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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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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

Our mission is to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. While we strive to keep our reviews as unbiased as possible, we do receive affiliate compensation through some of our links. This can affect which services appear on our site and where we rank them. Our affiliate compensation allows us to maintain an ad-free website and provide a free service to our readers. For more information, please see our  Privacy Policy Page . |

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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.

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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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Wirefly helps you save on cell phones and plans by offering innovative comparison tools so consumers can make educated choices. Start saving today with Wirefly!

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Compare the Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Find and compare the best business cell phone plans at Wirefly. To compare business cell phone plans, simply enter the amount of phone lines, minutes, data, and messages that your organization, needs, and Wirefly will analyze existing business plans on the market from major and minor carriers (both contract and no contract) to find the best plans for your business. Then it's up to you to sort by price, feature, or another criteria to choose the plan you want. Click on the plan name to learn more, or click the Buy Now button to select that plan.

Select the amount of total data you need for the entire plan.

For example, if you need 2 lines with 1 GB of data each, you would select 2 GB of data with the data slider below.

What is the Best Business Cell Phone Plan

There's no clear cut winner when it comes to choosing the best business cell phone plan. Instead, it depends on the specific needs of you and your business. The "Big 4" major carriers which include T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint, all offer business cell phone plans. Typically, these plans will include unlimited talk and text for every line on the plan, and either a set amount of data per line per month, or a shared data pool that is used by all of the users of that plan each month. Just enter the number of lines, minutes, messages, and data you need in the tool above to see which business cell phone plans will work best for you and your business. You can also compare consumer cell phone plans with Wirefly.

Types of Business Cell Phone Plans

If your company depends on cell phone usage for most or all of its communication needs, then it's a big benefit to have a business wireless plan that suits your organization's needs. You can look up different carriers and plan types with our comparison service and see how much you could save compared to your company's current business wireless plan. There are three types of business wireless plans:

• Shared data plans for small businesses
• Unlimited data plans for business
• Medium to large sized business plans

What Business Wireless Plan Is Best For Your Company?

When choosing the right plan for your business, you should consider how many employees will be on the plan and what types of services you want to include. Most carriers factor these three things into your plan:

• Talk - Minutes
• Text - Text Messaging
• Data - Data Usage in MB or GB

If you are looking for actual business phone service for your office building, check out our business VoIP provider comparison .

Compare Business Cell Phone Carriers

AT&T is one of the larger wireless providers and has multiple types of business cell phone plans. Learn more about AT&T Business .

Verizon Wireless offers individual plans, family sharing plans for small businesses, and larger enterprise business cell phone plans. Learn more about Verizon Business .

Sprint sells a few different type of business cell phone plans including a new plan for small businesses (less than 10 employees) called the Sprint Business Share Plus Plans. Learn more about Sprint Business .

T-Mobile, which calls itself the "uncarrier", boasts plans for business users that are very flexible and offer unlimited data. Learn more about T-Mobile Business .

If you are looking for a cell phone plan with a different number of lines for your company's employees, you can adjust the amount of lines needed in the tool, or check out the following pages:

• Business Cell Phone Plans with 2 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 3 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 4 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 5 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 6 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 7 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 8 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 9 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 10 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 11 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 12 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 13 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 14 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 15 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 16 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 17 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 18 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 19 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 20 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 21 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 22 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 23 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 24 Lines
• Business Cell Phone Plans with 25 Lines

Wirefly offers great deals on a large selection of smartphones, cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other wireless devices for the nation's most popular carriers. Use Wirefly’s innovative cell phone and plan comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best deal on the market. Shop with confidence knowing that Wirefly wants to help you find the best prices on cell phones, cell phone plans, TV, and Internet service.

The Top Small Business Cell Phone Plans for 2023

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

Updated on September 21st, 2023

The SMB Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

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.

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Feb 6, 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 .
• Best Business Internet Providers .

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.

