Battle: Comparing the Cheapest Cell Phone Plans

Talk may be cheap, but unfortunately cell phone plans aren't. To help you choose a plan that's right for your budget, we compiled data to compare the cheapest cell phone plans. Which carrier offers the most comprehensive plan for the least amount of money? Find out below.

Least Expensive Cell Phone Packages

	Verizon Wireless	Sprint	AT&T	T-Mobile	Metro PCS
Least expensive (basic) plan	$39.99/mo for 450 mins, $0.20/txt, $1.99/MB	$29.99 for 200 mins, $0.20/txt, $0.03/KB	$39.99 for 450 mins, $0.20/txt, $2/MB	$39.99 for 500 mins, $0.20/txt, $10/200MB	$40 for unlimited mins, unlimited txt, unlimited MetroWeb
Least expensive (unlimited) plan	$119.98	$99.99	$114.99	$79.99	$60

^{Note: Prices current as of May 2011. All prices are subject to change.}

Each of the above carriers offers a dizzying array of individual and family-based plans. The plans, rates, and terminology can be overwhelming, so we compared data on just the least-expensive, individual basic plans and the least-expensive, individual unlimited plans.

In terms of basic plans, Sprint comes in with the lowest package offering a $29.99 basic plan that includes 200 talk minutes, a la carte texting at $0.20/txt, and a la carte Web access at $0.03/KB. However, while Sprint may offer the least expensive basic plan, Metro PCS offers the best value with its $40 basic unlimited plan. It's worth noting that this basic "unlimited" plan offers unlimited MetroWeb data, which doesn't take into account YouTube streaming, instant messaging or other data-heavy features. What MetroWeb does cover is access to Facebook, AccuWeather.com, GameLoft, Fox News and more. (Click here to see the full list of supported sites.)

As far as unlimited plans go, Metro PCS again wins by a large margin. This time we looked at Metro PCS' top-tier unlimited plan: the 4G LTE Unlimited Premium Plan, which includes unlimited access to everything. At $60/mo, it's roughly $20 cheaper than the lowest unlimited plan offered by Verizon, Sprint, AT&T or T-Mobile.

Ultimately, our best recommendation when choosing a plan is to read everything carefully. Rates change constantly and what one carrier calls "unlimited" may not fit your definition of unlimited. In addition, make sure you don't overpay for something you don't need. According to BillShrink, the average user overpays on their cell phone bill by $336 per year. So while the sound of unlimited may seem appealing, there might be a chance you can squeeze by without an unlimited plan. Gauge your usage and find out which features you're willing to compromise on and which ones are a necessity.