Joe Maring / Android Authority
It’s 2025, and more people are finally getting on board with prepaid, largely because of ever-increasing prices and broken promises from the Big Three carriers. Still, I’m sure we all know a few holdouts, or you might be one yourself. A little over a year ago, I argued that prepaid was a better option for many people, and that reluctance to switch was driven by persistent myths. Many of those points still hold, but awareness has improved, and so has prepaid market penetration.
When you remove some of the most common myths from the equation, what are the real reasons people still don’t switch to prepaid? I dug into the most common ones I hear from friends, family, and online communities. Here are the biggest reasons some people say prepaid isn’t worth the switch. We also look a bit deeper at how valid these reasons are in reality.
Have you switched to prepaid yet? 12 votes No I prefer postpaid, despite its higher costs. 8 % No, but I'm strongly considering it. 17 % Yes, within the last year actually. 0 % Yes, I jumped ship long ago. 75 %
Prepaid is more confusing, and they don’t know where to get started
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Confusion over the abundance of choice is probably one of the most common concerns I’ve heard. These days, there are literally dozens of prepaid options, and they’re not all created equal. While only a handful are reasonably well known thanks to advertising and word of mouth, the sheer number of choices can make it hard to know where to begin.
The problem has only grown as the Big Three networks have made it easier to spin up MVNOs through programs like “T-Mobile’s Your Brand, Our Wireless” program, which makes it easier than ever to turn your brand into a wireless provider. As a result of these changes, we’ve seen a flood of celebrity-endorsed brands, plus mobile services bundled into fintech apps like Klarna.
It can feel overwhelming, but the solution is simple: stick with reputable providers that fit your exact needs. I recently published a guide on what to look for when evaluating lesser-known prepaid carriers, which can definitely help here. You’ll also want to check out our breakdowns of the best Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile alternatives. You should also check out our guides on the best Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile alternatives for a list of highly recommend options.
They are afraid speeds and latency will tank compared to postpaid
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