What cell phone carriers/plans would you recommend?

Hi there, I’m currently still on my parents’ phone plan and want to switch to my own. I wanted to look into other phone carriers than the big 3 (Verizon, TMobile, AT&T) and learn what everyone’s experiences with them are. I’ve heard good things about USMobile and Visible, but does anyone have any other suggestions? What is best to use in the Houston area?