Data is a precious commodity these days. The cost of using mobile web services can get high, and unlimited plans are scarce. Even if you have multiple options available, you must be smart about picking the right one. Factors such as pricing, signal and throttling caps tend to vary significantly.
In this article we will help you find the best unlimited data plans in the US. We’ve put together the best options we could find, so let’s jump right into the details.
Postpaid options
T-Mobile – $95/mo
The Uncarrier has made a name of itself thanks to its unorthodox practices. They are trying to shake up the market and bring more value to their customers in ways no other carrier has before. Among the many perks of going with T-Mobile is unlimited data.
The term ‘unlimited’ can get a bit tricky in this industry
But the term “unlimited” can get a bit tricky in this industry, right? Most carriers start throttling you after a certain point, and T-Mobile is not the exception. In most cases, the term ‘unlimited’ actually means the carrier will give you a large amount of high-speed data, but once you go through that data, though, you’re dropped down to 2G speeds.
T-Mobile’s highest-end personal unlimited plan costs $95 for a single line, but they promise unlimited data. Of course, nothing is truly endless, though. You will get dropped off priority speeds when you reach 23 GB of usage in a single month.
You also get free 2G roaming and texting in over 140 countries (listed here), unlimited calls in the USA/Mexico/Canada and discounted calls to other markets. Unlimited plan subscribers are entitled to 14 GB of dedicated hotspot data added to their bucket.
See also: Best T-Mobile Android phones
Not everyone needs unlimited 4G speeds, right? We happen to like this plan most, but T-Mobile also offers 2 GB, 6 GB and 10 GB options at lower prices. By the way, T-Mobile also has Data Stash, which allows you to keep each month’s unused 4G LTE data (up to 20 GB). Other Uncarrier offers include unlimited streaming of music and video (when using certain services) and more.
T-Mobile is easily one of your best bets when it comes to bang for your buck.
Sign up for this T-Mobile plan
Sprint – $75/mo
Sprint has gotten a lot of criticism due to its network, but there are plenty of markets with good coverage and awesome data speeds. If you happen to live in one of them, you could save some cash and go with the Now Network.
Their unlimited plan is the cheapest out of the postpaid options on this list. Subscribers are promised unlimited calls, text messages and data. But just like with T-Mobile, you will not be prioritized in speeds if you use anything over 23 GB of data in a month.
See also: Best Sprint Android phones
This is no Uncarrier, but you will get plenty of cool bonuses for signing up with Sprint. These include 3 GB of hotspot data, unlimited texting/2G data in a select markets outside of the USA and special call roaming discounts. You will also enjoy free calls/texts/2G data when in Mexico or Canada, as well as 1 GB of high-speed data when in said countries.
Another good option is the 40 GB per month plan, which also includes a whole year subscription for Amazon Prime.
AT&T – $100/mo
This is the priciest option in the list. It doesn’t seem to offer as much value as the others, but we thought it was worth mentioning anyway.
See also: Best AT&T Android phones
Let’s start with the restrictions. Only DIRECTV or U-verse subscribers can sign up for this unlimited plan. It costs $100 and users get slowed down after 22 GB of usage in a billing cycle (1 GB less than what the other major carriers are offering).
When it comes to mobile usage, the only enticing perk is that you can talk, text and use data in the US, Canada and Mexico with no roaming fees.
Prepaid and MVNOs
Boost Mobile – $60/mo
The big carriers are known to be dependable, but there are plenty of good choices on the prepaid side of things… especially if you are looking to save some cash. Boost Mobile’s unlimited plan costs $60 per month, and you can reduce the monthly payment down to $55 if you opt for Auto Re-Boost (automatic card payments).
See also: Best Boost Mobile phones
Subscribers get unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, as well as 8 GB of hotspot data and unlimited music streaming with select partners. Speeds are reduced when you exceed 23 GB of usage in a billing cycle, but only if the network needs it. Just keep in mind Boost runs off Sprint’s network, so make sure you have good coverage in your area.
Sign up for this Boost Mobile plan
MetroPCS – $60/mo
So far, this is the unlimited plan with the most generous fair data usage policy in the list. You can use up to 25 GB in a billing cycle without getting slowed down. But just like with some of the competitors, MetroPCS will only slow you down if the network demand is high.
MetroPCS charges $60 ($55 if you select a family plan) and offers unlimited high-speed data, talk and text, as well as unlimited music streaming with certain apps. MetroPCS also offers an included 8 GB of hotspot usage with all plans.
All MetroPCS plans are technically unlimited – you only get pushed back to slower speeds when you reach the agreed data cap. The cheapest plan costs $30 and offers unlimited calls, texts and data (only the first gigabyte at 4G LTE speeds).
Sign up for this MetroPCS plan
Cricket Wireless – $70/mo
Just like with MetroPCS, all Cricket plans are unlimited. Subscribers simply pay extra if they want more high-speed data. The $70/mo plan happens to be the one with unlimited high-speed data. And apparently there are no penalties or slow-downs for using too much data!
With the Unlimited Plan, you’ll receive a high-quality mobile experience from the start regardless of how much data you use. As with all Cricket plans, download speeds are up to a maximum of 8 Mbps for compatible 4G LTE devices and 4 Mbps for compatible 4G devices. As always, actual speeds may vary by location and device.
Of course, you also get unlimited talk and text as well. Perks include unlimited international texting to 38 countries, as well as unlimited data/text/talk to and from the USA, Canada and Mexico. The only issue is you get no hotspot capabilities.
Oh, and if you set up Auto Pay you can save yourself $5 a month!
Sign up for this Cricket Wireless plan
There you have it! Those are our very favorite unlimited data plans in the US. Are you signing up for any of these? Do you have any suggestions? Hit the comments to let us know.
Source: ANDRIOD AUTHORITY