How To Find The Best Phone Plan Deal

In today’s incredibly fast-paced world, having a reliable phone plan is absolutely essential, no matter who you ask. Whether you’re someone who needs a lot of data for video streaming, or someone who simply needs to make frequent phone calls or send text messages, there are countless phone plans out there to choose from. And this can be overwhelming! How do you decide which one is right for you with such a large selection? That’s where this helpful article comes in, exploring the various key factors to consider when choosing the right phone deal for you, including pre-paid plans, eSIM and cheap phone plans.  Let’s get started.

Consider Your Usage Needs

The first and probably most crucial factor to consider when deciding between phone plans is your monthly usage needs. How much internet and text messages do you generally use?  It might take you some time to really think about and figure out, but you’ll need to get at least a general ball park of the amount. Different phone plans offer different amounts of data, minutes for calls and text messages at different prices. If you use a large amount of data for streaming videos or other online activities that are internet heavy, you’ll want to go for a phone plan that offers a high data cap.  If you don’t however use much internet, you may want to consider a cheaper plan that offers less data to not pay for it unnecessarily.

Consider Your Network Coverage 

Another factor that shouldn’t be ignored is the network coverage of the provider of the phone plan you choose. Different providers have different coverage areas, which is why you’ll need to make sure that it’s available in the areas you need the most frequently. Most providers offer a coverage plan on their websites to help you easily see where it’s available to help you plan accordingly.  It would be a real shame to get a plan that doesn’t offer coverage where and when you need it.  

Consider Your Phone Compatibility 

Believe it or not, not all phone plans are compatible with all devices, making this another crucial point to consider before making any move with a phone plan. If you already have a smartphone, make sure that it will work well. And if you’re in the market to purchase a new smartphone? Well then you might want to consider an eSIM, which is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without an actual, physical SIM card.  This route can be especially convenient for those that travel frequently, or for those that want to switch plans regularly without having to actually take out and change their SIM card.

Consider Your Contract vs. Pre Paid Plans 

An additional factor to think about before choosing a phone plan is whether you’d prefer a contract or a prepaid phone plan. What’s the difference exactly? Good question.  Contract plans in general require that you commit to one or sometimes even two years and include a specific amount of data, calls and text messages each month.  Prepaid phone plans, on the other hand, give you the ability to pay for a set amount of internet, minutes for calling and text messages each month without having to sign any kind of binding contract. These types can be a great option for those that are on a more tight budget, or for those who simply don’t want to commit to a long-term contract for any reason. Many people may find themselves in this boat, especially if they don’t know where exactly they will be in life in the near future, perhaps in terms of location or financially. 

Consider the Price

Price is always a crucial factor to consider when choosing not just a phone plan, but really just about anything. We’ve all got different budgets, ways we like to spend our money, and no one wants to spend more than they really need to. Different providers offer different prices for their plans. One thing to keep in mind at all times is that even if you opt for a prepaid phone plan thinking it will be cheaper, this may not be true down the line. If you use a large amount of data or make a ton of calls and texts, in the long run it can add up and end up being more expensive. Make sure to look not only at the price, but also at how much you’ll realistically use as we mentioned earlier. 

How To Find The Best Deals 

The moment you’ve all been waiting for: how to find the best deals? Once you’ve considered your usage needs, network coverage, phone compatibility, contract vs. pre-paid plans and pricing, it’s time to start looking for the very best deals.  Here are some of our top tips to help you find them without breaking your teeth. 

#1: Check Provider Websites

Many mobile providers offer special deals, promotions and discounts to both new and existing customers on their websites. These may be a discount on the monthly plan, or sometimes even a free ad-on like additional data or international calls.  Promotions usually only last for a limited amount of time, so it’s useful to check websites on a regular basis to stay up to date and make sure you don’t miss out.  Some deals however might require you to sign up for a longer contract or commit to an auto-pay plan, so just make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions before signing anything. 

#2: Compare Providers & Plans 

To find the best phone deal, one of the most important things to do is compare different providers and plans, and consider the total cost over the course of the contract or prepaid period, including the total cost of the phone, monthly plan fee for your usage and if there will be any additional charges or fees related to your phone. A comparison website such as Top 5 Cell Phone Plans allows you to make more informed decisions by helping you see all your best options side by side – were happy to have done the hard part for you! 

#3. Consider Bundling Services

Bundling services, such as phone and internet, phone and TV can often save you money.  Many mobile providers offer deals on bundles by combining multiple services and can also help simplify your bills and overall payment process.  These kinds of deals however often sign up for a longer contract – so also make sure to read the fine print before committing.  Reading the fine print is also always important with a phone contract, not just for bundles.

#4. Look For Referral or Loyalty Programs

Some mobile providers offer referral or loyalty programs that provide discounts or special rewards for staying with a provider or referring friends and family.  These types of paths can be a wonderful way to say money on your phone plan, and it never hurts to check what’s available.

#5. Consider A Gently Used Phone

This won’t affect the cost of your monthly phone plan, however buying a new phone can be expensive. So using a second hand, refurbished phone can be helpful in saving on your overall costs.

In Summary

By following these insider tips, you can find the best phone deals for you to save you money and find the right plan for your needs. Just be sure to keep in mind that the cheapest doesn’t always mean it’s the best, so make sure to consider everything that’s important to you before making a decision about a phone plan. Our comparisons and reviews of top cell phone providers are always here to help you find the right plan for you.