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The 5 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *AutoPay Discount included: -$5/mo. per line. Plus taxes & fees.

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Business.org’s 5 best business cell phone plans

AT&T: Best full-featured plans

Looking for a broad choice of bells and whistles? As a telecom behemoth, AT&T has plenty of cell phone features and packages to offer a business—around 20 plan variations, small to large. All plans include free US roaming, unlimited talk, and text messages, as well as unlimited texting outside of the country. Basic features like call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and conference calling also come standard with all AT&T business cell phone plans, along with bring-your-own-phone support.

AT&T's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Business Unlimited plan prices start at $35 a month per line, and there is a new perk where unlimited data is included in the unlimited talk and text plan. This means there is no need to worry about overages or data caps. 

 AT&T business plans can also accommodate up to 10 lines per account, and they come fully loaded with perks—like Stream Saver. This feature optimizes streaming video on your phone to 480p so you can watch webinars on-the-go without dealing with a blurry picture.

Each plan also includes a decent array of iOS and Android smartphone options and even a few good ol’ flip phones. A 15% military veteran discount can be applied to the Business Unlimited plans, as well as AT&T-owned DIRECTV services (because, again, telecom behemoth).

Users are eligible for a discount if they elect for autopay and paperless billing but this discount is only applied until after two pay periods. We don't know why the discount cannot be applied earlier in the billing process but we do find it frustrating. 

T-Mobile: Best flexible plans

Not sure exactly what you’ll need in a mobile plan besides future adaptability? T-Mobile, the third-largest wireless service in the US, offers four Magenta® for Business plans, all packed with unique features that set T-Mobile apart from the rest. The German-owned company has also earned a reputation for stellar customer service and was the first to eliminate annual contracts (an idea that stuck—none of the plans reviewed on this page require contracts). In April 2018, the company announced its intention to merge with Sprint under the T-Mobile banner.

T-Mobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *While using AutoPay.

All of T-Mobile’s Business cell phone plans offer the same basic features:

Unlimited talk and text

Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data on our network

• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Scam Shield

Unlimited calling and texting to Mexico & Canada

Unlimited video streaming

In addition, all T-Mobile Business plans include DIGITS, which allows you to access up to five phone numbers on a single device. That means you could answer calls to your work number and your personal number on one device—no more packing two phones in your bag every day. DIGITS also lets you share your phone number across multiple devices, so you can answer on your phone, smartwatch, tablet, or computer.

T-Mobile users with a Business plan can also add the PlusUp add-on and get extra features, like Voicemail to Text, HD streaming, 20 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, caller ID, and double the data speed when roaming internationally.

Keep in mind, though, that T-Mobile’s Business plans are available only on plans with two to 13 lines. If you need more than 13 lines, you’ll need to sign up for the 13+ Plan ($285 per month for 13 lines, plus $25 per month for each additional line).

T-Mobile plans also allow bring-your-own-device convenience, or you can buy phones up front with a single payment (there are nearly 40 iOS and Android phones to choose from).

Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have been merged for almost six months, some significant changes have taken effect. T-Mobile’s website is now the only place businesses can sign up for Sprint or T-Mobile business phone accounts.

Sprint still has an active business website for previous users but all new plans will be sold by T-Mobile on its website.

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Verizon: Best growing business plans

Serving over 150 million customers, Verizon isn’t just big, it’s BIG. Such a mobile mammoth might not seem like the obvious choice for a small business, but for what it lacks in a personalized customer service reputation, Verizon more than makes up for by offering every cell phone feature there is, as well as dominant US, and near-dominant global, coverage. Like McDonald’s and Marvel movies, Verizon is everywhere.

Verizon's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With 4+ lines

While business owners can get business cell phone plans with limited data, we recommend choosing an unlimited plan if you have multiple employees (or do a lot of work via cell phone).

Verizon’s Business Unlimited cell phone plans are scalable from four employees up to and over 40. And with plans starting at just $40 per line, Verizon Business Unlimited plans are an attractive option whether you’re running a tiny company with no expansion plans, a medium-sized business with an eye toward growth, or a large enterprise with heavy cell phone requirements.

Verizon Beyond Unlimited plans also include unlimited mobile hotspot use, though your speeds are limited depending on your plan. Plus, you get unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada—not to mention unlimited calling, texting, and data while in those countries. And naturally, you also get unlimited talk and text as part of your Beyond Unlimited package.

Verizon doesn’t skimp on device choices either. There are nearly 100 iOS and Android phones and tablets available—including the Verizon Jetpack, a mobile hotspot device that can connect 10 devices to its 4G LTE network and an additional five to 3G.

If your company requires truly “unlimited” cell phone service and scalability to grow and is in the position to pay for functionality with frills, Verizon Business Unlimited is the way to go. Bare-bones operations, however, might want to look elsewhere.

Each of our recommendations has its strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the most difficult part about finding a phone system is determining exactly what you need and don't need. The best place to start is separating your needs between installing a new system, replacing a system or expanding system.

If you are having trouble sorting out exactly what your phone needs are, use this tool to help you understand what the best options are for your unique needs. 

MintMobile: Most affordable plans

We are sure you’ve seen the commercials with Ryan Reynolds talking about this new phone carrier business with a fox logo called Mint Mobile. In fact, a lot of Mint customers were drawn to Mint because of Ryan Reynolds Hollywood looks, but that’s not the only thing Mint has to offer. 

Mint is inexpensive and transparent, compared to other cell phone carriers with hidden fees and seemingly random regulations.

MintMobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7 /22 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

T hese are the prices for new customers and will last up to three months. After the third month, you are eligible to sign up for a 6- or 12-month contract on one of the tiered plans, all less than $35/mo/user, which is astronomically less than other providers. 

MintMobile is no fuss, and you really do feel like you must be tricking the rest of the world with its pricing. The only issue is that MintMobile is fairly new, launched in 2015, coverage is not completely everywhere. There are still a couple of coverage gaps in the West, namely Utah, Nebraska, Idaho and Nevada. If you are east of the Rocky Mountains, you are good to go!

Teltik: Best perks plans

If you’re a strapped startup, New Jersey’s Teltik can get you up and running on the cheap. Teltik is a reseller service operating on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, meaning it can offer the reliability and reach of a giant provider at smaller-company prices. Teltik also has the advantage of being completely US-based, with 24/7 local customer service that’s not outsourced overseas.

Teltik's business cell phone plans

3 more (non-business) cell phone plans reviewed by Business.org

Teltik appears to have a dozen plans, but they’re mostly just variations of the essential plan that offers all the expected basics. Not coincidentally, the features mirror those of T-Mobile, as they’re on the same network.

The most basic plan starts at $20 a month and includes unlimited calling and texting, mobile hotspot service, and unlimited data—with a 2 GB cap on 4G LTE speeds (meaning your speed gets throttled to 128 Kbps if you use more than 2 GB of data in a month). From there, you can upgrade your plan to include more 4G LTE data and more mobile hotspot data. Upgraded plans cost anywhere from $30 to $40 per month, and they all include one cloud-phone VoIP line—perfect for small businesses looking to save on all their telecommunications needs.

One distinctly entertaining feature (pun intended) of Teltik’s business plans? You get unlimited media streaming from over 40 music services (including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) and more than 100 video services (including YouTube, Netflix, and any other channel you can think of). That means you can stream as much TV as you want without it eating into your data. It’s almost as if Teltik doesn’t want you to get any work done.

Another thing you need to know: Teltik doesn’t sell phones. Instead, the company operates on a strict bring-your-own-device basis. Any unlocked phone will work with its network, as will any T-Mobile device, of course. However, you will have to spend $10 plus shipping and handling to buy a new SIM card for each of your devices (unless they’ve already got brand-new, unused T-Mobile SIM cards).

The takeaway

Assess your company’s current cell phone usage, and projected future needs, before diving into any plan. What looks like a great deal could turn out to be more than you actually need—or you may have initially underestimated your business’s cell phone requirements. Also, if your company has both cell phone and regular office phone needs, check into bundling. The larger telecom providers offer both types of phone coverage, and bundling services is an easy way to save money in the long run.

Don’t want to carry around separate phones for work and personal calls? With the right VoIP service, you don’t have to. Check out our favorite business VoIP providers to see which ones offer on-the-go business phone capabilities.

Business cell phone plan FAQs

If you have several employees working outside of the office on a regular basis, desk-bound phones obviously aren’t going to work for them. Some may be only calling and texting while others will be checking email, using GPS navigation, and accessing the internet for work, but a cell phone is a must for employees in the field.

If you’re a one-person operation accountable to only yourself, you could get by with a personal cell plan. Keeping track of multiple employees’ hours, data, and providers, however, would be an extra headache you don’t need. For streamlining and collaboration purposes, a business cell phone plan would be the easier route.

Most of the plans we’ve reviewed here offer unlimited data—domestically, at least—so hitting the data ceiling won’t likely be an issue. But if you want to forecast how much data your business uses every month, providers make data plan estimators available on their websites. Or you could use a third-party calculator app.

BYOD stands for bring your own device . Another common term is BYOP for bring your own phone . These can mean that employees are using their personal phones, tablets, or laptops on their own carrier plans for work or that they’ve put those devices on the company’s plan. The upside? Less expensive than buying devices. The downside? Extra security concerns.

In the annoying absence of Wi-Fi, you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet by switching on the mobile hotspot option and simply treating it like a Wi-Fi router. For multiple device connections, a dedicated hotspot (such as Verizon’s Jetpack) can provide a faster, and more stable, connection.

Business owners weigh in

Methodology

To find the best business cell phone options, we considered pricing plans, customer support, and data limits. We also looked at the variety of contracts and whether these plans were flexible with discounts. 

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

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• Best Business Cell Phone Plans

Best Business Cell Phone Plans Of 2024

Updated: Mar 17, 2024, 11:08am

Business cell phone plans are an important consideration for any team. LinkedIn reports that 57% of sales professionals saw an increase in calls to customers in 2020. Ensuring that all of your staff can pick up the phone no matter where they are can make a huge difference in your overall sales.

If you want phone calls on the go, you have several options at your disposal. For one, you could go with a business-centric plan from one of the major United States wireless carriers. Alternatively, you could use one of the leading voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) platforms and stay connected via a mobile app. Forbes Advisor ranked the best mobile options on the market to help you figure out which is best for your brand.

• Best VoIP Service
• Best Free VoIP Phone Service
• Best VoIP Cell Phone Service
• Best Conference Calling Services
• Best Call Center Software

The Best 5 Business Cell Phone Plans of 2024

Why you can trust forbes advisor small business.

