Best cheap unlimited phone plans
If you're a heavy data user you know the pain of running out. It's especially annoying when it happens just as you need to send that important email or want to stream the next episode of your favorite show.
Unlimited data plans offered by the big networks are expensive but is there a suitable alternative?
Stay tuned, we're going to show you how to save money on your wireless service and help you find the cheapest unlimited phone plan.
Unlimited cell phone plans comparison chart
| Carrier | Mins/Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $30** $90 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $39 |
| Pure Talk | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $41.25** 25% Off for 3 Months |
| US Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $40Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Xfinity Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $45** Available to Xfinity Internet Customers |
Cheap carrier benefits
An easy way to get a cheaper unlimited data plan is to go with an alternative carrier.
MVNOs, which stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are smaller mobile phone service providers that offer discounted rates on the big four networks. Some also offer unlimited plans.
MVNOs offer big coverage at small prices
- The same reliable service on the nation's largest 4G LTE networks
- Lower prices - savings of up to 50% or more over the big four
- Great customer service - highly rated support often available 24/7
- Custom plans that give you more options to pay for only what you need
- Most are prepaid plans with no credit checks, contracts, early termination fees, etc.
- Easy to switch - order online, swap SIM cards
- Keep your phone number and device
Cheapest AT&T unlimited cell phone plan
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $281 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Pure Talk | AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd | $55/mo | $619/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $20/mo | $281/yr | |
Cheapest Verizon unlimited cell phone plan
Verizon vs US Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $480 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $40/mo | $480/yr | |
Cheapest T-Mobile unlimited cell phone plan
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $480 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd | $30/mo | $360/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $40/mo | $480/yr | |
Cheapest Sprint unlimited cell phone plan
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $252 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd | $39/mo | $468/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $21/mo | $252/yr | |
Key considerations when choosing an unlimited data plan
Choosing a plan isn't just about how much data you're getting - there are other factors to consider before making your final decision.
- Will your data speeds be throttled after a certain amount is used?
- Are you stuck streaming videos in DVD quality or will you pay a premium for high definition?
- Do you need to tether to your other devices? Make sure it's permitted.
- Can you use your data in other countries?
Do you actually need unlimited data?
Before hitting that buy button, you should figure out whether you actually need an unlimited plan. You know that feeling when you realize you're paying for 200 TV channels but you only actually watch five of them? It makes sense to avoid doing that with your cell plan.
Unlimited data may be the right choice if:
- You often stream music and/or video away from WiFi
- You need frequent access to email and the web for work on the go
- You find yourself paying too many overage charges.
- You're sharing data with additional lines.
If you're not sure, use our convenient data usage calculator. You can also track your data use in the settings of your Android or iPhone.
The thing to remember is that most average smartphone users don't need unlimited data. Most people can save a bundle with a smaller plan - for example, you can get 5 GB for about $20 per month. Compare cheap cell phone plans now.
Is unlimited data really unlimited?
Unlimited 4G LTE data is a misnomer. The term doesn't literally mean unlimited high-speed data. What it means is that you get a bigger high-speed mobile data allotment than with other plans, and once you hit a ceiling your speeds may be deprioritized during times of network congestion. When that happens you'll drop to 3G speeds or lower.
What's the cutoff for high-speed data limits? That depends on the network you choose. Most sit around 22 - 26 GB. Again, read the terms and conditions carefully.
Cheap smartphone deals
We've been programmed to believe that we "need" a smartphone upgrade every one to two years.
If you're changing plans as a way of saving money on your monthly bill, you can add to your savings by avoiding that expensive - and typically unnecessary - purchase.
Here are some good options:
- BYOP: Bring your own phone to your next carrier. If you stay on the same network you don't have to do anything. If you change networks you just need to unlock your phone.
- Buy a refurbished smartphone: If your device is on its last legs or it isn't compatible with your new carrier, you'll save over 50% if you buy a refurbished phone.
- Sell your old phone for cash: If you decide to upgrade, don't leave your old phone laying around. You can sell your old phone for cash and get twice as much as in-store trade-in.
Recap
The takeaway: you no longer need to pay premium prices for unlimited data on the most reliable networks in the wireless industry.
Even better, there's no reason to shell out $900 for a smartphone or tie yourself to a carrier because of device payments.
Choose your network, your plan, and your price from our cell phone plans comparison chart - boom, done!
