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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.
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- Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2025
- What is the best unlimited phone plan overall?
- Best unlimited data plans for a single line
- Best for value for a single line
- Runner-up for value on a single line
- Best for value with multiple lines
- Runner-up for value with multiple lines
- Best unlimited plans compared
- Recent updates
- Factors to consider
- How we test
- Unlimited phone plan FAQ
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
- Online: AT&T Wireless support
- Phone: 800-331-0500
- Store: Store locator
- App: myAT&T iOS, Android
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
| Essentials Saver | $50 | n/a | 50GB | Unlimited 3G | n/a | 3 | 480p (SD) |
| Essentials | $60 | $105 | 50GB | Unlimited 3G | n/a | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| Value Plus VL | $51 | $124 | Unlimited 5G (will be slowed if network congested) | n/a | n/a | 10 | 480p (SD) |
| 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) |
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.
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.
Kevin Heinz/CNETKnow 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 a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Unlimited Premium plans that it calls Signature. 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.
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.
The new subtitle option is available, but it isn't available for every show and movie.
NurPhoto / Getty ImagesPerks
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.
"5G" is an umbrella term that encompasses the current fifth-generation cellular wireless network technologies. All the major carriers and phones support 5G connections, which can offer faster data speeds than older technologies such as 4G LTE or 3G.
Essentially there are three types of 5G: Millimeter-wave (mmWave), which can be fast but has limited range; low-band 5G, which has slower speeds but works on a broader range; and midband, which is a balance between the two that's faster than low-band but also covers a larger range than millimeter-wave. Midband also incorporates C-band, a batch of spectrum auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission in 2021.
Your phone's 5G connection depends on which type blankets the area you're in, as well as other factors, such as population density and infrastructure. For instance, mmWave is super fast, but its signals can be thwarted by buildings -- or glass, or leaves -- or whether you're inside a structure.
When your device is connected to a 5G network, it can show up as several variations such as 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW or others, depending on the carrier. Here’s a list of icons you see at the top of your phone for the major services:
AT&T: 5GE (which isn't actually 5G, but rather a sly marketing name for 4G LTE), 5G (low band), 5G Plus (mmWave, midband)
Verizon: 5G (low band, also called "Nationwide 5G"), 5G UW/5G UWB (midband and mmWave, also called "5G Ultra Wideband")
T-Mobile: 5G (low band), 5G UC (midband and mmWave, also called "Ultra Capacity 5G")
How reliable are coverage maps?
The three major companies in the US -- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon -- offer services directly and have robust nationwide networks that offer 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (even faster) data. They all promise coverage that blankets most of the US, and they're actively trying to build up 5G coverage everywhere they can.
But maps are one thing; experience is another. That’s why it's impossible to say that one carrier is objectively better than another. For example, T-Mobile's service in New York may be excellent, but Verizon is more reliable in rural Iowa. Or you may have basic 5G coverage but not faster millimeter wave 5G.
If possible, ask neighbors, friends or family near you about which carriers they use and how fast or reliable the wireless service is. And don't forget to take into consideration not just where you live, but the places you frequent: Your house might get a clear connection, but your workplace could be in a cellular black hole.
You may also be able to test-drive a network -- go to a carrier's store and ask if there are free ways to try out the company's service. T-Mobile offers a free three-month Network Pass, Verizon has a 30-day "trial" program, and AT&T has its own 30-day eSIM free trial program.
If you're on T-Mobile, all your plans are unlimited, and Verizon no longer lets new users sign up for a shared data plan. Only AT&T still offers some tiered data plans.
Though everyone's wireless needs are different, we think unlimited plans make the most sense for most phone users, especially when it comes to choosing a new plan.
AT&T's option isn't great. It has a 4GB per line plan that runs $50 a month for one line ($160 for four lines). Each line here gets 4GB of data, but if you go over that threshold in a month, you're paying $10 for every 2GB. AT&T's plan also doesn't include access to its 5G networks.
The company's basic unlimited plan, Unlimited Starter, is $65 a month for one line or $140 for four lines.
If you have one or two lines and don't use a lot of data, you may be fine with one of these plans, though if you have just one line, we'd recommend switching over to AT&T's $50 per month Value Plus option we mentioned above or T-Mobile's Essentials Saver. Two lines of that T-Mobile plan run $80 a month, which is $10 cheaper than two lines of AT&T's 4GB plan and comes without the worry of navigating how much data you use.
For most people, we really do believe, unlimited is the best choice when choosing a new plan.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
It is, but the speeds you get may vary depending on your plan and how much data you use in a given month. Whereas in the past carriers would slow down or "throttle" your speeds if you passed a certain limit (usually over 22GB of data within a month) for the remainder of your billing cycle, today all three major providers say they'll only do that in special cases.
To have your data slowed down on most of the plans mentioned above, you will need to have:
1. Used over 50GB of data in a month.
2. Be in an area that's experiencing "congestion," "heavy traffic" or a "busy" network. Examples of this could be at a sporting event or concert where there are tens of thousands of people in the same area uploading and sharing photos and videos.
All carriers say that in these cases your data should be slowed only "temporarily." If you have an older unlimited plan, your threshold for when your data slows and how long it lasts may be different.
A hotspot, or the ability to share your phone's connection with other devices, will vary based on the plan you have. Some, like AT&T's Value Plus VL and Verizon's Unlimited Welcome, don't include it at all, while others -- such as AT&T's Unlimited Starter and T-Mobile's Essentials and Magenta -- offer limited amounts of high-speed access before capping your hotspot performance to "3G" or "2G" speeds.
In short, if hotspot access is important to you, check out a pricier unlimited plan, such as T-Mobile's Magenta Max (40GB of high-speed data) or Go5G Plus (50GB of high-speed data); Verizon's Unlimited Plus (30GB of high-speed data) or AT&T's Unlimited Extra EL (30GB of high-speed data) or Unlimited Premium PL (60GB of high-speed data) options.