RingCentral

Verizon Wireless

Google voice, at&t wireless, forbes advisor ratings, methodology, considerations for choosing the best business cell phone plan, frequently asked questions (faqs), next up in business.

Featured Partners

$20 per user, per month (paid annually)

On RingCentral's Website

Starts at $10 per user, per month

On Zoom's Website

$18.95 per user, per month

On Nextiva's Website

• RingCentral: Best VoIP business mobile plan
• Verizon Wireless: Best traditional wireless carrier
• Google Voice: Best mobile solution for sole proprietors and freelancers
• AT&T Wireless: Best for mobile security
• T-Mobile: Best for novel features

The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content and guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

We reviewed the leading mobile phone providers in the market using a detailed system to determine the five best cell phone services for small businesses. Pricing was an essential consideration when putting together our list as were the features that each provider offered. We also took into consideration real users’ experiences with the cell phone providers to come up with our final rankings. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best Overall Business Cell Phone Plan

Starting price

$24.99 per user, per month

Free hardware available

International coverage

RingCentral is a far cry from your traditional business cell phone plan. It does not offer a wireless network or devices for your team. Instead, this VoIP service offers a monthly (or annual) subscription to software you can use from a computer, tablet or smartphone via an app. In most cases, subscribing to RingCentral and having your team log in to the app via their accounts is a lot more affordable than going with one of the big wireless carriers. Therefore, it is our top overall pick for business cell phone plans.

Regardless of which plan you choose, all versions of RingCentral come standard with the following:

• Unlimited calls within the United States and Canada
• Unlimited business short message service (SMS)
• Team member messaging
• Voicemail to text
• Document sharing
• Toll-free numbers

Service plan costs vary depending on how many people you employ. Pricing for two to 20 users on an annual basis is as follows:

• Essentials: $24.99 per user, per month with unlimited domestic calling, SMS, document sharing and voicemail-to-text functionality
• Standard: $27.99 per user, per month with unlimited fax, video calling for up to 100 people, the ability to adopt a number in more than 100 countries and more
• Premium: $39.99 per user, per month with automatic call recording, third-party software integrations and more
• Ultimate: $54.99 per user, per month with advanced status reports, alerts and unlimited online file storage

RingCentral’s plans offer features that aren’t available through larger carriers. The fact that RingCentral offers toll-free numbers is helpful in commanding a more professional business presence, and features like video calling and faxing are nice bonuses. RingCentral also has an intuitive, modern interface that closely resembles your smartphone’s default phone and texting apps. Once it is installed, you can think of the app as a business phone that lives in your personal phone.

The only downside with RingCentral as a business cell phone plan is it requires a fair amount of trust. On one end, you will need to consider whether or not you can count on your team members to keep company information secure if the app is installed on their personal devices. Additionally, your staff may not feel comfortable with having their work phone installed onto their smartphones.

While the lines between work and home continue to blur, thanks in large part to apps like Slack and Zoom, you might want to evaluate your company culture before moving forward. It’s also worth noting that all of RingCentral’s features can be used on a PC or Mac.

Learn more: Read our full RingCentral review .

Who should use it:

RingCentral’s pricing and features make it a good fit for businesses of every size.

• Free 15-day trial
• Very affordable monthly plans
• Able to customize service by business size and industry
• Available across multiple devices
• Possible to video conference with up to 200 people
• Must upgrade for 24/7 customer support and, even then, it apparently leaves a lot to be desired
• Plans get inexplicably more expensive for sole proprietors
• Can only rent phones with multi-year contracts

Best for Traditional Plans and VoIP Features

Plans as low as $30 per month, per line

Verizon is one of the largest carriers in operation, with coverage and services spanning from coast to coast and beyond. The company makes our list as it provides solid cell phone plans for small and large businesses alike. You can choose from one of several subscription options according to what works best for your company.

Flexible Business Wireless Plans

The Flexible Business Wireless Plan offers unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international messaging and a mobile hot spot. It also comes with a shareable data pool for your phones, tablets and other devices. You can even gain access to corporate email services.

What makes this plan “flexible” is that you get to choose the amount of data you want to add to your smartphone, tablet or both. The pricing plans vary according to the amount of data you need for your device. Use a handy calculator to determine how much smartphone or tablet data you’ll need to get an idea of your expected monthly price.

Business Unlimited Plans

These Verizon business phone subscriptions provide companies with unlimited talk, text and data through three tier levels: Start. 2.0, Plus 2.0 and Pro 2.0:

• Business Unlimited Start 5G: As low as $30 per month when you add five or more lines. Includes unlimited talk, text and data; 5G nationwide/4G LTE and call filter
• Business Unlimited Plus 5G: As low as $40 per month with five or more lines; it includes everything in Start plus 5G Ultra Wideband, 100 GB Premium network access and an unlimited mobile hotspot. The tier also offers Business Mobile Secure, which protects your smartphones against potential security threats.
• Business Unlimited Pro 5G: As low as $45 per month when you buy five or more lines; offers unlimited Premium Network Access and a 50% discount on Business Unlimited Pro tablet plans

The monthly plan price fluctuates according to the number of smartphone lines you buy. Although Verizon offers generous price discounts with each tier, smaller businesses might find the pricing plans a bit expensive, even excessive if they don’t need five or more lines.

Verizon lets you bring your own device (BYOD) to the service and even offers discount deals for doing so. However, not every device is compatible, and the brand recommends confirming compatibility before making the switch. Verizon often offers free phones or generous credit, between $200 and $1,000, toward purchasing a new phone.

Like many service providers, Verizon tends to automate customer support to the point where some customers struggle to speak with an actual human. Because it can be hard to talk to anyone, customers often find Verizon’s customer service somewhat lacking. To make up for this, Verizon offers a feature in which an agent will call you when one is available if you don’t feel like waiting on hold.

Verizon represents a more traditional phone plan structure, one with its service easily accessible across the country and via different locations worldwide. As such, even pricing and customer service issues are but minor deterrents. You’re still getting a big carrier plan with coverage in most of the United States and a wide range of service plans and devices to suit your needs.

Verizon works well for small to large businesses with a healthy budget.

Learn more:

Read our full Verizon Wireless review .

• Nationwide coverage
• Offers mobile VPN with certain plans
• Data, calls and texting available to use while in Canada and Mexico
• Ability to mix and match plans
• Could be overkill for smaller organizations
• Plans can get expensive

Best for Sole Proprietors and Freelancers

Plans starting at $10 per month, per user

Google Voice is an ideal choice for those who need an extra business phone number but might not be able to afford a complex and pricey service plan. Google Voice is a popular virtual phone service that offers call forwarding, voice and text messaging and voicemail options. Best of all, there is a version of the system that is entirely free to use as long as you have a Google Account.

Google Voice is popular for offering an impressive set of functionality in its free tier. As long as you have a personal Google Account, you can adopt a local number with nearly any area code in the United States. You can make unlimited domestic calls and texts across the U.S. and Canada from your phone or computer.

Because Google Voice is a free service, it can be especially useful to a small, cash-strapped business that wants to be able to make and receive calls without committing to pricier service plans offered by AT&T or T-Mobile. Though an existing number is required, once you link it to Google Voice, you’re able to communicate using virtually any device. If your business needs more than what the freeware offers, you can sign up for one of Google Voice’s subscription plans:

• Business Starter: $10 per user, per month; recommended for entrepreneurs or small businesses with 10 people or less
• Business Standard: $20 per user, per month; works for businesses of any size
• Business Premier: $30 per user, per month; aimed at larger, international companies

Once you upgrade, you can enjoy features such as unlimited domestic calling and text, voicemail transcripts, a “do not disturb” feature linked to your Google Calendar working hours, use and activity reports and 24-hour technical support. Upgrade to Standard or Premier for additional perks, including desk-phone compatibility, auto attendants and eDiscovery for calls, text messages and voicemail.

Overall, Google Voice offers businesses several benefits at either no cost or through very affordable service plans. Even if there are downsides, with the amount of free features, Google Voice is a beneficial service.

Learn more: Read our full Google Voice review .

Google Voice works best for organizations, small and large, that want a business cell phone plan that streamlines their contacts across multiple devices.

• Free version available
• 14-day trial for paid features
• Highly scalable, with service options for businesses of every size and budget
• Get a local number
• Unlimited calling and SMS
• Need an existing phone number to forward calls
• Must have internet/Wi-Fi connection to use

Best for Mobile Security

$30 per line, per month

We chose AT&T Wireless as it offers flexible cell phone plan options with plenty of added perks. With AT&T, your company has access to nationwide coverage and a range of plans that come standard with unlimited talk, text and data.

In addition to domestic coverage, AT&T provides unlimited talk and text from the United States to Canada or Mexico with no roaming fees. Some plan options even extend service options from the U.S. to up to 120 countries. It is crucial to note that some features are only available through devices compatible with AT&T’s service.

You can choose between one of several business-related subscription plans, priced per month and per smartphone line. AT&T’s best per-line pricing options come with six or more lines.

Unlimited Your Way

AT&T provides unlimited business service plans that let you choose only what you need for team members. There are three tiers available; you can purchase between one and 10 lines with these plans (per the Unlimited Your Way plan group), with per-month pricing fluctuating according to your decision.

• Business Unlimited Starter: Begins at $30 per month, per line with five or more lines and includes unlimited domestic talk, text and data, and unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico; offers access to AT&T’s 5G and 5G+ services on compatible devices where available and standard streaming and mobile security
• Business Unlimited Performance: Begins at $35 per month, paid per line with five or more lines. It includes everything in Starter, plus advanced mobile security and high-definition streams; each line has access to 30 GB of hotspot data.
• Business Unlimited Elite: Begins at $45 per month and per line for five or more lines; this plan adds AT&T Business Fast Track, which gives higher priority to your data usage, letting things run smoothly during times of high congestion; the plan gives you 100 GB of hotspot data

AT&T Mobile Select (Pooled)

Perhaps one device needs 5 GB per month while another only needs 2 GB. Pooling data means that each team member only uses a specific amount and your business only pays for exactly what it needs. In addition to pooled data, this plan provides unlimited talk and text. Customers will also get access to Stream Saver, which conserves data when users stream content.

Depending on your device or location, AT&T also offers its Call Protect Basic service. Plans start at $35 per month for 1 GB and increase according to your intended data pool.

AT&T Business 4GB

This plan option gives your business access to 4 GB of data per line, plus unlimited talk and text. Pricing isn’t as straightforward as it could be. The most affordable plan costs $50 per month, per line, when you buy at least three lines; the service option maxing out at 10 lines. Please note that this price is only guaranteed when you agree to sign up for autopay. This knocks $25 off the price per smartphone line with a service commitment.

