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Tracfone Review: Prepaid Wireless at its Dirt Cheapest
Tracfone Review
Warning: if you are a semi-Luddite, you will love this review. If you would hook a 3G (or 4G) smart phone up to your bloodstream intravenously if the opportunity existed, you will not.
About a year and a half ago, I made the switch from Verizon to Net10. This cut my cell phone bill from $60/month to $30/month for two phones. Net10 has been great, and when combined with the Ooma VOIP system, I have actually been able to cut my cell minutes down to under 100/month because I typically use my phone for a quick check-ins, emergency situations, and sexting – er, texting.
Because I’ve been able to cut my minutes so low, I’ve now banked over 1,200 minutes (Net10 allows you to rollover your unused minutes). As a result, I’ve done a lot of research into Tracfone to cut my phone bills even lower, and wanted to give it a review so that you all may benefit if the plan fits your lifestyle.
Surprise! Tracfone Owns Net10
Here’s the funny thing. Net10 is a Tracfone brand. They literally run off of the same network and share the same towers with 30 major carriers in the U.S., and can be CDMA or GSM, based on the phone model that you purchase. Other than pricing models and phone selection, the two companies are the same.
It’s basically the same as the differences between a Ford and a Mercury vehicle. Inside is the same. Outside (the phone) and prices are different.
Tracfone is actually the largest prepaid cell phone service provider in the U.S., with 11 million subscribers. Here’s a look at how they grade out in key wireless provider characteristics.
Tracfone Reception
In a year and a half I haven’t had one dropped call with the Tracfone network. The coverage was way better than Verizon ever was. The acoustic clarity is a step up as well.
Activation
Very simple. Charge the battery and go online to activate your airtime card, and you’re all set.
Customer Service
Net10 and Tracfone are not going to win any awards for their service. The reps are typically foreign and not the most well trained. The good news is that I’ve only had to have one encounter with them (when my wife’s phone was stolen), as the phone service quality and setup have been flawless. The online help center is pretty well built out if you run into problems. Unlike the large mobile customers, Tracfone and Net10 don’t have local stores to get service in. I’m sure this is a contributing factor to why they are able to offer such inexpensive service.
Tracfone Phone Selection
You might as well forget about getting a smart phone of any kind. Tracfone has a limited selection of phones and they are all bare bones. These are phones for people who want good, inexpensive service without all the fancy bells and whistles.
For instance, right now they have a special deal to get a Samsung T301G slider phone, accessory kit, and double minutes for life card all for $29.99. Not an award winning design on the phone, but one hell of a deal for no contract.
Tracfone Vs. Net10: It’s all About the Pricing
Herein lies the main difference between the two companies. Tracfone has a lot more flexible and cheaper airtime card options than Net10. The lowest minutes/month airtime card you can get is 150 minutes from Net10 (300 minutes for 60 days of service, costing $30). So the cheapest you can get your cell cost down to is $15/month.
With Tracfone’s 60 minutes (before doubling to 120 with the double for life card), you get 90 days of service for just $19.99. That’s only $6.67 per month! Of course, you only get 120 minutes over those 90 days. But if you use your phone like I do, it might just be enough.
It’s also worth noting that most Tracfone phones have a text message rate of 0.3 minutes (some are 0.5). Net10 is 0.5 minutes on all phones.
Tracfone Benefits
- No contracts.
- Don’t like the service? Phones are cheap, so you haven’t lost much.
- You see your service date and minutes remaining right on your phone screen so you don’t have to worry about where you stand with either. Hard to get accidental overage charges.
- No daily airtime fees. This is where you can save money over other prepaid carriers. A lot of the other prepaid cell plans charge you $0.99 or more for each day you actually use the phone in addition to the per minute charges.
- Rollover! Unused minutes during your service dates are banked and rolled over.
Downsides to Tracfone
Customer service and they don’t have the latest in phone technology (in my opinion, this is a good thing if you’re looking to cut costs).
Who is Tracfone Good For?
Anyone who uses their phone minimally for emergencies, short chats, and for texting – and not heavy conversation.
Who is Tracfone Not Good For?
If you live and die by your unlimited data plan from another carrier, you’re probably not going to see Tracfone as a good fit.
Final Thoughts on Tracfone
If you can keep your cell phone minutes down to a bare minimum, or really only use your phone for texting, quick chats, and emergencies, then Tracfone is a great option. It’s essentially taking what has typically been a high-priced subscription model product, and taking it to a frugal, bare bones extreme. Right now, Tracfone is also offering free 3-day ground shipping on all orders $19.99 and over.
Tracfone Discussion:
- Have you used Tracfone? What’s your take?
- Have you been able to find a cheaper cell provider than Tracfone or Net10?
