The best SIM-only plan for a phone you already own depends on whether the handset is unlocked and compatible, which network works where you use it, how much high-speed data and hotspot you need, and whether you are willing to pay months or a year in advance. These six plans are candidates, not a universal ranking: published plan terms do not establish which carrier performs best in your neighborhood.
Prices and terms below reflect pages checked on October 8, 2026, where stated. Carrier offers, taxes, fees, and plan rules can change; confirm the current terms and your phone’s eligibility before switching.
Compare the six BYOD SIM-only options
“Unlimited” does not always mean unlimited high-speed data. Compare the data allowance, what happens after any threshold, hotspot terms, and the total amount due now—not just the advertised monthly equivalent. Prices below are published figures, not results from hands-on service or speed testing.
| Plan | Published price and payment | Data and hotspot | Network and key qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Starting unlimited offer: $25/month, taxes and fees included. Visible also displayed a qualifying port-in offer of $5/month off Visible+ or Visible+ Pro for up to 60 months with code 5OFF5, ending October 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. | Unlimited data; the cited page does not state a high-speed threshold or hotspot allowance for the starting offer. | Visible says it uses Verizon 4G LTE and 5G. The discount is a time-limited promotion with eligibility and terms; do not treat it as the regular plan price. Visible BYOD plans |
| AT&T Prepaid 12-month offer | $240 prepaid for 12 months, equivalent to $20/month. Requires a new single line, online activation, SIM or phone purchase, and payment of $240; taxes, fees, and restrictions apply. | Unlimited talk, text, and data; after 16GB, data slows to a maximum 1.5 Mbps. Includes 10GB hotspot. | AT&T network. The $20 figure is an annual-prepay equivalent, not a month-to-month price. AT&T BYOD |
| T-Mobile Prepaid Starter Monthly | $40/month with AutoPay; first month is $45, plus taxes and fees. | 15GB of 5G data. Hotspot allowance not stated in the cited plan details. | T-Mobile network; requires an unlocked compatible device. T-Mobile describes a five-year price guarantee for eligible plans, subject to exclusions. T-Mobile Prepaid BYOP |
| T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Monthly | $45/month with AutoPay; first month is $50, plus taxes and fees. | Unlimited data; T-Mobile says heavy users above 35GB/month may see lower speeds than other customers during congestion. Unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds; streaming is SD. | T-Mobile network; the five-year price guarantee has exclusions, and network management still applies. T-Mobile Prepaid BYOP |
| T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Plus Monthly | $60/month with AutoPay; first month is $65, plus taxes and fees. | Unlimited data; T-Mobile says heavy users above 35GB/month may see lower speeds than other customers during congestion. Includes 5GB high-speed hotspot; streaming is SD. | T-Mobile network; requires an unlocked compatible device. The guarantee excludes taxes and fees, per-use charges, add-ons, third-party services, and network-management practices. T-Mobile Prepaid BYOP |
| Verizon Prepaid Unlimited | $60/month before possible taxes and fees on the Unlimited tier shown on Verizon’s BYOD page. A $10/month Auto Pay discount applies to qualifying plans of $45 or more after the first month. | Verizon says data is reduced to 2G speeds for the rest of the month after the high-speed allowance on a listed tier is used. The cited page does not establish the allowance for every prepaid plan type. | Verizon network. Its three-year price lock covers the then-current base monthly rate for talk, text, and data, with exclusions for taxes, fees, surcharges, one-time charges, discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Verify the specific plan. Verizon BYOD plans |
| Mint Mobile 6GB comparison plan | $15/month in a 2026 Tom’s Guide comparison. The comparison describes an initial three-month payment followed by a full-year advance payment to retain that rate; current official renewal terms are not established here. | 6GB in the comparison listing; hotspot details and post-allowance speed are not stated in the cited comparison. | Uses T-Mobile’s network, according to the comparison. This is a secondary-source lead, not a verified current official offer. Tom’s Guide plan comparison |
| US Mobile Light 2GB | $8/month in US Mobile’s August 2026 comparison; total due up front and renewal details are not stated in that comparison. | 2GB; hotspot and post-allowance terms are not stated in the cited comparison. | US Mobile’s comparison says it offers access to all three major networks. Exact network and plan eligibility depend on current terms. US Mobile comparison |
| US Mobile Unlimited Premium | $44/month in US Mobile’s August 2026 comparison; total due up front and renewal details are not stated in that comparison. | Specific high-speed data, hotspot, and post-allowance details are not stated in the cited comparison. | US Mobile’s comparison says it offers access to all three major networks. This provider-published comparison is not an independent test. US Mobile comparison |
Which plan fits your use?
