Unlimited Plans Comparison: T-Mobile vs. AT&T vs. Verizon

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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 frequently, money expert Clark Howard suggests that you start by making a list of the things that are important to you and your family members when it comes to your cell phone service. For example:

  • Monthly price
  • High-speed data
  • HD-quality video
  • Streaming TV
  • Mobile hotspot
  • International features

This article was updated in September 2023 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.

Unlimited Plans Comparison: T-Mobile vs. AT&T vs. Verizon 

The monthly plans in this article offer unlimited talk, text and data, but note that these 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 best unlimited data 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 guide that details the best cell phone plans and deals!

If you see a plan that you like below, check the provider’s website for limited-time deals on service plans and devices.

Table of Contents: 

T-Mobile Unlimited Plans 

T-Mobile Unlimited

Taxes and fees are included with all of T-Mobile’s unlimited plans except for Essentials and Essentials Savings. All of the plans provide access to T-Mobile’s 5G network.

PlanT-Mobile Go5G PlusT-Mobile Go5GT-Mobile Essentials SavingsT-Mobile EssentialsT-Mobile MagentaT-Mobile Magenta Max
Price$90/month with auto pay

$185/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees included
$75/month with auto pay

$155/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees included
$50/month with auto pay

Not available for four lines

Taxes and fees extra
$60/month with auto pay

$105/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
$70/month with auto pay

$160/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees included
$85/month with auto pay

$200/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees included
FeaturesUnlimited talk, text and premium data

New in Two: New and existing customers get the same device deals and can upgrade every two years

Stream video up to 4K UHD

50GB high-speed hotspot, then unlimited 3G speed

Unlimited text and up to 5GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at up to 256Kbps in 215+ countries and destinations

Talk, text and up to 15GB of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G data in Mexico and Canada

Full-flight texting and Wi-Fi with streaming where available
Unlimited talk, text and data, which may be slowed during times of congestion and after 100GB of usage

Stream video at DVD-quality, 480p

15GB high-speed hotspot, then unlimited 3G speed

Unlimited text and up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 countries, then unlimited data at up to 256Kbps in 215+ countries and destinations

Talk, text and up to 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G data in Mexico and Canada

4 full-flight streaming sessions a year, plus, unlimited in-flight texting & 1 hour of streaming, where available
Unlimited talk, text and data, which may be slowed during times of congestion and after 50GB of usage

Stream video at DVD-quality, 480p

Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data

Talk, text and 2G data in Mexico and Canada
Unlimited talk, text and data, which may be slowed during times of congestion and after 50GB of usage

Stream video at DVD-quality, 480p

Unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data

Talk, text and 2G data in Mexico and Canada
Unlimited talk, text and data, which may be slowed after 100GB/line during times of congestion

Stream video at DVD-quality, 480p

5GB hotspot at 4G LTE speed, then unlimited 3G speed

Data and text included when traveling to 215+ worldwide destinations

Talk, text and up to 5GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada

4 full-flight streaming sessions a year, plus, unlimited in-flight texting & 1 hour of streaming, where available
Unlimited talk, text and data, speeds won't be slowed

Stream video at 4K UHD

40GB hotspot at 4G LTE speed, then unlimited 3G speed

Data and text included when traveling to 215+ worldwide destinations

Talk, text and up to 5GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada

Full-flight texting and Wi-Fi with streaming where available

See full details here.

AT&T Unlimited Plans

AT&T Unlimited

AT&T’s 5G network is included with all three unlimited plans. While AT&T’s highest-tier plan has included Max in the past (and may include it again in the future), you won’t find any additional perks with AT&T’s unlimited plans. Plus, taxes and fees are extra.

PlanAT&T Unlimited StarterAT&T Unlimited ExtraAT&T Unlimited Premium
Price$65/month with auto pay

$140/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
$75/month with auto pay

$160/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
$85/month with auto pay

$200/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
FeaturesUnlimited talk, text and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (Data may be slowed when network is busy)

3GB hotspot data per line

Standard-definition streaming

Suspected spam and fraud alerts

Unlimited texting from U.S. to 200+ countries
Unlimited talk, text and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (After 50GB, data may be slowed when network is busy)

15GB mobile hotspot per line

Standard-definition streaming

Suspected spam and fraud alerts

Unlimited texting from U.S. to 200+ countries
Unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada that can't be slowed based on usage

50GB mobile hotspot per line

High-definition streaming

Suspected spam and fraud alerts

Unlimited texting from U.S. to 200+ countries

AT&T also offers a Value Plus plan for one line only. The plan costs $50/month and includes unlimited talk, text and data. 

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See full details here.

Verizon Unlimited Plans

Verizon Unlimited

Verizon has recently updated its unlimited plan options. Now, you can choose one of three basic plans and add any additional perks you’d like at $10 per month per perk. These optional perks include the Disney Bundle, 100GB of mobile hotspot, Walmart+ Memberships and more. To learn more about Verizon’s new plans, read our full review here.

PlanUnlimited UltimateUnlimited PlusUnlimited Welcome
Price$90/month with auto pay

$220/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
$80/month with auto pay

$180/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
$65/month with auto pay

$120/month for 4 lines with auto pay

Taxes and fees extra
FeaturesUnlimited talk, text and premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network

60GB of mobile hotspot included

Unlimited international data, talk and text included
Unlimited talk, text and premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network

30GB of mobile hotspot included
Unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon's 5G Nationwide network (speeds slow with congestion)

When you visit Verizon’s website, you’ll see a selection of pre-built plans available with various perks. However, you can save the most by building your own plan with perks you’ll actually use or avoid the perks altogether.

You can also bring your own device to save even more. Each plan includes a 36-month credit ranging from $5-$15/month when you bring your own phone. You can check your phone’s eligibility online and see full details here.

Final Thoughts 

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?
  • What about military, employer, and 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 just one year!

How do you save on your unlimited plan? Let us know in the Clark.com Community!

Article Updates
  • September 12, 2023: T-Mobile Essentials Savers is no longer available for four lines
  • September 12, 2023: Added information on AT&T’s Value Plus plan for one line
  • September 12, 2023: Added Verizon Wireless’ new Unlimited Ultimate plan as well as information on how to save by bringing your own phone
  • May 18, 2023: Removed Verizon 5G Start, Play More, Do More and Get More plans; added Verizon’s myPlan options.
  • May 18, 2023: Added T-Mobile’s Go5G and Essentials Savings plans.
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