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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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Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

7 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

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https://money.com/best-business-cell-phone-plans/

Between $10/month and $39month

Unlimited texts and calls, free international calling to more than 60 countries, mobile hotspot, 4G LTE/5G network coverage

Uses T-Mobile’s network

Between $15/month and $30 month

Unlimited texts and calls, unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico, mobile hotspot, 4G LTE/5G network coverage, switch without changing phones

Between $30/line/month and $45/line/month

Unlimited text and calls, unlimited international messaging, mobile hotspot, email access, shareable data, spam blocker

CDMA wireless network

Between $22/line/month and $45/line/month

Access to unlimited Wi-Fi hotspots, 5G network coverage

Uses Verizon's network

Between $30/month/line and $45/month/line

Unlimited domestic data, text, and talk, unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico, access to mobile hotspot and 5G network

GSM network

Between $25/month/line and $40/month/line

Unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, access to Microsoft 365 features, unlimited talk and text, scam shield

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network

With the continued evolution of mobile technology, business owners have more options than ever to meet their needs. This is true in many cases: whether you’re thinking about how to start a business , if you’re already running a low-scale n, or if you’re expanding an already established enterprise.

In a landscape featuring so many mobile providers, finding the best business cell phone plan to suit your operation can be challenging. That's why we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the most dependable business phone plans on the market.

Our Top Picks for the Best Business Cell Phone Plans

• Verizon Wireless - Best for Business Cell Phone Plan Deals
• Xfinity Mobile - Best for Team Collaboration
• Teltik - Best for International Service
• T-Mobile - Best for Reliable Coverage
• Google Voice - Best for Video Meetings
• AT&T - Best Budget-Friendly Option
• RingCentral - Best Customer Satisfaction

Best Business Cell Phone Plan Reviews

Best for business cell phone deals: verizon wireless.

Why we chose it: Verizon offers business owners a range of deals on mobile devices and solutions. These deals include free 5G phones, speed upgrades and discounts for businesses owned by military members.

• Unlimited data, text and talk
• Unlimited mobile hotspot usage
• 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage
• Call filter to automatically block incoming spam calls
• Pricing on plans is higher compared to competitors
• Devices must be compatible with 5G to use the network

With any of Verizon's business cell phone plans, you'll get unlimited mobile hotspot usage so you can share your connectivity to any Wi-Fi-enabled device no matter where you are. These wireless plans also have a shareable data pool for all your devices.

Verizon offers different pricing plans depending on your business’s size and needs. The plans are:

• Business Unlimited Start 2.0: Pricing starts at $30 per line per month when you purchase five or more lines. With this plan, you’ll get 5G nationwide/4G LTE coverage, unlimited talk, data and text as well as unlimited mobile hotspot data. Verizon's call filter will automatically block spam calls for you.
• Business Unlimited Plus 2.0: This plan is $35 per user per month for five or more lines. It includes all the features in the Start pricing plan plus 100 GB of premium network access and 5G ultra-wideband coverage. This pricing tier also gives you better security features through Business Mobile Secure to ensure safe browsing.
• Business Unlimited Pro 2.0: The best (and priciest) business cell phone plan from Verizon is $45 per user per month when you purchase five or more lines of service. It offers everything in the Plus plan and adds unlimited premium network access. You’ll also receive a 50% discount on Business Unlimited Tablet Pro plans.

Verizon also has an intuitive device management system that lets you remotely manage all the mobile devices connected to your network. The system allows you to use a single management portal to maintain security policies across your organization.

Verizon offers 24/7 customer support for its business cell phone plans. You can contact the customer service team via phone, email and live chat, or you can request a store appointment if you need in-person support.

Best for Team Collaboration: Xfinity Mobile

Why we chose it: Xfinity Mobile , a service provided by Comcast, gives you access to a nationwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots, so you'll enjoy reliable 5G network coverage almost anywhere. If your team is collaborating on a project, members can connect easily to the Xfinity network and access any needed files quickly or have a video chat hassle-free.

• Excellent price points
• Broad coverage area
• 5G network access
• Only available to Xfinity internet users
• Browsing speed reduction when you exceed your data limit
• Only allows limited devices in the BYOD program

Xfinity allows you to connect to its network by subscribing to its Unlimited or By the Gig data options. With By the Gig, all the lines on your account share a chosen data amount, which ranges between 1 GB and 10 GB per month. Exceeding the selected data amount generates a $15 charge per additional gigabyte. To avoid this charge, users can connect to any of the Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots available nationwide. Hotspot data usage is free and won’t count against your monthly total.