For a simple unlimited-data starting point
Visible’s $25/month starting offer is the clearest fit if you want an advertised unlimited-data price with taxes and fees included and Verizon-network service. The cited information does not specify the starting offer’s high-speed threshold or hotspot allowance, so check those terms if either matters. A promotional discount on Visible+ or Visible+ Pro should be assessed separately from the regular starting price.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
For a low monthly equivalent and predictable annual payment
AT&T Prepaid’s 12-month offer is $240 paid up front, or $20/month when spread across the year. It includes 10GB of hotspot, but after 16GB the data slows to a maximum 1.5 Mbps. It suits someone comfortable with a year-long commitment and a large initial payment; the offer requires a new single line and online activation.
For monthly prepaid options and stated data thresholds
T-Mobile Prepaid offers a 15GB Starter tier and two unlimited tiers. Starter is the lower-priced option for someone whose usage stays within 15GB. Unlimited Monthly has unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds; Unlimited Plus has 5GB of high-speed hotspot instead. On both unlimited tiers, T-Mobile says customers using more than 35GB in a month may get lower speeds than other customers during congestion. All three listed prices require AutoPay, and the first month costs more than the recurring figure shown.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
For direct-carrier Verizon prepaid
Verizon’s BYOD page lists an Unlimited tier at $60/month before possible taxes and fees, with a qualifying $10/month Auto Pay discount after the first month. Its prepaid page includes multiple plan types, so confirm the chosen tier’s data allowance, price, and slowdown behavior rather than assuming every plan follows the same terms.
For a small data allowance or multiple network choices
Mint’s 6GB plan appears at $15/month in a 2026 Tom’s Guide comparison, but the initial and renewal payments described there should be verified against Mint’s current official terms before purchase. US Mobile’s August 2026 provider-published comparison lists a 2GB Light option at $8/month and Unlimited Premium at $44/month, and says the service has access to all three major networks. The comparison does not establish the exact current data, hotspot, or network terms for each tier.
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Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check your phone before ordering a SIM
A plan’s network name does not guarantee that a particular handset will activate or work well. Check the actual device, not just its brand or model family.
- Confirm the phone is unlocked. An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific carrier. T-Mobile directs customers to check their device by IMEI; AT&T also requires a compatible device for BYOD. Use the intended provider’s official eligibility tool before buying a plan. T-Mobile BYOP and IMEI guidance and AT&T BYOD.
- Check network compatibility by IMEI. A phone can be unlocked and still lack compatibility with a carrier’s network or supported features. Validate the exact handset with the provider’s checker.
- Choose eSIM or physical SIM based on the phone. eSIM is embedded in the device; a physical SIM is a removable card that connects the phone to the network. Confirm that the phone and plan support your preferred activation method. T-Mobile SIM and eSIM information.
- Test the coverage decision against your routine. Check service around home, work, and frequent travel locations. National network claims cannot tell you whether reception is good at a specific address.
Work out the real cost and data you will get
- Calculate the amount due now. Include the first month, any required multi-month or annual prepayment, taxes and fees, and any SIM or activation costs shown at checkout. The AT&T offer, for example, requires $240 up front; T-Mobile’s stated AutoPay monthly prices have higher first-month charges.
- Compare renewal terms with the advertised rate. Ask whether the price requires AutoPay, an introductory period, or a longer advance payment. The Mint comparison describes a different later payment commitment to retain its listed rate, but official current terms are not established here.
- Match the data allowance to actual use. Compare your typical monthly usage with any fixed high-speed allowance. For unlimited plans, check congestion rules, streaming quality, and what “unlimited” covers.
- Check hotspot as a separate need. A hotspot allowance may be limited, slower than phone data, or absent from the published plan details. Do not assume an unlimited phone-data plan includes unlimited high-speed tethering.
- Read the price-lock terms narrowly. T-Mobile’s five-year guarantee and Verizon’s three-year price lock do not override their stated exclusions, taxes and fees, or network-management practices.
- Verify international benefits only if you need them. The cited comparisons do not establish a consistent set of international features across all six candidates.
Switch without losing your number
- Confirm the new carrier accepts your phone, supports its SIM or eSIM, and has usable coverage where you need it.
- Review the full checkout cost, renewal price, data rules, hotspot terms, and cancellation or refund conditions before paying.
- Start the number transfer through the new provider and provide the account information it requests. Keep your old service active until the port completes; canceling early can disrupt the transfer.
- After activation, place a call, send a text, test mobile data, and check hotspot if you rely on it. Contact the new provider if a feature does not work as expected.
How to choose among the six
Start with the phone’s compatibility and local coverage, then eliminate plans that do not match your data or hotspot needs. For light use, compare the published low-data candidates—but verify Mint’s current official payment terms and US Mobile’s exact tier details. For annual prepayment, AT&T publishes a clear $240 offer with a defined 16GB threshold. For monthly options, T-Mobile lists explicit first-month prices and plan allowances. Visible provides a straightforward $25 starting unlimited offer, while Verizon’s prepaid BYOD page is worth checking if you specifically want a direct Verizon prepaid plan. None of these published terms proves a nationwide performance winner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
