Have you thought about buying a new Apple iPhone17ESamsung Galaxy S26 or Google Pixel 10A — or one of the other new ones phones on the market? The phone is only half the decision. You will need a supplier to support it.
The T-Mobile Essentials Saver plan offers unlimited data usage and includes 50GB of “Premium” data, which is the fastest 5G rate available in your area. After 50GB, speeds are reduced to 3G levels for the rest of the month. However, that Premium isn’t always so premium: T-Mobile notes in the fine print that “Essentials customers may notice lower speeds than other customers and an additional discount if they use more than 50GB per month, due to data prioritization.”
Benefits
- T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the United States
- Phone can be used as a hotspot
- Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico
Disadvantages
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same level
- Taxes and fees are not included in the monthly cost
With the three major US carriers, you use their infrastructure, and if there are no high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, US Mobile considers itself a Super Carrier because, without its own network, it uses these three networks. They’re given special names – presumably to avoid publicity for the competition – and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon, and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
Benefits
- Works on the Verizon network for “Warp” service, AT&T for its “Dark Star” or T-Mobile for “Light Speed”
- 10 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at lower speeds
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5 GB of hotspot data
Disadvantages
- Limited periods during which you can change networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is only available in the Premium Unlimited plan
- Phone data slows down to 1 Mbps after high-speed data runs out
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
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 essentially the same. With both, you get 50GB of fast Premium 5G data (depending on network capabilities in your area), which upgrades to still unlimited 3G data speeds once that allocation is exhausted. You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, but only at 3G speeds and limited to paltry 2G speeds when you’re in Canada or Mexico. In these two countries, calls, texts and data are unlimited, while calls made from around 215 other countries are charged 25 cents per minute.
Benefits
- T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the United States
- 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
- Free third line is a better deal than Essentials Saver
Disadvantages
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same level
- Taxes and fees are not included in the monthly cost
Looking at Google Fi Wireless plans, Ultimate Essentials stands out as a four-line bundle costing $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). This is the cheapest choice, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more than $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering, and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, widely available through T-Mobile’s network.
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no additional cost
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls to Mexico and Canada
Disadvantages
- Broadband hotspot data counts toward monthly broadband data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
- No international data
While we think almost everyone can benefit from an unlimited data plan, sometimes it’s too much data and too much expense. When you’re not streaming movies or checking social media frequently (outside of Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan may be enough.
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid competitors
- Free calls to Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom
Disadvantages
- The best prices often require a full year commitment or are limited to new customers.
- Hotspot data comes from a monthly allocation
MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Offers are selected by the CNET Group sales team and may be unrelated to this article.
We have recommendations from big carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as smaller services like Mint Mobile and Google Fi Wireless. For most of our picks, we’ve included postpaid plans, in which you pay at the end of the month for data and all other charges, and prepaid plans, in which you pay a fixed amount at the start of each monthly period and no more.
What is the best phone plan overall?
If only it were that simple. People have all kinds of needs when it comes to using talk, text, and data on their phones, so we’ve made recommendations in several categories.
When evaluating your phone plans, think about how you use your phone. Are you mostly at home or somewhere else where Wi-Fi is plentiful? An inexpensive plan with a small amount of high-speed cellular data may be right for you. Or, if you travel frequently or are on the go all day, having unlimited, unrestricted data and fast speeds is probably more important.
For this guide, we’re focusing more on value than how many features we can pack into an expensive package. You can always look at our picks and then work your way back through the list of what companies offer to find the combination of features and monthly cost that works best for you.
Best value phone plans for just one line
Benefits
- T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the United States
- Phone can be used as a hotspot
- Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico
Disadvantages
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same level
- Taxes and fees are not included in the monthly cost
The T-Mobile Essentials Saver plan offers unlimited data usage and includes 50GB of “Premium” data, which is the fastest 5G rate available in your area. After 50GB, speeds are reduced to 3G levels for the rest of the month. However, that Premium isn’t always so premium: T-Mobile notes in the fine print that “Essentials customers may notice lower speeds than other customers and an additional discount if they use more than 50GB per month, due to data prioritization.”
