MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Best AT&T BYOD plan
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- No talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile data only plans allow customers to enjoy the same 5G & 4G LTE network coverage on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks at a significantly lower cost.
Whether you're a casual or heavy user, there's a wide range of data allowances available, starting from 2GB and going all the way up to unlimited. Check out our review about best byod plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE coverage
- Wide range of data options
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International roaming is limited
- Boost Mobile offers various data allowances, including unlimited plans that provide up to 30GB of high-speed data for customers who require a significant amount of data usage.
- If mobile hotspot data is important to you, it's advisable to verify if your data-only plan includes this feature.
- Their international roaming options are limited and come at an extra expense. However, by utilizing an eSIM, customers have the option to add international roaming for over 100 countries.
How to choose the best AT&T BYOD data only plan
Does AT&T have coverage in your area?
Various AT&T MVNOs operate on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network. According to a GSW Best Network OneScore (2022), AT&T outperforms the competition in terms of overall reliability. If you're a new AT&T customer, use our coverage map checker to find the best cellular coverage in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you honestly need an unlimited data plan? Despite what AT&T may claim, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. So, if you're like me and spend most of your day on Wi-Fi while at home or work, your data usage is likely much lower. MVNOs offer tailored-made data plans, so you can get the best AT&T data only plan and only pay for what you use.
Is hotspot data included?
Most AT&T MVNOs allow hotspot data usage, but there may be limits, so read the fine print. There are a few AT&T unlimited hotspot plans if this is an important feature. Likewise, some AT&T low-cost carriers even provide AT&T data only plans on the AT&T network for select devices like iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots. Compare the best AT&T hotspot plans to find the perfect one for your needs.
What's the monthly cost?
While AT&T charges around $65-100 per month for unlimited data plans, the best AT&T tablet plans present budget-friendly data only plans ranging from $5-25 monthly, all without compromising coverage and data speeds. Beware of hidden fees and taxes; companies like AT&T will charge for data overages.
How many lines do you need?
With AT&T, you only get the advertised discounted price if you buy 4 lines. AT&T MVNOs offer straightforward pricing, whether you have one or more lines. And many low-cost carriers on the AT&T network now extend additional discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own device or buy a new one?
Unlike AT&T, which wants to keep you in the never-ending loop of device upgrades, MVNOs actually recommend bringing your own device to AT&T. This puts you back in control, allowing you to change your device only when it suits you. If you do have your heart set on buying a new device, many MVNOs provide financing options and refurbished device deals.
Are there any deals or promotions?
AT&T's promotions and bundling deals may appear enticing initially, but a closer look often reveals the need to purchase unnecessary items and commit to lengthy contracts. MVNOs frequently offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers with transparent pricing.
Are there any free perks?
AT&T has included "free" subscriptions in the past to premium channels like HBO Max, but these tend to turn into paid services and automatically hike your monthly bill after the introductory period. Even some affordable carriers, like US Mobile, have plan choices that include free subscription services. It's recommended to keep these subscriptions separate in order to prevent unnecessary expenses.
Don't forget to explore data only plans across all networks to secure the best coverage and deal for your needs.
AT&T bring your own device FAQs
Yes, you can bring your own device to AT&T. In fact, AT&T MVNOs like Red Pocket often encourage you to bring your own compatible device to save money.
As long as your phone is compatible, you can bring your own device when moving over to AT&T. If you're not sure your phone is compatible, you can check your IMEI number.
Yes. Buying an unlocked device means it's not locked to just one specific network. You can compare a selection of AT&T-compatible phones to choose from.
Recap
MVNOs make it easy to bring your own device to a cheaper plan, so you can save your hard-earned dollars.
With a low-cost carrier plan, they offer flexibility and are customizable, so you can select your ideal data limit, and if your needs change, you can amend your plan or change carriers.
AT&T data plan guides
- Best Data Only Plans on AT&T
- Best Tablet Data Plans on AT&T
- Best iPad Data Plans on AT&T
- Best MiFi Plans on AT&T
- Best BYOD Plans on AT&T
- Best Prepaid Hotspot Plans on AT&T
- Best Unlimited Hotspot Plans on AT&T
- Best Data Only Plans
- Best Tablet Data Plans
- Best iPad Data Plans
- Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
MoneySavingPro methodology
At MoneySavingPro, we're all about finding and sharing affordable cell phone plans that offer the best value for money. We put a lot of care into looking at all the options out there, focusing on what's best for you, the consumer. Our goal is to help you save money by showing you cheaper alternatives to the expensive plans from the big wireless companies.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we intentionally don't recommend plans from the big wireless networks in our reviews. This is because of how they handle their pricing and fees and their lack of transparency.
AT&T MVNOs operate on the same AT&T network, and we research each AT&T low-cost carrier with the features and benefits it offers. This includes coverage, easy activation, eSIM compatibility, multiline discounts, and special discounts for specific demographics such as military, students, seniors, and more.
We also examine additional perks like pay-as-you-go options, unlimited plans, kids plans, senior plans, and smartwatch plans, evaluating them for their individual benefits and overall value.
We did consider these other AT&T alternatives, Cricket Wireless, Straight Talk, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content every 3 months. To make sure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
