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Phone Plans

Top Cell Phone Plans For Young Adults That Provide Affordable and Reliable Service

By
Sara Nuss
May 19, 2023

As a young adult fresh out into the world, it can be tricky to balance learning about yourself and getting a job that best fits your interests and capabilities. Especially if it’s your first time moving out of your parents’ home and working to make money to pay your own bills, it can be tough, yet rewarding in the long run.

One of the many bills that many young adults pay is a cell phone bill. Cell phone plans are an essential way to stay in contact with loved ones, to help you advance in your career, and also as a form of entertainment when you’re not busy, but the price of it can be tough to pay as a young adult.

For many young adults, a cell phone plan is important to have, so check out some of the best plans right now!

If you want to switch cell phone carriers, then consider looking into Really to help you with all of your phone services needs! At Really, you can compare phone plans to get more bang for your buck, and you can see what carriers and plans are in your area, sort by price, best value and more, and even click on the plan you wish to learn more about in an instant. 

How Young Adults Use Cell Phones Nowadays

Cell phones are an important part of everyday life and knowing how young adults use them is necessary!

Cell phones are an important part of a young adults’ life to communicate with loved ones, for work, and other reasons. Image courtesy of Medical News Today

Cell phones can be used in a ton of different ways besides just to communicate with loved ones. Used for work, to do group projects for college classes, and even for social media purposes, cell phones are an essential part of the life of a young adult, and it’s important to get to know why you may need one.

Communication With Family and Friends

A reason why many people have a cell phone is to use it to communicate with loved ones. Whether it’s friends, family, or significant others, communication is key and it’s something that we do on a day-by-day basis. Cell phones play a big role in helping us stay in touch with one another.

Not only can cell phones be used as a form of communication with loved ones, but it can also be a way to get in touch with recruiters for jobs as well. As a young adult, finding yourself and the career of your dreams is crucial, and having a working and reliable cell phone plan can help make doing this so much easier. 

For Job Purposes

There are a ton of jobs out there that many young adults can get into no matter the industry. If you are a recent high school or college graduate, finding a job to start saving money for your future is crucial, and having a cell phone can help. By having a cell phone, you are able to apply for jobs right on your phone, and also have employers reach out to you and vice versa.

Having a job as a young adult is important so you can make money and work towards earning and saving money for your future.  Many young adults who are self employed also use their phone as a way to talk to customers and employees too.

A Great Entertainment Source

Another reason why many people purchase cell phones is to be used as a way of keeping yourself entertained. Cell phones allow you to install a ton of apps that can keep you entertained when you need to pass the time, such as games, or apps for streaming services. 

The best part about owning a cell phone is using it in many different ways. Cell phones make for a great entertainment source by allowing you to watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, play games, read books, and more just by downloading a ton of different apps. 

To Use as a Timer or Alarm Clock

One of the most convenient parts about getting a cell phone for many young adults is being able to use them as a timer or to set an alarm to wake up in the morning. Since alarm clocks seem to have been going out of style in recent years, one of the best things you can do is get a reliable cell phone to set a time to wake up for work, or other important events.

There are many other options or alarm clocks that you can get that involve using your cell phone. iHomes are great to connect your iphone to so you can set an alarm and it can tell the time, and charge your phone at the same time. Getting an alarm clock outside of using your cell phone can cost you though, and to have an alarm clock and cell phone all in one place can be useful. 

A Way of Paying For Groceries and More

When it comes to getting a smartphone in this day and age, you can easily pay for groceries, clothes, and other essentials right from your cell phone. Whether it’s using popular apps such as Amazon, Chewy, Instacart, and other grocery or shopping apps, you can all do it from the convenience of your cell phone.

On many smartphones, there is also the feature of making your credit or debit cards completely virtual. In case you leave a credit card at home while you’re out shopping, you can quickly pull up your virtual card and touch to pay super easily, and it’s a safer option to take advantage of. 

The Top Cell Phone Plans for Any Young Adult to Get

A cell phone plan is crucial no matter where you go!

A reliable cell phone plan for a young adult is perfect to have to communicate with loved ones, get work done, and for entertainment purposes. Image courtesy of Destinations For Teens

Finding a cell phone plan can be difficult because you need to consider the type of plan you want, the carrier you wish to go through with reliable service, and also one that fits your budget. Affordability is a huge factor with young adults, along with making sure the phone works properly, so here are some of the best cell phone plans to check out!

Mint Mobile

If you’re looking for a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO that is extremely affordable for young adults, Mint Mobile is the way to go. Mint Mobile has become increasingly popular over the years and you can choose one of their prepaid plans that are on T-Mobile’s network for fast and reliable coverage. 