You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot, also with unlimited data, but at 3G speeds. Broadband hotspot access is available as an add-on. Internationally, calls, texts and data are unlimited, while in Canada and Mexico, data is limited to 2G speeds. Elsewhere, calls cost 25 cents per minute and texts are unlimited at no extra cost when you’re in around 215 countries.
As for other T-Mobile features, you’ll have to look further up in the plan menu. Essentials Saver and Essentials don’t offer the five-year price guarantee found in Experience plans, nor do they include access to T-Satellite SMS, but you can add the Starlink-based service as an optional add-on. The perks are also reserved for the most expensive plans, meaning no Netflix, Apple TV, or Hulu streaming is included.
The Essentials Saver plan costs $50 per 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 more beneficial.
Why we love it
Vendors want to push you toward their more expensive offerings, but they also know there’s a place for cost-conscious people who only want the basics. Essentials Saver includes 50 GB of fast data before the data rate slows down. And while the hotspot feature is particularly effective at 3G speeds, it’s still there when needed.
Who is it best for?
The Essentials Saver plan is ideal for individuals or couples who don’t want to spend a lot on a cellular plan and aren’t looking for perks or fast data.
Who shouldn’t have it
The plan is not intended for people looking for features such as larger amounts of premium data, regular access to hotspots or included benefits, nor has it ux people who need to create a family or group with three or more lines.
Customer Service Options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Telephone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: store locator
• Application: T-Life application
Benefits
- Works on the Verizon network for “Warp” service, AT&T for its “Dark Star” or T-Mobile for “Light Speed”
- 10 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at lower speeds
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5 GB of hotspot data
Disadvantages
- Limited periods during which you can change networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is only available in the Premium Unlimited plan
- Phone data slows down to 1 Mbps after high-speed data runs out
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
With the three major US carriers, you use their infrastructure, and if there are no high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, US Mobile considers itself a Super Carrier because, without its own network, it uses these three networks. They’re given special names — presumably to avoid advertising the competition — and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon, and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
It sounds complicated, but it means you can upgrade to a better network for your area if needed without switching to a whole new carrier. You still have to choose one, but you get two free network transfers, then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again later: it’s a good way to see which one works best in your area.
OK, to be honest, it can get more complicated, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds have a reduced priority (called QCI 9) during times of network congestion; for $12 more per month you can upgrade to a higher priority (QCI 8). With Warp level, data speeds are at QCI 9 on 5G devices; however, plans that were in place before August 18, 2025 remain at QCI 8 speed. The light speed level is given even higher priority at QCI 7.
The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1 Mbps, for just $17.50 per month if you purchase an annual plan. (Otherwise, it’s $25 per month.) Hotspot data is 5 GB; however, US Mobile states that “Hotspot data usage beyond this figure may be capped.” International calls and texts from the US are included, but if you’re traveling you’ll need to purchase additional roaming plans, costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $30 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts).
Why we love it
This is an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees built into the price. In addition, you have the possibility to surf among the main operator networks to find the one that best suits your region.
Who is it best for?
Someone looking for a simple phone line and not expecting to use a lot of data.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you’re often away from Wi-Fi, this data can drain quickly. It’s also not a good option if you need consistently high speeds or don’t want the complexity of choosing one of three networks.
Customer Service Options
• Online: mobile in the United States
• Telephone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• Application: iOS mobile in the United States, Android
Benefits
- T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust
- Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the United States
- 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
- Free third line is a better deal than Essentials Saver
Disadvantages
- Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds
- Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds
- No five-year price guarantee
- Everyone must be on the same level
- Taxes and fees are not included in the 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 essentially the same. With both, you get 50GB of fast Premium 5G data (depending on network capabilities in your area), which upgrades to still unlimited 3G data speeds once that allocation is exhausted. You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, but only at 3G speeds and limited to paltry 2G speeds when you’re in Canada or Mexico. In these two countries, calls, texts and data are unlimited, while calls made from around 215 other countries are charged 25 cents per minute.
