Top-up Comparison — Budget options (US)
Find the best prepaid refill for low-cost plans: compare price-per-GB, bonus minutes, validity and promos across major carriers and MVNOs.
How we compare top-ups
We score offers on: price per GB/minute, refill validity, network coverage, and any bonus credits. This page focuses on budget-friendly choices under $30.
- Normalized price per GB to make fair comparisons
- Validity window and auto-renew behavior
- Extra perks: bonus data, international minutes, bonus texts
Expert note
Budget top-ups often trade data speed or duration for lower upfront cost. Check coverage in your ZIP before committing.
Ava Martinez
Prepaid specialist
Side-by-side comparison
| Provider | Refill | Data (GB) | Validity | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carrier A |
$10 | 3 GB | 30 days | $10.00 | 8.2 |
 MVNO X |
$15 | 6 GB | 60 days | $15.00 | 8.7 |
 Carrier B |
$20 | 10 GB | 30 days | $20.00 | 7.9 |
 Budget MVNO Y |
$8 | 1.5 GB | 30 days | $8.00 | 7.1 |
Scores are illustrative — verify live prices and promos on provider sites. Use our Plan Optimizer to personalize results.
Filter by need
Top budget picks balance price and usable data within 30 days.
MVNO X — $15 / 6GB
Good long validity and low $/GB.
Carrier A — $10 / 3GB
Widely available in urban areas.
Budget MVNO Y — $8 / 1.5GB
Lowest price, limited data.Coverage-first picks use major carrier networks with wider rural reach.
- Carrier B — Broad nationwide footprint
- Carrier A — Good city coverage
- MVNOs mirror their host networks — check host network for coverage maps
If speed matters: prefer offers tied directly to major carriers (Carrier A, Carrier B).
FAQ — Budget top-ups
Rollover policies vary. Many budget top-ups do not roll over data — they extend validity instead. Check provider terms before purchase.
MVNOs use host networks but may have different priority and promo eligibility. Performance can be similar in many locations.
Promos and refill pricing change frequently. Use the Plan Optimizer or provider site for live offers before purchasing.
Start saving on top-ups
Pinpoint the best refill for your monthly budget and usage. Use our tools or contact an expert for personalized help.
