Ever notice how phone carriers advertise plans for $25 a month, but when you try to sign up, that price suddenly requires four people?
If you're shopping for just yourself, finding a good deal can feel unnecessarily complicated.
The good news? Some of the best phone plans for one person don't require a family plan, an expensive contract, or a premium unlimited data package.
Whether you're looking for the cheapest possible plan, unlimited data, or something in between, we've rounded up six great options for 2026.
And yes, every price we're comparing is for just one line.
Best Phone Plans for One Person: Our Top Picks
Here are our favorite single-line phone plans for 2026, based on price, data allowances, coverage, and overall value.
Prices reflect advertised plan rates as checked in October 2026, excluding temporary promotions. Mint's plan promotions require a multi-month payment. Taxes and fees may apply.
The right plan ultimately depends on how much data you use, which networks work best in your area, and whether you're comfortable paying for several months upfront.
Let's break down what each plan offers.
The 6 Best Phone Plans for One Person in 2026
1. US Mobile Unlimited Starter – Best Overall
Starting at $25/month | Multiple network options
If you're looking for a phone plan that balances price, coverage, and features, US Mobile Unlimited Starter is our top pick.
For $25 per month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus 20GB of mobile hotspot data. Taxes and fees are included, so the advertised monthly price is what you pay.
One of US Mobile's biggest advantages is its network flexibility. Rather than being tied to one major carrier, you can choose from three network options: Warp (Verizon), Dark Star (AT&T), or Light Speed (T-Mobile).
That's especially helpful if you're switching carriers because of poor coverage.
US Mobile also offers an annual payment option that brings the regular effective price down to $22.50 per month. Just remember that you'll need to pay for the full year upfront to get that rate.
What we like:
- Access to all three major networks
- Unlimited data with 20GB of hotspot
- Taxes and fees included
- No family plan required
What to consider: The plan has limits on premium high-speed usage, and some network transfers or additional features may cost extra.
Best for: Someone who wants a well-rounded unlimited plan with flexibility to choose the network that works best.
2. Tello 10GB – Best Budget Phone Plan
$15/month | T-Mobile network
Not everyone needs unlimited data. And if you're mostly connected to Wi-Fi at home or work, why pay for it?
Tello makes it easy to build an affordable phone plan around how much data you actually use.
Its 10GB plan costs $15 per month and includes unlimited talk and text. That's enough data for many people who browse social media, use navigation, check emails, and occasionally stream content away from Wi-Fi.
Need even less? Tello also offers a 2GB plan for $10 per month.
One of our favorite things about Tello is the flexibility. You can change your data allowance as your needs change, without committing to a year of service.
What we like:
- Affordable monthly pricing
- Customizable data allowances
- Mobile hotspot included
- No annual commitment required
What to consider: Tello uses T-Mobile's network, so coverage depends on how well that network performs where you live and travel.
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want affordable service without paying for more data than they need.
3. Visible Base – Best Unlimited Phone Plan for One Person
$25/month | Verizon network
Want unlimited data without paying premium carrier prices?
Visible is one of the easiest options to recommend.
Its base plan costs $25 per month and includes unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks.
But here's where Visible stands out: unlimited mobile hotspot is included, with speeds capped at 5 Mbps.
That's useful if you occasionally need to connect a laptop or tablet while traveling.
Visible also includes taxes and fees in its pricing. There's no annual payment requirement to get the standard $25 monthly rate.
What we like:
- Unlimited data for $25/month
- Unlimited hotspot at reduced speeds
- Verizon network coverage
- Taxes and fees included
What to consider: Data may slow when the network is congested, and the 5 Mbps hotspot speed isn't ideal for demanding tasks.
Best for: Someone who uses a lot of data and wants a straightforward unlimited plan without a family discount.
If unlimited data is your priority, check out our Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plans guide for more options.
4. T-Mobile Connect 5GB – Best for Light Data Users
$15/month | T-Mobile network
Sometimes, the simplest plan is the best plan.
T-Mobile Connect offers 5GB of data for $15 per month, plus unlimited talk and text.
