Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer an alternative to traditional mobile carriers by leasing network access from major operators (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.). They provide competitive pricing, flexible plans, and often niche features, making them a popular choice for many mobile users. Here’s a list of the top 50 MVNOs, ranked by customer base and size in 2024.
1. TracFone Wireless
- Subscribers: ~21 million
- Network Used: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- About: One of the largest MVNOs in the U.S., TracFone offers prepaid plans and operates several sub-brands, including Straight Talk, Net10, and Simple Mobile.
2. Boost Mobile
- Subscribers: ~9 million
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Known for affordable prepaid plans, Boost Mobile offers a variety of unlimited data options and has a large customer base among budget-conscious users.
3. Metro by T-Mobile
- Subscribers: ~8.5 million
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Formerly MetroPCS, Metro is owned by T-Mobile and provides prepaid plans with unlimited talk, text, and data, often with additional perks like streaming services.
4. Cricket Wireless
- Subscribers: ~8 million
- Network Used: AT&T
- About: A subsidiary of AT&T, Cricket Wireless offers a wide range of prepaid plans that appeal to families and individuals looking for nationwide coverage at competitive prices.
5. Google Fi
- Subscribers: ~3 million
- Network Used: T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular
- About: Google Fi’s standout feature is its seamless switching between networks, allowing users to access the strongest signal available. It offers flexible data plans based on usage.
6. Mint Mobile
- Subscribers: ~2.5 million
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Known for its cost-effective bulk-purchase plans, Mint Mobile has grown in popularity due to its affordable pricing and frequent promotions. Now partly owned by T-Mobile.
7. Consumer Cellular
- Subscribers: ~2.3 million
- Network Used: AT&T, T-Mobile
- About: Focused primarily on senior citizens, Consumer Cellular offers no-contract plans and has partnerships with AARP, making it a top choice among older demographics.
8. Xfinity Mobile
- Subscribers: ~2 million
- Network Used: Verizon
- About: Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile allows bundling with home internet services, offering customers a combination of mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity for cost savings.
9. Spectrum Mobile
- Subscribers: ~1.5 million
- Network Used: Verizon
- About: Similar to Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile bundles with its internet service. It has attracted a sizable number of customers due to its low-cost data plans.
10. Visible Mobile
- Subscribers: ~1.2 million
- Network Used: Verizon
- About: A fully digital carrier with no physical stores, Visible offers a streamlined prepaid service with unlimited data, starting at just $30 a month.
11. Straight Talk
- Subscribers: ~1 million
- Network Used: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- About: A TracFone subsidiary, Straight Talk is sold exclusively through Walmart, offering unlimited plans that appeal to budget-conscious customers.
12. Ting Mobile
- Subscribers: ~700,000
- Network Used: T-Mobile, Verizon
- About: Ting offers pay-as-you-go plans and is known for its flexible pricing, making it a favorite among light data users.
13. Republic Wireless
- Subscribers: ~600,000
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Republic Wireless uses Wi-Fi-first technology, routing calls and texts over Wi-Fi whenever possible, which keeps its plans low-cost.
14. Red Pocket Mobile
- Subscribers: ~550,000
- Network Used: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
- About: Red Pocket is unique in offering service on all major U.S. networks, providing customers with ultimate flexibility depending on their location.
15. US Mobile
- Subscribers: ~500,000
- Network Used: Verizon, T-Mobile
- About: US Mobile offers customizable plans, allowing users to tailor their data, talk, and text preferences based on their needs.
16. FreedomPop
- Subscribers: ~450,000
- Network Used: AT&T, T-Mobile
- About: Known for offering free phone plans with limited data, FreedomPop has attracted budget-conscious users looking for minimal mobile service at no cost.
17. Twigby
- Subscribers: ~400,000
- Network Used: Verizon
- About: A budget MVNO, Twigby offers low-cost plans with great flexibility, catering primarily to users who want basic service at affordable rates.
18. Gen Mobile
- Subscribers: ~350,000
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Gen Mobile specializes in affordable prepaid plans for international calling, making it a favorite among immigrants and travelers.
19. H2O Wireless
- Subscribers: ~300,000
- Network Used: AT&T
- About: H2O Wireless is known for its low-cost international calling plans and prepaid options, appealing to customers who make frequent international calls.
20. Tello Mobile
- Subscribers: ~280,000
- Network Used: T-Mobile
- About: Tello Mobile allows customers to build their own plans and offers affordable pricing with no contracts, making it a popular choice for low-data users.
MVNOs Ranked 21-50:
- Ultra Mobile (~260,000 subscribers)
- Simple Mobile (~250,000 subscribers)
- Net10 Wireless (~240,000 subscribers)
- Total Wireless (~220,000 subscribers)
- Page Plus Cellular (~210,000 subscribers)
- GoSmart Mobile (~200,000 subscribers)
- Hello Mobile (~190,000 subscribers)
- Best Cellular (~180,000 subscribers)
- Lyca Mobile (~170,000 subscribers)
- Boost Infinite (~160,000 subscribers)
- PTel Mobile (~150,000 subscribers)
- Unreal Mobile (~140,000 subscribers)
- Wing Alpha (~130,000 subscribers)
- Zing Wireless (~120,000 subscribers)
- Family Mobile (~110,000 subscribers)
- Boom Mobile (~100,000 subscribers)
- PureTalk (~90,000 subscribers)
- CREDO Mobile (~85,000 subscribers)
- Kroger Wireless (~80,000 subscribers)
- DataXoom (~75,000 subscribers)
- Good2Go Mobile (~70,000 subscribers)
- Freedom Mobile (~65,000 subscribers)
- Mobi (~60,000 subscribers)
- iWireless (~55,000 subscribers)
- Reach Mobile (~50,000 subscribers)
- SpeedTalk Mobile (~45,000 subscribers)
- Q Link Wireless (~40,000 subscribers)
- Affordacell (~35,000 subscribers)
- Airvoice Wireless (~30,000 subscribers)
- EcoMobile (~25,000 subscribers)
Conclusion:
MVNOs continue to grow, offering competitive pricing, flexibility, and innovative features. Whether you need an affordable prepaid plan, seamless international calling, or the ability to customize your mobile experience, there’s likely an MVNO that suits your needs. Explore these options to find the perfect mobile plan for you.
FAQs:
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What is an MVNO? An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) leases network access from major carriers and resells it under its own brand.
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Which MVNO has the best coverage? Coverage depends on which network an MVNO uses. MVNOs like Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile (which use Verizon) tend to have excellent coverage.
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Can you keep your number with an MVNO? Yes, most MVNOs allow you to port your existing number.
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Are MVNOs reliable? MVNOs offer reliable service as they use the networks of the major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.