Contract (Post-Paid)

Usually consists of a month to month contract, with payment due at the end of a month of usage. These plans generally require a 2 year commitment, but intice subscribers through discounts on new phones.

Pros

• Available from most carriers
• Great Discounts
• Affordability

Cons

• Long term contract
• Locked in prices and terms
• Phone must be compatible with carrier

Prepaid

Plans that can be purchased through minute and data cards (AKA "preloaded accounts"), but have no requirements for monthly payments. Also referred to as Pay As You Go plans. These are often the most flexible plans for users.

Pros

• Cost is based on usage
• No commitments
• Usually allows any phone

Cons

• No discounts or promotions
• Usually higher costs with high usage

Month To Month

Plans that don't require yearly commitments, but provide access to carrier plans. These offer more flexibility than contracts, but still benefit from carrier subscriber perks.

Pros

• No Contracts
• Latest phones and gadgets

Cons

• Higher cost
• Lower or no discounts and promotions

Unlimited Plans

Becoming more popular, these plans give unlimited talk, text, and data. These plans are great for high demand users. Be wary of speed restrictions or "throttling" over certain usage limits.

Pros

• No limit on usage
• Latest phones and devices

Cons

• Higher Costs
• Some have data "throttling"