You can choose the Unlimited option if you’re a heavy data user or don’t have frequent access to an Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also switch between the two plan options whenever your data usage changes.

Additionally, Xfinity allows you to bring your phone through the BYOD (bring your own device) program. However, only certain devices are eligible, so be sure to check your phone's compatibility with Xfinity if you don't plan on purchasing a new one.

Xfinity Mobile offers two pricing tiers for small businesses:

• Unlimited: This plan costs $45 per user per month or as little as $22 per user per month if you have 20 connected phone lines. The pricing tier gives you unlimited access to 5G and 4G LTE data.
• By the Gig: With this pricing plan, you pay an additional $15 per GB once you exceed your chosen data usage amount.

Xfinity’s user experience is centered around ensuring customers can manage their plans easily, from signing up online to upgrading plans without hassle. For example, if you’re using the unlimited plan and want to upgrade to the latest pricing plan, you can do so through the Xfinity Mobile app.

Xfinity has a 24/7 chatbot if you need to ask questions about accessibility, account management and billing. You can also get answers from helpful guides that address common questions or visit a store to get the help of a consultant.

Best for International Service: Teltik

Why we chose it: For business owners with employees who frequently travel abroad, Teltik offers an excellent cell phone plan with unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada at no additional cost.

• Nationwide 5G network
• No contract
• Inexpensive pricing

Teltik gives you unlimited data, talk and text without requiring a service contract. This means you can easily change your cell phone plan whenever your business needs change.

Teltik offers a vast network of hotspots across the country that provide free Wi-Fi to customers. Teltik’s plans also have a Wi-Fi calling feature, or VoIP, which ensures you can make calls even when traveling internationally.

Teltik allows you to bring your personal phone to the network and keep using your existing number. However, the company does not offer new phones for purchase. If you need to purchase new phones for your business, this may not be the best option for you.

Teltik has three pricing plans for small businesses, including:

• 2 GB for $20 per month
• 6 GB for $30 per month
• Unlimited data for $40 per month

All these price tiers offer similar features, including: 4G and 5G data, unlimited talk and text, hotspots, nationwide coverage and calls to Mexico and Canada.

Creating an account and navigating its intuitive control panel is easy with Teltik. From the control panel, you can manage your account, check data usage, add lines and make payments. As your business grows, you can make necessary changes to your plan, such as adding more lines of service.

Teltik has a team of highly trained customer support representatives who are always available to help you. You can send them a message through Teltik's website or call them. You can also find answers to any burning questions on Teltik's extensive FAQ page.

Best for Reliable Coverage: T-Mobile

Why we chose it: because of the size and scope of its network, T-Mobile provides reliable wireless coverage across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Canada. It also offers a variety of cell phone business plans for businesses of all sizes.

• Bonus perks like in-flight Wi-Fi
• Strong 5G network
• Service plans that allow for unlimited talk and text for employees in Mexico and Canada
• Anti-scam feature
• Expensive for small businesses that need less than six lines
• The best features are only available in the higher-priced tiers

T-Mobile has features and unique bonuses that set it apart from the standard business cell phone plans. For example, some higher-tier plans allow you to enjoy unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi and subscriptions to Microsoft 365 productivity tools.

No matter your plan, you'll get unlimited talk and text plus 5G and 4G LTE data. T-Mobile plans also feature unlimited text and talk while in Mexico and Canada, and a scam shield feature to identify and block scam callers.

You can choose from the following business plans, each priced per line:

• Business Unlimited Select: This plan starts at $25 per user per month when you buy six lines. You will get 50 GB of premium data, 5 GB of high-speed hotspot data and scam shield.
• Business Unlimited Advanced: This plan costs $30 per user per month when you buy at least six lines. You will enjoy all the features in the Select plan, plus four full-flight Wi-Fi sessions.
• Business Unlimited Ultimate: This tier costs $40 per line. It comes with unlimited premium data, unlimited full-flight Wi-Fi sessions, premium scam shield and 100 GB of hotspot data.

T-Mobile has user-friendly features such as a simple user profile that help you easily manage your account and business. You can also manage your account from any device using a self-service portal.

You can call or text the customer support team anytime. You can also schedule a time when you want to speak with an assistant, and they will call you back.

