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Launched in 1996 as Topp Telecom, Tracfone Wireless is a prepaid carrier headquartered in Miami, Florida. It’s one of America’s largest prepaid network service providers. In fact, it owns other wireless brands such as Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Net10 Wireless, and more. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), it piggybacks on the nation’s top networks — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.Â
Tracfone offers smartphone and basic plans, including nationwide 4G/5G coverage, unlimited talk and text, high-speed data, mobile hotspot, and much more. No contracts, overage charges, or mystery fees are associated with service plans. In this Tracfone Review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the company’s plans, pricing, performance, cell phones, and customer service.
What We Love About Straight Talk Plans
- Nationwide 4G/5G coverage
- Reasonable price
- Runs on the largest and most dependable networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- Mobile hotspot
- International calling
- No contracts
- No mystery fees
- Bring your own phone
Tracfone Wireless Prepaid Plans with Price
There’s something for everyone at Tracfone. Save on America’s most dependable networks with smartphones, basic phones, and add-on plans. The smartphone plans begin at $15, whereas the basic plan starts at just $9.99. Auto-Refill offers an additional discount on certain deals. Let’s take a closer look.Â
Smartphone Plans
Tracfone’s smartphone plans range from 30 days of service to a whole year. The 30 day smartphone service plans begin at $15/month and go as high as $40/month. As the number of service days increases, so does the price. The table below showcases the differences between these plans.
30-Days Plans
Prepaid Plan | Service Days | Auto-Refill Price | Calling | Texting | Data Usage | Hotspot |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$15​ | 30 | $14.25​ | 500 minutes​ | 500 Texts​ | 500 MB​ | - |
$20​ | 30 | $15 for first 2 months​ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 GB​ | - |
$25​ | 30​ | $20 for first 2 months​ | Unlimited​ | Unlimited​ | 2 GB​ | -​ |
$30​ | 30​ | $25 for first 2 months​ | Unlimited​ | Unlimited​ | 3 GB​ | -​ |
$40​ | 30​ | $35 for first 2 months​ | Unlimited | Unlimited​ | 8 GB​ | Yes |
The $15 plan includes 500 minutes for calling, 500 texts and 500 MB of data usage. The cost is further reduced to $14.25/month if you subscribe to Auto-Refill. This plan is ideal for those with entry-level devices and limited cell phone needs, such as kids and grandparents. If you want more usage, check out other smartphone plans.
For instance, the $30 plan, which you can get for $25 with Auto-Refill, includes unlimited calling, texting and 3GB of data. It is the optimal amount of data if you regularly send or receive emails, browse the web and occasionally use social media. Users with higher data needs can go for the $40 plan, which also gets you access to mobile hotspot with 8GB of data. Â
60-Days Plans
Tracfone Wireless offers two 60-day plans at a slight discount if you choose Auto-Refill. Check the table below.
Plans | Service Days​ | Auto-Refill Price​ | Calling Minutes​ | Texting | Data Usage​ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$25​ | 60​ | $33.25​ | 500 | 1000 | 500 MB​ |
$35​ | 60 | $23.75​ | 750 | 1000 | 1 GB​ |
The $25 plan is only good if you have low data usage, otherwise, we recommend subscribing to the $35 plan that gets you double the data and more calling minutes. Â
90-Days Plans
Similar to 60-days plans, Tracfone offers the following 90-day plans with limited minutes, text messages, and data usage.
Plans | Service Days​ | Calling Minutes​ | Texting | Data Usage​ |
---|---|---|---|---|
$45​ | 90 | 750​ | 1000 | 1.5 GB​ |
$50​ | 90 | 750 | 1500 | 2 GB​ |
There is not much difference between the two plans, except that the $50 plan offers slightly more texts and data.Â
365-Days Plans
Want uninterrupted service for a whole year? Tracfone Wireless has you covered with the following 365-days plans.Â
Plans | Service Days​ | Calling Minutes​ | Texting | Data Usage​ |
---|---|---|---|---|
$125​ | 1 year​ | 1500 | 1500 | 1.46 GB​ |
$199​ | 1 year​ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12 GB​ |
Tracfone plans are unique among other carriers because of unlimited carryover. So if you have unused data, texts, or minutes, they will never expire with active service and move to the next billing cycle.Â
Basic Plans
If you don’t have a smartphone, Tracfone Wireless also offers Basic Plans. These plans are designed for basic cell phones, also called feature phones. The plans range from 30 days of service to a full year. Check out the table below to learn more about each basic plan. Â
Plans | Service Days​ | Auto-Refill Price​ | Feature |
---|---|---|---|
$9.99​ | 30 | -​ | 30 minutes​ |
$19.99​ | 90​ | $17.99​ | 60 minutes​ |
$29.99​ | 90​ | $26.99​ | 120 minutes​ |
$39.99​ | 90​ | $35.99​ | 200 minutes​ |
$79.99​ | 90 | $71.99​ | 450 minutes​ |
$99.99​ | 365 | - | 400 minutes​ |
$159.99​ | 365 | - | 1000 minutes​ |
$199.99​ | 365 | -​ | 1500 minutes​ |
If you don’t use the device much for calling and want to keep the service active, choose the $9.99 plan. Otherwise, go for the $29.99 or $39.99 plan for three months of service with more minutes. By signing up for Auto-Refill, you can save more on basic plans.Â
The yearly $99.99 plan offers greater value for money for those who use their cell phones constantly. Users with high calling needs should go for the $159.99 or $199.99 plan.Â
Add-On Plans
