Choosing prepaid or postpaid plans can be difficult if you do not understand their basics and your own preferences. Learn comparison of prepaid vs. postpaid plans to see which one is better for you.
There are two types of mobile plans, which are prepaid and postpaid plans. Choosing which one to use can affect your daily telecommunication life. Both options have pros and cons which will be suitable for specific groups of users. If you are wondering prepaid vs postpaid plan , which one is better and how to choose the best one for your needs, do not skip our post below.
In this article
Prepaid refers to a billing system in which users pay for services before actually using them.
A prepaid mobile plan, also known as pay-as-you-go plans, is a flexible approach to mobile service where users pay for their mobile service usage in advance. There is no contract, credit check or commitment with prepaid plans.
For example, below is the image of prepaid plans of DTAC mobile network operator in Thailand:
Prepaid mobile plans put you in control of your spending and usage. Here’s how they work:
Prepaid mobile plans are suitable for budget-conscious users, temporary users who do not use phones frequently, and users with limited or no credit history.
Postpaid means users pay for services after already using them, usually at the end of a specific cycle.
A postpaid mobile plan is essentially a “pay-later” billing system where you are charged after using the service. You use your phone for calling, texting and using mobile data throughout the month, and then receive a bill at the end of the billing cycle for what you use.
Postpaid plans typically require a credit check and come with contracts that lock you in for a specific duration, often 12 or 24 months. After the initial contract period, the plan usually automatically renews on a monthly basis until you choose to change or cancel it.
Postpaid mobile plans offer convenience and a wider range of features. Here is how they work:
Good to know:
Postpaid plans used to mean being locked into a lengthy contract, but now you can find a lot of contract-free postpaid plans. Contract free postpaid plans give you the freedom to cancel or switch plans anytime. You will get billed at the end of each month for your usage, like traditional postpaid, but without the commitment or risk of penalties for leaving early.
Postpaid plans are often preferred by:
Before giving you the answer which one is better, below we make a table comparing between prepaids and postpaids:
| Criteria | Prepaid plan | Postpaid plan |
| Cost | – Lower upfront cost Pay-as-you-go, so you only pay what you use – Potential for overage fees if you excess your allowance | – Higher monthly cost – Fixed monthly bill, regardless of usage – Potential for savings for heavy users in the long run |
| Contract | – No contract, offering maximum flexibility – Cancel anytime without penalty | – Traditionally required contracts, but contract-free- options are becoming more common – Early termination fees may apply if you break a contract |
| Data | – Pay per MB, fixed data allowances, and unlimited options available – May need to monitor usage closely to avoid overage charges | – Typically offer unlimited talk and text – International calling/texting options included |
There is no single “better” option between prepaid and postpaid plans. The best choice will depend on your individual needs, preferences, usage patterns, and other financial considerations.
You should consider prepaid if:
You should consider postpaid if:
► Read more: How much data do you need when traveling abroad?
When traveling internationally, choosing between a prepaid and postpaid plan depends on your individual needs, such as travel style and data requirements. However, for many travelers, prepaid plans seem to be the better choice thanks to their convenience, affordability, and flexibility.
The biggest difference between prepaid and postpaid plans is its payment timing and flexibility. Prepaids require payment in advance, while postpaids mean you pay after using the service, usually a monthly bill.
It depends. Prepaid plans are cheaper than postpaid plans in the short term because they require upfront payment and have fewer features included. However, postpaid plans can be more cost-effective in the long run. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness will depend on individual usage patterns and specific plans offered by different providers.
Not necessarily. Some providers offer eSIM compatibility, allowing you to activate a plan digitally without a physical SIM card. Others allow you to transfer your existing number to a new SIM card instead of getting a completely new one.
Yes, most mobile carriers will allow you to switch between plans, but you may need to pay some fees or prepare some requirements when doing so.
Typically, no. Prepaid plans often do not require credit checks, making them easily accessible to a wide range of users.
While less common than with postpaid plans, some prepaid options offer plans which can be shared among multiple devices or users, which is called tethering/hotspot feature.
Prepaid plans also come with various fees like activation, top-ups or even purchasing the SIM card. You need to read the description of the plan before buying.
Yes, there are international prepaid SIM/eSIM plans which include data, calls and texts for using abroad. But, the plan and coverage options may be more limited than postpaid international plans.
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Using one eSIM in multiple countries simplifies international travel and connectivity. Modern eSIM technology lets travelers stay connected across borders without switching physical SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.
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