The best AT&T phone plans for students in 2023
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Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Last updated on November 14th, 2023
We compared the best phone plans for students on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks: Save up to $600/yr.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills
Top plans list
- Boost Mobile 2GB: Best cheap AT&T plan for students
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Best prepaid AT&T plan for students
- Red Pocket 20GB: Best AT&T eSIM plan for students
- Boost Mobile Unlimited: Best AT&T family plan for students
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Best AT&T unlimited plan for students
Table of contents
- AT&T student plans reviewed & rated in December
- Compare AT&T unlimited plans
- How to choose the best student plan on AT&T
- Does AT&T offer coverage where you live?
- How much data do you need?
- Is mobile hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly cost?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any deals or promotions?
- What perks are included?
- What international features are available?
- Find the best cell phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest AT&T student phone plans
- AT&T student plans FAQs
- What is the cheapest AT&T student phone plan?
- What is the best AT&T cell phone plan for students?
- Recap: What is the best AT&T phone plan for students?
- AT&T phone plan guides
- MoneySavingPro methodology
1. Best cheap AT&T plan for students: Boost Mobile 2GB
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 2GB data
- $780 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 2GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about cheap AT&T cell phone plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
2. Best prepaid AT&T plan for students: Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo*$15 for 3 Mths Service
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the best AT&T prepaid cell phone plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
3. Best AT&T eSIM plan for students: Red Pocket 20GB
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks Red Pocket operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 20GB data
- $555 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Red Pocket 20GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/mo*
$30/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about the 5 best AT&T eSIM plans.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
4. Best AT&T family plan for students: Boost Mobile Unlimited
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $612.50 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the best AT&T family phone plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
5. Best AT&T unlimited plan for students: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about the best AT&T unlimited data plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For only $25 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- You won't have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees, just taxes.
- With no contract, you can switch at any time if it's not working for you anymore.
- For an additional cost, you can roam in Mexico and Canada (although it's capped at 1GB), along with having unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
- We can't dismiss the low-cost plan that Boost Infinite offers. But if you're looking to get your whole family in on the action, don't expect any additional discounts. The cost stays at $25 per person, per line.
- Mobile hotspot is available at an additional cost of $10 a month for up to 30GB, with the allowance coming out of your monthly data allotment.
AT&T student plans reviewed & rated in December
If it's been a while since you shopped for the best student cell phone plan, you're in for a treat. This sector of the mobile service market has undergone huge changes in recent years.
You can now choose flexible - and affordable - plans designed to meet your needs and still get the AT&T coverage you trust.
We'll show you how to find the best AT&T prepaid phone plans, including how to save up to $600 per year!
Compare AT&T unlimited plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $288/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $612/yr | ||
How to choose the best student plan on AT&T
Does AT&T offer coverage where you live?
Operating on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless network, AT&T MVNOs offer the same coverage. According to an Opensignal network experience report 2023, AT&T comes out as the best for availability. If you're new to the AT&T network, you can use our coverage map to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an AT&T unlimited data plan? They want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. If you primarily use Wi-Fi at home, college, or work, your cellular data usage is likely to be lower, so you have the option to select a data plan that suits your requirements with cheap AT&T MVNO plans, meaning you can pay less if you use less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Most AT&T low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data, although there's a restriction on the amount of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit is determined by the carrier and plan that you select. You can also get AT&T data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots, ideal to use for video streaming and browsing the internet.
What's the monthly cost?
While AT&T unlimited plans cost around $65-85 per month, the best way to get an AT&T unlimited data plan is from one of their low-cost carriers. Offering budget-friendly plans ranging from around $15-45 per month without compromising wireless coverage and data speeds. Be cautious of undisclosed fees and taxes, including activation fees, as certain prepaid carriers incorporate these into the total cost while AT&T doesn't.
How many lines do you need?
With AT&T, you only get the advertised low price if you buy four lines. But with AT&T's low-cost carriers, the price you see is the price you pay, even for a single line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further family plan discounts for multi-line plans so you can save even more on a family plan with friends.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
AT&T loves keeping you locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle. But you can bring your own phone to AT&T with their Mobile Virtual Network Operators. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. Just make sure your phone's unlocked from your old carrier. If you do want to purchase a new smartphone, many MVNOs offer a great way with 0% financing over 1-2 years with offers including the latest iPhone and Samsung models.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Promotions on AT&T's wireless service can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and being stuck in 3-year phone contracts. MVNOs offer a unique service model to build your own plan to fit your needs. Often with unlimited minutes and texts, with many offering short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is more transparent.
What perks are included?
Some AT&T plans have premium data along with complimentary TV subscriptions for SD and 4K UHD TV streaming. But these often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically billed after a few months. Some affordable carriers do provide plan choices with free subscription services like HBO Max. However, it's generally advisable to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary things.
What international features are available?
Several low-cost carriers on AT&T's network offer unlimited international talk to 60 or more countries, with some also offering unlimited international texting. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that includes this. If you travel regularly, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.
Check out our comparison of the cheapest AT&T cell phone plans before you decide.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
You still have options if AT&T isn't giving you the best coverage. Check out the best Verizon student phone plans and T-Mobile student phone plans.
Compare the cheapest AT&T student phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile 2GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Boost Mobile 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $5/mo $15/mo |
| Red Pocket 20GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $15/mo $30/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo $25/mo |
| Boost Infinite unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
AT&T student plans FAQs
The cheapest AT&T plans are available from AT&T MVNOs, such as Red Pocket Mobile and Boost Mobile. They have plans starting as low as $5 per month.
The best AT&T phone plans are available through MVNOs that operate on the AT&T wireless network; you'll receive the same quality coverage at half the cost.
Recap: What is the best AT&T phone plan for students?
Switching to an AT&T MVNO can save you up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill.
Bringing your phone is a great idea if you want to save the most money when switching carriers.
AT&T phone plan guides
- The Best AT&T Cell Phone Plans
- The Best AT&T Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
- The Best AT&T Unlimited Data Plans
- AT&T MVNOs: Best Carriers on the AT&T Network
- The Best AT&T Phone Plans for One Person
- The Best AT&T Phone Plans for Kids
- The Best AT&T Phone Plans for Seniors
- The Best AT&T Phone Plans for Students
- The Best AT&T Bring Your Own Phone Plans
- The Best AT&T 5G Phone Plans
- Cheap AT&T Cell Phone 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.