AT&T’s Security Features

AT&T offers protection against increasingly common annoyances such as spam and fraud calls, including the ability to block suspicious phone numbers outright. For an additional service charge, AT&T provides its Secure Wi-Fi VPN service through AT&T Mobile Security Plus. The most basic version of this is available free with every plan and includes device security and breach reports. The add-on costs $3.99 per month and comes with a serious upgrade on secure mobile features:

• Secure Wi-Fi VPN
• Personal ID monitor
• Safe browsing
• Wi-Fi alerts
• Theft alerts (Android devices only)

If you’re looking for free hardware, AT&T Wireless does offer discounts and deals from time to time, including free phones or generous discounts towards the purchase of a qualifying phone.

AT&T’s business cell phone plans are impressive. Unfortunately, when things get congested, your service quality can drop substantially thanks to data caps and slowed coverage. AT&T often forces customers to upgrade to higher tiers to avoid slowdowns. The company’s plans can also get very expensive when you account for optional add-ons and devices.

AT&T Wireless is one of the larger service carriers, and so it can guarantee coverage and high-quality service to almost all of its customers. That said, its service fees could prove to be too expensive for smaller businesses with very tight budgets.

AT&T is best for mid to large-size companies with specific data needs and a desire for greater security when communicating or transferring information.

• Provides highly customizable business cell phone plans
• No roaming fees for Canada and Mexico
• Offers stellar mobile security add-ons
• No overage charges
• Data speeds drop when service gets very busy
• Add-ons and premium tiers can make the service pricey

Best for Novel and Unique Features

$25 per line, per month

T-Mobile is the third of the three biggest U.S. wireless carriers, after merging with Sprint in 2020. While it has all the standard functionality of the other business cell service providers, what makes it stand apart are its unique and novel bonuses that come with select plans. For instance, some plans come with Microsoft 365 and unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi.

T-Mobile offers limited and unlimited talk and text service in Canada and Mexico and standard 5G in its business packages. Additionally, all levels of T-Mobile’s business cell phone service come with its scam shield module, which identifies and warns you about known scam callers on your caller ID.

You get to choose from one of four service plans available for businesses, each priced per month and per line:

• Business Unlimited Select: Available for as low as $25 per month, per line when you purchase at least six lines; comes with 50 GB of premium data and 5 GB of hotspot data, limited talk and text to Mexico and Canada and unlimited standard definition streaming
• Business Unlimited Advanced: Available for as low as $30 per month, per line when you purchase at least six lines; includes one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi,100 GB of premium data and a 40 GB hotspot plus unlimited talk, text and data in Canada and Mexico, as well as 5 GB of high-speed data at no extra cost; provides unlimited high definition streaming; includes two basic Microsoft 365 Business licenses
• Business Unlimited Ultimate: Available for as low as $40 per month, per line when you purchase at least six lines; unlimited access to premium data and 100 GB for your hotspot as well as unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi; get unlimited video streaming with quality up to 4K UHD
• Business Unlimited Ultimate+ for iPhone: Available for as low as $50 per month, per line when you purchase at least six lines; unlimited access to premium data and 200 GB for your hotspot as well as unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi; get unlimited video streaming with quality up to 4K UHD and Apple Business Essentials and AppleCare+

As mentioned, T-Mobile’s smartphone pricing will change depending on how many lines you choose to buy. You will be charged $60 per month for the most basic option if you only buy a single line. For this reason, smaller companies with tight budget constraints might find T-Mobile’s pricing to be too expensive, especially if they only need a few lines.

But for more mobile businesses that have employees constantly on the go, there are some really great perks. Offering access to unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi and unlimited talk, text and data to employees in Mexico and Canada could become a great selling point for your own brand.

Like most major carriers, there are a lot of customers competing for data priority. While T-Mobile offers access to this “premium data,” you have to pay a lot more out of pocket to ensure that your service doesn’t stagnate when things get particularly busy.

T-Mobile typically has multiple deals concerning phones, including free devices or credit up to a few hundred dollars towards buying a new smartphone. Like many such deals with carriers, they come with specific contract requirements, so it’s best to ask about the details before signing up.

T-Mobile seems best for businesses with team members who are constantly on the go and can therefore better appreciate perks related to international travel and flights.

• Reliable 5G network
• Service plans offer unlimited talk, text and data in Canada and Mexico
• Optional perks such as in-flight Wi-Fi and Microsoft 365
• Plans are expensive for six or fewer lines
• Bonus features only available in advanced plans

When putting this ranking together, we considered several vital components. Forbes Advisor researched the industry and analyzed multiple companies and plans. Then, we scored these providers across four categories of features using 13 different metrics that were weighted to favor features that small business owners find valuable in a cell phone service provider. The following are some of the metrics that we used to rank the providers that made our list.

Our main concern when it came to pricing was if the service is affordable, especially for small businesses, especially for the entry-level plan. Then, we looked at the costs and variety of plans available from each provider and what kind of value that each upgrade brought to users. Pricing accounted for 30% of our weighted scoring.

Key Features

We broke features into two distinct categories: general features and additional features. For general features, we looked at the offerings from each cell phone service provider that we considered to be common ones that every customer needs. Some of these general features include unlimited domestic calling and texting, international calling, conference calling and if any necessary hardware came free with the service. We weighted features at 45% of our total score.

Additional Features

For additional features, this included aspects of cell phone service that some users would consider to be nice to have, such as an automated attendant, mobile hot spot access and mobile security. For both kinds of features, we gave more weight to those that came with the service automatically as opposed to those that were add-ons that users had to pay additionally for. We weighted features at 15% of our total score.

Expert Analysis

Finally, based on our market research and the categories listed above, our experts also ranked additional criteria from customer reviews using metrics that included ease of use, popularity, value for the money and any stand-out features, such as offering international texting plans, mobile VPNs, free in-flight Wi-Fi, video calling and access to free local phone numbers. Altogether, these criteria make up 10% of the total score.

When selecting the best business cell phone plan for your company, there are a few factors to keep in mind. At the moment, for example, there are only three mainstream nationwide carriers. These larger carriers have pricing plans that might be too expensive for smaller businesses. Google Voice and RingCentral could work as much more affordable alternatives. We listed a few specific considerations in the sections below.

Smartphone Lines and Pricing

It’s a good idea to consider the number of lines your business needs, not to mention monthly or annual costs. Service providers will often offer a lower per-line price, but you’ll have to buy several lines to get the discount. It might be more affordable in the end to buy one or two lines rather than buy extra lines your company doesn’t need or can’t afford.

Free Phones and Purchase Credits

While the top carriers often allow you to BYOD, it might be possible to get at least one new phone for your business. If not a free phone, it’s common to provide you with substantial credit worth up to $1,000 towards the purchase of a brand-new smartphone.

A common caveat is this generosity gets tied to a long-term contract commitment. Do the month-to-month, and even year-to-year, math and decide what you’re willing to agree to in exchange for free or heavily discounted hardware. If all else fails, check to see if you can bring your existing devices with you to the new service provider. Some providers will let you do this at little to no extra charge.

International Perks or Availability

Many business cell phone plans focus on domestic features. Yet, if your brand is global, you’ll likely want to work with a company that offers talk, text and data options beyond American borders. Will data caps or a lack of in-flight Wi-Fi inhibit your ability to share information or communicate adequately? If you need worldwide service and support, it might be better to go with a much larger and more reliable carrier.

How ‘Unlimited’ Is Unlimited?

When a phone service says that an offer is unlimited, it is rare that an asterisk does not accompany the promise. Not all unlimited pricing plans are the same. Often, when things get congested, you may find that your service quality drops significantly. So, you learn that while your service option may be technically unlimited, there’s no such promise about the quality.

Some providers offer tiers that guarantee high-quality service no matter what. It’s best to read between the lines of the fine print to see what type of unlimited service you are getting offered.

Who has the best business cell phone plan for small businesses?

We selected RingCentral as our top choice due to its affordable payment plan structure when compared to other telephone companies.

What cell phone companies are offering free phones?

AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile are among the most popular brands known to offer a free phone when switching to their service. Brands often have such deals periodically, so it is good to stay updated about potential offers.

What is the average cost of small business cell phone plans?

Your final cost will depend entirely on the service package and the number of lines you have on your plan. With that in mind, smaller businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $29 and $69 per smartphone line, per month. That does not include any additional hardware costs. Be sure to research and compare brands to find the price that works best for your business.

Who has the best unlimited talk, text and data plans?

We recommend RingCentral, Verizon and AT&T Wireless. Verizon and AT&T offer more comprehensive unlimited plans. Meanwhile, RingCentral’s options are generally more affordable.

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For nearly a decade, Toni Matthews-El has published business topics ranging from cloud communication software to best steps for establishing your own LLC. In addition to Forbes Advisor, she's published articles for Medical News Today, US News and World Report.

Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

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When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best business phone plans: Reliable 5G for work

When I started writing for ZDNet 15 years ago , mobile phones were being used by 74% of the US population, but only 14% of those people were using these basic phones to access the internet. The latest data shows that 97% of Americans own a mobile phone, with 85% of those being smartphones that access the internet multiple times a day.

Smartphones and wireless cellular services are now essential for businesses to compete in today's market and broad coverage is an expectation. After T-Mobile's recent acquisition of Sprint, the US market is dominated by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Each of these carriers offers various plan options for businesses of all sizes.

5G continues to roll out across the US, but reliable LTE service is still essential to getting work done. The pricing for business service is competitive, and as someone who has been in the industry for decades, it is amazing to see the reasonable pricing for such fast service that reaches across the nation.

Verizon phone plans for businesses

Verizon Wireless has the most subscribers in the US and is popular with businesses. Three Business Unlimited plans make it easy to find the perfect option for your business. All three  Business Unlimited plans  from Verizon include unlimited talk, text, and data. Support for 5G, mobile hotspot, and tablet use differentiate the three plans. Pricing is also for five or more lines, targeted for business and not for family usage.

Business Unlimited Start

$30 per line per month.

While there are no limits on minutes, texts, or data, in times of congestion data may be slower with this Start plan. Nationwide 5G, low-band spectrum 5G, is supported with the Start plan and a compatible smartphone.

Tablet, smartwatch, and hotspot options are available for additional costs on the Business Unlimited Start plan. The price also includes $5 per month savings for paper-free billing and auto pay.

Pros  

• Nationwide 5G coverage
• Able to add additional devices (watches, tablets) to the account
• No support for mmWave, high-band, 5G
• Data speeds slowed down during times of congestion

Business Unlimited Plus

$40 per line per month.

