Unlimited data was once a perk by itself, an escape from the anxiety of metered plans where you might find yourself burning your last monthly allotment of megabytes searching for a nearby Wi-Fi network. Now, with the prevalence of more robust 5G and 4G LTE networks, it's the rare cellular plan that caps the data you can use. But unlimited has never meant unrestricted. Data caps are still a factor, only now it's the amount of data you can use at high speed before your connection is throttled. We looked at this and other factors, such as performance, pricing and perks, to pick our recommended postpaid plans from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Our Picks
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What is the best unlimited phone plan overall?
We'd love to point to one plan and say, "Get this one," truly. But phone plans are designed to appeal to all kinds of people by offering all kinds of options. You might value price over perks if you just need a plan that will keep you connected at all times. Or maybe you're a frequent traveler who wants endless high-speed data and higher-resolution video streaming and is willing to pay for those features. Assuming network coverage is good-to-great -- which isn't a given, but for the sake of argument -- then we think cost becomes a major factor, in which case T-Mobile's Essentials plan delivers the basics at a good value. At the other end, T-Mobile's Experience More or Verizon's Unlimited Plus give you plenty of features without paying the full prices of their top plans. However, there's one thing to note about the most expensive plans: They often get the best trade-in or included device offers to entice customers to sign up for the most lucrative plans.
Best unlimited data plans for a single line
Pros
- T-Mobile's 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the US
- Phone can be used as a hotspot
- Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico
Cons
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No T-Satellite access
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same plan
- Taxes and fees aren't included in monthly cost
The T-Mobile Essentials Saver plan offers unlimited data usage and includes 50GB of "Premium" data, which is the fastest-capable 5G rate available in your area. After 50GB, speeds are reduced to 3G levels for the remainder of the month. However, that Premium may not always be so premium: T-Mobile notes in the fine print that "Essentials customers may notice speeds lower than other customers and further reduction if using >50GB/month, due to data prioritization."
You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot, also with unlimited data, but at 3G speeds. High-speed hotspot access is available as an add-on. Internationally, calls, text and data are unlimited while in Canada and Mexico, but the data is restricted to 2G speeds. Elsewhere, calls cost 25 cents per minute and texts are unlimited at no extra charge when you're in roughly 215 countries.
As for other T-Mobile features, you'll have to look further up the plan menu. Essentials Saver and Essentials don't carry the 5-year price guarantee found in the Experience plans, nor does it include T-Satellite texting access (currently in beta). Perks are also reserved for the costlier plans, which means no included Netflix, Apple TV Plus or Hulu streaming thrown in.
The Essentials Saver plan costs $50 a month for a single line, $80 for two lines and $100 for three lines, the maximum number allowed on this plan. If you need three or more lines, the Essentials plan is a better value.
Why we like it
Providers want to push you toward their more expensive offerings, but they also know there's a place for cost-conscious people who want just the basics. Essentials Saver includes 50GB of fast data before the data rate slows down. And even though the hotspot feature is especially pokey at 3G speeds, it's still there in a pinch if needed.
Who it's best for
The Essentials Saver plan is great for individuals or pairs who don't want to spend much for a cellular plan and aren't looking for perks or fast data.
Who shouldn't get it
The plan isn't for people seeking features such as larger amounts of premium data, regular hotspot access or included perks, or folks who need to set up a family or group with three or more lines.
Customer service options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Phone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: Store locator
• App: T-Life app
Pros
- Cheaper rate for AT&T service
- No cap on high-speed data (but see Cons)
- ActiveArmor security app
Cons
- No control over whether data speeds will slow if network is busy
- No hotspot data
- Everyone needs to be on same plan
- Taxes and fees aren't included in monthly cost
The AT&T Value Plus VL is a mouthful of a name, but it can be a good option if you're looking for a single affordable line that doesn't offer many extras. It offers unlimited 5G talk, text and data without a limit on how much high-speed data you can use before being throttled. The caveat is that AT&T can slow data speeds "if the network is busy," which means you're at the whim of the network when it comes to getting in the fast lane. The plan allows up to 10 lines on an account, but everyone has to be on the same plan. AT&T's other unlimited plans allow for each person to choose which level they need.
