Best unlimited data plans in the US (June 2020)
Data is a precious commodity these days. The cost of using mobile web services can get high. Even if you have multiple options available, you have to be smart about picking the best among the unlimited data plans available. Factors such as pricing, signal, and throttling caps tend to vary significantly.
In this article, we will help you find the best unlimited data plans in the US We’ve put together the best options we could find. Unless otherwise stated, the unlimited data plans listed below are for single lines.
Best Unlimited plans
Postpaid options
Verizon – Starting at $70/mo
Verizon reintroduced unlimited data plans back in February 2017, after an eight-year hiatus. Currently, Big Red is offering four different unlimited data plans: Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited. All plans come with Disney Plus free for one year.
Verizon Start Unlimited
The cheapest of the Verizon plans is called Start Unlimited, with one line costing $70 a month with AutoPay (if you don’t use AutoPay, Verizon will add an extra $5 a month to the bill). The plan costs $120 a month for two lines, $135 a month for three lines, $140 a month for four lines, and $150 a month for five lines.
It offers unlimited 4G LTE data with 480p video streaming, unlimited talk and text in the US, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and a free six month trial for the Apple Music streaming service. You can also access Verizon’s 5G service — where available — with a compatible phone for an extra $10 a month.
Verizon Play More Unlimited
Play More Unlimited from Verizon is designed for people who like to stream music and video and play games on their phones. It starts at $80 a month with one line (with AutoPay), $140 a month for two lines, $165 a month for three lines, $180 a month for four lines, and $200 a month for five lines.
It offers unlimited 4G LTE data, with 25GB of “premium” data a month (if the network is experiencing data congestion, your speeds may be throttled if you exceed your premium monthly limit). You get 720p for video streaming and 15GB of 5G LTE mobile hotspot data. You also get unlimited talk and text in the US, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and free full access to Apple Music. Finally, you get free 5G network access for a limited time with 4K streaming on a compatible phone.
See also: Best Verizon Wireless plans
Verizon Do More Unlimited
Do More Unlimited is for Verizon users who just want to have high-speeds for their phone for normal or business use. It starts at $80 a month with one line (with AutoPay), $140 a month for two lines, $165 a month for three lines, $180 a month for four lines, and $200 a month for five lines. It offers unlimited 4G LTE data, with 50GB of “premium” data a month. It also offers 480p for video streaming and 15GB of 5G LTE mobile hotspot data.
In addition, you get unlimited talk and text in the US, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and a six month trial for Apple Music. You’ll also get 50% off the price of a connected tablet or jetpack standalone mobile hotspot, plus 500GB of cloud storage. Finally, you get free 5G network access for a limited time with 4K streaming on a compatible phone.
Verizon Get More Unlimited
At the top level, there’s the Get More Unlimited plan. It starts at $90 a month with one line (with AutoPay), $160 a month for two lines, $195 a month for three lines, $220 a month for four lines, and $250 a month for five lines. For that price, you can get unlimited 4G LTE data, with 75GB of “premium” data a month, 720p for streaming video, and 30GB of 4G LTE data for mobile hotspot. You also get unlimited talk and text in the US, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and free full access to Apple Music. There’s the same 50% off the price of a connected tablet or jetpack standalone mobile hotspot, plus 500GB of cloud storage. Finally, there’s free 5G network access for a limited time with 4K streaming on a compatible phone.
Verizon is allowing families under one account to mix and match the carrier’s unlimited plans. So children can use the cheaper plans, while their parents can use the more expensive plans, all on one bill.
T-Mobile – Starting at $70/mo
T-Mobile offers four unlimited data plans you can choose from — Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta Plus.
T-Mobile Essentials
T-Mobile’s Essentials plan was introduced in August and offers “just the essentials.” You get unlimited talk, text, and smartphone data in the US (throttled after 50GB of monthly data), and access to T-Mobile’s Tuesday promotions. The plan also offers unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data, unlimited talk, text, and 2G data in Mexico and Canada, as well as unlimited texting and a flat rate of $0.25 per minute for calls in more than 210 countries and destinations.