For $10 more per line per month, Verizon adds 100GB of premium network access, 5G UWB (mmWave) support, and unlimited mobile hotspot service. In addition, Verizon's Business Mobile Secure is included at no additional cost. This enhanced security bundle includes lookout mobile endpoint secure, mobile device management, Wi-Fi protection, and tech support.

• Nationwide 5G coverage, including mmWave spectrum
• Enhanced security bundle included
• Unlimited mobile hotspot service
• 100GB limit during high usage time periods

Business Unlimited Pro

$50 per line per month.

The highest level Verizon Business Unlimited plan provides twice the amount of premium network access, 120GB, along with 50% off on Business Unlimited Pro tablet plans.

This plan may be perfect for businesses using connected tablets out in the field and smartphones that are using data throughout the day away from Wi-Fi service.

• Nationwide 5G coverage with mmWave support
• 50% cost savings on tablet plans
• $50 price per line higher than other tiers

T-Mobile phone plans for businesses

After the purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile is now the second largest (in terms of subscriber count) carrier in the US. While T-Mobile has long been known for its consumer-friendly cellular plans, it also has one of the most extensive  libraries of business offerings  for small companies, large companies, and government agencies. Its new  Business Unlimited plans  are presented below, but other options require  direct discussions  between businesses and T-Mobile.

Business Unlimited Select

$25 to $60 per line per month.

Business Unlimited Select plans are designed for small business customers who need 1 to 12 lines of service. A one line plan is the most expensive, at $60 per month. Two lines are priced at $45 per line per month, four lines are $30 per line per month, and six or more lines are just $25 per line per month.

These plans include 5G network support, 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, as well as unlimited calling/texting/data in Mexico and Canada.

• Very affordable small business plan
• Unlimited service in Mexico and Canada
• Unlimited streaming is limited to SD content
• Included data in Canada and Mexico is 128kbps speed

Business Unlimited Advanced

$30 to $70 per line per month.

If the employees of your small business travel by airplane and need Microsoft apps, then you should consider the T-Mobile Business Unlimited Advanced plan. This service plan includes 40GB of high-speed hotspot data, Microsoft 365, one hour of Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi, and 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico.

• Affordable per line price point
• Microsoft 365 productivity service included
• One hour of in-flight Wi-Fi service
• 40GB of high-speed hotspot
• 100GB of premium data

Business Unlimited Ultimate

$40 to $85 per line per month.

For small businesses that want it all at reasonable per line prices, the new Business Unlimited Ultimate plan is for you. In addition to the unlimited talk, text, and data (with 5G included) small businesses also get unlimited premium data, 100GB of mobile hotspot, and Microsoft 365.

Streaming content is provided with unlimited 4K UHD quality, WiFi on your flight is unlimited, and data in 210 countries is twice as fast (256kbps) as the other T-Mobile small business plans.

• Unlimited premium data
• Unlimited WiFi on your flight
• Microsoft 365 services included
• 5GB of high speed data in Canada and Mexico

AT&T phone plans for businesses

After T-Mobile added Sprint subscribers to its total subscriber base, AT&T dropped to third in total subscriber count. However, AT&T is also well established as an enterprise service provider with  four enterprise options  available to customers. AT&T also serves as the backbone for the  FirstNet network  optimized for first responders.

Unlimited Your Way for Business

Starting at $30 per month.

The Unlimited Your Way for Business plans allow up to 10 devices per plan group and are designed for small to medium-sized businesses. The more lines you add, up to 10 lines, the less expensive the starting price is for AT&T Business Unlimited Starter, Business Unlimited Performance, and Business Unlimited Elite. For 10 lines, the starting price is $30, $35, and $40 per line per month, respectively. For just a single line, these prices are $65, $75, and $85 per line per month, respectively.

Hotspot data allotments, priority data transmission, and higher definition streaming are features that improve as you move from the Starter tier to the Elite tier of service. Select the number of lines on the Unlimited Your Way website to view pricing for your company.

• Price per line decreases with additional lines
• Multiple tiers of service are offered
• Limited to 10 lines of service
• Priority data transmission restrictions
• Hotspot data limits

AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled

Starting at $35 per month.

Unlimited calls and text messages in the US, unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting from the US to more than 120 countries are included in the  AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled  plan service. Data is served up to each employee from a single shared pool for each business account.

Plans start at $35 per month, but potential customers need to contact AT&T to discuss specific details and plan pricing.

• Affordable plan pricing
• Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada
• Shared pool requires management to allocate

AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business

Starting at $50 per month.

The AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business plan supports from one to 25 smartphone lines with various monthly data caps, ranging from 3GB to 120GB per phone. Pricing per phone starts at $50 per month for 3GB and goes up to $615 for one phone with 120GB of data.

Shareable data, rollover data, unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot service, and international talk, text, and data are provided with these plans.

• Support for up to 25 lines of service
• Rollover data support
• Mobile hotspot service included
• Data caps allocated by service option

AT&T Business 4GB

Unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data per line are provided with the AT&T Business 4GB  plan. Hotspot data and standard mobile security services are also provided with the plan. Pricing for smartphones starts at $50 per month, but further pricing requires consultation with an AT&T representative.

AT&T Business 4GB is available for tablets for $20 per month and for wearables for $10 per month. AT&T advertises this plan as best for small businesses.

• Unlimited talk and text
• Controlled pricing per each phone
• Service options for tablets and wearables
• 4GB data limit per each line

MVNO options for businesses

While the three major carriers offer focused business plans, there are also a few MVNOs that offer attractive per line plans that may work well for small businesses. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are companies that use establish wireless carrier infrastructure to provide no or minimal contract options for customers. The MVNOs do not openly advertise which wireless carrier infrastructure they are using, but as soon as you insert a SIM into your phone, you can see which carrier is connected to which MVNO. MVNOs are optimized for consumers looking for phone service with no contracts and prepaid options, but these same elements may help small businesses control costs and adjust to market demands.

US Mobile for business

$9 per line and $2 per gb per month.

Most MVNOs offer attractive per line prices with each account limited to five or six lines. US Mobile is one MVNO that actually provides shared data plans for companies of any size. Enter the number of lines you need and the amount of shared data to view your total monthly payment. 

A couple of examples include 50 lines with 100GB of data for $674 per month or 30 lines with 50GB of data for $385 per month. We had the opportunity to test out the two available US Mobile SIM cards and found the service to be fast and reliable.

• Specific service offering for businesses
• Scalable to your business size and line needs
• Competitive $9 per line base fee
• Verizon and T-Mobile serve as network providers
• Data price per GB may be higher than unlimited plans

Mint Mobile

$30 per month per line.

Mint Mobile is one of the most popular MVNOs thanks in large part to advertising by one of its owners, Ryan Reynolds. While there are no specific business plans, three/six/twelve month plans for individual phones are available starting as low as $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.

T-Mobile provides the network for Mint Mobile's service so you will need GSM handsets for the service.

• Unlimited talk, text, and data plan options
• Flexibility for less expensive data limit plans
• No specific business service plans
• Limited to T-Mobile coverage area
• Three available contract period options

Cricket Wireless

Starting at $25 per line per month.

Cricket Wireless is an established MVNO, service provided by AT&T, that has retail stores around the country so you can get support and establish service in person if you desire. One to five lines can be setup for each account with measured data or unlimited data. Mobile hotspot data can also be added to each line.

4G LTE and 5G data is provided, along with international support, cloud storage, and more.

• Established, trusted MVNO
• Physical retail stores around the country
• Unlimited and measured data plan options
• No long term contract required
• Service coverage area limited to AT&T network
• Five line limit per account

What steps should a new business take to establish wireless service?

While this buying guide provides current pricing and service options from the three primary US wireless carriers and MVNOs, specific pricing for your business requires a conversation with the carrier to fully define your company needs, available service discounts, and contract lengths.

One of the first things to figure out is where you will need service geographically in the US as all three carriers have slightly different coverage maps. Your geographic operating area may remove one, or more, carriers from your viable candidate list. 

The next step is to determine how many lines of service you will need and then the data needs of those lines. Calling and text messages are unlimited in all cases, but data speed and amount of data will drive your costs.

Most carriers also offer additional incentives and services, such as hotspot, in-flight coverage, Microsoft 365, and more. Make sure to account for the value of these incentives in your decision-making process.

What are the disadvantages of a MVNO?

Most MVNOs are focused on the consumer market so business plan offerings for more than six lines of service are rare. Pricing can be very competitive and with no contracts these MVNOs may be attractive to businesses just getting started that do not want to lock in long-term contracts.

Account management may require more time from businesses given the consumer focus of MVNOs. MVNOs are also subject to the infrastructure provided by the big three US carriers, but there are several established MVNOs with solid reputation and a record of high-quality service and support.

What is the best business phone plan?

We analyzed reliability, coverage, and price to compile a list of the best phone plans for your business which includes: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Does the choice of my smartphone model limit wireless service?

In the past, the US wireless market was split into GSM and CDMA service technologies with two carriers supporting each of these technologies. Modern smartphones support LTE and 5G service without CDMA technology your choice of smartphone is not as limited.

The most popular smartphones in the US, Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, support all wireless technologies in the US wireless market so there are no limits on using these phones with any US carrier. If you purchase these phones directly from Samsung and Apple, then you can choose to purchase unlocked models.

Some phones are sold in a locked state so they can only be used on one specific carrier. This may be changing soon and there are processes to unlock your phone from your carrier if you decide to switch carriers. There used to be incentives for purchasing locked phones, but in today's world purchasing unlocked phones gives you the most flexibility for choosing your service provider.

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The best small business cell phone plans

Just as one shoe size can’t fit all, there’s no single cell phone plan that will suit every small company. But there are numerous high-quality plans that are worth considering as they strive to meet the needs of different types of businesses. To settle on the best cell phone plan for your business, you first want to figure out what kind of plan best fits your company.

How to choose a plan

Big four basics.

Business owners generally buy and pay for employee cell phones or plans or both when workers spend at least some part of their time off-site. With employees, you may want to track hours and data. In that case, to streamline operation and collaboration, a specialized business cell phone plan might be optimal. Today, more American businesses are accommodating work-at-home schedules that avoid meetings and travel, but note that quarantines and shelter-in-place orders will not last forever, so it’s a good idea to take the entire spectrum of your business activities into account.

There are numerous factors to reflect on when choosing a cell phone plan for your small company. Here are some major issues you’ll want to consider.

Business design: Is your proposed plan built for businesses and scaled for business customers? If you’re a solopreneur or an extremely small company with just a handful of employees, you may be able to get away with a personal friends-and-family-type plan, as opposed to a bona fide business plan. But once you have more than a couple of employees, start to think bigger about scalabilities such as multiple lines, unlimited options on talk, text, and data, data-only plans for companies that don’t need talk or text, and discounts for more lines or devices.

