When I was looking for a new cell phone, I decided to focus on a prepaid plan primarily because I’m a moderate user and prefer not to have a contract. I set out to compare as many prepaid cell phone services I could find to select the best one.
Here was my criteria.
- included text message service
- had speakerphone
- no contract
- no commitment
- no minimum charges
- no extra charges
- no monthly charges
- free phone
What I found was interesting. Most every prepaid cell phone had an array of confusing charges, features and restrictions. It made my head spin! Minimum charges, extra charges for overages, monthly charges, lower charges on this day, more on another… I couldn’t keep them all straight.
When I found the Net 10 LG 300 Prepaid Cell Phone it quickly went to the top of my list. And here’s why.
The Net 10 LG 300 is a full featured phone that includes:
- Includes 300 Minutes and 60 Days of Service upon activation
- Single Rate for every call -10¢ a minute always: local, nationwide long distance and roaming
- International calling to over 60 destinations for an additional 5 cents per minute
- Text Messaging – only 5¢ per message
- Compact Phone
- Color Screen
- Voicemail, Call Waiting, and Caller ID
Text Messaging- Handsfree Speaker
- Lightweight – 2.1 ounces
- Vibration Alert
- Auto Dialing
- Phone Book with up to 500 Entries
- Includes 32 Polyphonic Ringtones
- Alarm Clock
- Battery Talk Time Approx. 7 hours
- Standby Time Approx. 10 days
I purchased the phone for $29.95 which includes 300 minutes of talk time valued at $30, so the phone was basically free. Actually, all Net 10 phones now include 300 minutes of talk time and 60 days of service, so most phones are free. And shipping is free for any purchase over $19.95, so again, you’re only paying for airtime, the phone and shipping are free.
The battery life is excellent, I keep my phone on 24/7 and normally charge it about once a week. To fully charge the phone takes only a few hours (often less).
The menu options on the LG 300 are easy to use, buttons are easy to find and press and texting is straightforward.
This phone also includes lots of fun tools like a tip calculator, unit converter, alarm clock, notepad, world clock, stop watch, games and calendar.
The 1 touch auto dialer makes it easy to dial often called numbers.
Adding minutes to the phone is easy. Go to their website and buy online, activating immediately or purchase cards at many retail locations like Walgreens and punch in the activation code into your phone when you need it. Regardless of the amount of minutes you buy, the least a month will cost you based on the service days is approximately $15 a month.
How’s the customer service?
I’ve had the opportunity to contact the Net 10 customer service team several times and was pleasantly surprised. Emails were normally returned within 24 hours or less and phone operators were pleasant and helpful resolving the issue before the end of each conversation.
For moderate prepaid cell phone users that don’t need all the latest bells and whistles, this is the best phone and plan I found. With an average purchase of 300 minutes which includes 60 service days, the average cost is $15 a month (based on $0.10 a minute). That’s less than any other plan, both prepaid and monthly, I could find. Of course, you can add as many minutes as you need, but if you’re looking for the least expensive free prepaid cell phone, the Net 10 LG 300 is my best recommendation.
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[...] up the headset line as most traditional headsets do. And if you do need to use a cellphone, use a prepaid cell phone plan to keep your costs low rather than use expensive monthly plans and maintain long term [...]
do the minutes roll over? or do they expire?
I really love the flexibilty I have with Net10 in terms of minutes and prices, because one month I might think I need more than the next. Their texting prices are not bad at all ($.03 a text) versus the $.10 a text you will pay with any other major carrier. In fact, Net 10 really is a mjaor carrier considering what you get and how the are on the TMobile calling network. I’m not attached to my cell phone expect for work, so Net 10 really works out for the moderate cell phone user. And its doesn’t get any easier than Office Max to pick up more minute cards or just re-charge from the phone – it saves me every month.
I love the fact that with Net10 activation, you get free 300 minutes plus 60 days of service. And since I don’t need my phone to be high tech, I bought the most basic Net10 phone for $19.99 which mean I basically got my cell phone for free! Can’t beat that
What a great review – it really says it all. Net10 is everything & more. Their phones are low priced and high quality. The best part is it is only 10 cents per minute! Keeping connected with my family for a low cost is perfect. I’ve told all my friends about this wonderful find and hopefully they will spread the word too. It’s just too good of a deal to pass up
Got one for my 12 yo son. Its cheap, I paid $30 with 300 minutes, I said what’s $30 bucks for the phone and minutes, nothing to lose if it doesnt work out to my satisfaction but so far Im happy with the service. My son is happy too and I am not worried about losing the phone so he can take it anywhere without worries.
This is a great compact phone and yes the fact that the phone is practically free is a great plus…especially in this economy. Paying $15 a month for the service is great. Ever since I switched to Net10, I save about $30 a month and that money is being put to good use
Practically free phone. 15 a month for service. Flat rate. 300 minutes free when you sign up. Got to love it.
I have done so much work and research on different cell phone plans that are available and have come to realize that prepaid is completely the way to go . You aren’t stuck in some contract where they have complete control of what they charge you… and you get these fees and you’re like WHAT ARE THESE!! With prepaid, at least you have a are able to control what you actually pay for. I have a net10 phone and the service is fabulous and I have saved SO much money. Ten cents a minute and TONS OF INTERNATIONAL calling to over 60 destinations for just 15 cents a minute.. pay for what you actually not use.
Zinny, they roll over as long as you add more minutes before your current set expires. For example, if you have 350 minutes left and your current service period expires in a few days, if you add another minute pack before it expires, it’s added on to your 350 so you don’t lose it. Hope this helps!
I like that Net10 offers a simple to understand plan and there are many options for free phones. Figured I’d give it a try and for $30, no big deal if it doesn’t work out. I ended up with the LG300 which works great for me and I’ve been with this phone ever since..it’s coming up to one year now. $15 a month is a great deal for a very reliable service