The Best Cell Phone Plans (and How I’m Saving Big)

#296: You're probably overpaying for cell service, and switching could save you hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing coverage or features. Chris breaks down what's changed with the big carriers and MVNOs, the math behind "free phone" deals, the few features only AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still offer, and his shortlist of the best unlimited plans. He also shares the cheapest backup line for two-factor texts, a $20 home internet backup, how to think about cell phone insurance, and the smartest way to buy a new iPhone.



Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/best-cell-phone-plans-2026



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Resources Mentioned

Carriers & Plans


US Mobile (← Get $30 off)



Total Wireless



Mint Mobile



Visible




Backup Lines & Backup Internet


RedPocket



Tello



MobileX



Keepgo (← Get 1GB free)



Roamless



UniFi 5G Max




Tools for Comparing Plans & Coverage


BestPhonePlans



Coverage Map




Cell Phone Insurance


AKKO




Buying a New iPhone


DON'T Buy Your iPhone 18 Pro Max From Your Carrier (Buy From Here Instead)



Apple Shortcut to Change Active SIM Card



Swappa




ATH Podcast


#138: Optimizing Cell Phone Plans: The Best Carriers, Deals, Plans, Insider Pricing, Insurance and More!



#284: 20+ Credit Card Benefits You’re Probably Not Using



Hotel Upgrade Program



Best Cards Page



Gift Cards Page



Newsletter



AMA: Submit Questions



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Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com






Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:53) The Current State of Cell Phone Plans

(05:40) Why Major Carriers Are So Expensive

(11:55) Features You Can Only Get From Major Carriers

(13:46) How to Pick the Right Network for Where You Live

(14:48) What Is Premium Data and Does It Matter?

(16:22) Understanding Video Streaming Limits

(16:46) How Much High-Speed Data Do You Need?

(16:59) Comparing Hotspot Data

(17:08) International Coverage, Tablets & Smartwatches

(17:18) The Best Alternatives to Major Carriers

(19:40) The Cheapest Unlimited Plan: Mint Mobile

(20:29) US Mobile Starter on AT&T (Dark Star)

(22:06) Total Wireless Max 5G on Verizon

(22:56) How Much More You Get for $25–$32 a Month

(24:42) Why Chris Is Switching to US Mobile Unlimited Premium

(25:21) Visible Plus Pro: A Steal if the Promo Pricing Lasts

(28:41) The Bottom Line on the Best Affordable Plans

(29:43) US Mobile’s Killer Multi-Network Feature

(35:19) Choosing Between Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile on US Mobile

(36:58) The Cheapest Backup Line for Two-Factor Texts

(38:30) Setting Up Cellular Backup Internet at Home

(41:29) Cell Phone Insurance: Credit Cards vs. AppleCare vs. Carrier Plans

(44:44) How to Get the Best Deal on a New iPhone



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