Network coverage: Consider sound quality, data speeds, coverage, and overall dependability. Make sure the plan you choose has good coverage in the area where your employees are located or are traveling. If your employees travel internationally, choose from plans that have good rates for the target countries. Also, don’t forget about airline coverage and in-flight texting services.

Security:  Some cell phone business plans offer virtual private networks, encryption, and other features to protect your company’s data. That could be quite valuable, as it relieves you of having to research, choose, and pay for additional services.

Hardware: If you need to supply employees with handsets, consider the kinds of phones offered with the plans you’re considering, or whether employees prefer to use their own smartphones.

Hot spot: Some business environments just don’t have usable Wi-Fi, but you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet with a mobile hotspot. For multiple device connections, look for a dedicated hotspot with a fast, stable, secure connection, as well as other services like call forwarding, voicemail, call hold, analytics, and call queuing.

Data: Business plans should be generous with data, but unlimited is best — unless you really do not need data to conduct business.

Customer service: Count on problems arising, and when they do, you or your employees will want someone reliable to call before customers and clients get restless.

Price: Price is always a factor, and sometimes the cheapest plans offer just the service and features you’re looking for. But for something as critical as your business communications, do not buy on price alone.

Just in case you’re also looking for the best all-around mobile cellular deals, have a look at our survey of the  best cell phone plans of 2020 and our report on the best prepaid cell phone plans . Meantime, below are some of the business-oriented plans available now.

AT&T offers several variations of its Mobility Rate Plans — Mobile Share Plus, Mobile Select Priority Pooled, and Business Unlimited Elite, plus several in between — tailored to your budget for $50, $55, and $85 per line per month. Designed for small- to medium-sized businesses, the Elite plan offers unlimited data, talk, and text for up to 10 devices. The Pooled plan gives employees a data allowance alongside pooled data within a single account. The Plus plan lets you share data across up to 10 or up to 25 business devices. All plans feature unlimited domestic talk and text and unlimited talk from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texts from the U.S. to over 120 countries, along with high definition video streaming. The Elite and Pooled plans also feature 5G . Data speeds may slow down with congestion past certain data points.

Verizon markets the Plan for Business, Business Unlimited, the New Verizon Plan, and the Flexible Business Plan specifically for small companies. The Plan for Business starts at $175 per month for up to 25 lines, with data plans ranging from 25GB to 200GB for various prices and topping out at $1,000 per month. All plans include carryover data, safety mode, calling to and from Mexico and Canada, use of your device in Mexico and Canada, and data boost costing $15 per 1GB. With all business plans, you can turn your device into an internet hotspot and send unlimited messages to more than 200 countries worldwide. Additional smartphones cost $15 per month.

Simple Choice for Business by T-Mobile costs $50 per line per month up to $110 per month for up to five lines. You can add $10 per line per month for 6 to 12 lines and up to 2GB of 4G LTE Data. You can call and text from any Wi-Fi connection, as your unused LTE data (up to 20GB) rolls forward for 12 months. The plan features unlimited calling and texting to and from Mexico and Canada, plus you get up to 5GB of data at 4G LTE speeds. If you’re looking for a more streamlined option, T-Mobile Essentials only costs $30 per month per line for four lines. It offers unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data, unlimited talk, text, 2G data in Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting and flat-rate calling at 20 cents per minute in over 210 countries. An additional 10GB of high-speed 4G LTE mobile hotspot data will cost you $10 a month. For a more robust plan, the Magenta for Business plan is available for two, four, eight, and 12 lines for $60, $40, and $30 per month per line, respectively. It features 5G service, 3GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, plus unlimited 3G data, in-flight texting and data, unlimited data and texting in over 210 countries, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. The included Digits program eliminates the need for separate work and personal phones, allowing you to access up to five numbers on one device and use one number across several devices.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a VoIP system that functions extremely well in an office setting. It supports unlimited calling and conferencing toll-free numbers and a customizable caller ID. Functionality is its primary priority; It supports useful features, like texting, online meetings, and faxing. When you use RingCentral, incoming calls go through the same call-routing system as your office phones. It helps make your office number into a portable communication system. You can call, text, and fax from your business number on any mobile device. The service could be used by two users to 1000 and offers four levels: Essentials, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate for $20, $25, $35, and $50, each with a free trial.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a highly-rated and widely-used prepaid wireless service that prides itself on its affordability. It typically costs users from $30 to $60 per month. With Cricket Wireless, users can build their own custom phone plans. If you prefer a more basic plan with talk and text and no data, that’s manageable. You can build off that basic plan by adding data (2GB, 5GB, or unlimited), unlimited talk and text, picture messages, a mobile hotspot, and SD quality video streaming. If you often travel or need international coverage, that’s also manageable. You can add coverage for Canada and Mexico and unlimited text to 37 countries, HD Voice, and Wi-Fi calling from a compatible phone. Data-only plans of 20GB and 40GB are available for $35 and $50 per month, respectively, with Mexico and Canada coverage in the mix.

Republic Wireless

Consider Republic Wireless for your business if you don’t exactly need a phone network, but you do use a significant amount of Wi-Fi. This plan functions more like a virtual network than other cellular providers. The vendor relies on T-Mobile and Sprint networks when Wi-Fi is unavailable. The base plan is incredibly affordable, starting at $15 a month or $150 a year for unlimited talk and text. At this level, Republic Wireless charges $5 per gigabyte of data, up to 15GB. Fortunately, Republic won’t let a person’s bill skyrocket if they start to use too much data; Instead, the company disables data before you stretch past your limit. Using their data plan, users can also opt to make their smartphone a hotspot. One feature we enjoy about Republic is their Extend Home service. This feature allows people to connect their cell phones with their home phone to access contacts, receive calls, or make calls from one direct number using either of their phones.

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• Buying Guides

Even with the more recent release of the Apple iPhone 15, the iPhone 14 still makes a great option for a new phone. It spent a long time among the best phones on the market, and now that it’s a generation old it even offers some great savings. Some of the best iPhone deals available are on the iPhone 14, in fact, and while most of the models are refurbished, refurbished iPhone deals typically come backed by a warranty and a good return window. With all of the iPhone 14 deals out there it can be a little difficult to shop, so we’ve rounded them all up below for some convenience. Reading onward you’ll find all of the best iPhone 14 deals available right now, but if you’d like to land yourself the latest and greatest you should also check out the current iPhone 15 deals, Samsung Galaxy S24 deals, and Google Pixel 8 deals. Apple iPhone 14 -- from $439, was $699

With the Apple iPhone 14 you’re getting what is still one of the most popular smartphones on the market. This is the iPhone 14 model that’s meant for everyone. It holds back a few features you can only get on the Pro model, but it still has an impressive 6.1-inch display, an impressive camera, and dozens of ways to personalize your iOS experience with widgets and fonts. The phone can reach up to 26 hours of battery life on a single charge, and it’s powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. Face ID, emergency SOS via satellite, and super fast 5G cellular connectivity round out the top features of the Apple iPhone 14. Buy Refurbished at Amazon — from $439

One of the best phones won’t get your very far if you don’t have the proper cell phone plan, and while there are a lot of phone deals out there to shop right now, there are also some great cell phone plan deals to consider. If you’re in the market for a new cell phone plan the usual suspects like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have some cell phone plan deals going on. But there are several other carriers worth checking out right now as well. You’ll find all of the best cell phone plan deals below, and if you’d rather choose a carrier plan by way of first choosing a brand new phone, check out all of the iPhone deals, Google Pixel 8 deals, Samsung Galaxy S24 deals, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 deals going on. Mint Mobile: Get any 3-month plan for $15 per month For a limited time, Mint Mobile has dropped the three-month price for all of its plans to just $15 per month. That means, the Unlimited plan, normally $30 per month, or $90 for three months, is no just $15 per month or $45 for three months. The base 5GB of data per month plan is $15 per month, and the 15GB per month plan is $15 per month, or $45 for three months. That is an incredible deal. All Mint Mobile plans include unlimited talk and text, access to 5GB high-speed data, free calling to Mexico and Canada, free mobile hotspot access, and WiFi calling support. You can't beat that!

U.S. Mobile: Pre-pay $23 per line per month Prepaid wireless plans are a great option for light users, kids, and anyone else who won’t be consuming a lot of data on a daily basis. U.S. Mobile is one of the best prepaid service providers available today, allowing you to build your own custom plan, so you’re only paying for as many minutes, texts, and gigabytes of data as you want to. As just one example, its Unlimited Starter plan is just $23 per line, or $276 for 12 months -- saving you $72 per year. You get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of hotspot data, international calling and texting, and more. If you're adding multiple lines to a plan, you can also unlock free extras like Disney+ and Netflix. U.S. Mobile even has an Unlimited Flex plan that goes for just $15 per month when you pre-pay for 12 months.

Tablets may not be the hot new thing in 2024, but they're still excellent machines for streaming movies, playing games, or getting work done on the go. And while it seems like the best iPads dominate most of the tablet market, there are still plenty of excellent Android tablet options for consideration if you don't want to be locked in Apple's walled garden.

Whether you want an ultra-premium and superpowerful option, or something more affordable and compact, the Android tablet market has something for everyone. No matter your budget or spec preferences, here are the best Android tablets you can buy in 2024.

The Top Small Business Cell Phone Plans

Find out more about the best small business cell phone plans with customer rating, pricing information and frequently asked questions.

Updated on December 21st, 2023

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4.5 out of 5 overall

• Widest U.S. coverage.
• 5G coverage
• Solid network coverage.
• No overages.
• Access to 20M WiFi hotspots.
• Unlimited talk and text.

Business cell phone plans are offered by phone carriers to help small businesses have affordable access to a reliable phone network. Businesses are often eligible for discounts when they add more numbers or opt for additional monthly features.

Best Small Business Phone Systems

Get information on the top business phone systems, including pricing, reviews, and FAQs.

Dec 21, 2023

Why We Chose Verizon, AT&T, and Xfinity Mobile:

Verizon is one of the largest network providers in the United States . With plans for as little as four employees, Verizon offers phone packages suitable for small and large teams. All of Verizon's phone bundles include great unlimited features, including unlimited calling, texting, and data while in Canada and Mexico.

Verizon is ideal for businesses that plan on supplying their employees with handsets . The network provider offers nearly 100 different iOS and Android phones and tablets for teams that are constantly on the go.