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My name is G.E. Miller and 
We’re usually right on the border with these types of phones vs. our Sprint plan with two phones.
We use about 300-400 anytime minutes (we get up to 700) and 500 night, weekend, and Sprint PCS to PCS minutes. We also use about 50-75 texts a month (we get 300 each). We don’t do data plans…no internet. Our bill is $79.66. That’s a better deal for us, right?
@ BIFS – Depends on how many minutes you use, it’s hard to say.
Hey…I got the Samsung Finesse phone from Tracfone and it has every bell and whistle you could ask for…bluetooth,3G, a large touch screen, high speed EVDO data connection and much much more. Added to their doube minutes for life plan I’m in cellphone heaven!
I use a tracfone and can say that it has really been a savings. I have everything that I to call and sms and no monthly contract that I have to pay
@ Lyn – are you on the $45/mo. unlimited plan?
Sounds like a good thing to look into. First stop is their coverage map to see if they are in my neck of the woods. I don’t use my phone that much, so it could work. Thanks Lyn for your comment or I might not be interested.
Great article and comparison between 2 of the best prepaid options out there. I think you really nailed it, if you’re a mid-level user look to Net10 and if you use very few minutes and texts, look to Tracfone. I knew they were linked somehow but didnt know they were owned by the same company. Either way, I’ve got a Net10 phone, I like the clarity in pricing and find its the cheapest for the amount I use it. Great service and good value. Thanks again for the review.
I think that Tracfone is a greta option and so is Net10. Both of those prepaid carriers, without a doubt, are the best ones out there. I have a Net10 cell phone, and I am saving so much money! My daughter has a Tracfone phone, and she is also saving loads of money. I can’t tell of my daughter’s experience with the Tracfone because she lives across the country, but Net10 for me is definitely amazing. Great nationwide coverage and great rates. I recommend either of these companies to everyone.
First a note that net10 texting is down to 2.5 or essentially 3 cents like tracfone. I have net10 and done the math and it works better for me but ive heard great stuff about tracfone as well. What makes the difference for me is the price of minutes, i use enough minutes where the flat rate of 10 cents beats out all the 60 minute aircards i would need. But thats just how it works out for me.
I have Net10 and suggest it to all of my friends. It’s so great and so cheap.
I bought a $10 Tracphone with double minutes. The coverage is awesome and the value is unbeatable. I’m not a big talker but you got to have a phone so I like it.
To G.E. or anyone else. I would like to hear more about how you combine Net10 and OOMA to get more out of each other or just more out of Net10?
@ Ron – my goal in combining the two and doing away with an expensive Verizon plan was to drastically cut my overall phone expenses. I use the Ooma to make calls from home, and Net10 when I’m on the road. I was probably using 500 minutes/month before the switch. Now I use about 100. And my cost is half what it use to be for two phones (if I had just one phone, the savings would be proportionately bigger). Plus I have a very clear and reliable home phone service vs. no service before.
Excellent Tracfone review! I’ve used this service for about a year and a half and still remain a happy and devoted customer. The coverage is wonderful and the savings each month really help our budget. It’s the perfect plan for our family and going prepaid has made a great difference
The best part is… NO MORE CELL PHONE BILLS!
Trackphone may hay have a cheap reputation… because it IS cheap but I have one an really like it. I use mine as a second phone for business. I work mainly in a city with a differnt area code then my home so I have it with that area code. It’s a great cheap second phone amnd it costs me almost nothing to use. I really like Tracphone and like saving money even more!
I won’t disagree about the customer service being out of this world, but i must say, the fact that the plans Tracfone offers are so cheap, make me gladly look the other way. The phones are pretty standard, nothing special, but they are reliable phones and they never drop calls (so far, so lets knock on wood). The minutes are cheap too. I buy them whenever I need to re-up the phone so my spending is a bit sporadic. It really depends on the month and how much I am yapping. I know I am saving money though, which is big for my limited budget. At least I know that I am using what I am paying for and not losing minutes that I don’t use. That always bugged me about my previous plan.
I love TracFone. I have been using it for the past year. I only use the 60 minute 19.99 and it lasts me for about a month.
I went with Tracfone and have no regrets. I haven’t had a problem with service, activation, or usage so luckily I can avoid any apparent customer service mishaps there may or may NOT be. I am in no need for a smartphone so the available stock of phones provide me everything I need. I only talk/text and perhaps occasionally browse the web, and rates are really cheap for text/web. Like the article says, my unused minutes just rollover but its the beauty of PRE-paying that really gives me a sense of satisfaction. Good stuff Tracfone.
