Straight Talk Cell Phone Service Review 2022

Cheap, prepaid plans with none of the frills.

Directly Talk is a no-contract, prepaid cell phone plan and one of the cheapest prepaid carriers out in that location.

Straight Talk keeps its prices down by using existing cell towers from other companies. While this definitely helps Straight Talk stay more affordable (yay!), it besides means you'll take to practise without a few bells and whistles. That means reduced information speeds and no family plan deals.

If you tin can alive without these luxuries, so you can save some money—and notice some flexibility too—with Directly Talk.

Direct Talk Wireless plans

Today's special: prime minutes and fresh texts served with a heaping side of data.

Direct Talk is similar an all-you-can-eat cafe: you pay upwards front, it's cheap, and there are options for everyone. It may not be the fanciest cuisine around, simply it'll do well in a pinch.

On the kids' menu, in that location's Direct Talk'due south unlimited talk and text programme with iii GB of data. That's platonic for your teenager who's on their phone all the fourth dimension—even when they should be doing their homework.

For the main grade, there's unlimited nationwide text and calling plans. You get a higher data cap, which is great—and a 25 GB tier will work for anyone who isn't completely glued to their phone. And for those who are, at that place'south also an unlimited information option.

These plans can be quite appetizing, specially if you lot compare those low prices to unlimited plans from major carriers, like Verizon and T-Mobile—which, for all their quality, volition ever be pricier.

Similar any good buffet, Directly Talk has a bargain for grandma and grandpa, too. The cheapest plan from Straight Talk will give yous i,500 minutes, unlimited texts, and 100 MB of information. Perfect for those who use the cyberspace mainly for email and who aren't streaming Spotify or Snapchatting.

Directly Talk add-ons and deals

  • Motorcar-refill savings: You tin can relieve $1 on your monthly bill if you sign up for "machine-refill"—basically autopay.
  • Extended plans: If yous've got a few hundred dollars called-for a hole in your pocket, you can pay upwards forepart for discounted iii-, six-, or 12-calendar month "extended plans"
  • Family Plans: Straight Talk has no deals—goose egg, zilch, nada—for adding actress lines. Y'all'll have to look elsewhere for a family plan.
  • Extra data add-ons: Used up all your loftier-speed information mid-month, simply at present you just need to stream the new Kanye album? You can buy ane GB add-ons for $5.
  • Global calling add on: Got a relative in Guatemala? Or a friend in Malaysia? Add a global calling bill of fare onto any programme for $10.

How proficient is Straight Talk performance?

A service map patched together—like Frankenstein. Only in a good mode! . . . more often than not.

There was a time when "I lost service" was a user-friendly excuse for missing your boss's call. These days, that doesn't cut it.

Near of us expect to have reliable cell service all the time—if not for our bosses, then for ourselves. (Gotta post that killer shot from your sunrise hike or information technology's like it didn't happen!)

Straight Talk's network uses a patchwork of other companies' towers (including some with the best coverage), making the service a bit confusing. Your coverage will differ depending on the device you accept (CDMA or GSM) and how you set it up with Directly Talk.

Straight talk coverage map

But for most people, coverage won't be a huge problem, especially if you live in a metropolitan surface area, since those volition be covered by all major networks. Merely your data speed may exist a different story.

Tom's Guide has measured Straight Talk's average LTE speed at 31.1 Mbps.1 That makes information technology slower than all the major leaguers out there, but still ahead of other discount mobile companies like Heave and Cricket.

Direct Talk speed and data details

  • Data speeds: The LTE averages at 31.one Mbps downloading and xv.6 Mbps uploading.
  • Streaming quality: Directly Talk phones contain "data optimizers" that limit you to 480p resolution. So y'all can nonetheless stream, just the quality won't be astonishing.
  • Mobile hotspots: No luck here. Directly Talk'southward adequate apply policy excludes "all hotspot applications". Denied!

Direct Talk cell phones and devices

New iPhone Ten 64GB in Space Grayness for $699.99, who dis?

