Cheapest Prepaid Cell Phone Options: From $25 a Month for Unlimited Talk and Text

You’re not going to see an iPhone or Google’s Nexus One on this list. But if you’re trying to trim monthly bills, a prepaid plan and a cheap handset is a smart way to go.

Kiplinger lists a handful of inexpensive prepaid phones, including the StraightTalk Tracfone, which offers prepaid packages from $30 ($45 for unlimited use), and the cheapest of the cheap (at least in terms of what it could cost you per month), the TXTM8:

Who says a cell phone must be long and lean? The Cricket TXTM8 (pronounced textmate; $110 online after a $50 rebate) goes wide with a squat, chubby design. The result is a text-friendly handset with a roomy, slide-out qwerty keyboard. The 2.2-inch color display is bright, but a bit small for Web use. Overall, the TXTM8 is a good choice for calling and texting, but not browsing.

Cricket’s unlimited talk and text plans start at $25 per month, with no contract. Roaming costs extra — a whopping 39 cents per minute, although cheaper packages are available. The $40 monthly plan, which includes long distance, voice mail, Internet service and caller ID, is a smart choice for heavy users.

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loaferman

I’m on the Straight Talk unlimited plan and I couldn’t be happier. I text a lot and use the internet a lot as well so the plan is perfect for me. The thing that puts this plan above all others is that I’m using the Verizon network without the bills from them…I don’t even know what Cricket uses.
kimberlygomez83

I went with Net10 prepaid and its been a real money saver at a time when money is very tight. I’m not much of a talker so the “easy minutes” or pay as you go fit me prefectly and in fact, Net10 is a company that seemes to fit the moderate cell user rather than trh 24/7 talker. The calling network, TMobile powered, offers great coverage and their international calling is a steal at .15 a minute to something like 60 countries. While the phones aren’t flashy, their prices is so low that you will forget about the flash and love 300 minutes right off the bat with the activation fee. The best of all, I’m on a major network without a major bill – Net10 is really solid service.
meganb1994

I’m a fan of prepaid but unlmited plans, although so affordable nowadays, are not for me. I’m happy with my simple Tracfone basic cell. Haven’t had any trouble with the service and can’t complain about paying less than $10 a month!
http://prepaidparty.wordpress.com prepaidparty75

I’m definitely familiar with Straight Talk but I have never heard of Cricket. Are these ridiculously competitive rates legitimate? I have been a prepaid customer for a while but I’m always looking for a good deal. So far I’ve experimented with several and found Straight Talk to be the best overall (despite shortcomings in the way of phone selection and delayed releases of smartphones). Looking for more info about this Cricket…
packers2012

I have a Tracfone and I think it has to be the best prepaid cell phone out there. It is beyond economical and fits perfectly into my budget. Theres a great selection of phones and I have clear reception basically anywhere. In a recession like this the only phone choice for my lifestyle in a Tracfone.