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Looking for FREE phone service or a cheaper way to stay connected? You have three places to start: try a wireless network for FREE, switch to a lower-cost plan, or check whether your household qualifies for phone or internet assistance.
A FREE trial is temporary. If you need help with your bill every month, start with Lifeline and the low-cost plans available at your address.
Prices and offers were checked September 26, 2026. Review current terms before signing up.
Try phone service FREE before you switch
A trial lets you test coverage at home, at work, and along your usual routes while keeping your current service.
- Verizon FREE Trial: Try Verizon for 30 days using an eSIM on a compatible phone. Verizon says no credit card is required, you can keep your number, and the trial expires without requiring cancellation. www.verizon.com
- T-Mobile Trial: Try T-Mobile’s network for 30 days without a credit card. You can keep your current number and carrier while testing its network; an eligible, unlocked device is required. www.t-mobile.com
Before starting an eSIM trial, check that your phone is unlocked and compatible. Test calls and data in the places where you need reliable service most.
Compare low-cost cell phone plans
Look at the amount due today as well as the advertised monthly price. Some prepaid plans require several months of payment upfront, and introductory prices can change at renewal.
| Provider | Advertised option | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Light Plan at $8/month when paying $96 annually | Data allowance and upfront annual payment |
| Mint Mobile | 6GB plan at $15/month equivalent, with $45 paid upfront for three months | Taxes, fees, and renewal price |
| Visible | Unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot at $25/month, with taxes and fees included | Coverage and plan features |
These are examples, not a ranking of coverage or value. Compare each provider’s current checkout price and terms before moving your number.
Check whether you qualify for Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that can lower the monthly cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for an eligible household. The standard benefit is up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 per month for qualifying households on Tribal lands. Generally, only one Lifeline discount per household is allowed.
You may qualify through certain assistance programs, such as SNAP or Medicaid, or through household income at or below 135% of the applicable 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. www.usac.org
How to get started:
- Check Lifeline eligibility.
- Apply for Lifeline.
- Use the Companies Near Me tool to find participating providers.
Some providers offer plans with no monthly charge after the Lifeline benefit, but Lifeline itself is a discount—not a guarantee of a FREE phone or FREE service from every provider. Compare data limits, coverage, device terms, and extra charges before enrolling. www.lifelinesupport.org
Look for discounted home internet, too
If your home internet bill is the bigger expense, check these programs:
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: Plans for qualifying households start at $14.95/month. www.xfinity.com
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Eligible households may qualify for $25/month service; some qualify for an additional discount. www.spectrum.com
- Access from AT&T: Offers lower-cost home internet options for eligible households where service is available. Check the price for your address. www.att.com
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline is a separate program and remains available to eligible households. www.fcc.gov
Which option should you try first?
If you want to test another network, start with a FREE trial. If your monthly bill is too high, compare prepaid plans based on how much data you actually use. If you need ongoing help paying for service, check Lifeline eligibility, then compare participating providers and home internet programs near you.
