What Are the Best Phone Plans for Students?

Are you a student navigating university life? Or a parent looking to set your college-bound kid up for success? Either way, choosing the right phone plan can make a big difference. Balancing affordability and flexibility with the right features is key to finding a plan that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to help you find the ideal phone plan and devices for school.  

Affordable phone plans to help students save money 

If you’re a student or a parent looking for prepaid mobile deals, consider NOW by Xfinity, offered exclusively for customers of Xfinity Internet or NOW Internet. NOW Mobile’s prepaid features make it a simple and affordable phone plan:

• Unlimited data, calls, and text: NOW Mobile offers NOW Unlimited, an unlimited data plan so you can avoid data limits or extra charges. This way, you can browse, stream, and stay connected without worry.

• Flexibility and affordability: NOW Mobile is straightforward. With no hidden fees, it’s perfect if you're a student managing a tight budget. You can also pause and resume your service at any time. 

• Nationwide 5G coverage: NOW Mobile helps you stay connected with reliable 5G coverage whether you’re on campus, back home, or on an epic road trip. 

• Device deals or bring your own device (BYOD): You can bring your own unlocked device, whether it’s a phone or tablet. NOW Mobile also offers deals on Samsung and Motorola devices. 

• 20+ million Xfinity WiFi hotspots: NOW Mobile customers get access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout our service area to help you stay connected. These hotspots give you fast, convenient WiFi and are free to NOW Mobile customers. 

Best premium phone plans for college students 

Need more robust features and faster data speeds? Xfinity Mobile has excellent cell phone plans for students offered exclusively to customers of Xfinity or NOW Internet. Here are some great reasons to choose Xfinity Mobile as your student cell phone plan: 

• Premium 5G coverage: With Xfinity Mobile’s 5G network and access to 5G Ultra Wideband in select areas, you can stream high-quality videos, play online games, or use data-heavy applications like TikTok or Netflix. This ensures a reliable and fast connection. 

• Unlimited data: Not all unlimited data plans were created equal. Xfinity Mobile’s Unlimited plan usually covers most needs, but an upgrade to Unlimited Plus offers even faster speeds, perfect for mobile gaming or high-quality streaming. 

• Trade-in or BYOD: Want to save money on a new device, or love your current phone? Enjoy great smartphone deals by trading in your phone, or bring your own device (note: you may need to unlock your device with your current provider). 

• 20+ million Xfinity WiFi hotspots: Xfinity has millions of WiFi hotspots throughout our service area to help you stay connected. These hotspots give you fast, convenient WiFi and are free to Xfinity Mobile customers. 

• Savings over major carriers: Save hundreds a year over T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon with Xfinity Mobile. 

Savings and best price comparison: Compares 2 Unlimited lines and lowest price 5G plans of top three carriers. Taxes and fees extra. Reduced speeds after 30GB of usage. Data thresholds may vary.  

A great phone plan like Xfinity Mobile can provide a smoother experience. Especially if you’re a social media butterfly, a serious gamer, or you’re ready to stream the latest show whenever, wherever. 

Shopping for back-to-school devices 

Prepping for school means having the right devices at the ready. Think convenience and efficiency. Here are some top recommendations: 

• Best tablets for note-taking: A tablet with a high-resolution screen and good battery life is essential for taking notes and staying organized. Models that support styluses can help you be more efficient when taking notes. Xfinity Mobile and NOW Mobile both have tablet plans so you can cross your I’s and dot your T’s.

• Best smartwatches for health tracking: A smartwatch with health tracking features can help you monitor your fitness and manage your schedule effectively, keeping you on top of both your physical and academic goals. With Xfinity Mobile, you can add a smartwatch for a low monthly cost to make every second count. 

• Best phone for students: Choose a phone that combines durability with performance. Look for a model that meets your needs, whether for academic purposes, socializing, or staying connected with family. Both NOW Mobile and Xfinity mobile offer great deals on smartphones. 

Check out the latest Xfinity Mobile device deals and NOW mobile device deals.

So, what is the best student cell phone plan? 

As you compare phone plans, remember that many providers have been increasing their prices recently. Opting for a plan that is simple, easy to understand, and flexible can help you save money. Look for plans with clear pricing and no hidden fees to avoid complications and keep costs manageable. NOW Mobile is an affordable phone plan with no hidden fees and unlimited data. And Xfinity Mobile offers great deals on the latest devices and choice between unlimited and by-the-gig plans.

Interested in more mobile insights? Check out these articles for additional information: 

• Looking to Switch Phone Carriers? – Follow These Steps

• How to Switch Carriers and Keep Your Number

• What’s the Difference Between Prepaid and Postpaid Mobile Plans?

Restrictions apply. Xfinity post-paid or NOW Internet required. One-time line set up fee of $25 waived between 2/5/25 – 5/14/25. Intl. and roaming charges extra. Payments must be made online only via credit, debit, or prepaid card. Autopay and paperless billing required. Pricing subject to change. Reduced speeds after 20GB of usage/line. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic.

Offer ends 4/15/2025. Taxes and fees extra. Requires purchase of new Samsung A16 while supplies last and activation of a new NOW Mobile line. Offer not valid with prior purchases, returns or exchanges. May not be combined with other device offers. © 2025 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung and Samsung Galaxy are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Use only in accordance with law. All rights reserved.

NOW is a trademark of Comcast © 2025 Comcast. All rights reserved.

NOW Mobile 

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity post-paid or NOW Internet required. One-time line setup fee of $25/line applies. Intl. and roaming charges extra. Payments must be made online only via credit, debit, or prepaid card. Autopay and paperless billing required. Pricing subject to change. Cellular network download speeds limited to 30 Mbps. Reduced speeds after 20GB of usage/line. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. NOW is a trademark of Comcast. ©2024 Comcast. 
 
Must pay in full or bring your own device for NOW Mobile. 

 
Xfinity Mobile 

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity or NOW Internet required. $25 one-time activation fee/line applies. Equip., intl. and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including reg. recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subj. to change. Pricing subj. to change. $25/mo charge applies if Xfinity TV, Voice or Internet not maintained. When a line exceeds its monthly premium data allowance, data may be temporarily slower than other traffic in times of congestion. Speeds on Unlimited plan reduced to a maximum of 1.5Mbps download/750 Kbps upload after 30GBs of data/line. Data thresholds may vary. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures.

Unlimited Data Plans: Restrictions apply. Reduced speeds after use of monthly data included with your data option. Data thresholds may vary. 

• Bring Your Own Device: Limited to select eligible phones. Requires activation of new Xfinity Mobile line.