Looking for the best mobile phone contracts in the US for 2026? Whether you want a SIM-only plan or a pay monthly deal with a phone included, there are plenty of options to fit your budget and needs. From budget-friendly unlimited data to premium plans packed with perks, the US market has a variety of choices. This guide breaks down the top mobile contracts available, highlighting prices, features, and who each plan is best suited for.

Quick Comparison of Top US Mobile Phone Contracts 2026

  • Metro by T-Mobile: Unlimited 5G for $25/month, no contract, 5-year price guarantee
  • AT&T Unlimited Extra: $65/month, 5G access, 50GB hotspot data
  • Verizon Start Unlimited: $70/month, nationwide 5G, mobile hotspot included
  • T-Mobile Magenta: $70/month, taxes & fees included, Netflix included
  • Visible Wireless: $40/month, unlimited data, Verizon network
  • Mint Mobile: $30/month, 15GB data, prepaid SIM-only
  • Cricket Wireless: $55/month, unlimited talk/text/data, AT&T network
  • Straight Talk: $45/month, unlimited data, no contract
  • US Mobile: $35/month, customizable plans, 5G access
  • Boost Mobile: $50/month, unlimited data, Sprint and T-Mobile networks

1. Metro by T-Mobile

Key Features: Metro by T-Mobile offers unlimited 5G data with no contract commitment, taxes and fees included in the price, and a 5-year price guarantee locking your monthly cost for half a decade. It operates on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, providing solid 5G coverage in most urban and suburban areas.

Pros: At $25 per month, Metro by T-Mobile delivers the cheapest unlimited 5G plan available in 2026, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. The plan includes a 5-year price lock, which is unique in the market, providing exceptional cost predictability. Speed tests show a median download speed of 212.77Mbps, which is competitive for budget carriers.

Cons: The plan lacks some premium perks like streaming subscriptions or high-definition video streaming. In certain congested urban areas, users report occasional slowdowns during peak hours due to network sharing.

Best For: Budget-conscious customers who want reliable and fast 5G access without signing a long-term contract. Ideal for those who want to avoid surprise price hikes.

Pricing: $25/month with all taxes and fees included, no added costs.

2. AT&T Unlimited Extra

Key Features: This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data on AT&T’s 5G network. It offers a substantial 50GB mobile hotspot allowance and standard-definition video streaming to manage data use.

Pros: The 50GB hotspot data is one of the largest allowances in this price range, perfect for users needing to connect laptops and other devices on the go. AT&T’s nationwide network coverage ensures consistent service across urban and rural areas. The plan has no annual contract, giving users flexibility.

Cons: Priced at $65 per month before taxes and fees, it’s on the higher end for unlimited plans. Video streaming is capped at standard definition, which may disappoint those who want HD quality for mobile viewing.

Best For: Users who rely heavily on hotspot data and want solid, nationwide network coverage without contracts.

Pricing: $65/month before taxes and fees; expect taxes and fees to add approximately $5-$10 depending on location.

3. Verizon Start Unlimited

Key Features: Verizon Start Unlimited provides nationwide 5G access with unlimited talk, text, and data. It includes mobile hotspot capabilities, though the hotspot data is typically limited to 5GB per month. The plan supports HD video streaming and access to Verizon’s premium network features.

Pros: Verizon’s network is known for reliability and broad coverage, especially in rural and suburban areas. The plan includes HD streaming and the option to add more hotspot data for an additional fee. Verizon also offers perks like Disney+ bundle options on higher-tier plans.

Cons: At $70 per month, it's one of the more expensive unlimited plans. The included hotspot data is limited compared to competitors, which might be a downside for heavy hotspot users.

Best For: Users who prioritize network reliability and coverage, and who want HD video streaming included.

Pricing: $70/month before taxes and fees, with taxes typically adding $6-$12 monthly.

4. T-Mobile Magenta

Key Features: T-Mobile Magenta offers unlimited talk, text, and data with nationwide 5G access. The plan includes taxes and fees in the $70 monthly price and adds perks like a Netflix subscription (one screen, standard definition).

Pros: Taxes and fees included means no surprise charges on your bill. Netflix included adds entertainment value, especially for users who already subscribe or want to start. The plan supports HD streaming and hotspot data up to 40GB per month.