Mint Mobile offers some of the best features on their cell phone plans no matter how long you have a plan for:

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Set data allotment plans or unlimited plans offered
  • Three-month, six-month, or year-long plans available
  • T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G coverage
  • High-speed 5G data 
  • Free calling to Mexico and Canada
  • Free 3-in-1 SIM card included when you sign up
  • Free mobile hotspot included in all plans
  • Wi-Fi calling and texting
  • Keep your current phone or buy a new one
  • Keep your current phone number or get a new one
  • Keep your contacts, photos, and apps when you switch plans
  • Mint Mobile app available to make payments and more

Choose a three-month, six-month, or year-long plan through Mint Mobile and select the following set data allotment or unlimited plans:

  • $15 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data
  • $20 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $25 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of data
  • $30 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

T-Mobile Magenta

T-Mobile is a network that provides some of the best service and coverage over the years to make phone calls, send text messages, or use data no matter if you’re in a major city, or in a rural area. T-Mobile’s Magenta plans may be on the pricier side of cell phone plans, but they offer some of the best features and perks that every young adult can take advantage of.

Signing up for a T-Mobile Magenta plan also comes with some of the best features that include:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • Truly unlimited 5G data on all plans
  • International calling to Canada and Mexico
  • Up to 40GB of a mobile hotspot
  • Nationwide 4G LTE and/or 5G high-speed data
  • Taxes and fees included in monthly price
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Entertainment perks
  • Scam shield to protect you against scammers
  • T-Mobile Tuesdays for exclusive perks
  • Travel benefits

The following T-Mobile Magenta cell phone plans are up for grabs that are great for both individuals or families:

  • Essentials Plan - $60 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot
  • Essentials Four Line Plan - $100 per month for up to six-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot
  • Magenta Plan  - $70 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot and 100GB of premium data
  • Magenta MAX Plan - $85 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, 40GB of premium high-speed mobile hotspot, 100GB of premium data, and Netflix

Cricket Wireless

Another great network that offers MVNOs with fast and reliable service and 5G coverage is AT&T. Cricket Wireless is owned through AT&T and you can pay for affordable cell phone service that is both reliable and works all across the United States, and is 5G powered.

One of the best parts about a Cricket Wireless cell phone plan are the features that are included with all of their plans:

  • Fast nationwide 5G coverage
  • High-speed data access
  • Unlimited talk, text, and picture messaging
  • HD voice and Wi-Fi calling
  • Cricket Call Defense to protect you from spam calls
  • Affordable Connectivity Program if you’re eligible
  • Mobile hotspot on most plans
  • HBO Max included in plan price
  • Cloud storage available
  • International calling to Canada and Mexico
  • International text to 37 countries
  • Save more money by adding more lines

Decide on one of the following Cricket Wireless cell phone plans to help you save money and get the best service possible:

  • $30 per month for one-line, unlimited talk and text, and 5GB of high-speed data
  • $40 per month for one-line, unlimited talk and text, and 10GB of high-speed data
  • $55 per month for one-line, unlimited talk, text, and data
  • $60 per month for one-line, unlimited talk, text, and data, and 15GB of a mobile hotspot

Visible

Choosing the best network for your cell phone plan is the most important thing to do, and Verizon Wireless has offered the best service and coverage for many years. If you don’t want to pay for an expensive cell phone plan through Verizon, you can take advantage of their MVNO, Visible, which offers exceptional service and coverage for half the price.

Visible is a cell phone plan that offers affordable plans for everybody and also comes with a ton of benefits:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 4G LTE or 5G nationwide coverage
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot
  • Spam protection
  • Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
  • 5G ultra wideband on their most expensive plan
  • Unlimited roaming in Mexico and Canada on most expensive plan
  • International calling and texting to 30+ countries
  • International texting to 200+ countries
  • 24/7 access to customer service
  • Add a smartwatch for an extra $5 per month
  • No hidden fees 

Deciding on the best cell phone plan to purchase through Visible is essential, but it’s easy with the following two options:

  • Visible Plan - $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, and 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage
  • Visible+ Plan - $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage, 5G ultra wideband, and premium network experience

Tello

Nothing is better than finding a cell phone carrier that helps to save you a ton of money, and Tello is an MVNO that has some of the lowest prices out there. With plans starting as little as $5 per month, you can find a plan that is affordable, and also uses T-Mobile’s exceptional service and coverage to provide the best experience.

Tello offers so many benefits and perks when signing up for one of their plans with the following features:

  • T-Mobile’s fast high-speed 5G nationwide service and coverage
  • 4G LTE and 5G speeds available depending on your cell phone
  • Unlimited texting available on all plans
  • Free mobile hotspot included on all data plans
  • Can use minutes in over 60+ international countries
  • Plans automatically renew every thirty days
  • No contract prepaid plans
  • Can cancel at any time with no early termination fees
  • Can upgrade or downgrade plan at any time with no extra fees
  • Wi-Fi calling available
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Buy smartphone if needed through online store
  • Incredible customer service

There are many ways to customize your Tello cell phone plan, but here are some of the most popular choices that they have:

  • $10 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data
  • $14 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data
  • $19 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
  • $24 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $29 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

As a young adult, there are many struggles that you will come across, but it’s all about growing and learning more about yourself with each and every passing day. A cell phone plan can help you stay connected to loved ones, form bonds with people, and it can also be a tool to help make you successful in your career.

Consider one of these affordable cell phone plans for young adults to help better your life!

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Sara Nuss
Sara Nuss is a journalist from Pittsburgh, PA that specializes in wireless, dewi, phone plan advice & blockchain.
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