Best for Video Meetings: Google Voice

Why we chose it: Google Voice supports high-quality audio and video, allowing participants to have a clear, uninterrupted communication experience. Its seamless integration with Google Meet allows users to quickly join any meeting and start communicating right away.

• Starts at just $10
• Unlimited SMS and calls
• Gives you a local phone number for calls, texts and voicemail (unlike most VoIP services)
• Highly scalable
• Must have an existing phone number to use the call-forwarding feature
• Only allows for integration with Google workplace tools
• Lacks advanced capabilities like real-time analytics

Google Voice is a virtual service that requires an existing phone number to send forwarded calls to. With the help of Google AI, Voice will help you block spam calls and transcribe your voicemails automatically. Since it integrates with Google tools, you can easily join video meetings with Google Meet and schedule calls with Google Calendar.

In terms of pricing, Google Voice has cheap business cell phone plans, including:

• Starter: This plan starts at just $10 per user per month. It allows you to make calls between Google Voice numbers, calls to the U.S. from any Google Voice number and calls to Canada from a Canadian or U.S. Google Voice number. Other features in the Starter plan include unlimited texts in the U.S., integration with Google tools, voicemail transcription and call forwarding.
• Standard: The Standard plan costs $20 per user per month and allows unlimited users and domestic locations. It comes with all the features found in the starter plan and more, like desk phone support and records for text messages and voicemails. It also allows for call recording.
• Premier: This top-tier plan comes with all the bells and whistles for $30 per user per month. In addition to all the features in the other plans, this plan allows for unlimited users and international locations.

Google Voice has a simple user interface that will help you manage your assignments, workflows and billing on one platform. You can even customize it to fit your daily workflow. Aspects like billing, porting and number assignment are consolidated neatly in the Google Workspace Admin Console, which you’re likely familiar with if you use Google Workspace.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: AT&T

Why we chose it : AT&T provides features not usually found in other provider’s cheapest plans — such as unlimited text and calls to Canada and Mexico, trade-ins, and discounts on eligible devices — to make its business cell phone plan budget-friendly.

• Unlimited texts to more than 200 countries
• International roaming
• Added security features
• No overage charges
• Data speed slows down during busy periods
• Premium tiers and add-ons can make cell phone plans expensive

New and existing AT&T customers get a free Google Pixel 7 if they have an eligible trade-in device. You can also get the new iPhone 14 Pro with discounts of up to $800 as long as you have the eligible trade-in.

AT&T plans offer unlimited data, text and talk. You’ll also have access to a broad 5G network and a mobile hotspot with up to 5 GB of data.

In addition to domestic coverage, you’ll enjoy unlimited texts and calls from the U.S. to Mexico or Canada. AT&T does not charge roaming fees when using the phone in Canada, Mexico and select Latin American countries. These charges usually apply when you’re outside your home network area and using your phone in the coverage area of another provider.

AT&T’s security features include ActiveArmor, which enhances mobile security by blocking fraud and spam calls. The advanced version has safe browsing and identity monitoring features, too.

You can choose from one of these three AT&T business plans priced monthly and per line. The available plans are:

• Business Unlimited Starter: Starting at $30, this plan offers unlimited domestic text, data and talk. You also have unlimited texts and phone calls to Mexico and Canada, access to 5G and 5G+ services, mobile security and standard streaming.
• Business Unlimited Performance: This plan starts at $35 if you purchase five or more lines. It includes all of the starter plan's features plus high-definition streaming and improved mobile security.
• Business Unlimited Elite: Pricing for this tier starts at $45 per line per month for at least five lines. It offers added features such as the AT&T Business Fast Track which prioritizes your data usage during congestion periods to ensure your business continues running smoothly. The plan also provides 100 GB of hotspot data.

AT&T has a user-friendly website where you can manage your account and view your usage and contact customer support 24/7. The service provider also offers free virtual training sessions where instructors teach you how to manage your wireless business accounts. There’s also a business forum where you can get answers to any questions about the service.

Best Customer Satisfaction: RingCentral

Why we chose it: RingCentral is a VoIP service that offers a wide variety of useful business features for team communication and document sharing.

• Unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada
• Team messaging
• Document sharing
• Advanced features for call management
• The wide variety of features can be overwhelming
• The basic plan doesn't allow for video calls

RingCentral comes packed with features that increase productivity in your workplace. These include document sharing, team member messaging and unlimited business SMS. The team messaging feature is a collaboration tool that helps you centralize team communication via the RingCentral app.

RingCentral has a number of advanced features such as video and audio conferencing, call recording, multi-level auto attendant and overflow call queues. All these features enhance your customer service while helping your team collaborate. RingCentral also integrates with third-party tools like Zoho CRM, Microsoft 365 and Zendesk.

RingCentral’s pricing depends on the number of users on your plan and the features you want. The four pricing plans are:

• Essential: This plan starts at $20 per user per month and gives you unlimited domestic calls and team messaging.
• Standard: This plan costs $28 per user per month and offers unlimited faxing. With this plan, you can hold video meetings with up to 100 participants. You can also video call up to 100 people.
• Premium: Prices start at $35 per user per month. You get automatic call recording, integration with third-party tools and all the features in the lower tiers.
• Ultimate: This plan will cost you $50 per user per month and includes device status reports plus unlimited file storage.

RingCentral's user-friendliness is affected by the abundance of its features. The features can be overwhelming for new users, and it might take some time to learn how to use them all to the fullest.

However, its customer service compares favorably to that of other providers, especially if you're subscribed to the upper tiers. Nonetheless, if you're using low-priced plans, you might find the customer service less responsive than you'd like, as mentioned by multiple reviewers on TrustPilot.

Other companies we considered

• Third-party integration
• Toll-free numbers
• Video-meeting capabilities even on the cheapest plan
• Expensive international calls
• Limited video meeting durations
• Integrations are only available in high-tier plans

Nextiva is a cloud-based business phone service that combines communication channels such as collaboration, voice, text message and video tools in one place. It didn't make our list because it falls short in overall features compared to other comparable plans.

• Affordable unlimited data plans
• No need for a contract
• No overage fees
• Restrictions on hotspot data
• Poor coverage in rural areas

MetroPCS is a prepaid cell phone service that uses T-Mobile's nationwide 4G LTE network. While MetroPCS's plans offer flexibility and affordability, the provider didn't make our list because it doesn't clearly distinguish between personal/household and business cell phone plans.

Cricket Wireless

• Coverage on AT&T's nationwide 4G LTE network
• No annual contracts
• Speed caps on the unlimited plan
• Limited phone selection
• The basic plan is overpriced

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless provider that offers affordable cell phone plans. With Cricket Wireless, you get 5G coverage and unlimited data for higher plans. We didn’t include this provider on our list because it may not have the comprehensive features that a business requires from a cell phone plan provider.

• Unlimited text and talk in all plans
• Strong mobile hotspot
• No service contract
• Excellent add-on services, including phone insurance and Boost call screener
• Not compatible with most devices
• Doesn't cover all locations across the nation

Boost Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier, meaning you pay upfront and get only what you pay for. With Boost Mobile, you can enjoy high data speeds without service contracts. However, Boost is designed more for family and personal use and doesn’t offer the features many businesses are after.

Best Business Cell Phone Plans Guide

We created this guide for business cell phone plans to answer some of the most common questions related to the topic.

What is a business cell phone plan?

A business cell phone plan is a service that gives businesses access to a mobile network to facilitate communication from customers or among team members. Business cell phone plans typically come with a higher monthly price tag than personal plans, but they also offer more features and support that can benefit businesses. Examples of crucial features include flexibility in the number of lines, enhanced security, conference calling and additional data.

How do business cell phone plans work?

Business cell phone plans work just like any other cell phone plan. You pay a monthly fee in exchange for access to a set number of minutes, texts and data. The best small business cell phone plans come with additional features like unlimited calling or texting to certain numbers and support for international calls.

How to pick a business cell phone plan

Choosing a business cell phone plan provider is just like choosing the best internet provider for your home or business — you need to look at and weigh several factors to determine which plan best fits your budget and needs. These factors include:

Prices differ across different business cell phone plan providers, so be sure to shop around and compare before making your final decision.

The best business cell phone plan providers do not offer across-the-board prices. They organize their prices into different tiers, each with unique features. Consider what features and customer support you need and factor that into your budget. Just like with the best business checking accounts , the best cell phone plan for your business is an investment that will save you money in the long run.

