If you’re shopping for an unlimited data plan with one of the major wireless providers, how do you choose between T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon?
With plans changing from one week to the next, money expert Clark Howard suggests that you start by making a list of the things that matter most to you and your family. For example:
Monthly price
High-speed data
HD-quality video
Streaming TV
Mobile hotspot
International features
Unlimited Plans Comparison: T-Mobile vs. AT&T vs. Verizon
The monthly plans in this article offer unlimited talk, text and data, but the major wireless carriers may place limits on your high-speed data. If you use too much or the network is busy, your data speeds could be slowed down.
“It’s really confusing when you try to pick a cell phone plan because unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited,” Clark says. “Everybody has restrictions or gotchas, depending on what you pay per month.”
Before we get to the list of unlimited plans, we should point out that cheaper options do exist with discount cell phone service providers. If you’re willing to leave the major carriers, read our separate guide with the best cell phone plans and deals!
And if you see a plan that you like below, check the provider’s website for limited-time deals on service plans and devices.
Taxes and fees are included with T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta Plus plans, but they’ll cost extra with Essentials. All of the plans provide access to T-Mobile’s 5G network.
AT&T has changed up its unlimited plans again! Access to AT&T’s 5G network is included with all three plans, but AT&T Unlimited Elite is the only plan that comes with free HBO Max.
Verizon tweaked its unlimited data plans in August 2020 to include more perks for the same price. Some plans now feature the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+streaming services at no extra charge.
All but the cheapest plan include free access to Verizon’s 5G network, a $10/month value.
Unlimited talk, text and data, which may be slowed after 50GB/line during times of congestion
HD-quality streaming (720p)
30GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, followed by unlimited at speeds up to 600 Kbps
Mexico and Canada talk, text and data included
Perks
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ included
Apple Music included
600GB of Verizon cloud storage
Final Thought
Switching to a discount carrier is probably the best way to lower your cell phone bill, but we know that many people want to stay with T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon. That’s why we created this guide.
Here are some things to consider if you want to save money with the major carriers:
Have you thought about a family plan?
Are you searching for phone deals?
Do you take advantage of auto pay discounts?
Military, employer, senior discounts?
Can you get free cell phone insurance from a credit card?
Even if you apply just one or two of these money-saving strategies, you can save $20 a month or more on your cell phone needs. That adds up to $240 after one year and $2,400 after 10 years!