Cons: The Netflix subscription is limited to one screen and standard definition, which may not satisfy families or HD streamers. The $70 price point is competitive but may be high for budget users.

Best For: Users who want all-in pricing with entertainment perks and solid 5G coverage.

Pricing: $70/month with taxes and fees included.

5. Visible Wireless

Key Features: Visible Wireless offers unlimited data, talk, and text on Verizon’s extensive network for $40 per month. The plan is prepaid, with no contracts, and includes mobile hotspot at 5Mbps speeds.

Pros: At $40/month, Visible presents an affordable unlimited plan on Verizon’s reliable network. The prepaid nature means no credit checks or contracts. Mobile hotspot is included without extra fees.

Cons: Hotspot speeds are capped at 5Mbps, which can be slow for heavy data users. Customer service is primarily digital, which some users find limiting.

Best For: Users seeking an affordable Verizon-backed unlimited plan without contracts.

Pricing: $40/month, taxes and fees included.

6. Mint Mobile

Key Features: Mint Mobile provides prepaid SIM-only plans starting at $30/month for 15GB of 5G data. It runs on T-Mobile’s network and offers multi-month purchase options (3, 6, or 12 months) for discounts.

Pros: Low entry price and flexibility with multi-month packages. Great for light to moderate data users who want to avoid contracts. T-Mobile’s network coverage keeps speeds and reliability strong.

Cons: Data is capped at 15GB per month, which may not suit heavy streamers or hotspot users. No phone included; requires BYOD (bring your own device).

Best For: Budget-conscious users who prefer prepaid plans and use moderate amounts of data.

Pricing: $30/month for 15GB with a 12-month plan; shorter plans cost slightly more per month.

7. Cricket Wireless

Key Features: Cricket Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and data on AT&T’s network for $55/month. The plan includes 5G access and taxes and fees are included.

Pros: Good value on AT&T’s network with taxes included. No annual contract and access to reliable 5G. Simple pricing with no surprises.

Cons: Data speeds may be deprioritized during congestion compared to AT&T’s postpaid customers. No premium perks like streaming subscriptions.

Best For: Customers wanting AT&T network coverage without postpaid pricing or contracts.

Pricing: $55/month with taxes and fees included.

8. Straight Talk

Key Features: Straight Talk offers no-contract unlimited data, talk, and text plans starting at $45/month. It runs on multiple major networks including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, depending on location.

Pros: No contracts and flexible month-to-month plans. Good coverage options depending on SIM selection. Affordable price point for unlimited data.

Cons: Network performance varies by region and SIM card. Customer service is limited and online-focused.

Best For: Users wanting flexibility and decent coverage without a contract.

Pricing: $45/month, prepaid, no additional fees.

9. US Mobile

Key Features: US Mobile lets users build their own plans starting at $35/month with options for 5G data, talk, and texts. It uses networks like Verizon and T-Mobile and offers customizable data allotments.

Pros: Flexible plans that can be tailored to exact needs, including data size and network choice. 5G access included. No contracts.

Cons: Requires users to understand their usage to build an best plan. No phone included.

Best For: Tech-savvy users who want to customize their plan and save money.

Pricing: Starting at $35/month; final price depends on chosen options.

10. Boost Mobile

Key Features: Boost Mobile offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $50/month on a mix of Sprint and T-Mobile networks. The plan includes mobile hotspot data and no contracts.

Pros: Affordable unlimited plan with decent coverage in many urban areas. No contract and moderate hotspot allowance. Good option for former Sprint customers.

Cons: Coverage can be spotty in rural areas due to network transitions. Some plans throttle video streaming quality.

Best For: Urban users seeking affordable unlimited data on T-Mobile and Sprint networks.

Pricing: $50/month prepaid, taxes and fees included.

2026 offers a variety of mobile phone contracts in the US that cater to different budgets and data needs. For those wanting the cheapest unlimited 5G plan without a contract, Metro by T-Mobile at $25/month stands out. Users requiring large hotspot data might prefer AT&T Unlimited Extra at $65/month. Verizon Start Unlimited at $70/month offers the most reliable coverage with HD streaming, while T-Mobile Magenta provides all-in pricing with Netflix included. For prepaid and customizable plans, Mint Mobile and US Mobile offer solid options under $40/month. Each carrier has strengths depending on coverage preferences and budget, so choosing the right plan depends on your specific needs.