Choosing the right unlimited cell phone plan is can be difficult. Each carrier offers different features at a variety of different price points. So, how are you supposed to know which one to choose? In this article, we’ll tell you about the best unlimited cell phone plans and help you find the perfect one!
What’s Really Included With An Unlimited Data Plan?
Generally, an unlimited data plan includes a baseline of unlimited minutes, unlimited messages, and unlimited data with a high-speed data cap. Typically, unlimited high-speed data caps are around 23 GB, while more expensive unlimited plans have higher data caps.
Sometimes, an unlimited data plan will include additional features, such as mobile hotspot and international data. These add-ons are great for those who travel often, especially abroad.
Do I Really Need Unlimited Data?
Another thing to consider while choosing your data plan is whether or not you really need unlimited data. We recommend you check out one of our videos, which will help you gauge whether or not unlimited data is really worth it.
Choosing A Carrier With Reliable Coverage
Coverage is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an unlimited cell phone plan. Even if a plan has everything you want, it won't be very useful if the carrier doesn't have great coverage in your area!
Check out our coverage maps to learn which carriers have reliable service in your area!
Contract vs. No Contract
The good news is you don’t have to lock yourself into a long-term contract if you want unlimited data. Most carriers offer unlimited cell phone plans with no contract.
Before signing up for a plan, it's a good idea to check the terms of the plan. That way, you won't be surprised when you get your monthly bill!
Should I Get An Unlimited Plan With 5G?
As carriers roll out more widespread 5G networks, the term “5G” seems to become more and more ambiguous. Recently, major carriers have begun releasing access to low-band 5G. Low-band is the slowest type of 5G data, and can even be slower than 4G LTE. Depending on the network, speeds vary due to different high-band and low-band transmissions. Low-band coverage spreads data farther, but lacks in speed. High-band is faster, but it cannot penetrate walls and its reach is limited.
It's important to keep in mind whether or not your carrier uses high-band or low-band coverage, and which networks are the most reliable. If your plan includes 5G at no extra cost, that's okay, but we don't recommend paying extra for it. You also need a phone capable of accessing 5G in order to use this service, and those devices can be more expensive.
Additionally, T-Mobile is about to make their mid-band 5G network available. This will be the first mid-band 5G accessible to the public, and we're excited to see how it works out! Mid-band is likely to be more powerful than low-band 5G, but with a wider range than high-band 5G. You may want to keep this in mind before making any commitments.
Want more info? Check out our video below for a more detailed breakdown!
Unlimited Data For The Whole Family?
You can usually save money on your cell phone plan by putting your entire family on one cell phone plan. Carriers typically offer multiline discounts when you sign up for a cell phone plan with two or more lines. These discounts can range anywhere from $5–15.
I'm A Senior Citizen. Can I Get A Discount On An Unlimited Plan?
Yes! Many wireless carriers offer discounts to seniors or have exclusive plans that only seniors can subscribe to.
I'm In The Military. Can I Get A Discount On An Unlimited Plan?
Yes! Many wireless carriers offer discounts to active service members, National Guard members, and veterans. Check out our other article to learn how you can save money on your cell phone plan!
About Our Recommendations
Each plan we recommend below has unlimited minutes, messages, and data. However, the high-speed data cap varies from plan to plan. Each of these plans will let you continue to use cellular data even if you exceed this cap, but those speeds might be slower.
You can find more information about each plan by clicking the link under the Price column.
Best Prepaid Unlimited Phone Plans
A prepaid plan is one that you pay for in advance for cell service for a predetermined period of time (typically one month). There are no contracts and you can usually get a discount if you set your plan to auto-renew at the end of the service period.
Here are some of our favorite prepaid unlimited phone plans.
| Carrier | Plan | Lines | Data Cap | Mobile Hotspot? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Prepaid | 1–10 | None* | No | $65 / month |
| AT&T | Prepaid | 1–5 | 22 GB | Yes | $65 / month |
| T-Mobile | Simply Prepaid | 1–5 | 50 GB | Yes | $70 / month |
*Your data speeds may be throttled during times of network congestion.
Verizon Prepaid Plan
Verizon's Prepaid plan is great for those that only use their phones for the essentials and the occasional app usage. The plan can easily convert from 1 line to a large family plan if needed. Verizon also offers an auto-pay discount as well as a $10 service credit to the account owner after the second month.
AT&T Prepaid Plan
AT&T's Prepaid plan is a cheap option for customers who don't want to enter a contract and hardly rely on their phone's data. The plan's minutes and messages are unlimited while data speeds stay fast prior to exceeding 22 GB. Data counter resets every month. Monthly plans are subjected to cancellation if not paid in time, but AT&T offers a $25 auto-pay discount.
T-Mobile ONE Prepaid Plan
T-Mobile's ONE prepaid plan allows unlimited talk, text, and 4G data for a single line. New customers can no longer sign up for this plan, but old customers can be grandfathered in with it.