Would you like to add more minutes, texts, or data to your plan? Tracfone Wireless offers add-on plans to satisfy your growing needs. Simply combine them with your existing plan, and keep using your phone without interruptions. Below you can see all the add-on plans and features.Â
Plans​ | Price | Features |
---|---|---|
Text Add On​ | $5​ | 1000 Texts​ |
Calling Add On​ | $10​ | 500 minutes​ |
Data Add On​ | $10​ | 1GB Data​ |
Global Calling Card​ | $10​ | Call thousands of destinations ​ |
The Global Calling Card allows you to call any International Destination for rates as low as one cent. Click here to find the call rate for any country. The Global Calling Card also gets you a Mexican phone number to call friends and family at the local rate. You can make quick calls using Tracfone’s International Dialer app. Â
Tracfone Coverage and Data Speeds
Tracfone knows you want to stay connected with your friends, family, and loved ones 24×7. That’s why Tracfone uses the same towers as major carriers, giving customers the best possible coverage.Â
We were on the T-Mobile network with Tracfone Wireless service plans. Cell phone reception was strong, especially in urban areas. The calls always connected, the voice quality was good, and no missed texts. However, you might face weaker network reception in rural areas, but that’s common with MVNOs. Despite that, calls, messages, and emails came through.
We were also impressed with the fast data speeds. Videos streamed without buffering thanks to the high-speed 5G/4G LTE data included in plans. We also played online games such as PUBG and Call of Duty without lag. Coverage varies by location. To verify the coverage in your area, enter the zip code here. Overall, we didn’t face any major trouble with network performance.
Tracfone Wireless Cell Phone Options
Like other MVNOs, Tracfone Wireless has the Bring Your Own Phone program. So you can keep your current device while shifting to Tracfone Wireless. However, it should be compatible with the carrier. Compatible phones include GSM-unlocked phones, AT&T-compatible phones, T-Mobile-compatible phones, Verizon-compatible phones, etc. Â
If you want to buy a new device instead, Tracfone Wireless has a great selection of phones. Currently, they offer over 40 smartphones, including iOS, Android, and basic cell phones. Tracfone customers can get a great deal on cell phones. For instance, if you buy iPhone SE with a $25 monthly plan, you get six months of free service. Cool, right?Â
Samsung Galaxy A03 is available below $100. Additionally, you also have low payment monthly plans. Overall, Tracfone Wireless offers decent cell phones at reasonable prices.
Tracfone Wireless Service Activation
After you have purchased the device or service, it will be delivered to your doorstep. The package contains all the information required to activate the service.
You can head to the Activate section on the Tracfone website. After that, choose between a New Phone or Keep Your Own Phone. Then, continue the procedure as described. The service will be activated within hours. If you’re having trouble configuring it yourself, please reach out to customer support.
Tracfone Wireless Rewards
With Tracfone Wireless, you don’t need to look for extra coupons or discounts. The rewards program lets you earn points by successfully carrying out some activities. For instance, you can play games, watch short video clips, share stuff on social media, and more to earn points. These points are later used to get free service plans, add-on cards, and offers on dining, entertainment, etc. Also, if you refer a friend to Tracfone, both of you get a full free month of service. Tracfone rewards make the service more affordable for users.
Tracfone Wireless Customer Service
Situations may arise where you need to contact Tracfone for assistance. They have a dedicated customer service team available to assist customers with any issues regarding service plans, phone or activation of service. For basic information such as remaining balance, plan refills, and more, you can call 611611.
Otherwise, you can contact a customer representative through chat or call. It is available from 8 AM – 11:45 PM all days of the week. Go to the website to chat for live support or call at 1-800-867-7183. Â
Final Verdict
Tracfone has been in the market for over 20 years. Therefore, they have a large base of subscribers and loyal customers. Their service plans include unlimited talk and text but limited high-speed data. It’s ideal for consumers with limited data needs.Â
The network performance is fast and reliable for the most part. They also offer great deals on smartphones. Users who want a no-contract wireless service, cut down on cell phone bills, and increase savings should consider buying Tracfone Wireless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What network does Tracfone Wireless use?
Tracfone wireless runs on America’s top and most dependable networks— Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Does Tracfone offer 5G connectivity?
Yes, Tracfone offers 5G connectivity, but it depends upon your location. Check Tracfone Wireless coverage here.
Is Tracfone Wireless the same as Straight Talk?
Straight Talk Wireless is a subsidiary of Tracfone Wireless. Tracfone also owns other brands, including SIMPLE Mobile, Total Wireless, SafeLink, Net10 Wireless, etc.
What smartphones are compatible with Tracfone?
Tracfone compatible phones include GSM Unlocked phones, AT&TÂ phones, T-Mobile phones, Verizon phones, and CDMA Technology compatible phones.
Does Tracfone support WiFi calling?
Yes, but make sure your device is compatible with WiFi calling.