The Essentials plan will set you back $60 for just one line, but $30 per line if you opt for four lines (assuming the payments are made via AutoPay). However, unlike with T-Mobile’s other plans, taxes and fees are not included in the price.
T-Mobile Magenta
The T-Mobile Magenta plan costs $70 a month for one line, $60 a month each for two lines, $40 a month each for three lines, and $35 a month each for four lines. It offers unlimited talk and texts in the US as well as unlimited talk and texts while you are in Canada and Mexico — along with up to 5GB of high-speed data. During congestion, customers who have used more than 50GB of data in a given month may notice reduced speeds until the next bill cycle.
T-Mobile’s Magenta plan also includes unlimited mobile hotspot data, but only the first 3GB is at 4G LTE speeds. Thereafter it’s 3G. If you’re traveling on a plane with Gogo internet service, the plan offers unlimited texting and one hour of free Wi-Fi data. Video streaming is unlimited but the resolution is capped at 480p. The plan also includes free texting and data (128Kbps) in more than 210 countries and a free Netflix subscription if you get at least two lines. Taxes and fees are included, although you have to pay $5 per month extra if you don’t sign up for AutoPay.
The standard Magenta unlimited data plan is perfect for both individuals and families who want the benefits of unlimited high-speed data, but can live without some features for a cheaper price.
See also: The best T-Mobile plans
T-Mobile Magenta Plus
If you want some extras, you can sign up for the Magenta Plus plan. You’ll pay $85 a month for a single line, $70 a month each for two lines, $50 a month each for three lines, and $45 a month each for four lines. In addition to all the benefits of T-Mobile Magenta, the Plus plan boosts video streaming up to HD resolution, and you can get free unlimited Wi-Fi access on any Gogo-based flight. Mobile hotspot data is boosted to 4G LTE speeds for the first 20GB on your billing cycle, before going back to 3G speeds, and the data speed abroad is doubled to 256Kbps. The plan also includes T-Mobile’s Name ID, which can identify calls from unknown numbers.
Adding tablets, connected devices, and other things you should know
T-Mobile allows customers to add a tablet to the Essentials plan for $15 per month, and to either of its Magenta unlimited data plans for an extra $20 a month. If you have a smartwatch or other connected wearable, it can also be added to any plan for an extra $10 a month. All of the One plan prices include the use of the $5 a month discount when using AutoPay to pay off bills.
The company has bragged in its promotions for T-Mobile Magenta that its unlimited data don’t have any hidden monthly regulatory fees and sales taxes; all of them are included in the quoted prices, with the exception of the Essentials plan. However, they may not include some other fees such as extra data passes, late or restore fees, device-upgrade support charge, calling from foreign countries, and more — so be aware of that.
Sprint – Starting at $60/mo
Sprint has received a lot of criticism due to its network, but there are plenty of markets with good coverage and awesome data speeds. Sprint also recently merged with T-Mobile, and the longer-term implications of this remain to be seen. As it stands, however, the plans and deals are available as they were prior to the merger, and it’s likely that not much change will be seen to new Sprint subscribers for the time being.
You can choose between three main unlimited data plans: Unlimited Basic, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Premium. There’s also Unlimited 55+ for people aged 55 and over, and Unlimited Kickstart tot save you money by bringing your own phone to the network.
Unlimited Basic
The Unlimited Basic is the cheapest unlimited Sprint plan that’s currently being offered. One line on the plan costs $60 a month, and two lines cost a total of $100. However, there’s a special deal available right now that lets you add up to two more lines (four in total) at the same total price of $100. Once this offer ends, additional lines will set you back $20 each. All of these prices assume the customer will choose AutoPay as the payment option. The plan offers “unlimited” 4G LTE data, but your speeds might get throttled if you exceed 50GB of data before your monthly billing period ends.
See also: Best Sprint plans
In addition to unlimited data, talk, and text in the US, Sprint’s Unlimited Basic offers support for streaming video at up to 480p resolution, along with streaming music at up to 500Kbps and streaming data for games at up to 2Mbps. Each line on the plan can also offer 500MB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot downloads. After that limit is reached before the billing month closes, mobile hotspot streaming goes back down to 3G speeds. The plan also offers unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of LTE data a month for people in the US who travel to Mexico and Canada, along with text and data (likely not LTE data) for over 200 other countries.
