Are you big on watching shows or movies, listening to music, or anything that is optimized with high speed, quality streaming data? If so, you know it’s important to have a mobile plan that features what you want. In this article, I’ll be detailing the best cell phone plans for streaming.
What Is Streaming?
The term streaming refers to the delivery of content (audio, video, etc.) continuously from a server to your electronic device. The content is delivered via the internet in real time, allowing you to enjoy it without long delays or the need for storage space.
How Much Data Does Streaming Use?
If you’re mostly streaming music, you won’t have to worry. Doing this doesn’t tend to use up a lot of data. Streaming video is quite the opposite as this uses a lot of data. However, there are ways to avoid using copious amounts of data to stream your favorites. For instance, using Wi-Fi to stream whenever possible saves you data—and ultimately money. Wi-Fi also tends to give you better quality video.
These days, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO let you select the quality at which their videos will stream on your device. The higher quality you opt for, the more data will be used while streaming and vice versa.
Another way to save data and still enjoy as much streaming as you’d like is with an unlimited plan. Although it may seem difficult to determine whether an unlimited plan would be the best option for all of your talking, texting, and streaming needs it’s important to keep the benefits of this plan type in mind. Many carriers now offer perks for their unlimited members like streaming subscriptions!
Check out this article to help decide what type of cell phone plan fits your needs.
Best Cell Phone Plans For Streaming
Verizon Play More Unlimited
If you’re looking for a great value unlimited data plan, check out Verizon’s Play More Unlimited Plan. Starting at just $80 / month for a single line, you’ll enjoy all of the talking, texting, and steaming data you could want. On this plan you’re able to have up to ten lines active, so it’s also a great option for families.
Some benefits of play more unlimited include the 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, autopay and paperless billing discounts, backup storage with the Verizon Cloud, and free apps you can download to keep track of your plan and data usage. Additionally, you’ll have unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico free of charge.
Focusing on the streaming, Verizon’s play more unlimited data plan includes a free 6-month subscription to Apple music. If you’re more often watching videos, you’ll have continuous 4G LTE streaming service.
Verizon 15 GB Prepaid Plan
This prepaid plan offered by Verizon gives users 15 GB cellular data as well as unlimited talk and text for just $35 / line each month. You’re able to add up to 10 lines and will receive additional discounts with each new line.
High speed data is another great feature as you’ll have constant 4G LTE data. As for streaming, you’re able to stream with DVD quality video (480p). Unless the network is congested, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any delays in streaming.
If you or a family member travels often this is a great plan for you as mobile hotspot comes enabled and there are no overage charges. Verizon’s 15 GB prepaid plan also features unlimited calling and texting to the following locations: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
AT&T Unlimited Elite
Continuing with the unlimited plans you can choose from, let’s look at the AT&T Unlimited Elite plan. A single line starts at $85 / month and you can add up to 10 lines while enjoying additional discounts with each. This is AT&T’s most inclusive plan with features that stretch beyond the unlimited data, talk, and text—yes, this includes steaming!
You’ll receive a free HBO subscription, HD quality video streaming, and 5G access. Stream Saver is another exclusive benefit of AT&T’s plan. This feature optimizes video streaming on your device so you’re able to stream more while using less data.
If you travel frequently this plan also is great with international data. Users have free international roaming, calling, and texting in Mexico and Canada. You’ll also have free unlimited texting in 100 additional countries.
T-Mobile Magenta Max
T-Mobile’s Magenta Max plan is on the pricier side of our list, but the features make it well worth it! While this plan starts at $85 / month for a single line, Magenta Max customers can add up to 12 lines and enjoy multi-line discounts with each new device.
Along with unlimited data, talking, and texting you’ll receive 40 GB 4G LTE hotspot and full HD video streaming. If you register for 2 or more lines, you can also access a free Netflix subscription!
This is another great plan for frequent travelers, as Magenta Max includes unlimited texting and 2G data in over 200 countries. In Mexico and Canada you’ll also enjoy 5GB of 4G LTE data, as well as unlimited minutes and messages. On top of all of that, Magenta Max also features access to T-Mobile's 5G network!
Verizon 15 GB Prepaid Plan
This prepaid plan offered by Verizon gives users 15 GB cellular data as well as unlimited talk and text for just $35 / line / month. You’re able to add up to 10 lines and will receive additional discounts with each new line.
High speed data is another great feature as you’ll have constant 4G LTE data. As for streaming, you’re able to stream with DVD quality video (480p). Unless the network is congested, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any delays in streaming.
If you or a family member travels often this is a great plan for you as mobile hotspot comes enabled and there are no overage charges. Verizon’s 15 GB prepaid plan also features unlimited calling and texting to the following locations: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Visible Plan
Visible is owned and operated by Verizon, meaning subscribers have access to the nation's best wireless network. Visible only offers one plan. It includes unlimited minutes, messages, and data, including 5G. Unlimited mobile hotspot at 5 Mbps speeds is also included.
Visible's Plan starts at $40 / month, but there are a couple ways you can lower that price. If you refer a friend to Visible, you and that friend both get the plan for $5 for one month.
The other way to save is Party Pay. When you join or start a Party with at least four members, you can cut your Visible bill to just $25 / month!
Best Streaming Phone Plans, Explained!
There are many cell phone plans to choose from and when you’re looking to switch it’s important to find a carrier that offers exactly what you want. Hopefully this article has helped to show some of the best cell phone plans for streaming!
