All the U.S. Phone Companies That Offer the iPhone

It's not just the big four anymore

When the iPhone was introduced, it could be used only with AT&T, which had exclusive rights. However, consumers can now choose from several iPhone carriers. Whether you want to use your iPhone with a standard monthly plan, prepay for usage, or get a discounted model from a regional carrier, you have options. To help you sort through what's available, here's a round-up of all the U.S. iPhone carriers, broken down by type.

You don't have to stay with one company forever. It's possible to switch your iPhone carrier, but it's important to understand the cost and other factors.

Map of State Capitals in the USA
JakeOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images

National iPhone Carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

National carriers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon are the major companies people associate with the iPhone. These companies service the largest number of customers across the country. All four provide calling, data, texting, personal hotspots, family plans, and the latest iPhone models.

These companies are a sure bet, offering all the features and models you may want, but may be more expensive than smaller carriers, with limited upgrade options.

T-Mobile and Sprint merged in April 2020.

Prepaid National Carriers

Prepaid carriers offer similar services to the major carriers. However, instead of paying a fixed monthly fee for phone and data use, you pay a certain amount that's debited as you use the phone. When you use what you've paid, you have to recharge your account.

You can save considerable money using a prepaid plan, but there are some drawbacks. For example, you usually have to pay for the phone, and there might be roaming restrictions.

Here are some of the best prepaid plans to use with your iPhone.

Boost Mobile

All Boost Mobile prepaid plans include talk, text, unlimited data, unlimited music streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more features. Plans range from $35 to $60 per month, with additional savings when you add a line.

T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile's prepaid offerings start at $15 per month, including unlimited talk and text plus 2 GB of high-speed data. Coverage extends through North America, so if you go to Canada, Mexico, or Latin America, you're in luck.

AT&T Prepaid

AT&T Prepaid has plans that start at $25 per month with high-speed data, unlimited talk and text in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, rollover data, and multi-line discounts.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile has prepaid plans that range from $15 to $25 per month. These plans include unlimited talk and text, 4G LTE high-speed data, nationwide coverage, and the ability to keep your phone number.

Straight Talk

Straight Talk's prepaid plans start at $30 per month and let you refill your service plan automatically. With unlimited talk and text, high-speed data, and reliable coverage, there are plans that meet anyone's needs.

Other Carriers

Consumer Cellular, Cricket, Simple Mobile, Walmart's My Family Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Net10 Wireless offer a variety of prepaid plans with excellent features.

Regional Carriers

Unless you live in certain, mostly rural, places, you may not have heard of most regional iPhone carriers. These smaller providers serve customers with coverage and plans suited to their area, often providing coverage for hard-to-reach areas.

Here's a look at regional carriers in the U.S.

Many of these providers offer nationwide coverage plans to customers in their specific areas.

Other Carriers

As the iPhone becomes more wide-ranging, additional carriers that don't fit in the categories above are starting to offer it. These are often national carriers that target their services at specific markets or customers. Some of the most prominent of these niche carriers are:

Was this page helpful?