Building on its 2025 roundup of top cellphone plans, CNET has updated its annual guide with recommendations for the best prepaid phone plans in 2026. It emphasizes affordable, flexible options on AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks, from free plans to $60 monthly tiers, incorporating new additions, simplified offerings, and network tweaks.
CNET's 2026 prepaid guide prioritizes no-contract plans for various users. For single-line unlimited data, US Mobile Unlimited Flex remains the top pick at $17.50/month (annual prepay), with 10GB high-speed data then unlimited at 1Mbps, 5GB hotspot, and access to Verizon Warp, AT&T Dark Star, or T-Mobile Light Speed networks (two free switches). Recent update: Warp priority now QCI 9 (since Aug 18, 2025), grandfathering prior plans at QCI 8.
Runner-up Visible ($25/month or $19 with new-customer promo) offers unlimited talk, text, data, 5Mbps hotspot, and calls to Mexico/Canada on Verizon.
For families, Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Standard is $100 for four lines (50GB high-speed, 25GB hotspot, international calls to Canada/Mexico; primarily T-Mobile).
Perks-rich plans: Metro by T-Mobile $60/month (AutoPay) includes Amazon Prime, 5-year price guarantee, 25GB hotspot, and unlimited 5G (throttled after 70GB). New entrant: Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited ($60 single line) bundles Disney+ Premium, unthrottled Verizon data, and international features.
Budget picks carry over strong value: TextNow Free Flex (unlimited app talk/text, 350MB data, ads); Mint Mobile 15GB ($20/month annual, T-Mobile, free calls to Canada/Mexico/UK); US Mobile Light Plan (2GB for $8/month annual, network-switchable).
Key 2026 changes: Metro simplified plan names (e.g., from 'Flex Unlimited Plus'), discontinued Heritage plan; added Total Wireless 5G Plus. CNET stresses evaluating local coverage, data usage, and perks like military/senior discounts.