Mobile devices offered

Most business cell phone plan providers also offer mobile devices. If you're looking for a new phone for your business, this can be a great time to get it. When considering this factor, think about what type of phone you (and, potentially, your employees) want and whether you're willing to pay more for a plan that comes with a mobile device.

VoIP services allow you to make calls on Wi-Fi networks so you can work internationally or in areas with low data reception. These services usually integrate with the computer and mobile phone you already own. Some plans will let you transfer your existing phone, but only if it's compatible with the provider's network.

Business cell phone plans come with various features, from basic call and text capabilities to more advanced features like custom integrations and identity monitoring. When choosing a plan, consider what features are most important to your business and ensure the plan you choose offers them.

International calling

International calling allows you to make and receive telephone calls to and from other countries. Depending on the provider, international calling may be limited to a certain number of countries or available in all countries around the world. Some providers also offer special rates for international calling, saving you money on long-distance calls.

If your business frequently makes or receives calls from other countries, you'll want to ensure your business cell phone plan offers international calling or fair rates for the countries you need to contact. Otherwise, you'll be paying high per-minute rates for each call, which can quickly add up.

Unlimited plans and unlimited calling

Some business cell phone plans come with unlimited minutes, texts and data, which can be a great option for businesses that make many calls or have many devices connected to the mobile network. Unlimited plans are typically more expensive, so if you're not sure you need unlimited anything, consider a different plan type that offers a set amount of minutes, texts or data at a lower cost.

Best of Business Cell Phone Plans FAQ

How much are taxes on cell phone plans, how do you save money on cell phone data plans, why are cell phone plans so expensive in the u.s., how we chose the best business cell phone plans.

To narrow down our list of the best business cell phone plans, we evaluated different providers based on the following criteria:

We evaluated how providers priced their monthly plans, whether or not the plans were affordable for large, mid-sized and small businesses and how they compared to competitors offering similar features.

Advanced features

We checked whether these service providers had business-friendly features that made them stand out. These included Wi-Fi calling, international calls and unlimited data plans.

Customer service

We considered whether providers had multiple channels through which customers could reach them. We also evaluated if customers could get thorough answers to common questions from the providers’ websites and apps.

User-friendliness

We considered how easy it was to sign up for and use the providers’ services. This included looking at the user interface and whether it was easy to navigate and perform tasks like adding lines.

Summary of Money's Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

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Black Friday Verizon Wireless deal gets you a free iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch and iPad with unlimited plans

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

If you're looking for an impactful smartphone upgrade among the incoming Black Friday deals , this Verizon iPhone 15 Pro deal is the best thing going. Verizon has the iPhone 15 Pro for free  on qualifying plans when trading in any iPhone.

You read that right—you could trade in something as old as an iPhone 3G and get up to $1,000 in trade value toward your iPhone 15 Pro. Even better, you can optionally add an iPad (9th generation, usually $460) and the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, usually $300) to your cart, and all three show up for free. This deal saves you about $1,700 compared to buying them separately and outright. As a bonus, Verizon currently offers $200 virtual gift cards to new customers who port their existing numbers.

There are some caveats to accept before you can take advantage (you should look at our detailed step-by-step guide below, as Verizon hasn't laid out how to get the free watch and iPad at all) . You need to sign up for an Unlimited Ultimate plan, and if you want the other devices free, those will require additional service plans of their own (though that starts from just $5 to $10 extra per device with current 50% off offers). You should also note that you can only take advantage if you buy your devices with monthly payment plans, and the discounts apply as equal monthly bill credits over 36 months. If you cancel service before then, you'll need to pay the remaining balance of each device in full.

Don't miss this Black Friday Verizon Wireless deal

For a limited time, Verizon is offering the iPhone 15 Pro free on Unlimited Ultimate plans with monthly device payments when trading in any iPhone. Add an iPad (9th gen) and Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) to that cart, and you'll get those for free, too. This is a $1,700 value.