Sprint is also offering free access to the Hulu video streaming service for Unlimited Basic Plan customers. New and current Hulu subscribers who sign up for the plan can get the standard Hulu Limited Commercials tier package for free, which normally costs $7.99 a month.
Unlimited Plus
Sprint also offers an upgraded version of its Unlimited Basic Plan, which costs an extra $10 per line. The Unlimited Plus plan will set you back $70 a month for the first line, and a total of $120 a month for two lines. Lines three to five will cost an additional $10 each per month right now.
Unlimited Plus offers “unlimited” 4G LTE data, but your speeds might get throttled if you exceed 50GB of data before your monthly billing period ends. Compared to Unlimited Basic, this plan increases your video streaming from 480p to 1080p resolution, and you also get 50GB of LTE data for mobile hotspots instead of just 500MB. Music streaming goes up as well to 1.5 Mbps.
The plan also offers unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of LTE data a month for people in the US who travel to Mexico and Canada, along with text and data (likely not LTE data) for over 200 other countries. Finally, in addition to the free access to Hulu, Sprint Unlimited Plus plan users can also access the Tidal Premium music streaming service, which normally costs $9.99 a month.
Unlimited Premium
Sprint’s Unlimited Premium plan costs $10 more per line than Unlimited Basic, which means it starts at $80 a month. Again, while the plan does offer “unlimited” 4G LTE data, your speeds might get throttled if you exceed 50GB of data before your monthly billing period ends.
This Sprint plan supports video streaming at 1080p resolution, and you get 100GB of LTE data for mobile hotspots. The plan also offers unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of LTE data a month for people in the US who travel to Mexico and Canada, along with text and data (likely not LTE data) for over 200 other countries. Finally, in addition to the free access to Hulu and Tidal, it has added support for a free subscription to Amazon Prime, along with a subscription to Lookout Premium Plus, which is a mobile security and identity theft service.
During May, all active and veteran members of our US Armed Forces can enjoy some extra benefits on the Unlimited Premium plan. Qualifying customers save 50% on family lines, which means 50% off any extra lines beyond the 1st line on the account.
See also: Best Sprint deals
Unlimited 55+
If you’re aged 55 or over, you have the extra option of the Unlimited 55+ plan. It’s $50 a month for line 1 and $20 a month for line 2 with AutoPay. Mobile hotspot is unlimited but at 3G speeds. Video streams are set at 480p, music up to 500Kbps, and gaming streams up to 2Mbps. Data deprioritization can occur during periods of congestion. This offer is only available in Sprint stores, presumably because you’ll need to show some evidence of your qualifying age.
Unlimited Kickstart
The plans above involve the savings you get on a new phone when you join Sprint. However, if you bring your own device to Sprint or purchase one at full retail value, then you can take advantage of the Unlimited Kickstart plan. It’s just $35 a month (with AutoPay), and also involves no annual contract, so you can walk away at any time.
As with the plan above, video streams are set at 480p, music up to 500Kbps, and gaming streams up to 2Mbps. Again, data deprioritization can occur during periods of congestion. This low price also excludes taxes, surcharges, and roaming.
AT&T – Starting at $65/mo
New AT&T subscribers can choose from three unlimited data plans:
AT&T Unlimited Starter
The cheapest of the three AT&T unlimited plans is called Unlimited Starter, and cost $65 a month for one line, or you can get a four-line bundle for $140. These prices are with a $10 discount for using paperless billing and AutoPay. Keep in mind that under this plan, your 4G LTE data speeds could be throttled at any time if the carrier is getting too much traffic. This plan supports standard resolutions for video streaming.
See also: The best AT&T plans
AT&T Unlimited Extra
This AT&T unlimited plan costs $75 a month for one line, or you can get a four-line bundle for $160. These prices are with a $10 discount for using paperless billing and AutoPay. Again, the 4G LTE data speeds could be throttled at any time if the carrier is getting too much traffic. This has all of the features of the Starter plan, plus it throws in 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data a month. You also get 5G access on a compatible device if you’re in a 5G area, and unlimited texting from the US to over 120 countries. On this plan, throttling at periods of congestion will only occur after you’ve used 50GB of data each month.