All of AT&T's plans offer great unlimited features , including unlimited data and calling in Canada and Mexico, as well as unlimited international texting, domestic calling, and free domestic roaming. AT&T's Business Unlimited Plan comes in three variations: Starter, Performance, and Elite. With all three plans, users also have access to 5G network.

Xfinity Mobile offers a large variety of plans for businesses to choose from , with prices ranging between $30.00 and $240.00 per line. Thanks to its multi-line pricing system, businesses pay less as more lines are added to their plan. Xfinity Mobile also offers 4G LTE and 5G network access, making it great for employees who are always on the move.

Things to Consider When Evaluating Small Business Cell Phone Plans:

• Carefully consider the contract as most plans require business owners to sign up for extended contract periods of one to two years.
• Check coverage and compare it to where your employees live and travel. Some cell companies offer better coverage in rural areas, others offer much less expensive international plans.
• Keeping up with the latest in phone technology could be important to your business, so see how often the contract entitles you to new phones.

Best Business Cell Phone Plans:

How to Choose a Business Cell Phone Plan:

1. look at your business's communication needs..

Every business's communication needs will vary. For example, construction companies will require a smartphone with excellent data access for teams that are on the move and working on different sites, while call center teams will only require wireless services and ordinary phones.

International Phone Plans

See our list of top international phone plans, which includes ranking and frequently asked questions.

Sep 19, 2023

Carrier Strengths:

2. Choose a plan designed for businesses.

Look for plans with multiple lines and unlimited talk, text, or data options. In addition, your plan should be tailored to fit your specific business. If you won't require talk options, look into business text and email plans.

3. Make good network coverage a priority.

Your plan should have excellent coverage in your area, especially if your business requires strong talk capabilities. Consider sound quality, speed, and network coverage. More importantly, your network coverage should be reliable in urban and remote areas.

Best Network Coverage:

T-Mobile provides the widest network coverage, making it the best fit for businesses that operate in urban areas. Since acquiring Sprint's network in 2020, T-Mobile's network coverage has grown exponentially, narrowly surpassing Verizon's coverage in the U.S.

4. Look for strong security features.

Instead of paying for a separate network security service, look into network providers that include VPNs and encryption with their cell phone plans. Your business's private information is a top priority and with so many open networks, you'll want to ensure your and customer's information is secure.

Best Security Features:

5. Purchase hardware.

You can either ask employees to use their own smartphones or you can supply them with hardware. This option should only be considered if your business has off-site teams. Look into the hardware and handsets on offer and compare the plans that offer data and hardware bundles.

Common Cell Phone Plan Offers:

• Reduced costs as the number of lines and devices increase.
• Multiple lines and devices free of charge.
• International coverage.
• Data-only plans.
• Unlimited options for talk, data, and/or text.

More Related Articles:

• Best call tracking software .
• Small business VoIP providers .
• Top business phone systems .

Who has the best small business cell phone plans?

• Xfinity Mobile .
• RingCentral .
• Cricket Wireless .
• Metro PCS .

What is the average cost of small business cell phone plans?

The cheapest business cell phone plans are usually in the $15.00 to $30.00 per month range, while a complete business cell phone package could cost $60.00 or more per line per month.

What carrier has the best small business smartphone plans?

In terms of cost, Republic Wireless has some of the best cheap business phone plans for smartphones. However, Verizon has the best data coverage and features, meaning you can use your smartphone to access emails and business documents almost anywhere.

Who are the best business phone providers?

What is the best business cell phone plan for companies with less than 10 employees.

It really depends on what features your employees need on their phones, but most businesses with 10 employees or less can find an affordable plan that suits them.

How do I know what the best cell phone plan for my small business is?

The best way to find the best small business mobile phone plans is to do a small business cell phone plan comparison. Compare current offers from several providers to find out who can give you the best deal.

Save by Comparing Business Phone Prices

Start your free quote below

How many phone lines do you need?

• Business Phone Systems /

The 8 Best Business Cell Phone Plans

• 2. RingCentral
• 7. Net2Phone

How Did We Compare the Best Business Cell Phone Plans?

Our rigorous research reveals that 8×8 offers the best business cell phone plan, scoring an almost perfect 4.7/5 in our overall analysis. Equipped with the most comprehensive list of features , 8×8 offers the mobility you need out of a cell phone plan. RingCentral follows close behind with its formidable inbound communication features and scalability .

In this article, we’ll be exploring the top eight business VoIP plans that are accessible via cell phone. We’ll be focusing on domestic and international minutes, SMS capability, and all the features you’ll be looking for in a cell phone plan. Below you will find an  overview for each contender that is sure to help you decide which VoIP to choose for your team.

Alternatively, get expert recommendations specially made for your team with our free quote comparison tool . Just answer a few questions about your business requirements, and we’ll get you connected with the best VoIP providers that match your business’ needs. They will then contact you with tailored, obligation-free quotes.

1. 8×8: Best Overall Business Cell Phone Plan Provider

8x8 leads the pack with an outstanding overall score of 4.7/5 . Right off the bat, 8x8 offers unlimited domestic minutes from its cheapest (Express) plan, allowing you to connect to anyone within the country. On the next pricing tier (X2), you’ll have unlimited international calls to 14 countries added to your features. This will extend to 48 countries when you upgrade to the X4 plan, giving you smoother communication with your team and clients across the globe.

Scoring the highest in features (4.8/5) , 8x8’s plans include call forwarding and call flip to transfer current calls to another user or another gadget, increasing your mobility while you work. It also offers voicemail-to-text, call queue, and ring groups from its X2 plan and above. Plus, advanced features, like power dialer and predictive dialing are also available on X6 to X8 plans for an additional cost. It’s also worth noting that 8x8 ranks first in  our research for customer support (5/5), security (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5).  

The catch is, 8x8 has a user limit of 10 on its cheapest  plan (Express) . That’s far from Vonage, which offers no user limit across all its pricing tiers. Regardless, 8x8’s user limit will be taken down as you upgrade to the next plan.

Most comprehensive list of features

Up to 500 video conferencing participants per meeting

Extensive customer support channels

Widest range of pricing options

Mediocre customer score

Power dialer, predictive calling, and auto-dialer only available at an additional cost

2. RingCentral: Best for Small to Medium Businesses

RingCentral is our runner-up because it achieved the highest scores for external connections (4.2/5), customer support (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5). More specifically, RingCentral plans have near perfect scalability with over 250 software integrations gearing your smartphone  with the essential tools to help manage businesses.  Because of these reasons, our researchers deemed RingCentral the best for small to medium businesses in our research. 

It provides unlimited domestic minutes across all of its plans and it lets you port your existing number when you switch to RingCentral. Notably, it boasts a splendid list of inbound communication features, including a virtual receptionist , customizable greetings , and hold music .. It also has voicemail-to-text, allowing you to convert your voicemails into text messages. RingCentral also has an SMS functionality, and can integrate with Whatsapp, Facebook, Slack, and Hangouts Chat.  

The disadvantage is that many outbound communication features, like auto dialer and custom call lists, require RingCentral Engage on all plans . Apart from this, it has a 20 user limit on its cheapest, the Essential plan. Luckily, RingCentral becomes unlimited when you upgrade to the Standard plan. If you’re planning to expand your business, Vonage has no user limit across all plans and allows you to choose the features you only want to include on your plan.

Up to 97 CRM integrations and 57 analytics platforms

An array of advanced call features on Premium and Ultimate plans

Some features require RingCentral Engage

Bulk of integrations only available on Premium and Ultimate plans

▶ Read more: The Best Small Business Phone Systems

3. Vonage: Best for Scaling Businesses

Vonage offers a unique proposal, boasting over 50 communication features you can choose to include into your plan. This essentially means you’re building your own plan, only adding and paying for the functionalities you need on your cellphone. This sees it score a high 4.5/5 feature score .

Vonage offers unlimited users and unlimited domestic minutes on every plan. Not to mention, it allows you to port your business number so you can keep your professional and personal calls separated. Another plus is that it offers various call features, such as set caller ID, external video calling, team messaging, and spam prevention . 

That said, the advanced features, like voicemail-to-text and call queue, are only available at an additional cost. These functionalities help you manage incoming calls and are offered free by 8x8 and RingCentral. Another drawback is, Vonage’s call conferencing is limited to three participants. If you plan to use this feature for a large group meeting, you would have to pay an extra fee to increase its capacity to 30 users. Even SMS, a fundamental feature in cell phone plans like Ooma and Net2Phone, requires an additional cost for Vonage users.

Affordable plans

A variety of inbound communication features

Wide customer support channels

Most advanced features cost extra

No 24/7 live support

4. Ooma: Best for Low-Cost 24/7 Support

Ooma’s noteworthy key factor is its excellent customer service (4.4/5 ) alongside very affordable plans. For as low as $19.95 per user, per month, you’ll get 24/7 customer support , giving you fast, reliable assistance whenever you need it.

What’s more, you’ll get unlimited user and domestic minutes across all plans. Ooma is also packed with inbound communication features, such as customizable greetings, voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and virtual receptionist . Plus, it also allows number porting on every plan, so you can keep your business number separated from your personal one on your smartphone. 

However, unlike 8x8 and RingCentral, Ooma lacks management and collaboration features like team messaging and call transcripts to help you supervise and work with your team while you’re on your smartphone. Plus, it’s missing important security features for your cell phone, like user permission and multi-factor authentication .

24/7 live support

Affordable pricing tiers

Limited integration capabilities

Poor security features

Lack of outbound features

5. Nextiva: Best for Flexible Set Up

Scoring 4.3/5 in our research, Nextiva provides unlimited users, unlimited domestic calls, and number porting across all its plans. But what makes it stand out is its flexible set up. Nextiva offers you versatility to work efficiently whether you’re on mobile or in the office.  First, it has an impressive list of inbound communication features, including voicemail, spam prevention, and ring groups, so you won’t miss any important call. Likewise, you can have more mobility with features like call flip and call forwarding that transfer calls to another gadget or another user.  Lastly, it offers a good set of collaboration features like team messaging and task management to help you efficiently work with your team even while on the go. 

Do note that many essential features are missing in some plans, seeing Nextiva earn a mediocre 3.9/5 features score . You only gain access to SMS and call and video conferencing on its Professional and Enterprise plans. Likewise, you can only get voicemail-to-text and call recordings when you upgrade to the Enterprise plan. That’s quite a contrast from 8x8 and Dialpad, which offer these functionalities for free across all pricing tiers. Plus, it lacks advanced outbound communication features, like a power dialer and predictive dialing, which 8x8 offers to help you contact people easier.