How to get the free iPhone 15 bundle at Verizon

Trade in any iPhone, and add these three to your cart:

• iPhone 15 Pro at Verizon
• iPad (9th generation) at Verizon
• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) at Verizon

All three will be free. Verizon doesn't make it painfully obvious how to apply this deal when going through checkout, so we'll help you with a quick guide. These step-by-step instructions should have you well on your way to your free tech trio:

• Add the iPhone 15 Pro to your cart. Configure your device, select the monthly payment option, and proceed to the next screen.
• Click "Add" under the device trade-in offer, then click "Continue." Select your trade-in device details in the dropdown boxes, then click "Estimate trade in."
• Verizon should be asking about your phone's condition here. Select "It's in good condition," then click "Continue to confirm device." (We've also tried telling Verizon that we essentially had a decade-old paperweight, and it still gave us the full offer credit.)
• Verizon requires you to input your phone's IMEI number. You can find this on the box if you still have it, or you can boot your iPhone up and find it by going to Settings > General > About. Input the IMEI number and click "Check device."
• Check the estimated trade value. It should say $1,000. If all looks good, click "Continue."
• You'll now be asked to select a plan. This promo requires you to sign up with an Unlimited Ultimate plan, so select that one, choose your device protection options, and then click "Continue."
• The next screen asks if you want to add accessories to your order. You can skip adding accessories by clicking "Continue."
• At last, you should see your cart with the iPhone 15 Pro's monthly cost showing $0.00.
• If you want the free Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) and iPad (9th Gen) , simply add those two products to your cart as normal, again noting that you must opt for monthly payments to get these for free. They'll require $5 and $10 add-on lines, respectively.
• Eventually, all three devices should be in your cart with a "Savings Applied" label and $0.00 monthly payments. You only pay sales tax today.

We're unsure whether this offer will stick around for Black Friday and beyond, so if you've been waiting for a good offer to upgrade to the iPhone 15, we can't find a better one. This is easily the best offer around right now on this phone. Check out our roundup of the best iPhone 15 Pro deals if you'd like to browse alternatives.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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We No Longer Need a Big Carrier’s Wireless Plan. Discount Ones Are the Way.

We are overpaying for phone plans from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Budget wireless services, similarly fast and robust, can save thousands.

By Brian X. Chen

Before becoming the personal tech columnist for The Times, Brian X. Chen was a beat reporter covering phone carriers.

Americans have long been conditioned to believe that when they buy a cellphone, the next step is to pick a wireless plan from one of the big carriers: Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile. With their plans ranging from $60 to $200 a month for individuals and families, the price of a phone is soon eclipsed by the recurring service bills .

What if I told you that it no longer had to be this way?

Your phone bill could shrink to as little as $25 a month if you picked a wireless plan from a lesser-known service provider known as a discount carrier. The cheaper plans, based on my tests, offer sufficiently fast internet speeds and reliable phone service. It takes some courage and technological know-how to make the switch, but the potential savings outweigh the downsides.

On the surface, these budget carriers, which include Cricket Wireless , Straight Talk , Boost Mobile , Mint Mobile and Visible , lack a cool factor. They do not operate their own cell networks; instead, they lease wireless services from the big carriers and market them toward retirees. The no-frill plans often have trade-offs, including slower download speeds, since Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers have priority access to faster network performance.

Yet in the past few years, so much has changed that I can now confidently recommend discount phone plans for most people, including white-collar professionals and Instagram-obsessed youths. Here’s why:

Cellular networks have peaked. Newer 5G and 4G cell technology is so fast that even budget carriers can provide very fast download speeds — zippy enough to stream video, load maps and download apps — even if they are somewhat slower than what the Big Three provide.

The shift to hybrid work. Office workers who used to spend more time commuting and had to rely on their cellular network now have their commute time cut in half and are relying more on the Wi-Fi connection at their home or office cubicle for making video calls and sending messages. That means slower cellular performance on a budget carrier may be unnoticeable.

You can try a discount carrier without breaking up with your big carrier. The eSIM, the digital version of the SIM card that carries your phone number, is now common on many modern smartphones. It lets you immediately activate an extra phone line without needing to insert a physical SIM card, which makes experimenting with an off-brand wireless service easier and less intimidating.

Once you have converted to a discount phone plan, the savings add up quickly. A family of four buying new iPhones with a Cricket phone plan would spend $3,762 over two years, $1,311 less than they would spend with Verizon, according to an analysis by WalletHub, a personal finance research firm .

