{"id":662373,"date":"2026-05-24T14:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T14:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/662373\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T14:00:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T14:00:14","slug":"i-dont-love-cheap-cell-phone-plans-just-for-the-savings-they-also-come-with-these-hidden-perks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/662373\/","title":{"rendered":"I don\u2019t love cheap cell phone plans just for the savings \u2014 they also come with these hidden perks"},"content":{"rendered":"

There was a time long ago when I was paying upwards of $99 a month for my cell phone plan, which still had a limit to the amount of phone calls and text messages I could send each month. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and with more wireless carriers than ever before vying for your business, they\u2019re throwing in perks to win you over.<\/p>\n

For the last six years now, however, I\u2019ve opted to go with service from MVNOs<\/a> like Cricket Wireless, Google Fi<\/a>, Mint Mobile<\/a>, and Visible<\/a> for their aggressively priced plans. In fact, they\u2019re some of the best cheap cell phone plans<\/a> around \u2014 but traditional carriers like Verizon<\/a>, AT&T, and T-Mobile<\/a> are just as competitive with their budget cell phone plans.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s also really awesome about these budget cell phone plans is that they come with freebies. I\u2019m talking about extra perks beyond just the usual hotspot functionality and international service. Since I also test out a number of cell phone plans each year, here are some of my favorite hidden perks.<\/p>\n

Latest Videos From<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Free smartwatch data plan included with Visible+<\/p>\n

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\"Apple\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Visible has one of my favorite perks \u2014 smartwatch data service \u2014 which is included with its $45 per month Visible+ plan<\/a>. Not only is this unlimited data plan dirt cheap, but you also don’t need an add-on service just to get your smartwatch connected to your account.<\/p>\n

Other carriers typically charge $5 to $10 per month for a similar package, but it\u2019s included for free with the Visible+ plan. In addition to supporting the Apple Watch<\/a>, it allows you to activate Google<\/a> Pixel and Samsung Galaxy watches as well.<\/p>\n

I personally use this perk because it lets me work out outdoors without needing to bring my phone. I can still stream music through my Apple Watch using Spotify<\/a> \u2014 and stay connected via phone calls and text messages \u2014 all right on my wrist.<\/p>\n

T-Mobile\u2019s free subscription to Netflix<\/p>\n

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\"Netflix\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: CardMapr)<\/p>\n

Despite being one of the pricier cell phone plans at $85 per month for a single line, T-Mobile\u2019s Experience More plan includes a free subscription to Netflix<\/a>. That\u2019s one less thing you\u2019ll need to pay for separately, which, at $8.99 per month for Netflix Standard with ads, saves you over $107 a year.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

If you crave even more content, T-Mobile also gives you the option to add an Apple TV+ subscription for $3 per month. That\u2019s an extra savings over the usual $12.99 per month cost that it commands.<\/p>\n

Protect your web surfing with Google Fi\u2019s built-in VPN privacy <\/p>\n

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\"Google\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Just last month, I finally put Google Fi\u2019s $35 per month unlimited cell phone plan to the test<\/a>, only to discover a perk that makes surfing the web safer: it comes with a built-in VPN service<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A lot of people overlook how unsafe it can be to browse online when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, but this included feature in the Unlimited Essentials plan shields all of my data and browsing from prying eyes. However, this built-in protection appears to be exclusive to Pixel phones \u2014 so I ended up switching from my Galaxy S26<\/a> to the Pixel 10<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

While many of the best cheap VPN services<\/a> cost upwards of $3 per month, the savings over the course of a year does add up.<\/p>\n

Never worry about price hikes with Verizon’s Price Lock Guarantee<\/p>\n

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\"Verizon\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Verizon)<\/p>\n

If you have subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Max, you already know all too well how easily companies can raise costs.<\/p>\n

Similar to how phones get more expensive each year, the same often applies to your cell phone plan. With Verizon\u2019s price lock perk<\/a>, however, you won\u2019t have to worry about sudden rate increases after your first year of signing up.<\/p>\n

All three of Verizon\u2019s current unlimited plans qualify for this 3-year price lock guarantee. For its base $55 per month Unlimited Welcome plan, that means you\u2019ll be able to lock in a lower rate for much longer.<\/p>\n

When you enroll, you\u2019ll automatically lock in your base monthly rate for 36 months from the day you start or switch to the plan. Even better, if you decide to change your plan, the three-year clock completely resets. Just keep in mind that this guarantee applies strictly to your base talk, text, and data rate \u2014 so it won\u2019t protect you from changes to optional add-ons, government taxes, or carrier fees.<\/p>\n

Total Wireless Rewards Program<\/p>\n

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\"Total\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Finally, the best hidden perk I\u2019ve come across with cell phone plans is the rewards program<\/a> available through Total Wireless<\/a>. The Verizon-owned MVNO offers a free loyalty program that allows users to accumulate points passively just by refilling their monthly service.<\/p>\n

Similar to other loyalty rewards programs, you can also rack up points through active tasks \u2014 like playing daily minigames, answering surveys, and referring friends.<\/p>\n

I think the best part is that when you redeem your points, you can use them for practical things beyond just a basic bill discount. I also love that there\u2019s a dedicated perks section filled with other useful savings, like a 20% discount at Papa John\u2019s and various local shopping deals.<\/p>\n

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\"Google\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom’s Guide on YouTube<\/a> and follow us on TikTok<\/a>. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom’s Guide Savings Squad hub<\/a> for expert help on getting the best products for less. <\/p>\n

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