How Much Data Do You Actually Need? (Most People Get This Wrong)
Here's something that you probably haven't thought about before: your phone bill is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses after rent. And unlike rent, this one is actually easy to change.
Most people are locked into unnecessary contracts, paying for features they never use. Wild, right?
But here's the good news: we went deep and found the best cheap phone plans that actually deliver value - without sneaky fees or locked in contracts. That's literally what we're here for 😉
<div class="frich-tip">Quick answer? Total Wireless gives you unlimited everything on Verizon’s network for $25/month per line (with 4 lines). That's our top pick.</div>
One of the defining features of different phone plans is how much data you have access to each month. So...
How much data do you actually need?
We all want unlimited everything. Obviously. But here's the catch - you're probably paying for way more than you're using. So here's how to find out how much data you actually use:
1️⃣ Check your data usage
If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Data Usage
2️⃣ Benchmark yourself with this guide
1-3GB you probably mostly use WiFi or you're just better than us and have an average screen time that's less than 1h/day. Choose Mint Mobile.
3-15GB you fall into the sweet spot of data usage. Choose Total Wireless.
<div class="frich-tip">Get a free iPhone: Switch to an iPhone 14 Plus for $199.99 and get all your money back! $20/mo of service credits for 10 months, when you switch to the Total 5G+ Unlimited Plan+.</div>
15GB+ yikes... You're probably livestreaming for a living? Choose Visible.
Your Action Plan
Here’s what to do next:
✅ Check your current data usage
✅ Compare plans in our breakdown of best cheap phone plans
✅ Pick the best cheap phone plan for you
✅ Make the switch (don’t cancel your old plan too early)
✅ Enjoy the extra $500+ in your bank account
The best time to switch was last year. The second-best time? Right now. Here's our team's top pick.
