Managing customer and team relationships requires having the best business cell phone plans that help effectively manage costs, maintain seamless communication, and maximize productivity. With numerous options available, it’s crucial to understand that not all plans offer the same functionality, making it challenging to choose the right one. Our comprehensive guide will help you select the plan that best supports your business needs.
The best cell phone business plans are affordable, averaging $40 per month or less, and offer features such as unlimited texting and calling, mobile data, substantial internal storage, and international roaming. Here is a curated list of our recommended best business cell phone plans to help your team thrive in today’s digital age of technology.
- Verizon: Best for network reliability and coverage
- AT&T: Best for small to medium-sized teams
- T-Mobile: Best for unlimited data and high-volume usage
- RingCentral: Best for mobile and remote teams
- Google Voice: Best for basic VoIP communications
Also read: VoIP vs Cellular: What’s the Difference?
What is a business cell phone plan?
A business cell phone plan is a specialized mobile service designed for companies and organizations, offering tailored voice and data services for professional use. Unlike personal plans aimed at individual use, business plans include features that enhance operational efficiency and support a range of business activities like customer service and sales.
These plans offer varied configurations and capabilities, from basic voice-only services to advanced features like voicemail transcription, call flip, and enhanced support. Available on regular cell phones and smartphones, business cell phone plans ensure reliable connectivity for both domestic and long-distance interactions and internet access.
How much do business cell phone plans cost?
Business cell phone plans vary significantly in pricing based on the features included, typically averaging around $40 per line per month for basic plans. These entry-level plans generally offer essential features such as unlimited minutes, texts, and a set data allowance, making them well-suited for small businesses with straightforward communication needs.
Mid-range plans are great for growing businesses and usually cost about $65 per line, per month. These plans often have enhanced features, including larger data allowances, mobile hotspot capabilities, and international roaming. For enterprises with more complex requirements, high-end plans starting at $80 per line, per month are available. These plans include unlimited data, premium support, and call center features like hotdesking and call recording.
Unlike personal mobile plans, business plans are designed with scalable features and pricing structures that reflect their capacity to accommodate larger volumes and advanced functionalities. Enterprise clients can take advantage of bulk or volume-based pricing, which reduces the cost per line as the number of connections increases.
Additionally, many providers offer discounts for consolidating multiple accounts under a single business contract, streamlining billing, and reducing overall expenses. Annual billing instead of monthly payments often results in greater savings because providers offer lower rates for clients who commit to a yearly payment cycle. Businesses can achieve financial benefits by strategically utilizing these pricing models while ensuring that their telecom services meet operational needs.
Top 5 business cell phone plans
Software
Expert score
Monthly Starting Price (per Line)
Key features
Verizon
4.61
$75 (postpaid)
$40 (prepaid)
- 5G Ultra Wideband
- Up to 200GB premium mobile hotspot data
- Device protection
AT&T
4.56
$65.99
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- AT&T ActiveArmor for spam call blocking and Wi-Fi protection
- AutoPay & paperless bill discount
T-Mobile
4.50
$55
- Unlimited Premium Data
- Yearly phone upgrade
- Voicemail to text
RingCentral
3.82
$30
- Unlimited domestic calling
- Up to 10,000 toll-free minutes
- Advanced call monitoring
Google Voice
3.59
$10
- Unlimited international locations
- Unlimited domestic call and text
- Call forwarding
Verizon: Best for network reliability & coverage
Overall Reviewer Score
4.61/5
Pricing:
4.44/5
General features:
5/5
Mobile Features:
5/5
User Experience and Usability:
5/5
Security and Compliance:
4.6/5
Customer Support and Services:
4.25/5
User Experience:
3/5
Pros
- Varied hardware offerings (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
- Offers TravelPass (8 days per month)
- Full-featured admin dashboard
- Call filtering on all plans
- Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) option
- Mobile device management
Cons
- No 5G Ultra Wideband on the base plan
- Complexity in pricing and add-ons
Why we chose Verizon
In 2024, Verizon won the J.D. Power award for Wireless Network Quality for the 32nd time in a row, emphasizing its network reliability, quality, and security. Verizon stood out because of its extensive network coverage and reliability, making it an excellent choice for small and large businesses requiring consistent connectivity in different locations.
Its extensive plans accommodate businesses of all sizes, especially those with sizable data consumption needs. For example, Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan comes with high-speed international data, talk, and text, ensuring your executives can coordinate with their teams even when on travel.
This provider offers a range of discounts, like a monthly $10 discount if you opt for auto-pay and paper-free billing. Get volume-based discounts and pay less for each line you add. For example, the Ultimate Welcome plan costs $65 per line for one line and drops to $55 per line when you get two. Three lines save you $25 per line monthly; four lines mean you’re paying less than 50% per line starting at $30 monthly.