Horst, I think straight talk might be right for you but not for everyone. I use my phone very little and just need to be reached by my family. Tracfone is the best solution for me. Here’s mm video on Tracfone. It’s the best!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaTD_5Xzo_Y
It is so awesome that you can get 90 days of service for only $6.67 per month! I to am a very conservative minute spender so Tracfone is the company for me, I also love the verizon network for reliability purposes. Another great thing about tracfone is the cheaper texting rate of $0.3 a text. I cant pass up such a good deal because I love saving money!
So glad I made the switch to Tracfone. Let’s start with your downsides, as far as customer service, how is this different than dealing with the major carriers. And, for selection of phones, I don’t know about you, but my family goes through phones rather quickly, so this really is not a problem. Now, on to the good things…for me the best is no more contract! I pick the minutes I want each month and as long as I keep the service active I can roll them over. No hidden charges or surprises at the end of the month….because no contract! Did I mention, no contract!
I saw something about a new Tracfone call senior value phone and checked it out. Perfect for my dad. What do you think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klPBNOpfQqY&NR=1
Really great review. Switching to the Tracfone service has been such a wonderful decision. The savings are incredible and the phones are high quality brand-name. My whole family adores it and it actually has made a big difference in our budget while struggling with this economy. Going prepaid is definitely a smart choice, and giving Tracfone a shot is even better. I definitely reccommend it
Oh yeah great review. I personally found myself gtting them for my kiyds back to school. They always have specials. They have a special now at family dollar that is like a tracfone bundle.Its eight dollars and it includes a car charger, phone case, headset, and phone. My kiddies don’t need anything more and they are saving .. or well I am saving ! haha
I’m not much of a talker or a techy, so the simple Tracfone that I have fits my needs perfectly. I have a reliable phone that costs under $10 a month. Works for me
You forgot to mention the best part of Tracfone’s billing system, Promo Codes. I only buy 60 minute cards and there is a website that always has codes posted that give me 30 bonus minutes with a 60 minute card. My phone is also Double Minutes For Life so I get 60 regular minutes, 60 DMFL minutes, and 30 promo minutes that add up to 150 minutes total. That comes out to $6.67 for 50 minutes a month, awesome.
I really like the no-contract thing and no bills, too. I can’t believe how cool it is to NEVER get charged extra for crazy stuff like I used to with Sprint.
Man, I really appreciate tracefone and love the value of the great service. Yes!!
Tracfone is a wonderful way to stay in communication. It is cheap reliable and the service is great. I hihgly recommend it instead of a contract which can cost a fortune
I agree with the sentiment that tracfone offers the most affordable plans. Especially for a family of six. Every other prepaid service provide seems to be focusing their marketing, and their turnover generation on selling unlimited packages, for high usage, and consumption. This approach sort of isolates the budget orientated parent. Tracfone is the only company doing this for me at the moment.
I always buy the 60 minute Tracfone card and get a promo code for another 30 minutes. With double minutes it really comes out to be a value. Since I go laid off I have to be extra budget conscious and Tracfone allows me to do that.
TracFone is quite down-market and laughed at by cool people but you can’t beat the savings. They’re easy to use and cheap too, so they’re perfect for seniors.
Very good idea!
Im thinking of buying my Grandma a Tracfone SVC so she will have it for emergencies. I am a student on a budget so it is great that Tracfone is so inexpensive. You cant really put a price on the safety of your loved ones.
I bought a tracfone for my mother who is in her late seventies. She doesn’t use her phone a lot and really only wants it for emergencies. Tracfone has been ideal for her as she is not locked into any contract and the phone is simple and easy to use
Tracfone is a wonderful way to stay in communication.
Tracfone is good for me. I am happy that i have a tracfone this thanksgiving so that i can stay in contact with the one’s i love. Getting laid off from my job i thought there was going to be no way for me to afford communicating with my family as they live far from me. Thanks Tracfone!
great review! thank you. I also switched to Net 10 to save money, my cellphone bill was killing me, and after getting rid of cable I had to switch. Cutting expenses was the only way. Net10 probed to be reliable and very affordable and then a month ago… $50 for unlimited nationwide voice, text and web.
You can’t beat that!
My mom has Net 10 and she loves the $50 unlimited, who wouldn/t? But I’m 15 and I dont need that much. Now finally mom agreed to get me phone, so I think I will go for tracfone, all the comments and reviews I see are really good. Plus tomorrow for Black Friday Walmart will be having a great sale! I can’t believe I’m finally getting my Tracfone!
I know that with tracfone I can budget effectively. With contracts you end up paying for all those little extras and also for calls that you don’t even use. With Tracfone depending what my budget is for the month I can plan my cellphone costs and not have to worry about any contract fees. Tracfone has definitely been a moneysaver for me.
Something I’d like to share is how great Tracfone’s SVC is for us older generation. For some reason, it’s something I haven’t seen much mention of, but I think it’s really nice that some attention is being given to us oldies! I should add that up until recently, when my daughter pushed this on me, I really didn’t have much of an affinity towards a cell phone. I have however come to appreciate why there could be a need for them after loosing my car in a car park and missing a tea date with friends.