“The negative perception around budget plans is fading,” Cassandra Happe, an analyst for WalletHub, said. “Now they’re seen as a smart choice for everyone. People are realizing you can get a great phone plan without spending a fortune.”

To put discount phone carriers to the test, I activated three services — Visible, Cricket and Straight Talk — on an iPhone. In various locations in California, I ran speed tests, made phone calls and used apps like maps, YouTube and TikTok. For comparisons, I ran the same tests on my Verizon connection.

The discount carriers were, on average, up to 46 percent slower than my Verizon connection. That sounds like a lot, but in real-world tests, I didn’t notice a difference — my apps worked fine, and videos streamed smoothly.

Here’s how the setup and testing process went.

Buying and activating a discount phone plan

Consumers can sign up for discount phone plans by buying a physical SIM card from a website or retail store, though I recommend eSIM as the way. The digital SIM card saves time — and because you can install multiple eSIMs at the same time, you can try a discount carrier and compare it with the performance of your big carrier before deciding on a plan.

The steps for setting up an eSIM vary somewhat from carrier to carrier, but the process is fundamentally consistent: You buy a phone plan through a brand’s website or app and click a button or scan a bar code to activate the service.

Visible charged $25 a month for a plan that included unlimited data; Straight Talk charged $35 a month for a plan with 10 gigabytes of high-speed internet; and Cricket charged $40 — $10 to activate the eSIM and $30 for a monthly plan that included five gigabytes of data.

Visible, which is owned by Verizon, had the smoothest setup. Its mobile app let me buy a phone plan using Apple Pay and tap a few buttons to activate service. With Straight Talk and Cricket, I perused the websites to find their eSIM offerings. I ran into problems with Cricket, which emailed a broken web link to activate my plan; it took me about 20 minutes to find a tool on its website to manually activate my service.

My iPhone could hold up to eight eSIMs, so I installed all three plans and toggled among them for each test.

I drove to 10 locations, including hiking trails, shopping centers and wineries, in California. At each location, I used the Speedtest app to test each carrier’s internet speed, and I called my very patient wife and streamed video on apps like TikTok and YouTube.

Broadly speaking, the discount phone services performed fine. They were occasionally sluggish when loading videos on TikTok, but my Verizon connection had similar delays.

Based on the results measured with the Speedtest app, Cricket and Visible had comparable performances, with download speeds of 154 megabits per second, on average. Straight Talk delivered speeds of 279 megabits per second — similar to my Verizon connection, which delivered download speeds of 287 megabits per second.

What do those numbers mean? To stream video through apps like Netflix and Hulu, you need a minimum of 25 megabits per second, according to AT&T. So the budget carriers gave me more than enough speed to handle some of the most data-intensive tasks.

Taking the leap

Among the three discount carriers, my favorite was Visible because of its smooth setup process and consistent network performance. Visible was also more transparent with its billing in emailed receipts. Straight Talk never emailed me a receipt. I was turned off by Cricket’s clunky website and the $10 fee for activating an eSIM, which was not a charge the other two carriers required.

Angie Klein, president of the Verizon Value organization, which oversees Visible, said its budget plans were designed for tech-savvy customers who wanted a single line, and Verizon’s traditional wireless plans were a full-service experience with more perks. Straight Talk and Cricket did not respond to requests for comment.

On the whole, I don’t have a one-size-fits-all recommendation. As with the big carriers, cellular performance for each discount carrier will vary depending on the network’s coverage where you live and work.

But because eSIM technology makes it easy to switch to another network — and the discount phone plans are cheap — it would be foolish to pass on the opportunity to give a budget phone plan a try.

Last year, Robin Phillips, a 54-year-old Seattle resident who works in food distribution, broke up with Verizon to try Visible. He ran into hiccups. The wireless service initially would not activate, and the customer support agents, available only through a chat app, were unhelpful.

But he said he didn’t regret the switch. Visible’s service began working after a day, and he pays $25 a month, down from the $70 that he used to pay for a Verizon plan. His wife also converted.

“Is it worth it?” he said. “We’re saving about $1,000 a year. I’ll deal with the hassle for that.”

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. More about Brian X. Chen

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