Sick of seeing your cute selfies through a cracked screen? Running out of storage on your two-generations-old iPhone? Maybe information technology's fourth dimension for an upgrade.

Straight Talk has all of the newest Apple and Samsung phones, and some budget options from other manufacturers (including a retro flip telephone for all you hipsters and sometime souls). Nigh phones can exist paid for in monthly installments.

Straight Talk customer service

Straight Talk'southward customer service is, well, not so straight talkin'.

Expecting a telecommunications company to have fantastic client service is like expecting a tortoise to gear up a speed record: it's just not in their nature. Merely even so, some volition e'er be better than others.

So, how does Straight Talk measure upwards?

Co-ordinate to J.D. Power'southward 2018 U.S. Wireless Customer Care report, which surveyed over fourteen,000 customers, Straight Talk is amidst the everyman ranking cell phone companies.two (*Pitiful trombone noise*)

The visitor scored lower than T-Mobile, Verizon, Boost, Cricket and others. But it did vanquish other budget operators, similar Tracfone. Then there's nonetheless some skilful news there: if you just need the budget service, information technology might all the same exist worth it.

If you demand to endeavor your luck with Straight Talk customer service, you can call i-877-430-2355.

Recap: is Straight Talk good?

Straight Talk's spartan cell phone plans proceed things simple, which is both a approving and a expletive. If you don't intendance about having the fastest speeds or the actress features, it'due south a peachy pick.

However, if you want crystal-articulate streaming quality, high-speed hotspots, and perfect nationwide coverage, y'all might want to look at some more traditional plans.

  • Plans: Stripped-down prepaid plans for everyone, from the phone-addicts to the technology-resistant (you know who you are).
  • Performance: Decent but confusing coverage. Merely information technology'due south the data throttling and lack of hotspots that you'll really want to worry about.
  • Client service: We'll grade on a curve for this category and requite Straight Talk a C+.
  • Overall: It's a decent prepaid service for people on a upkeep, but Straight Talk tin't compete with the large hitters when information technology comes to performance.

FAQs

Q: Does Directly Talk have overage charges or subconscious fees?

Wireless contracts tin can be like haunted houses: subconscious fees waiting around every corner. The advantage with prepaid plans is that yous'll exist cut off if you become over your minutes and/or information. No surprise fees, and yous can always purchase extra is you'd like.

Q: Does Straight Talk charge an activation fee?

Nope! One time yous purchase a phone (and transfer your contacts, if you want), consider yourself activated.

Q: Should I get a warranty or insurance for my Straight Talk phone?

All new Directly Talk phones are covered past a one-yr express warranty. The visitor does not offer additional warranties or insurance, though they may be available through 3rd parties.

Q: Does Directly Talk permit y'all bring your own phone?

Yep! Straight Talk is well known for its BYOP policy. You can check your device's compatibility on Straight Talk'southward website. You lot tin can also keep your electric current phone number. Just be certain not to cancel your electric current plan before you activate with Direct Talk or y'all could lose the number.

Q: Are Directly Talk phones unlocked?

If you end up purchasing a device direct from Straight Talk, your device can only be used with the Directly Talk network. Afterward 12-months of service, you can request the device to be unlocked.

Q: Does Straight Talk have 5G?

Yeah. If you have a 5G-uniform phone all of the Directly Talk plans back up 5G.

Q: What carrier does Straight Talk use?

Straight Talk uses the cellular towers of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile and your phone volition be continued to one of the three, generally the best-performing network for your expanse.

Q: Does Direct Talk have a armed services or student disbelieve?

Unfortunately, no. But there are enough of companies out there that do, and then if that's a dealbreaker, you've got other options.

Easton Smith

Written by

Easton Smith

Easton has worked every bit a freelance writer and researcher for several years, reviewing health, lifestyle, and engineering products. He has probably read more than Terms of Use contracts than whatever human being alive. When he's not sitting in front of a computer, Easton spends his time camping ground, climbing, and volunteering with humanitarian assistance organizations.

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