The Essentials plan also doesn’t include perks like streaming video from Netflix, or the five-year price guarantee found on the Experience More and Experience Beyond plans. T-Satellite service is also not included, although it can be added for $10 per month.
Where Essentials edges out Essentials Saver is the number of lines you can have in your account. Essentials Saver is limited to just three, but Essentials can accommodate six lines. In fact, three people will save money with Essentials through a free third-line offering, paying $90 per month (plus taxes and fees) for a savings of $10 over Essentials Saver. If your household needs four lines, an Essentials 4 Line Bundle takes advantage of the third line offer for $100 per month.
However, if you only need one or two lines, Essentials Saver is still the best deal. A single line on Saver remains the best deal at $50 per month, compared to $60 for the same features on Essentials, and two lines on Saver costs $80 per month, compared to $90 for Essentials.
Why we love it
You get a solid level of basic phone service, with unlimited talk, text and data, 50GB of higher-speed premium data, and a better price than the Essentials Saver plan for three or more lines (up to six).
Who is it best for?
Essentials is ideal for a cost-conscious family of three or more who want unlimited everything, even at slower speeds.
Who shouldn’t have it
This plan is not intended for people who want features like more premium data, regular access to hotspots, or included perks, or for people who need to create a family or group with three or more lines.
Customer Service Options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Telephone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: store locator
• Application: T-Life application
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no additional cost
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls to Mexico and Canada
Disadvantages
- Broadband hotspot data counts toward monthly broadband data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
- No international data
Looking at Google Fi Wireless plans, Ultimate Essentials stands out as a four-line bundle costing $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). This is the cheapest choice, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more than $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering, and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, widely available through T-Mobile’s network.
The drop in data speeds after exhausting the 50GB of high-speed data isn’t that significant – the service then crawls to 256kbps for the rest of the month. You can pay $10 per gigabyte to get back on the fast lane if necessary, but that can get expensive quickly. Also, that 25GB of high-speed hotspot data counts toward the 50GB of fast data.
Why we love it
Compared to similarly priced prepaid plans from Metro or Cricket, Google Fi Wireless comes out on top at the same price with its 50GB of high-speed data and hotspot feature.
Who is it best for?
This is an affordable plan for a family with average data needs.
Who shouldn’t have it
People who frequently stream video or primarily use cellular data instead of local Wi-Fi.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Google Fi Wireless
• Telephone: 844-825-5234
• Store: n/a
• Application: Google Fi
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid competitors
- Free calls to Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom
Disadvantages
- The best prices often require a full year commitment or are limited to new customers.
- Hotspot data comes from a monthly allocation
While we think almost everyone can benefit from an unlimited data plan, sometimes it’s too much data and too much expense. When you’re not streaming movies or checking social media frequently (outside of Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan may be enough.
Mint Mobile’s 15GB plan costs just $20 per month when you pay upfront for a year or take advantage of a new three-month customer deal. For that price, you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile’s 5G/4G LTE network and 15GB of high-speed data (and then slower unlimited data if you go over that allowance). It also includes free calls to Canada, Mexico and the UK, plus 10GB of hotspot data (out of 15GB total).
Why we love it
With T-Mobile’s network as its backbone, Mint Mobile’s plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but on a smaller, affordable prepaid scale.
Who is it best for?
People who want the features of most mobile plans but don’t use a lot of data.
Who shouldn’t have it
Someone who is obsessed with data usage or worried about hitting the 15GB limit.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Mint Mobile Help Center
• Telephone: 800-683-7392
• Store: n/a
• App: Mint Mobile
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- Free chat and text
Disadvantages
- Need to use TextNow app for calling and texting
- The application contains advertisements
- Minimum cellular data
- No access to services like WhatsApp on mobile
- Adding data is expensive
Today’s phones consume so much data that it’s hard to imagine not using some t out. And yet, that’s pretty close to what you’d use with TextNow’s free Flex plan, which only includes 550MB (yes, megabytes) data up to 5 Mbps (megabits per second), then limited to 128 kbps (kilobits per second). And the cost is… nothing. Well, there is a $5 fee for purchasing a SIM card, but you can get around it with TextNow’s new eSIM options.