When traveling in Canada or Mexico, you get unlimited text, talk and data, but the data is transmitted at just 2G speeds when "off net," or using a nonprimary carrier network. Texting from the US to over 200 countries is unlimited.
There are also no other perks other than AT&T's ActiveArmor security service for blocking unwanted calls and for extra data security, but on Value Plus VL that feature is limited.
The plan isn't easily located on AT&T's site: Though Value Plus VL is an unlimited plan, AT&T doesn't list it with the more expensive unlimited plans on its Wireless Plans page; click More Plans to reveal it.
Why we like it
AT&T Value Plus VL is affordable, especially with just one line, and you can scale up to 10 lines if needed.
Who it's best for
Single-line customers in solid AT&T coverage areas who don’t want data speed limits but aren’t worried if the speed fluctuates.
Who shouldn't get it
If you’re in a group of two or more lines, each person will need to be on this same plan, so look elsewhere.
Customer service options
• Online: AT&T Wireless support
• Phone: 800-331-0500
• Store: Store locator
Best unlimited data plans for multiple lines and families
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Pros
- T-Mobile's 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the US
- Phone can be used as a hotspot
- Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico
- Can have up to six lines on an account
- Third line free is a better deal than Essentials Saver
Cons
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No T-Satellite access
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same plan
- Taxes and fees aren't included in monthly cost
If you compare the specifics of T-Mobile's Essentials and Essentials Saver plans, you might think the company forgot to update one or the other -- they're Essential-ly the same. With both, you get 50GB of fast Premium 5G data (depending on the network capabilities in your area), which drops to 3G speeds of still-unlimited data after that allotment is used up. You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, but only at 3G speeds and restricted to paltry 2G speeds when you're in Canada or Mexico. In those two countries, calls, text and data are unlimited, while calls made from around 215 other countries are charged at 25 cents a minute.
The Essentials plan also doesn't include T-Satellite service (not even as an add-on cost), perks such as streaming video from Netflix or Apple TV Plus, nor the five-year price guarantee found on the Experience More and Experience Beyond plans.
Where Essentials comes out ahead of Essentials Saver is the number of lines you can have on your account. Essentials Saver is limited to just three, but Essentials can accommodate six lines. In fact, a trio of people will save money going with Essentials due to a free third-line deal, paying $90 a month (plus taxes and fees) for a $10 savings over Essentials Saver.
However, if you need just one or two lines, Essentials Saver is still the better deal. A single line on Saver is still the better offer at $50 a month compared with $60 for the same features on Essentials, and two lines on Saver costs $80 a month compared with $90 for Essentials.
Why we like it
You get a solid level of basic phone service, with unlimited calls, texts and data, 50GB of premium higher-speed data and better pricing than the Essentials Saver plan for three or more lines (up to six).
Who it's best for
Essentials is great for a cost-conscious family of three or more that wants unlimited everything, even at some slower speeds.
Who shouldn't get it
This plan isn’t for people who want features such as larger amounts of premium data, regular hotspot access or included perks, or folks who need to set up a family or group with three or more lines.
Customer service options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Phone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: Store locator
• App: T-Life app
Pros
- Verizon's 4G LTE network is a strong backbone
- Can still get perks
- Can mix and match plans
- Three-year price guarantee
Cons
- No access to Verizon's fastest 5G networks
- No hotspot data included
Verizon's Unlimited Welcome sounds like the happiest greeter in your favorite store or restaurant. And if you're looking for a bare-bones plan with just the basics, it has some compelling aspects. At the top of that list is how modular Verizon's plans are. Each person on an account can pick a different plan that suits them (unlike T-Mobile and AT&T, which require everyone to share the same plan at this comparative entry level). And whereas other providers reserve perks such as streaming services for the higher-tier plans, you can add them piecemeal to customize what you need -- typically for $10 a month for each, depending on the service.
That applies to mobile hotspot data: By itself, the plan offers no way to wirelessly share your cellular connection from your phone, but for an additional $10 you can add 100GB of data.
International options include unlimited talk and text in Canada and Mexico and 2GB of high-speed data before ratcheting down to unlimited data at 3G speeds.
However, the Unlimited Welcome plan isn't as welcome when it comes to 5G data speeds. It can only tap into regular low-band 5G. Even if you had a capable device and were within range of a midband or millimeter wave 5G signal, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of Verizon's fastest 5G Ultra Wideband ("5G UW" or "5G UWB") speeds.
