I use Tracfone and it does seem to provide a solid service at the right price. I've never been without a signal. Voice is clear and text always arrives.
Their voice mail is a bit spotty, so I just don't use it (not important to me anyway).
I'd like to have a smart phone but I could never justify the costs.
A plus is that if you want to be anonymous you never have to give Tracfone your name - simply buy the phone at walmart and that's it.