The problem is that calls and texts happen in the TextNow app, not in Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, or other data-using communications apps. And since you’re locked into the app, you’re also served ads. TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network for wireless access. If you TO DO If you need data access, TextNow has “passes” you can purchase, such as a $3 per day pass with 2GB of high-speed data and then unlimited 2G data. There’s also a $9 weekly pass with 5GB of high-speed data and a $36 monthly pass with 20GB of high-speed data and no ads, but if you’re spending that much, it makes sense to go for a cheaper plan from another provider with more options.
Why we love it
Aside from the optional fees for purchasing a SIM card (if you don’t opt for the eSIM option) and accepting ads, it’s hard to beat free.
Who is it best for?
Someone who rarely needs to use a phone or has a basic phone as a backup or burner.
Who shouldn’t have it
In reality, most people will avoid this plan because so much of the way we use phones these days is data-centric.
Customer Service Options
• Online: TextNow help
• Telephone: n/a
• Store: n/a
• Application: TextNow application
Benefits
- Verizon’s 4G LTE network provides a strong backbone
- Can still get benefits
- Can mix and match plans
- Three-year price guarantee
Disadvantages
- No access to Verizon’s fastest 5G networks
- No hotspot data included
Verizon Unlimited Greeting feels like happiness I welcome you to your favorite store or restaurant. And if you’re looking for a simple plan that includes just the basics, it has some great features. At the top of this list of benefits is the modularity of Verizon’s plans. Each person with an account can choose 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).
While other providers reserve perks like streaming services for higher-tier plans, you can add them piecemeal to customize what you need — usually for $10 a month for each, depending on the service. This includes a Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus bundle (with commercials); Netflix and Max bundle (with ads); and a family subscription to Apple One (for $15). Even though it seems like a boring upsell, you can choose the ones you want. All perks can be turned on or off at will, or you can forego them altogether. You can even offer multiple benefits on a single line if you want.
This complementary approach also applies to mobile hotspot data. The plan itself doesn’t offer any way to wirelessly share your cellular connection from your phone, but for an extra $10 you can add 100GB of data.
International options include unlimited talk and text within Canada and Mexico, plus 2GB of high-speed data before upgrading 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 operate classic low-band 5G. Even if you had a capable device and were within range of a mid-band or millimeter wave 5G signal, you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of Verizon’s fastest 5G ultra-wideband speeds (“5G UW” or “5G UWB”).
Why we love 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 everyone with a Verizon account can have their own plan with different benefits. In a family, for example, an adult can add hotspot data (for $10 more), but it can be left out for a child who doesn’t need it.
Who is it best for?
Families who want to keep their costs low while still enjoying some benefits.
Who shouldn’t have it
Anyone who wants to connect at higher 5G speeds and take advantage of the 5G connectivity capabilities they paid for when purchasing a phone.
Customer Service Options
- Online: Verizon
- Telephone: 800-922-0204
- Store: Store Locator
- App: My Verizon
Benefits
- 5G connectivity and 50 GB of high-speed data in the United States
- An affordable plan for seniors who just want to use their phone for basic apps and tasks without watching a lot of videos.
Disadvantages
- The plan allows a maximum of two lines only
- 480p video quality is very low
- 3G tethering speed is too slow for much more than checking your email
- The plan lacks bundled extras like subscriptions to streaming services
For one or two people who just want to stay connected at reasonable speeds but don’t need a lot of extra features (or don’t want to overpay), T-Mobile offers an inexpensive plan for seniors with Essentials Choice 55. This plan includes 5G access and costs $45 per month for one line or $60 per month for two lines if you sign up with autopay. It’s good value for one or two people, although they won’t be able to stretch to three or four lines.
