Traveling to one of the 50 states that make up the United States of America can be problematic. Unlike the European Union, where you might avoid roaming fees through inter-country agreements or buying a local SIM card, the USA is different. Carriers are very competitive, and there’s a lot of network coverage to consider. Moreover, it’s not as easy to find a SIM card, since self-service kiosks or airport stores aren’t as common as in Europe. So, it’s imperative to make the choice ahead of time. That’s exactly why we decided to help you find the best SIM card for the USA. Let’s begin.
1. T-Mobile
T-Mobile is one of the leading USA SIM card providers, best known for their top-end postpaid SIM card plan, Magenta, with unlimited calls, text, and mobile data on their 5G and 4G LTE network. That plan in particular has a 100 GB monthly limit of prioritized data, after which you’re subject to throttling. The Essentials plan starts at $30/month, where that limit is 50 GB, while on their MAX plan, that limit doesn’t exist. As for their prepaid SIM plans, they start at $15/month and go up to $60 a month. They also support 4G and 5G networks and come with unlimited text and calls.
2. AT&T
AT&T is an equally dominant carrier that offers USA SIM cards, which can be ordered online. Afterward, you can schedule a free curbside pickup or direct SIM card delivery. That way, it can wait for you to arrive wherever you’re going. Prepaid SIM card plan comes with unlimited texts to 100+ countries and calls to the USA, Mexico, and Canada, as well as 15 GB of high-speed mobile data (4G) for $40. Prepaid Unlimited raises the cap to unlimited high-speed data, and costs $50, while Unlimited Plus, at $60, allows 5G mobile data speeds, and comes with a 100 GB in the AT&T Personal Cloud storage app.
3. Verizon
Verizon is a well-known USA mobile network provider that also provides curbside pickup and same-day delivery to a store or a designated address. The carrier offers prepaid and postpaid SIM cards, with plans that cost between $30 and $80. They all come with limitless talk and text and are compatible with their 4G LTE and 5G nationwide network. Also, the majority of plans don’t put a limit to data usage, only speeds. Speaking of which, do you need a 5G-capable smartphone while in the USA? Verizon offers discounts of up to $800 when you trade an older or damaged phone.
4. Google Fi
Google Fi offers no contract USA SIM cards, much like pay-as-you-go SIM cards. You pick between Simply Unlimited, Unlimited Plus, and Flexible payment plans ($17 to $50), which allow you to get a certain data limit or unlimited data. Moreover, you can choose to only pay for the data you used, down to a KB. Google Fi is also ideal for travelers thanks to free texts while traveling internationally and free calls to 50+ countries, for one or multiple devices. Also, you can get a large discount (up to $700) while buying smartphones, and 100 GB of free Google One cloud storage.
5. Three UK
We know you might be confused by our 5th choice for the best SIM cards for the USA. Three is a UK-based carrier, and also our top choice for a SIM card for Europe. But what makes it a great choice for the confines of the USA are their pay-as-you-go SIM cards. They come with unlimited 5G data within Europe, sure. But don’t forget very affordable data packs, ranging between 6 GB and 50 GB, that work in roaming, as well as unlimited texts and calls. Finally, you can schedule the SIM card delivery before you head out to the USA.
6. Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless offers 4G LTE and 5G network coverage across the United States, as well as no-contract, cancel-anytime plans starting at $25/month. Also, if you move your SIM card phone number to their network, and get any of their plans ($55/month minimum), and you’ll get a free Nokia, LG, or Samsung phone to go with it. The carrier offers free next-day shipping for SIM cards and provides discounts via the Refer a Friend program. Furthermore, it doesn’t charge fees for running out and claims it covers 99% of the United States.
7. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is known for budget-friendly USA SIM cards since its founding in 2016. But the offer really took off in late 2019, when actor Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake. Mint Mobile has 5G and 4G LTE coverage, offers no-obligation 3-month plans, and all plans come with limitless calls and texts. The carrier shines in the data usage department. They provide a free online calculator that helps you decide on a perfect monthly GB number. Paying $30 a month lets you take advantage of unlimited data, text, and talk on up to 4 lines simultaneously.
8. Ting Mobile
Ting Mobile is well known for its campaigns that promise to reduce your monthly phone bills significantly. We found that to be true. Their 6-month prepaid SIM card plans start at $10/month and end up at $60/month. You can get between 5 GB and 35 GB of monthly 5G data. Additionally, all plans come with limitless texting, calling, and limitless 2G data once the high-speed one runs out. You can purchase low-cost or high-end smartphones at a discount, as well as pay for them monthly, instead of upfront in cash.
9. Lycamobile
Lycamobile is a mobile network provider that specializes in free calls from the United States to 75+ countries around the world. Additionally, they offer unlimited calling and texting in the country. And, although the plans are based on limited monthly 4G LTE data, Lycamobile also provides unlimited 2G data on each. The payment plans are in the range of $19 to $50 monthly. You only need to have an unlocked phone, which you can also buy from them. Also, the SIM card is free, no-contract, and comes with free shipping.
10. Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network to offer its service. They specialize in 30-day, no-contract, prepaid SIM cards. They range from $25 (3 GB of high-speed data) to $75 (unlimited high-speed data) in price. All plans come with unlimited calls and texts to the United States, Mexico, China, India, and Canada. Also, you get unlimited international roaming in Mexico. Even better, Simple Mobile also sells smartphones with 2-day delivery.