No Contract Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
Cell phone plan contracts are quickly becoming a thing of the past. These days, you can get a great cell phone plan without signing a long-term contract.
| Carrier | Plan | Lines | Data Cap | Mobile Hotspot? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Prepaid | 1–10 | None* | No | $65 / month |
| AT&T | Prepaid | 1–5 | 22 GB | Yes | $65 / month |
| Visible | Unlimited | No Limit | None, but throttled during network congestion | Yes | $40 / month |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited Gigs | 1–5 | 23 GB | Yes | $50 / month |
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited | 1 | 35 GB | Yes | $30 / month |
| T-Mobile | Magenta MAX | 1 | 40 GB | Yes | $85 / month |
*Your data speeds may be throttled during times of network congestion.
Visible Plan
Unlike Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile, Visible is not an MVNO. Instead, Visible is both owned and operated by Verizon. Visible has one plan with unlimited data that includes unlimited minutes, messages, and mobile hotspot with speeds up to 5 Mbps. This plan includes unlimited calling and texting to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico too.
You can get Visible's plan for as little as $25 / month when you add three or more people to your Party. If you refer a friend to Visible, you and that friend will get your plan for just $5 that month!
Boost Mobile Unlimited Gigs Plan
Boost Mobile's Unlimited Gigs plan offers unlimited data, talk, text, and even music and video streaming all at an affordable price. If streaming and gaming are high up on your list, this no-commitment plan is a great choice for you.
Mint Mobile Unlimited
Mint Mobile's Plans are prepaid cell phone plans that offer different amounts of cellular data. Each plan comes with unlimited calls and messages, and the cellular data allotment ranges from 3 GB to Unlimited. The cost for one line starts at $15 / month for the 3GB plan, and gets capped at $30 / month for the unlimited data option.
Since this is a prepaid plan, you don't need to worry about paying each month. In addition, it's easy to make changes to your plan once your 3, 6, or 12 month commitment ends. If you enjoy international roaming or 5G access, you can add either to your plan for an extra charge!
T-Mobile Magenta MAX
Magenta MAX is T-Mobile's most premium unlimited data plan. This plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text as well as 40 GB of 4G LTE hotspot and high-definition video streaming. If you sign up for two or more lines, you'll receive a Netflix subscription too!
While this plan is T-Mobile's most expensive, you can save a lot when you add multiple lines. It also comes with a $5 discount when you register for AutoPay!
Cheap Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
You don't have to burn a hole in your wallet to get unlimited data anymore. Many wireless carriers offer great deals on unlimited data plans, especially when you switch!
| Carrier | Plan | Lines | Data Cap | Mobile Hotspot? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TextNow | Unlimited LTE | 1–10 | 23 GB | CDMA Only | $39 / month |
| AT&T | Prepaid | 1–5 | 22 GB | No | $50 / month |
TextNow Unlimited LTE Plan
TextNow's Unlimited LTE plan is a cheap alternative for other unlimited single-line plans offered by more popular wireless companies.
Verizon Unlimited Data Plans
Verizon has the best wireless network in the United States.
| Plan | Lines | Data Cap | Mobile Hotspot? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | 1–10 | None* | No | $65 / month |
| Start Unlimited | 1–10 | None* | No | $70 / month |
| Play More Unlimited | 1–10 | 25 GB | Yes | $80 / month |
| Do More Unlimited | 1–10 | 50 GB | Yes | $80 / month |
| Get More Unlimited | 1–10 | 75 GB | Yes | $90 / month |
*Your data speeds may be throttled during times of network congestion.
Verizon Start Unlimited Plan
Verizon's Start Unlimited plan is an affordable deal offering unlimited 4G LTE data with an optional addition of 5G Ultra Wideband network access.
Verizon Play More Unlimited Plan
Verizon's Play More Unlimited plan offers the same great unlimited access with an emphasis on streaming. The plan is perfect for those who prioritize music, video, and even gaming streaming.
Verizon Do More Unlimited Plan
Verizon's Do More Unlimited plan lets you do just that: “more”. In addition to unlimited data, the plan offers a 500 GB Verizon Cloud storage for any files and photos you'd want to keep saved.
Verizon Get More Unlimited Plan
Verizon's Get More Unlimited plan offers the same benefits as the Do More Unlimited plan with a 25 GB increase in data cap. This plan is recommended for more ‘on-the-go' users.
AT&T Unlimited Data Plans
| Plan | Lines | Data Cap | Mobile Hotspot? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | 1–5 | 22 GB | No | $50 / month |
| Prepaid | 1–5 | 22 GB | Yes | $70 / month |
| Unlimited Extra | 1–10 | 50 GB | No | $70 / month |
| Unlimited Elite | 1–10 | 100 GB | Yes | $85 / month |
AT&T Extra Plan
AT&T's Unlimited Extra plan allows you to add more lines to the same great unlimited service with a monthly per-device access charge.
AT&T Unlimited Elite Plan
AT&T's Unlimited Elite plan includes the Stream Saver feature that allows for more quality wireless video streaming. The plan is perfect for large busy families.
Unlimited Data At Your Fingerprints
We hope this article helped you choose a great new cell phone plan. Make sure to share this article on social media to tell your friends, family, and followers about the best unlimited cell phone plans. If you have any other questions about unlimited data plans, leave a comment down below!