Award-winning 24/7 customer support

Real-time system status alerts

Great customer feedback

Below average security features

Limited outbound communication features

▶ Read more: Softphone Apps for Business – Everything You Need To Know

6. GoTo: Best for Low-Price Longevity

Check out GoTo Connect if you want a long-term plan that has good value for your money. For $24 per user, per month, you’ll get unlimited users, unlimited domestic minutes, and number porting . The best part, GoTo offers free international calling to more than 50 countries . In addition to this, you’ll get an integral list of inbound communication features, such as voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and a virtual receptionist . Because of these call features, combined with high-security measures, our researchers also gave GoTo a high 4.4/5 scalability score .

With good value for money (4.3/5) and strong scalability (4.4/5 ), our researchers named GoTo the best for low-cost longevity. This means GoTo is adaptable enough to partner with you from starting your business to scaling globally. In other words, it can evolve as your business expands.

The drawback is that GoTo’s SMS/chat feature can only be used within your organization . It also lacks external live chat integrations, so you won’t be able to chat with customers. On the contrary, 8x8 and RingCentral allow you to send SMSes outside of your team and have chat integrations, like Slack.

Offers great value for money

Very easy to scale

Glowing reputation among users

Smaller variety of features

Few ready-made integrations

No 24/7 user support channels

7. Net2Phone: Best for Low-Cost International Calling

Net2Phone prides itself on being the only VoIP that offers free international calling to more than 40 countries across all of its plans. This means you can freely speak and collaborate with your team across countries without being bound by a time limit or fees.

On top of this, Net2Phone lets you set up virtual phone numbers in over 500 countries and 300 cities. So, if you plan to make waves in Europe, the Americas, or Asia, this VoIP will help you establish your presence without breaking the bank. This is why our researchers rated Ne2Phone the best VoIP for low-cost international calling. 

Net2Phone also offers a bountiful set of inbound features, including customizable greetings and hold music, voicemail, and virtual receptionist . As for outbound communications, you’ll get a set caller ID, call and video conferencing, and SMS/chat across all plans.

The disadvantage is that it’s missing call flip, so you can’t switch from your deskphone to your cell phone while on a call. Also, voicemail-to-text is only available on its highest plan (Office Power). Plus, it only has Slack for live messaging integrations, which is only available on its Office Power plan. If you want a more comprehensive features list, check out 8x8 and RingCentral.

Unlimited minutes to 40+ countries across all plans

99.9% uptime guarantee

Limited software integrations

Lacks call flip, barge, or whisper

Call queue is only available on the highest plan

8. Dialpad: Best for Conversational AI

Dial impressed us with its generous list of inbound and outbound communication features across all plans, scoring 4.4/5 features score . Take advantage of functionalities that boost your work mobility, like call forwarding and call flip that transfer your calls to another gadget or user. More importantly, you’ll find many essential and advanced features like SMS/Chat, power dialer, and spam prevention across all its plans. 

The most impressive thing about Dialpad is its focus on technology — incorporating high-quality conversational AI to decipher and analyze your calls. This is most useful for features like call transcript and voicemail-to-text that allows you to transcribe and record conversations, even while on your cell phone.

Unfortunately, Dialpad falls short on external connections, earning a low integrability score of 2.4/5 . As opposed to 8x8’s 10 live chat integrations, Dialpad only has Slack. Luckily, it has its own SMS/chat and team messaging, so you can still reach your team in an instant.

24/7 reliable customer service

An impressive list of communication features

Stellar customer reviews

Limited external connections

Low scalability

▶ Read more: The Best Cloud Phone Systems for US Businesses

Our team of software researchers compared the top business cell phone plans in the US, analyzing key categories, including the following:

• Price – the plan’s cost and value for your money
• Integrability – the software’s ability to integrate with other platforms, such as Salesforce, Slack, and GSuite
• Features – the tools that define inbound and outbound communications, conversations, management, and collaboration functionalities
• Customer Support – the customer support channels available, such as phoneline, chat, and email
• Customer Score – average consumer review scores across the most trusted review sites: G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, and TrustRadius
• Security – the security measures the vendor enforces to protect your data
• Scalability – an aggregated score that assesses a product’s ability to scale with business growth

As a result, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 business cell phone plans in the US, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.

Once we collect the scores from these key factors, we then calculate the final score of each VoIP plan and rank them based on their overall performance.

While many VoIP systems offer great business cell phone plans, we recommend 8×8 because of its solid overall performance. RingCentral comes in a close second, tying with 8×8 in the final scores (4.7/5) . But the reason why our researchers say 8×8 is the best is because it ranks first across four categories: features, customer support, security, and scalability .

Boasting a robust list of functionalities, 8×8 will give you the high performance and mobility you’re looking for in a cell phone plan. Meanwhile, RingCentral is unrivaled in integrability and excelling in customer support and scalability . While 8×8 provides a generous list of external connections, it’s nowhere near RingCentral’s over 250 software integrations. This brings a lot of convenience, especially when you use a lot of apps on your smartphone.

If you are still undecided about which VoIP to choose for your business, try our free quote comparison tool . All you need to do is take our quick survey, and We will match you up with the best VoIP providers. They will be in touch with obligation-free quotes that are customized to your needs.

▶ Read next: The best office phones for business

• Separate your professional and personal calls
• Achieve work mobility and take calls from anywhere
• Transfer calls to your team when you’re busy
• Protect your privacy by keeping your personal number private

Written by:

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Stay connected and save time with an easy-to-use business phone solution that fits organizations of any size.

Work from anywhere

Your Voice line works on mobile devices, laptops, and supported deskphones so you can stay connected at work, home, or on-the-go.

Voice can be customized to fit your day-to-day workflow. Number assignment, porting, and billing are neatly consolidated in the familiar Google Workspace Admin console.

Voice uses Google AI to help save you time by blocking spam calls and transcribing voicemails to text automatically. Integrations with Google Meet and Calendar help keep the focus on what's important.

Voice can be deployed instantly — and globally — from anywhere, with less administrative work. This feature includes easy set up of multi-level auto attendants and ring groups (also known as hunt groups).

Works with Voice

Focus on what's important while staying connected with a business phone system on deskphones, smartphones, and the web.

Expand your reach with SIP Link

SIP Link  allows customers to connect PSTN services from any carrier to Google Voice through certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs).

Compatible hardware

Trusted by organizations of many sizes,  Polycom® devices  and  certified headsets  provide reliable solutions for business communication.

Google Workspace

Receive valuable meeting context from  Google Meet

Manage your work-life balance with  Google Calendar

Get more done with Voice and Google Workspace

Easy for users.

Built for Google Workspace, Voice has a familiar look and user-friendly feel that fits easily into their workflow.

Easier for IT

Make it simple for your IT team to stay on top of their work with Voice, an integral part of the Google Workspace family.

Smart for business

Manage costs for your business with three license editions that help you streamline operations with Voice and Google Workspace.

Choose the right business phone plan for you.

1 View the list of countries where Voice is available.

Sign up for Google Workspace

Learn more about Google Workspace

per user / month

Up to 10 users

Up to 10 Domestic Locations

Calls between Google Voice numbers included

Calls to the US from any Google Voice number included 2

Calls to Canada from a Canadian or US Google Voice number included 2

Calls to most European countries from within Europe included 2

Google Fi Compatible [US only]

Voicemail transcription

Google Calendar Integration

Google Meet Integration

Mobile apps: Android & IOS

Web Application

24/7 Support

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Usage and activity reporting

Call forwarding

Unlimited number of users

Unlimited Regional Locations

Unlimited Domestic Locations

Unlimited text messaging in US

Multi level auto attendant

Ring Groups

Desk phone and ATA support

eDiscovery for calls, voice mails and text messaging records

Ad-hoc user call recording

Unlimited International Locations 1

Advanced reporting (BigQuery)

Automatic Ad-hoc user call recording

Promotional pricing plans apply to EMEA only. Other regions may vary.

2 Refer to the Voice rate card for a complete list of calling rates for your Voice number.

Learn how VoIP phone emergency features differ from traditional emergency calling service .

Our sales team now uses Google Voice to call and text customers from their smartphones, tablets, and the web. And because it is considerably more affordable to operate than our legacy VoIP systems, we continue to steadily expand our usage of Google Voice.

Get started

Add voice to your google workspace account.

Voice integrates with your Google Workspace products. Get Voice for your organization. It's easy.

Work with a specialist

Ready for Voice, but have more questions? We've got you covered.

Cell phone service for less — the cheapest plans we've found at each phone carrier

A government program that subsidized connectivity ended — these plans can keep your mobile costs low

Staying connected takes a big bite out of everyone's budget. But in lower income households, the cost of internet service can feel especially out of reach at a time when connectivity is increasingly important for school, work and the everyday necessities of life.

For a while, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered a bit of relief in the U.S. Established in 2021, the ACP provided low-income households with $30 monthly subsidies for internet costs. While that typically meant broadband connectivity, more than a few ACP participants applied the subsidy to defray the costs of wireless phone service.

The Federal Communications Commission, which administered the program, says that 23 million households were enrolled in ACP as of February 2024, representing every county in the U.S. But funding for the program ran out in April, and with the current Congress unlikely to fund an extension, the FCC announced the end of the ACP at the start of June .

So where does that leave the people who have a hard time meeting the high cost of connectivity?

There are still programs out there looking to assist low-income households with broadband and mobile connectivity. For example, the Lifeline federal program subsidizes some of the cost of phone, internet and bundled services for households where the income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, depending on the size of your household and the state where you live; you may also be eligible for the Lifeline subsidy if you're already enrolled in programs like Medicaid, SNAP and others.

While I can't speak to broadband programs, I have spend the better part of the last decade keeping tabs on the best cell phone plans for Tom's Guide. So I can steer people in the direction of low-cost plans, whether you relied on the ACP for lower-cost cellular service or not.

Tom's Guide lists the best cheap cell phone plans under $40, covering plans of different sizes including those with unlimited data. But even a $40 monthly payment may be out of the reach of some people, who still need to stay connected.

"It's an interesting time in in industry, with lots of change happening," said John Dwyer, the president of Cricket Wireless when I spoke to him recently. "With the ACP subsidy winding down... we want our company to provide solutions."

With that in mind, I decided to put together a list of the lowest-cost options I've spotted during my research into the best phone carriers . This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, as I am sure there are wireless providers out there with packages specifically crafted for low-income customers. Rather, these are the cheapest plans I know about from wireless carriers that I've covered — both major providers as well as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use other companies' cellular towers for their own low-cost service.

5GB data plan: $30/month @ AT&T AT&T's cheapest plan comes through its prepaid service, and falls right in the middle of what rivals T-Mobile and Verizon offer in terms of cost. You can use AT&T's 5G service where available, and you can also use your data allotment for hotspot data. AT&T's plan is unique among major carriers in that unused data rolls over to the next month.