It's a straightforward prepaid option for someone who doesn't need unlimited data or a bunch of extra features.
For example, if you spend most of your day on Wi-Fi and primarily use cellular data for directions, messages, and occasional browsing, 5GB may be plenty.
Unlike some low-cost plans, T-Mobile Connect doesn't require you to prepay for an entire year to get its advertised monthly price.
What we like:
- $15 monthly price
- Direct service from T-Mobile
- No annual contract
- Simple plan structure
What to consider: The 5GB allowance is a hard high-speed data limit. Once you use it, you may need to purchase more data or wait for your next billing cycle.
Taxes and fees are also additional.
Best for: Light data users who want an affordable, straightforward prepaid plan directly from a major carrier.
5. Cricket Select Unlimited – Best for AT&T Coverage
$40/month with AutoPay | AT&T network
If AT&T has the strongest coverage where you live, Cricket Wireless is worth considering.
Cricket runs on AT&T's network and offers several prepaid plans, including Select Unlimited.
This plan costs $40 for one line, or $35 per month with AutoPay. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data, without requiring you to sign up for multiple lines.
Cricket is particularly appealing if you want the convenience of prepaid service but prefer having access to physical stores for assistance.
However, the Select Unlimited plan doesn't include mobile hotspot at the base price. If that's something you regularly use, you'll need to consider an add-on or a different plan.
What we like:
- Unlimited data on AT&T's network
- AutoPay discount for one line
- Physical store support
- No annual service contract
What to consider: Data speeds may slow during network congestion, and hotspot access costs extra.
Best for: Someone who wants unlimited data on AT&T's network without paying for a traditional postpaid plan.
6. Mint Mobile Unlimited – Best for Moderate Data Users
$30/month | T-Mobile network
Not looking for the cheapest plan, but don't want to pay premium carrier prices either? Mint Mobile offers a middle-ground option.
Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan costs $30 per month with a 12-month upfront payment. It includes unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's network, making it a solid option for everyday browsing, streaming, and social media.
The biggest difference? Mint requires you to pay for multiple months upfront to get its best rates. So while $30 per month sounds reasonable, you'll need to budget for the full payment rather than paying month to month.
And with competitors like Visible and US Mobile offering unlimited plans for $25 per month, Mint isn't necessarily the cheapest unlimited option. But if you prefer Mint's network, features, or prepaid structure, it's still worth comparing.
What we like:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Access to T-Mobile's 5G network
- Mobile hotspot included
- Multi-month prepaid options
What to consider: Getting the $30 monthly rate requires a 12-month upfront payment, and high-speed data and hotspot limits apply.
Best for: Someone who wants an unlimited plan at a mid-range price and doesn't mind paying upfront for a year of service.
How Much Does a Phone Plan for One Person Cost?
A phone plan for one person can cost anywhere from around $10 per month for basic service to $70 or more for a premium postpaid plan.
But paying more doesn't necessarily mean you're getting better service.
Here's a simple way to think about single-line pricing:
The biggest mistake is assuming you need a premium unlimited plan just because you're shopping for one line.
Consider this example.
Someone paying $70 per month spends $840 per year on service.
Switching to a $25 monthly plan brings that annual cost down to $300.
That's $540 in potential yearly savings, assuming the monthly prices remain unchanged.
And you might not even notice a difference in your everyday experience if the new plan meets your data and coverage needs.
Is Prepaid or Postpaid Better for One Person?
For many people shopping for just one line, prepaid plans offer better value.
But there are situations where postpaid service makes sense.
Why Prepaid Plans Are Often Better for One Person
Major carriers frequently advertise their lowest per-line prices when customers sign up for three or four lines.
If you're shopping alone, you might not qualify for those discounts.
Prepaid carriers like Tello, Visible, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile offer competitive pricing without requiring you to build a family plan.
Other benefits can include:
- Lower monthly service costs
- No long-term service contracts
- More affordable limited-data options
- Fewer bundled extras you don't need
And because many prepaid carriers use the same underlying networks as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, switching doesn't necessarily mean giving up the coverage you're used to.
