Best MVNO deals of March 2023: Is it time to switch?

By Patrick Farmer
last updated

Join the prepaid revolution today.

Hands holding phone with Visible logo
(Image credit: Visible)

There are plenty of great MVNO deals out there, and we've gathered all of the best offers below. Most of these alternative carriers are already quite affordable, but there's so much competition nowadays that many MVNOs sweeten the deal by offering additional savings in exchange for your business. Whether you've been using an MVNO for years or you're just now making the switch from a mainstream carrier, there's probably an offer just waiting to be found. 

An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) utilizes the vast networks of larger companies — such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T — so you get the same great coverage for cheap, without the hassle of a complicated contract or loads of hidden fees. In most cases, that also means that you can cancel or change your plan at any time with no penalty. These flexible carriers can cost as little as $10 per month (or less, depending on the carrier), and many have also introduced international benefits and entertainment perks, the same kind of incentives that, back in the day, you'd only expect to get from a mainstream carrier. To put it bluntly, with so many MVNO deals to choose from, there's really no reason for you to be spending an arm and a leg on wireless service in 2023. 

The 5 best prepaid carrier deals on the web

Visible Basic: $30/month (opens in new tab)

Visible Basic: $30/month $25/month (opens in new tab)

Visible Plus: $45/month $35/month (opens in new tab)

For the entire month of March, Visible is significantly discounting both of their popular wireless plans. No matter which one you choose, you'll get unlimited talk, text, and data with 5G/4G LTE access from Verizon, alongside an unlimited mobile hotspot and talk/text to Mexico and Canada. The Visible Plus plan has the added benefits of international calling to over 30 countries and texting to over 200, plus 50GB of premium data. 

Although they aren't technically an MVNO since they're owned and operated by Verizon, they're still one of our favorite alternative carriers. To learn more, check out our Visible buyer's guide. 

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Get six months of wireless service for FREE when you bundle a six-month plan with the Google Pixel 7 Pro (opens in new tab)

Get six months of wireless service for FREE when you bundle a six-month plan with the Google Pixel 7 Pro (opens in new tab)

As you may have heard already, T-Mobile officially bought Mint Mobile in March 2023, which means they are no longer *technically* an MVNO. That being said, the prepaid carrier hasn't changed anything about their service just yet, and you can still get six months of wireless service for 100% free when you bundle any 6-month Mint Mobile plan with the purchase of the Pixel 7 Pro.

This means you could be getting our favorite Android phone AND a full year of great T-Mobile service for as little as $83 per month. 

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$799.99 (opens in new tab)

Samsung Galaxy S22 128GB: $799.99 $349.99 at Boost Mobile (opens in new tab)

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 and activate the phone through Boost Mobile, and the MVNO will give you a whopping $450 off the price of the phone. Boost Mobile has a super simple activation process and customizable plans for as little as $10 per month. The carrier uses T-Mobile's massive nationwide network, and all plans come with unlimited talk and text, a mobile hotspot, and no contracts whatsoever. 

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Up to $899 off with trade-in at Google Fi (opens in new tab)

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Up to $899 off with trade-in at Google Fi (opens in new tab)

Pick up the new Galaxy S23 Ultra from Google Fi and activate the phone within 30 days, and you'll be eligible to receive up to $899 back over 24 months when you trade-in. Phones like the S22 Plus, the Z Flip 3, and the iPhone 11 Pro will give you the max savings, so dig out those old phones and see if you're eligible! 

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FREE Samsung Galaxy A23 5G with eligible plan at Metro by T-Mobile (opens in new tab)

FREE Samsung Galaxy A23 5G with eligible plan at Metro by T-Mobile (opens in new tab)

If you need a new phone to go with your new wireless service, head to Metro by T-Mobile and get a free Galaxy A23 5G when you choose the $50 per month (or higher) prepaid unlimited plan. These plans come with unlimited high-speed data, access to T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network, a 5GB mobile hotspot, and more.

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Should I switch to an MVNO?

Most MVNOs provide the same great coverage as a mainstream carrier at a much lower cost, but of course, they aren't for everyone. Many companies will deprioritize you when the network becomes busy, and you may miss out on some international perks. In many cases, these alternative carriers are also digital-only, which means you won't get the convenience of a company with a local retail presence. 

That said, if none of those things is a problem to you and you're sick of paying $60 or more on your wireless bill, it's time to switch!

Are you a Verizon customer? Not sure if you're ready to make the switch to prepaid? You might be able to keep your existing coverage and save some money in the process with one of the best Verizon deals of the month. 

Patrick Farmer
Patrick Farmer
Staff Writer

After years of working as a freelancer, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a deals and commerce writer before being brought into the fold as a staff writer in early 2023. When he's not sharing his thoughts on smartphones, wireless carriers, and streaming services, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child.