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Compare the amount you expect to pay for all the lines in your household—not just the advertised per-line rate. Add recurring taxes and fees, device installments, and any paid extras you plan to keep. Track one-time startup charges separately, then check coverage and data features to make sure the lowest-cost plan will actually work for you.

Start with the same number of lines

Compare plans for the number of lines you need. A single-line rate and a per-line price available only with four lines are not equivalent. Calculate the total for your household first; divide by the number of lines only as a secondary way to view the cost. Multi-line pricing and discounts can change which plan is cheapest.

For each option, write down the advertised service price for all lines and the conditions attached to it. Carrier comparisons may build discounts into published rates, so check whether you qualify for AutoPay, new-customer, port-in, age, employment, or line-count offers. Keep both the currently eligible price and the later or undiscounted price visible when a discount can expire or eligibility may change.

Calculate the recurring bill, not just the plan price

Use this worksheet for each candidate:

Expected recurring monthly total = service price for all lines + recurring taxes and government fees + carrier surcharges + device installments + paid add-ons and other recurring charges − discounts you qualify for.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black
  • 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.

Verizon says its consumer bill can include monthly access charges, optional services, applicable state and local taxes, government fees, and Verizon mobile surcharges. The amounts depend on the service address. Verizon also states: “These surcharges are Verizon charges, not taxes or government imposed fees.” That distinction matters: a bill may include both taxes and carrier-imposed charges. The statement describes Verizon’s terminology, not every provider’s billing practices. See Verizon’s taxes and surcharges explanation.

Ask whether the advertised price includes taxes and fees, and identify any recurring charges excluded from it. For instance, Total Wireless advertises plans with taxes and fees included, but its price-guarantee terms exclude transactional or one-time charges, equipment charges, promotions, add-ons, features, and some discounts. “Taxes included” does not necessarily mean equipment or every service-related charge is included. Review the provider’s terms at Total Wireless.

Rank #2
Sale
Motorola Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
  • 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.*****

Keep first-month and later-month costs separate

A plan can have a low recurring price but a higher first bill because of setup charges, or appear inexpensive initially because of a promotion that later ends. Record these amounts separately rather than folding them into a single monthly figure:

  • First-month cash outlay: expected recurring total plus activation or connection charges, SIM costs, device down payment, shipping, and other startup costs.
  • Later-month total: expected recurring amount after introductory pricing or promotional credits end.
  • Longer comparison window: recurring total multiplied by the period you choose, plus one-time charges and any remaining device balance, minus credits you can count on receiving throughout that period.

Activation and connection charges, fee waivers, promotions, and other terms can change. For example, Verizon’s comparison guide accessed October 4, 2026 reports activation or connection fees and a condition for waiving a fee; treat those as a dated carrier disclosure, not a permanent price rule. Check the current offer before choosing.

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Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
  • 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.

Compare the costs and conditions side by side

What to compare What to record Why it affects the total
Household price Total for your actual number of lines; per-line equivalent as a secondary figure Multi-line rates and discounts can change the ranking.
Taxes and fees Whether taxes and government fees are included; location-based taxes; carrier surcharges; other mandatory recurring charges Advertised prices may omit recurring amounts that appear on the bill.
Discounts Eligibility, requirements, and end date for AutoPay, port-in, new-customer, age or employment, and line-count offers A discount you cannot claim—or that will expire—is not your steady-state price.
Device cost Bring-your-own-device eligibility, installment amount, down payment, trade-in credits, and remaining balance Service price alone omits a potentially significant part of household wireless spending.
Coverage and data Service where you live, work, and travel; data limits or policies; hotspot; roaming; congestion treatment A low price is not useful if coverage or data allowances do not meet your needs.
Benefits Included streaming, international service, protection, or other options—and what you would otherwise pay for them Count a benefit as savings only if you would actually buy it separately.
Payment and commitment Prepaid or postpaid terms, payment cadence, cancellation conditions, and financing obligations Payment timing and commitments affect cash flow and switching flexibility.

Check whether the plan fits your actual use

Once you have a comparable cost for each option, assess service at home, work, and the places you regularly travel. Check the plan’s high-speed data allowance, hotspot allotment, roaming terms, and what happens when you reach a limit or use the network during congestion. Also consider any included benefits you would otherwise pay for. A bundle’s advertised retail value is not a saving if you would not buy those services.

The FCC notes that comparing providers can be difficult because prices may combine multiple components or bundles, and plans differ in usage limits and other non-price terms. Its report explains the comparison problem, rather than establishing current plan prices: FCC report on consumer comparison challenges.

Rank #4
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7" Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
  • 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)
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Get an address-specific quote before switching

Taxes and fees can depend on where service is billed, and some charges may apply only to parts of a bill. Verizon’s estimator requests a service address and device type and warns that certain charges apply only to portions of the bill. Use the address and device you intend to use to get a more relevant estimate: Verizon taxes and surcharges and Verizon tax and surcharge estimator.

An estimate is not a guarantee of the final bill. Fees and taxes can change, discounts may no longer apply, and device financing can continue even if you change service plans. Verify the current checkout quote, terms, and discount eligibility before committing. Verizon’s comparison guide, accessed October 4, 2026, includes its then-current Simplicity plan details, prices, discounts, features, and competitor comparisons; because it is a carrier-published page and prices are volatile, use it for disclosed terms and verify the offer at checkout: Verizon plan comparison.

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Best Value
BLU G35 | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.5” HD+ Infinity Display | Dual 8MP Camera + LED Flash 5MP Selfie Camera | 32GB/3GB I US Version | US Warranty | Grey
  • 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.

Use a phone you can bring to the plan

If you are considering a bring-your-own-device plan, check your current phone against the selected carrier’s compatibility requirements before switching. A replacement phone is only a relevant cost if your existing device is incompatible or you need a new one; include any device purchase or financing in the total rather than assuming the advertised plan price covers it.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Motorola Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
Motorola Moto G Play LTE | Unlocked | Made for US 4/64GB | 50MP Camera | Sapphire Blue
Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
$99.99
Bestseller No. 4
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7' Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7" Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41; Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included
$165.10
Bestseller No. 5

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.