What would be the best (cheapest) way to switch carriers?

First, it depends on how many month you have left on your contract. You say next year but January 1st is next year & it's only 3 days away. So you wanna go by the month, not year. Second, look at the difference. You are paying $80/month. Straight talk charges you $45/month. Difference is $35/month. Verizon charges you $200 - $250(?) for early termination. I doubt that verizon has a plan cheaper than $35/month. Not after taxes & fees anyway. So, if you have more than 7 month, which difference of $35/mponth comes out to $245 with 7 month, it would be cheaper to just pay the early termination fee & get out. At the end of 8th month, you'll be ahead anyway. 6 month if the early termination fee is $200.