5 No-Contract Cell-Phone Plans Worth a Look

MetroPCS

Cost: Plans for unlimited voice, text and data are billed monthly (rather than prepaid) and range from $40 to $60 per month, including taxes.

Phones: Include the LG Imprint ($50), the Samsung Galaxy Indulge Android ($300) and the Samsung Code ($100), which runs Windows Mobile.

Network: Uses a patchwork of smaller networks but offers 4G data speeds, the fastest available.

Comments: MetroPCS is currently available in 14 markets. Roaming costs are $5 for a 30-minute package or 19 cents a minute, plus taxes and fees.

T-Mobile

Even More Plus

Cost: From $30 a month for a 500-minute voice-only plan to $80 per month for unlimited calls, texts and Web access (not including taxes). The service is billed monthly rather than prepaid.

Phones: Choose any phone from T-Mobile, including the Android LG Optimus T ($240), the BlackBerry Curve 3G ($300) and the Android T-Mobile Comet ($125).

Network: You get access to T-Mobile’s 4G network.

Comments: Using the Equipment Installment Plan, you can pay for your phone over 20 months, interest-free.

Virgin Mobile

Beyond Talk

Cost: For $25 a month, you get 300 minutes of call time; for $40, you get 1,200 minutes; for $60, you get unlimited talk time (add $10 if you want to use a BlackBerry). The prepaid plans come with unlimited text messaging and data.

Phones: A small selection of Android and BlackBerry phones, such as the LG Optimus V ($200) and BlackBerry Curve 8530 ($180), plus some other phones with Web access, such as the LG Rumor 2 ($90).

Network: Uses the Sprint network.

Comments: State and local taxes aren’t included in the monthly fee.

Boost Mobile

Monthly Unlimited

Cost: The prepaid plan costs $50 a month, not including taxes, and comes with unlimited calls, text messaging and data.

Phones: Recently, you could buy the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Prevail ($180) or choose from among several other phones with Web access, such as LG’s LG102 ($30).

Network: Uses the Sprint network.

Comments: Choose the Monthly Unlimited With Shrinkage plan and your monthly fee drops to $45 if you make payments on time for six months; pay on time for 18 months and you’ll owe $35 per month.

Cricket

Cost: Prepaid plans from $35 for unlimited talking and texting to $55 for unlimited talking, texting and data. Taxes aren’t included.

Phones: Include the Android Sanyo Zio ($140 if you buy it through Cricket’s Web site) and the BlackBerry Curve 8530 ($230 with a Web discount). The Cricket MSGM8 ($30 with Web discount) includes Web access.

Network: Combines an independent network with other wireless-carrier networks. Check the coverage map at www.mycricket.com.

Comments: Roaming charges are 25 cents per minute or $5 for 30-minute increments.