Oct 17 AT 5:11 PM Taylor Wimberly 116 Comments

Top 5 pre-paid wireless plans for Android phones

sim-card-swap

Six months ago I was a pre-paid virgin, but I finally decided to make the switch after getting fed up with carrier contracts, bloatware apps, and poor software support. Since I made the move I have been swapping devices, SIMs, and service plans with no long term commitments and it feels great. There are a lot of pre-paid choices out there, so read on for our top picks.

I have had the opportunity to try out service from Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and Solavei, so it felt like this was a good time to share my experiences. If you have already made the decision to try out pre-paid service on your Android phone, then check out our list of Top 5 plans. Keep in mind that pre-paid service is not for everyone so read up on my previous ramblings for more information.

1. Straight Talk SIM

Networks: AT&T or T-Mobile

Plan: $45 per month:  Unlimited talk, text, and data.

SIM card fee: $14.99

The good: Choice of AT&T or T-Mobile’s network.

The not-so-good: Data policy is not clearly defined. You will get a warning if you go over an imaginary data limit, which can differ from market to market.

More info: Official site

2. T-Mobile Monthly 4G

Network: T-Mobile

Plans: $30 for 100 minutes, unlimited text, and data (throttled after 5 GB). $60 for unlimited talk, text, and data (throttled after 2 GB). $70 for unlimited talk, text, and data (throttled after 5 GB).

SIM card fee: $0.99

The good: Cheapest prices. Multiple plans to choose from. In-store support.

The not-so-good: Only T-Mobile compatible phones will see full 4G HSPA+ speeds, but this will improve as T-Mobile upgrades their network to support 1900 MHz in their top 50 markets by end of 2012.

More info: Official site

3. Solavei

Network: T-Mobile

Plans: $49 per month:  Unlimited talk, text, and data (throttled after 4 GB)

SIM card fee: $9

The good: Clearly defined data policy, after 4 GB you will be throttled. Pays you a monthly bonus for customers you refer.

The not-so-good: Only T-Mobile compatible phones will see full 4G HSPA+ speeds, but this will improve as T-Mobile upgrades their network to support 1900 MHz in their top 50 markets by end of 2012.

More info: Official site (referral link)

4. Simple Mobile

Networks: T-Mobile

Plans: $40 per month:  Unlimited talk, text, and data (3G speeds). $50 per month:  Unlimited talk, text, and data (4G speeds).

SIM card fee: $12.99

The good: Multiple plan options.

The not-so-good: Data policy is not clearly defined. Only T-Mobile compatible phones will see full 4G HSPA+ speeds, , but this will improve as T-Mobile upgrades their network to support 1900 MHz in their top 50 markets by end of 2012.

More info: Official site

5. NET10 SIM

Networks: AT&T or T-Mobile

Plans: $50 per month:  Unlimited talk, text, and data.

SIM card fee: $9.99

The good: Choice of AT&T or T-Mobile’s network.

The not-so-good: Owned by same parent company as Straight Talk and offers same service, yet $5 more per month.

More infoOfficial site

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, SNIDE REMARKS?

This is our first attempt at a Top 5 list for pre-paid wireless plans for Android phone, so please share your feedback. Are there additional details that we need to cover? Find a better pre-paid option? Let us know in the comments below.

Taylor is the founder of Android and Me. He resides in Dallas and carries the HTC One as his daily device. Ask him a question on Twitter or Google+ and he is likely to respond. | Ethics statement