AT&T: Best for small to medium-sized teams
Overall Reviewer Score
4.56/5
Pricing:
3.69/5
General features:
5/5
Mobile Features:
5/5
User Experience and Usability:
5/5
Security and Compliance:
4.6/5
Customer Support and Services:
3.75/5
User Experience:
4.05/5
Pros
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in the US, Canada, and Mexico
- Unlimited texting to over 200 countries
- In-car Wi-Fi and wireless internet service
- 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) streaming is available
- Mobile hotspot
Cons
- Hotspot data speed drops to 128Kbps when the data cap is reached
- High-speed data not included in all plans
Why we chose AT&T
AT&T provides many cell phone plans, including unlimited plans, data-only options, and business packages. This option was our top pick for small to medium enterprises because a single account can accommodate a mix of unlimited plans for two or more lines, allowing teams to select individualized plans within one account. The AT&T Unlimited Starter plan is a favorite among subscribers because you get unlimited 5G data and have call and text services with 5GB of hotspot data per line.
AT&T also has mobile share plans where businesses can select their monthly data amount. For example, you can add up to 25 devices for a 50GB plan. This is ideal for those looking to manage communication costs, as other providers only give you data that can only be used for a specific line or device.
All AT&T plans have access to its standard ActiveArmor mobile security app, which provides data breach alerts and blocks spam calls. Its advanced version is available for Unlimited Extra EL and Premium PL plans or available on other plans as an optional add-on. This upgrade includes public Wi-Fi security, safe browsing, and identity monitoring.
Also read: Best VoIP for Small Business 2024
T-Mobile: Best for unlimited data & high-volume usage
Overall Reviewer Score
4.50/5
Pricing:
3.88/5
General features:
5/5
Mobile Features:
5/5
User Experience and Usability:
5/5
Security and Compliance:
5/5
Customer Support and Services:
3.5/5
User Experience:
3.17/5
Pros
- Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data
- Includes Scam Shield for anti-scam
- Three-month T-Mobile’s 5G network free trial
- Unlimited talk and text time
- Up to 12 lines per account
- Discounts available for seniors, military, and other groups
Cons
- In-flight and travel Wi-Fi is a higher-tier plan feature
- Pricey plans for six lines and below
Why we chose T-Mobile
When it comes to customer-friendly plans with 5G and premium data inclusions, T-Mobile’s Go5G plans are great for unlimited talk time, text, and data. With the highest hotspot threshold of all providers in this list, users get up to 50GB of premium hotspot data. Based on our review, businesses get a great deal out of their Go5G plan, which includes standard unlimited talk and text, unmetered 4G and 5G LTE with 100GB of premium data, unlimited hotspot with 15GB of high-speed data, and unlimited talk, text, and data to Canada and Mexico.
This level of data availability is great for teams and departments that always require fast and reliable internet. For example, sales and marketing teams in the field of tech developers looking for high-speed data and coverage to work efficiently will find these plans more suited to their work.
RingCentral: Best for mobile & remote teams
Overall Reviewer Score
3.82/5
Pricing:
3.63/5
General features:
3.75/5
Mobile Features:
3.75/5
User Experience and Usability:
4.06/5
Security and Compliance:
5/5
Customer Support and Services:
5/5
User Experience:
4.47/5
Pros
- Offers business phone or toll-free numbers
- Unlimited domestic calling in the US and Canada
- Desk phone and conference phone rentals
- Call queues and multi-level auto attendant
- Video conferencing
- Enhanced business messaging
Cons
- Phone rentals are only available with multi-year contracts
- Expensive for single-account users
Why we chose RingCentral
RingCentral ranks among the best cell phone plans for businesses with remote and mobile teams, thanks to its hybrid phone system—offering flexibility and robust VoIP features. With unlimited calling, team messaging, and video conferencing, it enhances productivity by enabling seamless virtual collaboration and keeping teams connected no matter where they are.
RingCentral’s VoIP features empower remote workers by providing reliable communication tools beyond standard call, text, and data services, such as call queues and AI summaries for recorded calls. For example, remote agents can use call routing and real-time analytics to manage operations with a distributed team.
Google Voice: Best for basic VoIP communications
Overall Reviewer Score
3.59/5
Pricing:
2.94/5
General features:
3.38/5
Mobile Features:
3.75/5
User Experience and Usability:
4.38/5
Security and Compliance:
5/5
Customer Support and Services:
2.75/5
User Experience:
4.28/5
Pros
- Offers unlimited users
- Free calling between Google Voice numbers
- Seamless Google Workspace integration
- Unlimited messaging with the US
- User-friendly web and app interface
- Desk phone and analog telephone adapter (ATA)
Cons
- Requires an existing number for call forwarding
- Requires internet connectivity to operate
Why we chose Google Voice
Google Voice is an affordable VoIP solution that integrates with Google Workspace, offering a straightforward cell phone plan without advanced complexities. Integrating seamlessly with Google Workspace, it provides additional capabilities like a digital calendar, Google Meet for video conferencing, and online storage, enhancing communication management while keeping costs low.
