The United States of America is a vast country with diverse mobile SIM network options. Depending on the location, budget, and preferences, customers can choose from a variety of plans and providers that offer different features and benefits. Here are some of the best USA mobile SIM networks right now, based on the latest news and reviews.
Verizon Wireless: The Most Reliable and Fastest Network
Verizon Wireless is the largest and most widespread cell phone carrier in America. It offers some of the fastest 4G and 5G mobile internet, with speeds reaching up to 11 Mbps download and 3.5 Mbps upload. In peak hours, it is even possible to watch full HD videos without any buffering. It also offers nationwide coast-to-coast coverage with consistency.
According to independent testing and analytic agency RootMetrics, Verizon has the best connectivity, strongest reliability, and highest average speeds across both urban and rural areas. It also has a wide range of devices and plans to suit different needs and budgets. However, its services are also the most expensive and non-refundable among the major carriers. Verizon Wireless is the best of the best and their services may be worth paying that little bit extra for those who value quality and performance.
T-Mobile: The Best Value for Money and 5G Coverage
T-Mobile used to be the weakest of the top four nationwide mobile carriers, but with time, this underdog carrier has shown its potential. T-Mobile built on GSM provides great value for money. Every T-Mobile prepaid plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data with a very high speed. It also has the largest 5G network in the country, covering more than 200 million people and 5,000 cities and towns.
T-Mobile also offers attractive prices, wide device selection, and excellent customer service. However, its rural coverage is substandard compared to Verizon and AT&T. If you live in a metropolitan area, you’re probably safe, but stepping out too far into the suburbs may cause connectivity problems. T-Mobile should be your first choice if you live in cities and want to enjoy the benefits of 5G.
AT&T: The Best Network for Streaming and Entertainment
AT&T is one of the biggest and oldest cell phone carriers in the country. It provides good speeds, solid coverage, and excellent device selection options, including tablets, hotspots, data cards, and all of the latest mobile phones at subsidized prices. Its LTE services in over 650 markets provide fast data rates averaging over 7 Mbps.
AT&T also has a strong focus on streaming and entertainment, offering free access to HBO Max, Spotify Premium, and other popular services with some of its plans. It also has a robust international roaming network, covering more than 200 countries and territories. However, AT&T’s plans are also pricey and complicated, with many hidden fees and charges. AT&T is a good option for those who love to watch and listen to their favorite content on their phones and travel frequently.
Sprint: The Best Network for Unlimited Data and Family Plans
Sprint is one of the country’s largest and cheapest USA mobile SIM network operators. It offers unlimited data, talk, and text for as low as $35 per month, with no contracts or credit checks. It also has some of the best family plans, allowing up to five lines for $100 per month, with features like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Tidal included.
Sprint also has a decent 4G and 5G network, covering more than 200 million people and 2,800 cities and towns. However, its network quality and speed are inferior to Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, especially in rural areas. Sprint is a great choice for those who want to save money and enjoy unlimited data without compromising too much on network performance.
U.S. Cellular: The Best Network for Rural Areas and Customer Satisfaction
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest mobile network operator in the country, serving more than 5 million customers in 23 states. It has a strong presence in rural areas, where other major carriers have weak or no coverage. It also has a loyal customer base, ranking highest in customer satisfaction among the national carriers, according to J.D. Power.
U.S. Cellular offers affordable and flexible plans, with unlimited data starting at $55 per month. It also has a unique rewards program, where customers can earn points for paying bills, referring friends, and upgrading devices, and redeem them for discounts, accessories, and more. However, U.S. Cellular’s network is limited to certain regions and does not support some of the latest devices and technologies. U.S. Cellular is a good option for those who live in rural areas and value customer service and loyalty.
Boost: The Best Network for Prepaid Plans and No-Frills Service
Boost is a prepaid mobile network operator that uses Sprint’s network to provide service to more than 9 million customers. It offers simple and straightforward plans, with unlimited data, talk, and text for $50 per month, with no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees. It also has some of the cheapest plans for low-usage customers, starting at $10 per month for 1 GB of data.
Boost also has a wide selection of devices, ranging from basic flip phones to flagship smartphones, with prices starting at $29.99. It also has some perks, such as mobile hotspot, music streaming, and international calling, included with some of its plans. However, Boost’s network quality and speed are dependent on Sprint’s network, which is not the best in the market. Boost is a good option for those who want to pay as they go and don’t need any fancy features or services.
Google Fi: The Best Network for Smartphones and International Travel
Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator that uses multiple networks, including T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular, to provide service to more than 2 million customers. It offers a unique and innovative plan, where customers pay only for the data they use, at $10 per GB, with unlimited data capped at $60 per month. It also has unlimited talk and text for $20 per month, with no contracts or hidden fees.
Google Fi also has a seamless and smart service, where customers can switch between the best available network, use Wi-Fi calling, and access Google’s security and privacy features. It also has a great international roaming service, where customers can use their data, talk, and text in more than 200 countries and territories, at the same rates as in the U.S. However, Google Fi’s service is limited to certain devices, mostly Google’s own Pixel phones and some other Android and iOS devices. Google Fi is a good option for those who have compatible smartphones and travel a lot.
Mint Mobile: The Best Network for Budget-Friendly and Flexible Plans
Mint Mobile is a prepaid mobile network operator that uses T-Mobile’s network to provide service to more than 4 million customers. It offers some of the cheapest and most flexible plans in the market, with unlimited data, talk, and text for $30 per month, with no contracts or credit checks. It also has plans for low-usage customers, starting at $15 per month for 4 GB of data.
Mint Mobile also has a unique and convenient service, where customers can buy their plans in bulk, for 3, 6, or 12 months, and save more money. It also has a free trial service, where customers can test the network and the service for 7 days, with no risk or commitment. However, Mint Mobile’s network quality and speed are dependent on T-Mobile’s network, which is not the best in rural areas. Mint Mobile is a good option for those who want to save money and have more control over their plans.
U.S. Mobile: The Best Network for Customizable and Personalized Plans
U.S. Mobile is a prepaid mobile network operator that uses Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks to provide service to more than 1 million customers. It offers some of the most customizable and personalized plans in the market, where customers can build their own plans, with unlimited data, talk, and text starting at $40 per month, with no contracts or credit checks. It also has plans for low-usage customers, starting at $4 per month for 75 minutes, 50 texts, and 50 MB of data.
U.S. Mobile also has a sleek and user-friendly service, where customers can manage their plans, monitor their usage, and access customer support through a mobile app or a web portal. It also has some perks, such as free international roaming, mobile hotspot, and access to popular streaming services, included with some of its plans. However, U.S. Mobile’s network quality and speed are dependent on Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks, which may vary depending on the location and the device. U.S. Mobile is a good option for those who want to customize their plans and have more flexibility.
Visible: The Best Network for Unlimited Everything and Simplicity
Visible is a prepaid mobile network operator that uses Verizon’s network to provide service to more than 500,000 customers. It offers a simple and straightforward plan, with unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month, with no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees. It also has unlimited mobile hotspot, with speeds up to 5 Mbps.
Visible also has a hassle-free and easy service, where customers can sign up, activate, and manage their plans through a mobile app or a web portal. It also has a social and fun service, where customers can join or create party groups, with up to four members, and save up to $15 per month on their plans. However, Visible’s network quality and speed are dependent on Verizon’s network, which may be congested or throttled at times. Visible is a good option for those who want to enjoy unlimited everything and simplicity.
