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.
Sure, unlimited data plans are back after falling off the map for a few years, but they're expensive. Does it have to be that way?
Stay tuned for an overview of what's out there as far as the best and cheapest unlimited data plans.
I'm going to show you how to save money on your wireless service and your device.
The Best Unlimited Data Plans of January 2020
- Best Sprint Plan: Tello Unlimited - $39/mo
- Best T-Mobile Plan: US Mobile Unlimited - $40/mo
- Best AT&T Plan: PureTalk Unlimited - $41/mo
- Best Verizon Plan: US Mobile Unlimited - $40/mo
- Best Overall Plan: Tello Unlimited - $39/mo
Unlimited Data Plans Comparison Chart
| Carrier | Nationwide Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | Unlimited | $39 |
| US Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unlimited | $40 |
| PureTalk USA | AT&T 4G LTE | Unlimited | $55 |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | Unlimited | $40 |
Best Sprint Unlimited Data Plan: Tello
Pros
- Flexible plans up to 10 GB of high-speed data
- Free texting with all plans
- Change your plan any time
- Unlimited 2G data
- Monthly plans or pay-as-you-go
Cons
- Only CDMA or global phones compatible
- No unlimited data plan
Best Value Unlimited Data Plan: Tello Unlimited
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
Runner up: Red Pocket Mobile Unlimited
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verzion, Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 70 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 14 days |
Sprint National 4G LTE Coverage Without Sprint Prices
Sprint vs Tello Price 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 | |
Best T-Mobile Unlimited Data Plan: US Mobile
Pros
- 99% of phones are compatible
- Super flexible, customizable plans
- Unlimited data plan option
- Three data speed choices
- Dashboard that allows you to see the whole family's mobile usage
Cons
- Larger data plans are a bit pricey
- Hotspot usage costs extra
Best Value Unlimited Data Plan: US Mobile Unlimited
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Runner up: Ultra Mobile Unlimited
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
T-Mobile National 4G LTE Coverage Without T-Mobile Prices
T-Mobile vs US Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $360 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| US Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $30/mo | $360/yr | |
Best AT&T Unlimited Data Plan: PureTalk USA
Pros
- Good plan selection
- Unlimited talk and text with all plans
- Unlimited 2G data
- Clean, user-friendly website
- Competitive pricing
- Multi-line discount
Cons
- No unlimited data plan
- International calling requires add-on calling card
Best Value Unlimited Data Plan: PureTalk USA Unlimited
| Network | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | n/a |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | n/a |
| Money Back Guarantee | n/a |
Runner up: Red Pocket Mobile Unlimited
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verzion, Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 70 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 14 days |
AT&T National 4G LTE Coverage Without AT&T Prices
AT&T vs PureTalk USA Price 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 |
| PureTalk USA | 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 | |
Best Verizon Unlimited Data Plan: US Mobile
Pros
- 99% of phones are compatible
- Super flexible, customizable plans
- Unlimited data plan option
- Three data speed choices
- Dashboard that allows you to see the whole family's mobile usage
Cons
- Larger data plans are a bit pricey
- Hotspot usage costs extra
Best Value Unlimited Data Plan: US Mobile Unlimited
| Network | T-Mobile & Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Runner up: Reach Mobile Unlimited
| Network | AT&T, Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | n/a |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | n/a |
| Money Back Guarantee | n/a |
Verizon National 4G LTE Coverage Without Verizon Prices
Verizon vs US Mobile Price 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 | |
Best Overall Unlimited Data Plan: Tello
Best Value Unlimited Data Plan: Tello Unlimited
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days |
MVNOs Offer Big Coverage at a Small Price
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.
Benefits of MVNOs:
- 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
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.
What are the restrictions?
- 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?
Essentially, it all boils down to reading the fine print as you compare unlimited plans.
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.
Great Ways to Save on Your Next Smartphone
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!
