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’re throwing in perks to win you over.
For the last six years now, however, I’ve opted to go with service from MVNOs like Cricket Wireless, Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and Visible for their aggressively priced plans. In fact, they’re some of the best cheap cell phone plans around — but traditional carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are just as competitive with their budget cell phone plans.
What’s also really awesome about these budget cell phone plans is that they come with freebies. I’m 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.
Free smartwatch data plan included with Visible+
Visible has one of my favorite perks — smartwatch data service — which is included with its $45 per month Visible+ plan. 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.
Other carriers typically charge $5 to $10 per month for a similar package, but it’s included for free with the Visible+ plan. In addition to supporting the Apple Watch, it allows you to activate Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy watches as well.
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 — and stay connected via phone calls and text messages — all right on my wrist.
T-Mobile’s free subscription to Netflix
Despite being one of the pricier cell phone plans at $85 per month for a single line, T-Mobile’s Experience More plan includes a free subscription to Netflix. That’s one less thing you’ll need to pay for separately, which, at $8.99 per month for Netflix Standard with ads, saves you over $107 a year.
If you crave even more content, T-Mobile also gives you the option to add an Apple TV+ subscription for $3 per month. That’s an extra savings over the usual $12.99 per month cost that it commands.
Protect your web surfing with Google Fi’s built-in VPN privacy
Just last month, I finally put Google Fi’s $35 per month unlimited cell phone plan to the test, only to discover a perk that makes surfing the web safer: it comes with a built-in VPN service.
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 — so I ended up switching from my Galaxy S26 to the Pixel 10.
While many of the best cheap VPN services cost upwards of $3 per month, the savings over the course of a year does add up.
Never worry about price hikes with Verizon’s Price Lock Guarantee
If you have subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Max, you already know all too well how easily companies can raise costs.
Similar to how phones get more expensive each year, the same often applies to your cell phone plan. With Verizon’s price lock perk, however, you won’t have to worry about sudden rate increases after your first year of signing up.
All three of Verizon’s current unlimited plans qualify for this 3-year price lock guarantee. For its base $55 per month Unlimited Welcome plan, that means you’ll be able to lock in a lower rate for much longer.
When you enroll, you’ll 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 — so it won’t protect you from changes to optional add-ons, government taxes, or carrier fees.
Total Wireless Rewards Program
Finally, the best hidden perk I’ve come across with cell phone plans is the rewards program available through Total Wireless. The Verizon-owned MVNO offers a free loyalty program that allows users to accumulate points passively just by refilling their monthly service.
Similar to other loyalty rewards programs, you can also rack up points through active tasks — like playing daily minigames, answering surveys, and referring friends.
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’s a dedicated perks section filled with other useful savings, like a 20% discount at Papa John’s and various local shopping deals.
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