smartphone can still access the internet when connected to Wi-Fi. Browse all the best smartphone sales here.

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 text and talk, 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.

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.

If you know that T-Mobile offers the best coverage in your neighborhood, Gen Mobile is the cheapest next-to-no-data plan that operates on that network. It no longer offers a no-data option, but its 1 GB plan is still an amazing deal. You can make as many calls and send as many texts as you want (and get 1 GB of data) for $9/month. This plan is $9 if you pay three months at a time and $10 for the monthly plan.

As cheap as that rate is, it is a dollar more compared to US Mobile’s ultra-cheap $8/month plan. The main reason you’d go for Gen Mobile over US Mobile is due to the coverage difference. But if you really don't want data or to pay in 3-month batches, US Mobile's plan can save you a buck or two.

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.

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 XS Max, 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 offers lots of different options for cheap 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 $1/month more, you can add 1 GB of 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.

It comes down to a game of "would you rather." Would you rather have 300 minutes of calls, unlimited texts, and 1 GB of data for $7 a month with Tello, or would you prefer unlimited talk minutes, unlimited texts, and no data for $8 a month with US Mobile? The choice is yours.

Tello prides itself on having tons of different customization options for your cell phone plan, but it 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 exactly the same as US Mobile.

And since they're the same price, we're splitting hairs talking about the difference, 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. There's not a huge difference between the coverage networks, but US Mobile gets the advantage.

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 $8 a month. 
Free texting: GenMobile gives you unlimited talk and text on T-Mobile's network for only $10/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.

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.