The compromise is in the fine print. With Essentials Choice 55, customers will experience lower speeds when they use more than 50 GB of data per month or when T-Mobile’s network is clogged with heavy customer activity, suggesting that these customers are lower priority than others. Video quality also “typically” streams at 480p, and tethering peaks at 3G speeds (or 2G speeds in Mexico and Canada). The plan gives users access to T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, an app service that can automatically block suspected scam calls and let you change your number once a year if the calls become unbearable. On the other hand, its mobile hotspot data is limited to T-Mobile’s older, slower 3G network.
Why we love it
This is an affordable plan for one or two seniors, with a good balance of features. The Scam Shield app is a good advantage.
Who is it best for?
Someone who wants quick access to their app data but doesn’t care about fast hotspot tethering.
Who shouldn’t have it
People who need more than two lines on an account or want higher overall performance.
Customer Service Options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Telephone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: store locator
• Application: T-Life application
Benefits
- Access to Verizon’s fastest 5G networks
- More hotspot data
- Can enjoy perks like streaming packages as paid add-ons
- Better trade-in offers
- Can mix and match plans on the same account
Disadvantages
- Packages are more expensive than Welcome
- Verizon Complicates Pricing on Its Website
If you’re going to call a plan Unlimited Ultimate, it better have it all. Verizon’s most expensive plan is also one that won’t make you worry about data caps or international roaming fees.
It provides access to the highest 5G Ultra Wideband (5G UW/5G UWB) data speeds – assuming your phone is capable – without a high speed cap like on many other budget plans. At this data rate, movies can be streamed at up to 4K or 1080p resolution when connected to a typical 5G or 4G LTE network. Hotspot data flows at its highest speed for 200 GB, then drops to 6 Mbps for unlimited data the rest of the month. The Unlimited Ultimate plan also benefits from Verizon’s three-year price lock guarantee.
For international travel, you get unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico at the maximum available speeds of up to 2GB per day, then 3G speeds after that. In over 210 other countries, calls and texts are unlimited, with 15GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited data at 1.5Mbps. The plan includes unlimited texting from the United States to over 200 countries and territories. If you frequently call friends or family in one of 140 countries, the plan includes up to 300 minutes per month.
Why we love it
We like that there are additional benefits when you’re in a 5G ultra-wideband network area, such as higher streaming resolution and optimized video calls.
Who is it best for?
Verizon customers who want all the data and all the speeds and are willing to pay for it. It’s also a great choice for frequent international travelers.
Who shouldn’t have it
Customers looking to save money, or who do not have a recent phone that can take full advantage of the 5G Ultra Wideband network areas.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Verizon
• Telephone: 800-922-0204
• Store: store locator
• Application: My Verizon
| Plan | Cost 1 line (automatic payment) | Cost 4 lines (automatic payment) | High speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price Guarantee | Maximum number of lines | Broadcast resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Essentials Saver | $50 | n / A | 50 GB | Unlimited 3G | n / A | 3 | 480p (SD) |
| T-Mobile | Essential | $60 | $105 | 50 GB | Unlimited 3G | n / A | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| T-Mobile | Choice of Essentials 55 | $45 | n / A | 50 GB | Unlimited 3G | n / A | 2 | 480p (SD) |
| Mobile in the United States | Unlimited flexibility | $17.50 | n / A | 10 GB | 5 GB | n / A | Unlimited | 480p (SD) |
| Google Fi Wireless | Unlimited standard | $50 | $100 | 50 GB | 25 GB | n / A | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| Mint Mobile | 15 GB | $20 | n / A | 15 GB | 10 GB | n/ HAS | n / A | 480p (SD) |
| Text now | Essential data | Free | n / A | 550 MB | n / A | n / A | n / A | n / A |
| Verizon | Welcome unlimited | $55 | $100 | Unlimited 5G (but no access to 5G UW/5G UWB) | Not included; 100 GB can be added as a benefit for $10 per month | 3 years | 12 | 480p (SD) |
| Verizon | Unlimited Ultimate | $80 | $200 | Unlimited | 200 GB | 3 years | 12 | Up to 4K |
T-Mobile shook up its plans in early 2025, replacing its Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans with Experience More and Experience Beyond, then added a new Best Value plan in early 2026. And yet, the solid Essentials and Essentials Saver plans are still in the lineup as less expensive alternatives to the bells and whistles Experience plans. The based on Starlink Satellite T the service is included in the Experience Beyond, Better Value, and Go5G Next plans and is available as a $10 per month add-on for other plans (even extended to competing carriers). T-Mobile also introduced its five-year price guarantee on its prepaid plans as well as its postpaid plans.
