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If you’re shopping for an unlimited data plan with one of the Big 4 wireless providers, how do you choose between T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint?
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:
Unlimited plans comparison: T-Mobile vs. AT&T vs. Verizon vs. Sprint
The monthly plans in this article offer unlimited talk, text and data, but the Big 4 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 carriers. If you’re willing to leave the Big 4, 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.
T-Mobile Magenta is the newest unlimited plan, replacing T-Mobile One. Magenta adds 3GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot, but only Netflix’s cheapest plan is included for 2+ lines.
Taxes and fees are included with T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta Plus plans, but they’ll cost extra with Essentials.
AT&T’s unlimited plans both come with AT&T WatchTV, a live TV streaming service with more than 35 channels. The more expensive unlimited plan also includes your choice of a premium service like HBO.
RootMetrics consistently ranks Verizon as the best network in America, but you’re going to pay for that coverage. Monthly unlimited plans range from $75 to $95 for a single line before taxes and fees.
Sprint frequently offers limited-time deals on its unlimited plans. The Unlimited Basic plan starts at $60/month for a single line, but sometimes you can get five lines for as low as $100/month.
In addition to the plans below, Sprint offers a no-frills unlimited plan called Unlimited Kickstart for $25/month.
Discounts for additional lines; sometimes $100/month for 5 lines
Taxes and fees extra
$70/month with auto-pay
Discounts for additional lines
Taxes and fees extra
$80/month with auto-pay
Discounts for additional lines
Taxes and fees extra
Features
Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data, which may be slowed during times of congestion
500 MB LTE mobile hotspot
DVD-quality SD streaming (480p)
Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of 4G LTE data in Mexico and Canada
Global roaming for text and data in over 200 countries
Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data, which may be slowed after 50GB/line during times of congestion
Mobile hotspot: 50GB LTE, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds
HD video streaming (1080p)
Unlimited talk, text and 10GB of 4G LTE data in Mexico and Canada
Global roaming for text and data in over 200 countries
Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data, which may be slowed after 50GB/line during times of congestion
Mobile hotspot: 100GB LTE, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds
Full HD video streaming
Unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data in Mexico and Canada
Global roaming for text and data in over 200 countries
Perks
One Hulu Limited Commercials plan per eligible Sprint account
One Hulu Limited Commercials plan per eligible Sprint account
Includes Tidal Premium music streaming
Amazon Prime included
Lookout Premium Plus
One Hulu Limited Commercials plan per eligible Sprint account
Includes Tidal Premium music streaming
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, Verizon or Sprint. That’s why we created this guide.
Here are some things to consider if you want to save money with the Big 4:
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?
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!