5GB data plan: $15/month @ T-Mobile The cheapest plan from the three major carriers can be found at T-Mobile, where you'll pay $15/month for the same 5GB AT&T charges twice as much for. The catch is that once you use up your 5GB, that's it until the next billing cycle begins, or you pay T-Mobile to top off your account. You get 5G coverage with this plan.

15GB data plan: $35/month @ Verizon Verizon's cheapest prepaid option is almost too pricey for me to recommend in this context. It starts at $45/month, though you can save $10 on your monthly bill by enrolling in autopay. What's noteworthy here is the large pool of data, and the fact that if you use up your 15GB allotment, you're not charged extra — Verizon simply slows down your speeds until the end of the billing cycle. As with the other carriers, Verizon's prepaid plan includes 5G coverage, though not its fastest Ultra Wideband 5G service.

5GB data plan: $15/month @ Boost Mobile Boost matches T-Mobile's 5GB plan, right down to both its cost and the hard cap on 5GB of data use. Boost even uses T-Mobile's network for its coverage, though the Boost service also taps into AT&T's network as well as its own Dish network for service.

1GB data plan: $20/month @ Consumer Cellular Consumer Cellular has a reputation for providing wireless service to seniors, though there's no age requirement for its plans. (AARP members do qualify for a monthly discount, though.) The cheapest plan at the service, which uses AT&T and T-Mobile for its coverage, costs $20/month for 1GB; paying an extra $5 each month boosts your data to 5GB.

1GB data plan: $15/month @ Cricket Cricket's cheapest plan gives you 1GB of data for $15/month with nationwide 5G access on AT&T's network. (AT&T owns Cricket.) The only perk with this plan is 2GB of cloud storage. Upgrading to 5GB raises the monthly rate to $30.

5GB data plan: $15/month @ Mint Mint offers some of the lowest rates of any carrier, though with a big caveat — you have to prepay in advance. Your first three months of the company's 5GB plan require a $45 payment, and to keep that low-rate, you then have to pay for a year of service ($180). That big upfront cost puts Mint out of reach for some people, but the T-Mobile-owned service does have very competitive monthly rates if you can take advantage of the discounts.

1GB data plan: $9/month @ Tello Tello offers a multitude of low cost plans — including one with just talk and text but no data for $8/month. However, its cheapest plan with data will give you 1GB for $9. You can also opt for 2GB ($10), 5GB ($14) and 10GB ($19) options that keep your monthly costs under $20. Tello uses T-Mobile's network, and if you hit your data limit, you have to pay for additional data.

Free talk and text plan: $0/month @ TextNow There's no lower price than free, and talk and text won't cost you a thing at TextNow. The company's entry level plan also includes free essential data for mail, directions and ridesharing services. Anything else and you'll have to pay, either by the hour (99 cents), the day ($4.99) or the month ($39.99). The service comes via T-Mobile's network.

3GB data plan: $19/month @ Ultra Mobile Like Mint, Ultra Mobile is now owned by T-Mobile, and its lowest-cost monthly plan gives you 3GB of data for $19. You also have the option of paying for service in 3-month, 6-month and year increments, with the price dropping the longer you pay for. Buying a year of service also gives you access to a $10/month talk and text plan ($120 upfront payment). which includes a bare-bones 250MB data allotment.

2GB data plan: $10/month @ US Mobile US Mobile uses either Verizon's network or T-Mobile's network to provide you with wireless coverage, and the cheapest plan at the carrier costs just $10/month for 2GB of data. (Pay an extra $8 and your allotment increases to 6GB.) The good thing abut that rate is that taxes and fees are included. On the downside, if you hit your data limit, you've got to reload your account.

Cheap unlimited data plans

We've focused on tiered data plans because they tend to be the more affordable option. But as our research into the best unlimited data plans has found, you don't need to pay big bucks to enjoy unlimited data.

One way to keep the cost of unlimited data down is to pay for service up front. Just like Mint Mobile's 5GB plan gives you the best rate when you pay for a year in advance, so does the unlimited data plan at the carrier . A full year of service costs $360, which breaks down to $30 a month. Right now, a promotion at Mint lowers the introductory rate to its data plan to $15/month for the first three months. You can use 40GB of data before your data is slowed.

AT&T has a lower ceiling to its prepaid unlimited plan — just 16GB — but its upfront cost is lower than Mint's too. You'll pay $300 for a year of AT&T's service, which translates to $25/month for unlimited data.

Not everyone can swing that big upfront cost. Here are the two lowest monthly rates we've seen for unlimited data.

Unlimited data: $25/month @ Tello Tello's most expensive plan is still pretty affordable — you get unlimited data for just $25. Service is available on T-Mobile's network at full 4G and 5G speeds for the first 35GB; after that, your speeds will be slowed. You also get 5GB of hotspot data with this plan.

Unlimited data: $25/month @ Visible Visible is a Verizon-owned service that only offers unlimited data plans. The cheapest of the two offerings costs $25/month and features unlimited hotspot data and access to Verizon's 5G network (though not the faster 5G Ultra Wideband service, which is only available to the more expensive Visible Plus plan). Your speeds can slow at any time should Verizon's network have a lot of traffic on the cheaper plan.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best faamily cell phone plans
• You can buy a year's worth of cell phone service in advance — but should you?
• Best cheap phones 

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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Using your personal phone for work here’s how to separate your apps and data.

Our mobile devices have become essential tools on both a personal and professional level but using them for dual purposes can pose business risks.

Some organizations try to give employees greater choice through a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Corporately Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) program. However, the flexibility those programs provide needs to be coupled with strong data protection such as Samsung Knox .

The question becomes: Can you successfully use one phone for both business and personal needs? The answer is yes — and there’s more than one way to separate work and personal on your phone.

Tips to separate work and personal on your phone

Separating work and personal functions on your phone has actually never been easier. Realizing the challenges of work/life balance, mobile device makers have added smart features that help you split personal and professional apps and data. Here are some tips tailored for users of Samsung mobile devices and tablets , which range from Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 to Galaxy S24 Series .

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The first — and simplest — strategy is to organize your apps on different screens . By moving personal app icons onto a separate screen from your business apps, you’ll know to stay on one screen for work and one for play.

Another good tactic is to use the Do Not Disturb function so that work doesn’t interfere with your personal time — or vice versa. When you have Do Not Disturb on, notifications won’t interrupt your workflow, whether you’re on the clock or on the couch. A more advanced version of this can be found in Samsung Modes and Routines, which allows you to adjust your settings based on whether you’re on the job or enjoying your device outside of work.

You can set your routines to kick in based on time — for instance, your work routine can automatically start at 8 a.m. and stop at 5 p.m. — or based on place (via geolocation when you get to work and when you leave).

When it comes to messaging, you can take advantage of Samsung’s Dual Messenger feature, which allows you to easily switch between two separate accounts for the same app. If you have social media or messenger accounts for both work and personal use, you can use them both on the same device. When Dual Messenger is enabled, a second app icon appears on your home screen: one app, two accounts.

A security balancing act

While these measures may support separating work and personal use, they don’t necessarily address security concerns. Some businesses tackle that by adopting a mobile device management (MDM) solution with a secure workspace to protect work data from your personal apps and browsing activity.

An MDM solution allows your mobile device to store data in a separate “container” or “profile” so that personal and professional data are kept separate. With an effective MDM solution, companies can gain more reliable control of the devices they need to manage.

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These secure containers help you balance productivity with security — as well as your life at work and off work. You can also easily set up Android Work Profile , which keeps business data safeguarded by separating it from the personal data on the device.

A secure approach to mobile AI

There are also safeguards unique to the most advanced mobile devices. Besides offering maximized productivity, barrier-free communication, and limitless creativity, for example, Galaxy S24 includes data security for the AI era .

The S24’s approach to protecting data starts with configurable options to block cloud-based AI data for enterprises with strict data security standards. This level of control is complemented by a data architecture in which AI data is only processed after app privileges have been verified. The S24 also reformats data after verification has been completed to match the corresponding AI engine. No data is stored during this process.

S24 mobile devices are also in compliance with Google’s Secure AI Framework (SAIF), which gives businesses a standard and holistic approach to maintaining security and privacy measures.

Security, in your hands

All these capabilities are consistent with Samsung’s approach to mobile security through Samsung Knox , which provides data protection at both the software and hardware level.  

Samsung has continued to build upon Knox with the introduction of Message Guard, which preemptively protects devices like Galaxy S24 by limiting exposure to mobile threats disguised as image attachments.

Running silently and invisibly in the background, Samsung Message Guard traps and isolates images files when they arrive and puts them into a kind of virtual quarantine. The image file is then checked bit by bit in a controlled environment to ensure it cannot infect the rest of the device.  This prevents zero-click attacks that store malicious code in an image.

More recently, Samsung began offering Galaxy users Auto Blocker, a tool that prevents sideloading — where apps get installed from unknown sources. While there are safe approaches to sideloading that Galaxy users can continue to enjoy, Auto Blocker can be turned on to block social engineering attacks such as voice phishing.

Then, there’s Samsung’s Secure Folder , which is available on all the latest Samsung Galaxy mobile devices and provides a free, simple containerization solution that offers the same reliable security as Knox.

Secure Folder offers a safe storage space that not only builds a barrier between your work and personal data but also allows you to customize how you access that data — whether it’s via a password, pattern or biometric authentication .

The folder is easy to set up and intuitive to use. You can add apps to your Secure Folder by clicking “Add Apps” and selecting from what’s already installed on your phone or downloaded from the app store. You can transfer other content — like documents, photos and files — to Secure Folder by choosing “Add Files.”

Apps and data installed in these secure containers get an additional layer of protection against cyberattacks.

With these simple solutions, you can easily access both work and personal files throughout the day, no matter where you are.

Are you using the best phone for your business needs? Find the right solutions for businesses of all sizes. Or, read more about how Samsung Knox protects your devices from the chip up.

Samsung for Business

A global leader in enterprise mobility and information technology, Samsung offers a diverse portfolio of business technologies from smartphones, wearables, tablets and PCs, to digital displays and storage solutions. We are committed to putting the business customer at the core of everything we do, serving diverse industries including education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, retail and transportation. Follow Samsung for Business on Twitter: @SamsungBizUSA

• BYOD security
• Galaxy S24 Series
• Galaxy Z Flip5
• Galaxy Z Fold5
• Samsung Knox
• Secure Folder

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With multilayered defense-grade security built in, Samsung smartphones keep your data protected.

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