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Best and Worst Phone Plan Providers

Here are the top wireless carriers based on value, data service, customer support, and more

Photo illustration of a cell phone split in half with a thumbs up and a thumbs down. Photo Illustration: Lacey Browne/Consumer Reports, Getty Images

Switching to a new wireless carrier may seem like a hassle, but according to a Consumer Reports member survey, it’s well worth the effort.

Of the CR members who changed service providers in the past year, more than half shrank their monthly bill—and 26 percent managed to save more than $40 a month.

“Smaller providers are clearly doing a better job at bringing in new customers, largely due to lower costs,” says Lisa Pao, a research associate in CR’s survey department. "Customers of smaller providers also tend to say they’re more satisfied with their service overall."

More on Smartphones

Among the upsides of changing providers, some people who switched reported that their new plan gave them better customer service, cellular coverage, call quality, and/or data speed.

Thinking of making the leap to another carrier yourself? To help you out, we’ve combed through the survey data to come up with this list of the best (and worst) phone plan providers. (CR members can consult our recently updated phone service ratings, too.)

In our most recent survey, 75,278 CR members shared their views on their providers’ offerings, including the value of the service they use, customer support, data service (cost, reliability, and speed), cellular reception, and consumer experience.

But before you switch, keep in mind that it could have an impact on your data speeds and coverage, so it’s worth checking how much data you and others on your current plan use per month. (Log in to your wireless provider’s website and review your bills.) Then, if needed, choose a new plan that gives you enough high-speed data. Be sure to read the fine print on the company’s website to see if and when it reduces data speeds.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


Courtney Lindwall

Courtney Lindwall is a writer at Consumer Reports. Since joining CR in 2023, she’s covered the latest on cell phones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers as part of the tech team. Previously, Courtney reported on environmental and climate issues for the Natural Resources Defense Council. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.