When Postpaid Might Be Worth It
Postpaid plans can still make sense, especially if you're looking for more than basic phone service.
For example, some premium plans include phone financing promotions, international roaming, larger premium data allowances, or streaming perks.
If you're upgrading to an expensive new phone, a postpaid carrier promotion could potentially offset some of the higher monthly service cost.
Just be sure to compare the total cost of the phone and plan over the full promotional period.
A free phone isn't necessarily free if you have to pay substantially more for service over the next three years.
How to Choose the Best Single-Line Phone Plan
Finding the right plan doesn't have to be complicated. Here are four things worth checking before you switch.
1. Check How Much Data You Actually Use
Before choosing unlimited data, look at your phone's recent data usage.
You might be surprised by how little cellular data you use, especially if you're connected to Wi-Fi most of the day.
As a starting point:
- 1–5GB: Light browsing, messaging, maps, and occasional social media
- 5–15GB: Regular social media, music streaming, and moderate browsing
- 15–30GB: Frequent streaming, video calls, and heavier daily use
- 30GB+: Heavy streaming, frequent hotspot use, or limited Wi-Fi access
These are general guidelines, not strict rules. Video quality, downloads, and hotspot usage can change how quickly you go through data.
2. Compare Coverage Where You Live
The cheapest phone plan isn't a good deal if you can't get service.
Before switching, check which networks offer reliable coverage at home, at work, and anywhere else you spend a lot of time.
And remember, you don't necessarily need to buy directly from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile to use their networks.
Many smaller carriers operate on those same networks.
You can use Goji's Coverage Map to compare coverage in your area before making a decision.
3. Look Beyond the Advertised Monthly Price
Not every advertised price tells the whole story.
A plan listed at $15 per month might require a full year of service paid upfront.
Another plan might offer a low introductory rate that increases after three months.
Before signing up, check:
- Whether the price requires AutoPay
- Whether taxes and fees are included
- How many months you must pay for upfront
- Whether the price increases after a promotion
- Whether hotspot access costs extra
Comparing the actual cost over 12 months is often more useful than comparing advertised monthly prices.
4. Decide Which Features You Really Need
Unlimited data sounds great, but it isn't the only feature worth comparing.
Think about how you use your phone.
Do you regularly connect your laptop to your phone's hotspot? Make international calls? Travel outside the country?
Those features might matter more than having the largest possible data allowance.
The best plan is the one that covers what you actually use, without making you pay for things you don't.
Find the Best Phone Plan for One Person With Goji
Shopping for one line doesn't mean you have to settle for a bad deal.
Whether you're looking for a $15 prepaid plan or an affordable unlimited option, there are plenty of ways to save without sacrificing the features you need.
With Goji, you can compare plans from 100+ carriers, check coverage where you live, and find an option that fits your budget and data needs.
No need to recruit three friends just to get a reasonable phone bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest phone plan for one person?
Tello offers some of the cheapest phone plans for one person, including a 2GB plan for $10 per month. The best budget option depends on how much data you need and which network works in your area.
What is the best unlimited phone plan for one person?
US Mobile Unlimited Starter and Visible Base are two strong options at $25 per month. US Mobile offers network flexibility and a high-speed hotspot allowance, while Visible includes unlimited hotspot usage at capped speeds.
Is it cheaper to have your own phone plan or join a family plan?
It depends on the carrier. Family plans can offer lower per-line prices, but affordable prepaid plans may cost less than maintaining a single line on a major carrier's postpaid plan.
Can you get a phone plan for one person without a contract?
Yes. Carriers like Visible, Tello, US Mobile, and T-Mobile Connect offer prepaid service without annual contracts. Some providers, including Mint Mobile, require multi-month prepayments to qualify for their lowest advertised rates.
How much data does one person actually need?
Many light users can get by with 5GB or less per month, especially when connected to Wi-Fi regularly. If you frequently stream videos, use mobile hotspot, or spend a lot of time away from Wi-Fi, a larger data allowance or unlimited plan may be a better fit.