This Senior Value plan has such a user friendly phone, which has dispelled my fear of cell phones. Not only is the menu easy to follow, but the text is actually of readable size! And as far as the pricing goes, I pay as little as $7 a month, which is so little for this back up option. Friends speak to me about confusing bills and extras they are being charged for, and it is quite a relief not having to worry about those things. And best of all, my daughter is no longer fretting about me or nagging me to get a phone!
I am one of those daughters who frets about her folks. My mom does have a cellphone but it is far too complicated and tiny for her to use. After reading E.Smith’s review it has definitely made me decide to get my folks a new tracfone that they will be able to use – Thank you
I can see why people might be hesitant about prepaid phones. As far as prepaid goes, I think TracFone is a great choice – not to mention a great moneysaver. I was tried of contracts and too expensive phones so it was nice to lower my bill, avoid a contract, and purchase a new phone for under $60. For me, maintaining a budget so I’m ready for the holidays is a big plus.
For me its great because tracfone has a great family plan.. Kids are always on the phone, either texting or talking. Tracfone’s family bundleis a good way to teach them to be responsible. If they know they get so many minutes a month, you’d be surprised at how quickly the learn the art of budget and control. It is low cost to get and low cost to maintain, all with no contract obligations and great nationwide coverage!!
Tracfone is currently the only real provider of wireless that sells small plans. This help me a lot, as having to top-up more often is a deterrent in it’s own right. And that’s how I save money. I don’t believe in saving cause you buy massive amounts of minutes for cheap, cause you just end up using more anyway – and that’s no way forward for a conscientious user.
I am currently on at&T and was thinking about switching over to their prepaid gophone options… but from everything I’ve been reading on the internet.. it has made it VERY clear to me that there prices are MUCH MORE than other prices. I’ve read net10 is great but I was thinking that Tracfone phones would be better for me. THe phones are great and I got mine at 15 dollars and I pay at most 30 dollars a month. Have you heard good things as well?
I didn’t want a cellphone but Tracfone is a Godsend; cheap to buy, easy to use and cheap to use. Love it! Great value for the money.
So my mom sees a certain amount of status attached to her phone, and even when she’s battling to keep up with the payments (for something she doesn’t use much)and make head or tail of her bill, she has been insistent on sticking with her contract provider. Not so long ago, one of her grand-kids decided her phone would make a wonderful bath toy! This was my moment to get in there and get her something cheaper and less of a challenge. I got her Tracfone’s SVC-a sturdy flip phone with external icons to let you know about missed calls and messages, without having to go into the menu. It’s got large font, menu navigation is really user friendly and has emergency location assist.
Well you may wonder how she feels about it, seeing as though she’s the one who now uses it. She loves the fact that she doesn’t have to deal with a bill anymore, and can’t stop telling me about how much cheaper it is for her-under $10 a month. Nice that Tracfone has an option to keep the senior citizens happy too!
Great review and amazing comments. One of the best things about tracfone is the bundles and the promotions they always have for the air cards on their website. I think being a Tracfone customer not only gives you teh freedom of no contract but also saves you lots of money everymonth because you only pay for what you use.
Love tracfone! had nothing but good experiences so far because it’s saved me about half of my monthly phone bill per month which is very crucial because I’m in school and don’t have money to spend frivolously. The fact that I pay around 30 bucks a month for the same amount of minutes as Verizon is really great!
You know I met someone in the laundry room who was commenting on my blackberry. And was like do you like this? and i said uhh i mean its ok i guess drop signal a lot. and I asked what he used. AND he was like oh a tracfone. After explanation and him ranting and raving I decided to come online and search it out. And i mean this phone just seems perfect for me. Are there any smart phone type phones for tracfone??
Hey Blair,
If you’re looking for a cheap way to use some smartphones, I’d suggest looking at Straight Talk. It’s pretty much the same thing, but they have some better phones to use. The pricing is still amazing. 45 bucks for everything! It still has no contract or hassles. You should def check that service out too!
I agree with you TamPat, the $45 unlimited with Straight Talk is the best choice, especially if you have a smartphone and want to take out all its juice, get apps and download music, share pics and email. I have a Straight Talk and because I work in sales, Straight Talk really does it for me, unlimited service for $45 a month with no contract, awesome!
This is a very complete review, with the highlights and all the important points to have into consideration when buying a prepaid phone, great points! thanks! I finally got me a prepaid at wallmart, I went for a Straight Talk because they have a lot of models and some smartphones, and the best part is their $45 a month unlimited plan with no contracts, you can get unlimited web text and voice for a low monthly price. Awesome