AT&T Unlimited Elite
The most expensive of the three AT&T Unlimited plans, Unlimited Elite costs $85 a month for one line or $200 for four lines. The Premium tier will throw in 30GB of free high-speed mobile hotspot data a month, and a high definition video streaming experience. You also get an HBO subscription thrown in. Your 4G LTE data speeds could be throttled if you go over 100GB before the end of your monthly billing cycle.
Sign up for an AT&T unlimited plan
Prepaid options
Boost Mobile – $50/mo
The big carriers are known to be dependable, but there are plenty of good choices on the prepaid side of things, especially if you are looking to save some cash. Boost Mobile’s selection in the unlimited data plans category starts with the Unlimited Gigs plan for $50 per month. You get unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data, as well as 12GB of hotspot data and a subscription to Tidal Premium. Video streaming is capped at 480p and you’ll be de-prioritized at times of network congestion. Just keep in mind Boost runs off Sprint’s network, so make sure you have good coverage in your area.
See also: Best Boost mobile deals
For an extra $10 per month ($60 per month), you can sign up for the Boost Unlimited Plus plan. The streaming quality is upped to 1080p and the hotspot data to 30GB. You get the Tidal subscription, plus 5G access if your device is compatible and you’re in a 5G area.
Metro by T-Mobile – Starting at $50/mo
Metro by T-Mobile offers two unlimited data plans. The cheaper one comes in at $50 for one line, and each additional line costs an extra $30. In addition to unlimited calls, text, and data, you also get 5GB of hotspot usage and a subscription to Google One that gives you 100GB of cloud storage. Video streaming is limited to 480p and all the taxes and fees are included in the price. If the network is congested, customers who have already used up at least 35GB of data in a given month may experience reduced speeds.
See also: The best Metro by T-Mobile deals
The second unlimited plan by the carrier costs $10 more ($60 for one line) and bumps up the hotspot usage to 15GB. It also includes a subscription to Amazon Prime.
Cricket Wireless – $50/mo
Cricket is also a good option for folks looking for unlimited data plans. Its cheapest plan costs $55 per month ($50 with AutoPay) and comes with unlimited data with speeds up to 3Mbps and nationwide talk and text. It also offers unlimited texting to 37 countries, as well as unlimited calling and texting to and from Mexico and Canada. You can stream video at up to 480p resolution and use 10GB of mobile hotspot data per month.
See also: Best Cricket Wireless plans
The second unlimited plan is called Unlimited Extra and is almost identical to the first one. The only major difference is that it gets you unlimited high-speed data that isn’t capped at 3Mbps like the cheaper plan. One line will set you back $60 per month ($55 with AutoPay) and the data speed can get reduced when the network is congested.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Cricket it offering an extra 10GB mobile hotspot on both of the above plans when you sign up. It only lasts for your first two billing cycles, though.
Google Fi Bill Protection and Unlimited plans
Google Fi has what it calls “Bill Protection.” Fi already offers unlimited talk and text for $20 a month, plus $10 per GB of data after that. However, Project Fi will now stop charging customers if they go over 6GB of data a month. That means an individual line caps at $80 per month under Bill Protection, along with 10GB for plans with two lines, 12GB for three lines, and 14GB for four lines.
The only catch is that Project Fi customers who use more than 18GB of data in a month could have their speeds slowed down. If they want to make sure those speeds stay up, they can still pay $10 per GB for their individual data usage after they exceed 15GB.
Recently, Google Fi introduced an outright unlimited plan as well. It’s $70 a month for one line, $60 a month each for two lines, $50 a month each for three lines, and $45 a month each for four, five, or six lines. Taxes and fees are not included in these prices. They include unlimited data, calls, and texts in the US, free calls to 50 countries and territories, and unlimited data and texting abroad in 200 countries.
See also: Google Fi plans: Everything you need to know
In addition, Google Fi unlimited plan customers can also get free 100GB of cloud storage via Google One, special discounts for other Google products, and more. Google does state that download speeds may slow down if customers exceed 22GB of date before their monthly billing period ends. Also, at times video streaming quality may be cut down to 480p.
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