For example, a marketing team can use Google Voice to manage client calls and texts from any device. With unified VoIP services, Google tools can be utilized for scheduling and project management, streamlining communication, and boosting productivity.
Key features in business cell phone plans
Reliable and feature-rich cell phone business plans are essential for efficient communication and options. Providers come with various features designed to meet diverse business needs, which help people stay connected, manage tasks efficiently, and handle communications seamlessly. Below are six key features you should look for in a business cell phone plan:
Unlimited call and texting
Unmetered voice and message services on a mobile plan allow for unrestricted communication without the concern of extra costs. This feature is essential for businesses and teams where frequent communication is critical, as it eliminates the worry of exceeding minute limits and incurring additional charges.
Call forwarding
This feature redirects calls to another number, ensuring calls are answered even when the recipient is unavailable. Call forwarding can be customized to route calls based on various criteria, such as specific business needs or time of day.
Mobile hotspot
A mobile hotspot transforms a business cellphone into a portable Wi-Fi access point, enabling other devices like laptops, tablets, and phones to connect to the internet. This feature is crucial for employees who travel or work remotely, providing secure internet access and eliminating the need to rely on unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Caller identification
Identify incoming callers to decide whether to answer, forward, or send the call to voicemail based on priority and predefined protocols. This feature enhances productivity by enabling more effective call management.
Data allowance
Receive a set amount of unlimited mobile data each month for internet usage, supporting activities like email, web browsing, cloud storage, and app functionality. This ensures employees remain connected and productive while on the go, with access to essential digital tools and resources.
Voicemail
Voicemail is a digitally stored voice message left by a caller in a digital mailbox, which can be retrieved later by the intended recipient. This feature ensures no missed calls, promoting effective communication and business continuity.
International roaming
Stay connected while traveling overseas with your phone, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use data with pre-set rates and promotions. These packages are essential for teams with international operations, ensuring seamless communication and internet access abroad.
Also read: VoIP vs Landline: The Pros & Cons for Business
Choosing the best cell phone business plans
When choosing your team’s best business cell phone plan, you must carefully evaluate your needs. For instance, field operators or sales teams who often work on the road require plans with a high volume of calls and texts and unlimited mobile data. On the other hand, customer service teams require plans that facilitate efficient client communications, so crucial features include call quality, reliability, and voicemail capabilities.
Here are important considerations when choosing cell phone plans for your business:
- Contract length: Carefully assess your level of commitment because while long-term contracts offer more significant cost savings, they reduce your flexibility, especially for growing businesses with dynamic needs.
- Pricing: Remember that the overall cost may be larger than the published rates because of installation fees and add-on features. The best business cell phone plan is the one that fits your budget and offers essential features for your business. We recommend finding plans with scalable pricing where you can add or remove lines and services as your business evolves.
- International roaming and coverage: Frequent travelers require a plan with comprehensive global coverage and reasonable roaming rates. Aside from checking network coverage, ensure the provider offers strong reliability in the regions and locations where you do business.
- Hardware and cellphones: Check the variety of cellphone and hardware options available with plans if you want a device with your package. Some providers offer device rental and leasing options so that teams can equip their teams with the necessary technology with a cost-efficient upfront investment.
- Data inclusions: Choose a plan based on how much data your business requires. Ask providers if they have packages with data pooling across multiple lines so teams with varying needs can share data.
- Customer support: Review which plans offer dedicated business support lines and 24/7 assistance so you’re assured issues that arise are efficiently handled.
- Security features: Ask about privacy and data protection features, check if mobile devices have secure VPN access, and regular security updates to protect sensitive business data and communications.
Looking for a full-service VoIP provider? Check out our VoIP Software Guide for 2024.
Methodology
Here’s why you can trust TechnologyAdvice:
When compiling our rankings, we evaluated various providers based on critical criteria, including pricing, core features, customer service, ease of use, and user feedback. Our team conducted thorough industry research and assessed multiple companies and their plans, scoring them across these categories that prioritize the features most valuable to business owners and managers. Our commitment is to provide accurate and unbiased rankings to offer the best information to support your business journey.
Our process includes reviewing leading carriers and VoIP services, with multiple levels of fact-checking and thorough reviews. We also conduct hands-on testing to assess the user experience across different platforms.