At the end of 2025, Verizon reduced the prices of its unlimited plans and added a three-year price guarantee.
Also since the last update, the Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Standard plan replaced Simply Unlimited, increasing high-speed data from 35GB to 50GB and hotspot data from 5GB to 25GB before speeds were throttled.
In June 2025, AT&T announced a new plan for seniors, AT&T 55 Plus, which costs $40/month for a single line or $70/month for two lines. However, it’s unclear how much high-speed data you’ll get: AT&T says unlimited 5G is included, but data speeds may be limited if the network is busy. If you’re already an AT&T customer, this could be a good option to lower your monthly bill. That said, we still think T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan offers the best overall value.
US Mobile changed the network priority level of its Warp Tier (Verizon) effective August 18, 2025 to QCI 9 instead of the higher priority QCI 8. However, anyone who was on Warp before this date retains the QCI 8 designation. For the Unlimited Flex plan, Hotspot Usage now states that once 5GB of storage is exhausted, “hotspot data usage above this value may be capped.”
TextNow reduced the prices of its add-on passes and changed the name of its free plan from Essential Data to Free Flex Plan, which now includes 550MB of data (instead of 350MB), then defaults to unlimited data at a slower speed instead of capping the amount of data.
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like saying I have a car. Good for me, but what brand and model is it? Does it work reliably? Can it actually reach the maximum speed indicated on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the highway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I had paid less for a model without extras like heated seats and TruCoat sealant?
When evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features available on any phone this year.
Kevin Heinz/CNETKnow your region
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you don’t get fast, reliable connections, or if calls often drop or go unanswered, then you could be paying more than you get. Fortunately, most areas of the United States are covered by There is 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 gaps.) Big companies are also spending a lot of money and effort expanding their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier’s network may be stronger than another’s, or signals may be reduced due to interference. So the best approach is to ask your friends or family members what services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test the services to see how your devices work in your region. (See the FAQ below to learn more about coverage map reliability.)
Know your offers and discounts
Another thing to keep in mind: discounts. All carriers offer additional discounts that you may qualify for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can receive discounts on all major carriers. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile’s Work benefit could reduce the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan by 15%, 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 are 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted package: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as little as $60 per month for two lines. Verizon And AT&T offer similar options, but only for Florida residents.
It’s also worth noting that some carriers may advertise different switch-friendly pricing on their websites, for example if you bring your own phone (and not trade in and finance a new one on an installment plan). Our recommendations reflect the actual price outside of these very specific promotions.
Choosing a wireless plan and carrier is a very personal process. What suits you and your family’s needs may be very different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage, while others work better on Verizon or T-Mobile. The choices we make are based on more than a decade of coverage and evaluation of wireless carriers, their offerings and their overall performance.
Specifically, we consider coverage, price/value, and benefits.
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Since the top three providers cover most of the country with reliable 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a macro-level choice. That’s why we recommend a variety of eSIM options to determine what’s best for you in your particular location, so you can better decide what’s best for you. Looking at the coverage maps on each provider’s website will likely show that you have good coverage even if your experience isn’t all about full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
The value takes into account the total experience you might get, like 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 these are billed separately, thereby increasing your monthly bill.
Benefits
Benefits are additions beyond the basic components of wireless service (talk, text, and data). This could range from bundling or discounting streaming services, to additional hotspot data, or the ability to use your phone internationally.
How reliable are coverage maps?
The three major US companies – AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon – offer services directly and have robust national networks offering 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (even faster) data. They all promise coverage covering most of the United States and are actively trying to build out 5G coverage wherever they can.