Why we like it
There's no set amount of high-speed data before a line is throttled, so you don't need to keep an eye on your data usage -- but at the same time, this plan only supports 5G, not 5G Ultra Wideband. We also like that each person on a Verizon account can have their own plan with different perks. In a family, for example, an adult could add hotspot data (for an extra $10), but it can be left off for a child who doesn’t need it, even if both of them are on Unlimited Welcome.
Who it's best for
Families who want to keep costs low but still have options for some perks.
Who shouldn't get it
Anyone who wants to connect at higher 5G speeds and take advantage of the capabilities they paid for when buying a phone.
Customer service options
• Online: Verizon
• Phone: 800-922-0204
• Store: Store locator
• App: My Verizon
Best unlimited plans compared
| Plan | Cost 1 line (auto pay) | Cost 4 lines (auto pay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price guarantee | Max number of lines | Streaming resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Essentials Saver | $50 | n/a | 50GB | Unlimited 3G | n/a | 3 | 480p (SD) |
| T-Mobile | Essentials | $60 | $105 | 50GB | Unlimited 3G | n/a | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| AT&T | Value Plus VL | $51 | $124 | Unlimited 5G (will be slowed if network congested) | n/a | n/a | 10 | 480p (SD) |
| Verizon | Unlimited Welcome | $65 | $120 | Unlimited 5G (but no access to 5G UW/5G UWB) | Not included; 100GB can be added as a perk for $10 per month | Three years | 12 | 480p (SD) |
Recent updates
T-Mobile shook up its plans (again) in early 2025, replacing its Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans with Experience More and Experience Beyond. And yet, the stalwart Essentials and Essentials Saver plans are still in the lineup as lower-cost alternatives to the bells-and-whistles Experience plans.
Since we updated this guide, Verizon has added a three-year price guarantee to its plans.
Factors to consider
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like me saying I have a car. Good for me -- but what make and model is it? Does it run reliably? Can it actually get up to the top speed on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the freeway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I'd paid less for a model without extras like heated seats and a TruCoat sealant?
As you're evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Know your area
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you aren't getting reliably fast connections, or if calls often drop or aren't picked up, then you could be paying for more than you're getting. Fortunately, most areas of the US are blanketed by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren't as many dead zones as there used to be. (And now satellite service is starting to fill those holes.) The major companies are also putting a lot of money and effort into broadening their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier's network may be stronger than another's, or signals could be reduced due to interference. So the best approach is to ask friends or family members which services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test-drive services to see how your devices work in your area. (See the FAQ below for more on how reliable coverage maps can be.)
Know your deals and discounts
One other thing to keep in mind: discounts. All the carriers offer additional discounts you could be eligible for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can get discounts on every major carrier. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile's Work perk could knock 15% off the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Unlimited Premium PL plan. AT&T also has a promotion for teachers that offers 25% off its latest unlimited plans.
If you're 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as low as $55 a month for two lines, and Verizon and AT&T offer similar options but only for Florida residents.
It's also worth noting that on their websites, some carriers sometimes advertise different rates geared toward switchers, for example if you bring your own phone (not trade in and finance a new one on an installment plan). Our recommendations reflect the actual rate outside of these very specific promotions.
How we test
Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a very individualized process. What works for you and your family's needs may be vastly different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage while others work best on Verizon or T-Mobile. The picks we make are based on more than a decade of covering and evaluating wireless carriers, their offerings and overall performance.
Specifically, we take into account coverage, price/value and perks.
Coverage
Since all three major providers cover most of the country with good 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a toss-up on a macro level. It's why we recommend a variety of eSIM options for figuring out what works best for you in your particular location, so you can best decide what's right for you. Looking at coverage maps on each provider's website will likely show that you get good coverage even if your experience isn't full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
Value is factoring in the total experience you might get, such as how much high-speed data you get and what's included in the sticker price. We also take into account whether a plan includes typical taxes and fees, or whether those are charged separately, inching your monthly bill higher.
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Perks
Perks are add-ons beyond the core components of wireless service (talk, text and data). This could range from bundling in or discounting on streaming services to extra hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.
