Very few people don't have some sort of cell phone coverage these days. We live in a time where being connected is key to our survival. Yet many of the cell phone plans from the large carriers come with a hefty price tag that many just cannot afford. This is why so many are considering investing in a prepaid cell phone rather than sign up for an extended contract. But even with these there are plenty of options to choose from. How can you decide which are the best prepaid cell phones for you? The answer to that question depends largely on how you plan to use the phone.

For Making International Calls:

We live in a nation where many people are immigrants who have left family and friend behind. If there is a need in your household to stay in touch with people who live abroad you'll need a phone service that allows international calling. Choosing a prepaid cell phone that offers these features without breaking the bank can be a major plus. Both T-Mobile and AT&T have options that are worth considering. The best prepaid cell phones under these plans can cost around $50-$60 a month with unlimited calling and a set amount of texting.

For The Budget Conscious:

If you just want to stay connected and still save money, Sprint's Freedom Pop plan is about as low as you can go. For a meager $6.67/month or $80/year, users can get unlimited talk and texting along with about 500MB of data. It is probably the most affordable plan out there but before you run off to sign up make sure that you check for the coverage area. With prices that low, coverage in your immediate area may be limited and what good is a cheap phone if you can't use it.

Virgin Mobile also has a low prepaid plan with a cost of about $40/month. This is a great option for those who tend to send a lot of texts. You can even transfer your current phone number to their plan but you will have to provide your own phone.

When You Want It All:

For those who want a cell phone that can do it all, there are also several options to choose from. Carriers like Boost Mobile and Net 10 even offer the newer model smart phones complete with everything you need to connect with the world and manage your life. The monthly fee can vary depending on how long you've had the service and how often you pay on time.

For those who are in search of the best prepaid cell phones there are probably more options available to you than ever before. Those who choose not to tie themselves to a specific carrier do not have to find themselves out of the loop but can easily have cell phone coverage that can provide them with everything they need. All that needs to be done is to shop around for the carrier that can meet your unique expectations and deliver on its promises.