But cards are one thing and experience is another. This is why it is impossible to say that one carrier is objectively better than another. For example, T-Mobile’s service in New York may be great, but Verizon is more reliable in rural Iowa. Or you may have basic 5G coverage but not faster millimeter wave 5G.
If possible, ask your neighbors, friends, or family members near you which carriers they use and how fast or reliable the wireless service is. And don’t forget to consider not only where you live, but also the places you frequent: your home may have a clear connection, but your workplace could be in a cellular black hole.
You may also be able to test a network: go to a carrier’s store and ask if there are any free ways to try the company’s service. T-Mobile offers a free three-month Network Pass, Verizon offers a 30-day “trial” program, and AT&T offers its own free 30-day eSIM trial program.
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What you need to know about 5G
“5G” is an umbrella term that encompasses current fifth-generation wireless cellular network technologies. All major carriers and phones support 5G connections, which can offer faster data speeds than older technologies like 4G LTE or 3G.
There are essentially three types of 5G: Millimeter wave (mmWave), which can be fast but has limited range; low band 5G, which has slower speeds but works over a wider range; And middle bandwhich is a balance between the two that is faster than low band but also covers a wider range than millimeter waves. Midband also integrates Band Ca batch of spectrum auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission in 2021.
Your phone’s 5G connection depends on the type of connection that covers the area you are in, as well as other factors, such as population density and infrastructure. For example, mmWave is lightning fast, but its signals can be thwarted by buildings, glass, leaves, or being inside a structure.
When your device is connected to a 5G network, it may appear in several variants 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 major services:
AT&T: 5GE (which is not actually 5G, but rather a sneaky 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 unified communications (mid-band and mmWave, also known as “Ultra Capacity 5G”)
There is also reduced capacity 5G (5G RedCap), which is a lower-power, smaller-capacity branch of 5G used by devices such as smartwatches and wearable health devices; the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for example, connects via 5G RedCap.
5G Advanced is just around the corner, promising much faster speeds through carrier aggregation or combining multiple spectrums.
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What is the difference between “prepaid” and “postpaid” plans?
When choosing a phone plan, there are usually two main options: a postpaid carrier like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (plus cable options like Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile) and prepaid providers like Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi Wireless, and Cricket.
The difference comes down to this: with postpaid, you pay for your plan after using your service, while prepaid allows you to purchase that allowance in advance.
Prepaid providers are generally cheaper than postpaid options, although they are also often (but not always) more limited when it comes to additional streaming benefits, hotspot data, or device discounts. To get several hundred dollars’ worth of trade-in credit for a new iPhone, Pixel, or Galaxy, you’ll often need to commit to a postpaid plan with one of the big three carriers and be willing to stay with that provider for 24 to 36 months.
The three major wireless carriers also offer various discounts on plan prices based on age, employment, military or veteran status, or whether you or someone on your family plan is a nurse, teacher, or first responder. You can find details here for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
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Why consider an unlimited plan?
Unlimited plans used to be rare, but now almost all plans – especially postpaid plans – offer unlimited data. If you use T-Mobile, all of your plans are unlimited, and Verizon no longer allows new users to sign up for a shared data plan. Only AT&T still offers tiered data plans in which the data flow stops when you’ve reached the limit.
While everyone’s wireless needs are different, we think unlimited plans are the best option for most phone users, especially when it comes to choosing a new plan.
For example, the AT&T 4GB plan isn’t great. It offers a 4GB per line plan that costs $50 per 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 pay $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, costs $65 per month for one line or $140 for four lines.
If you have one or two lines and don’t use a lot of data, one of these plans might be right for you, but if you only have one line, we recommend upgrading to AT&T’s Value Plus VL at $51 per month or T-Mobile’s Essentials Saver. Two lines on this T-Mobile plan cost $80 per month, which is still $10 cheaper than two lines on AT&T’s 4GB plan, and you won’t have to worry about how much data you’re using.
For most people, we really think unlimited is the best choice when choosing a new plan.
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