Best No Data Plans

The most expensive part about 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’re not using data regularly on your phone, you’re probably paying way too much for your cell phone bill.

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

US Mobile: Best no-data plan value

The cheapest way to get unlimited talk and text on Verizon’s network

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 some folks might be bummed out by the lack of Android and older iPhone cell phone options. US Mobile is currently compatible with only iPhone 11 and iPhone X models and the more budget-friendly LG Revel 3 LTE and ZTE Cymbal-C LTE. So basically, it’s get a new expensive iPhone, or choose one of these two lesser-known devices.

AT&T Prepaid $2/Day Plan: Best pay-as-you-go plan

Pay for your cell phone plan only when you use it

What we like

If you know you’ll only use your phone every once in a while, this AT&T pay-as-you-go plan is your best option. You only pay the $2 if you make a call or send a text, or if you receive a call or text (so don’t hand out your number willy-nilly). But if you don’t touch your phone, you won’t be charged a dime. Think of it as a break-in-case-of-emergency phone, or maybe a phone with a little coin slot that takes two dollars to make it work.

Any time you use your phone, you get unlimited talk and text for the next 24 hours. So if you’re going to make one call on this AT&T plan, you might as well make a thousand calls. Or at least however many calls you can make in a 24-hour period.

What we don’t like

This cell phone plan only makes sense if you really think you’ll rarely use the phone. Let’s put it this way, if you end up using it more than four times in a month, it would be cheaper to go with the US Mobile unlimited talk and text plan for $7 a month. But if you need the phone for just-in-case situations, this AT&T plan can really come in handy.

Tello: Best build-your-own cell phone plans

Customize your cell phone plan how you want it

What we like

Tello prides itself on having tons of different customization options for your cell phone plan, but there’s a dirty little secret to which you must become aware. Tello (which uses Sprint’s lackluster network) will never be able to compete with US Mobile’s unlimited talk and text on Verizon’s network for $7 a month, but it does beat out US Mobile when you add data into the equation.

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.

What we don’t like

Whatever you do, don’t go with Tello if you’re positive that you don’t want any data in your cell phone plan. Tello can’t hold a candle to US Mobile’s no-data plans, as evidenced by the fact that you can get unlimited talk and text for $7 with US Mobile (on a better network too), meanwhile Tello will charge you $7 a month and limit you to 500 minutes on a worse network. Tello only makes sense over US Mobile if you want a little data to your cell phone plan.

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. Assuming you have a phone that can work with US Mobile,
Best pay-as-you-go: As far as break-in-case-of-emergency phone plans go, AT&T’s $2/day plan makes the most sense. You get 24 hours of unlimited talk and text for $2 every time you use your phone. If you never use your phone, you’ll never get charged.
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.