Key Points
- Mint Mobile offers affordable unlimited mobile plans starting at $30 per month with unlimited data, talk, text, and 5G coverage.
- Visible Wireless provides a budget-friendly unlimited mobile plan at $40 per month with no hidden fees or additional charges.
- T-Mobile Essentials starts at $60 per month for a single line, offering unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot data.
- Cricket Wireless has a $55 per month unlimited plan with no contract, including unlimited talk, text, and data on AT&T’s network.
- Boost Mobile offers an unlimited plan for $50 per month with no contract, featuring unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile’s network.
The rise of streaming services, social media, and video calling has made unlimited mobile plans a must-have utility. You need unlimited mobile plans to run your business and connect with your family. But figuring out which mobile plan is the most cost-effective can take time and effort. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest mobile data providers to help you make the most out of your money.
1. Mint Mobile
Starting at just $30 per month, Mint Mobile offers one of the market’s most affordable unlimited mobile plans. Their introductory offer gets you unlimited data, talk, text, and even 5G coverage. Mint starts at $30 per month for the first three months but later goes up by $10. Still, $40 gives you free international calls to Canada and Mexico.
If you’re not completely satisfied with Mint Mobile’s service, don’t worry! You can cancel within 7 days and get a full refund thanks to their money-back guarantee. Furthermore, Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network, widely recognized for its fast and dependable data speeds, making it an excellent choice for those who value quick and reliable connectivity.
Pros:
- Low monthly cost
- Uses T-Mobile’s network
- No contracts
- Free international calls
Cons:
- Need to pay upfront for three, six, or twelve months
- May experience slower speeds during peak times
- Limited customer support
2. Visible
Visible Wireless is another budget-friendly unlimited mobile plan. At $40 per month, Visible offers unlimited data, talk, text, and mobile hotspot data.
Visible’s lack of hidden fees or additional charges sets it apart from other carriers. The $40 per month rate is all-inclusive, and you don’t need contracts or credit checks. Visible also operates on Verizon, a network known for expansive coverage and signal strength.
Pros:
- No contract required
- Uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network
- Unlimited hotspot data
Cons:
- May experience slower speeds during peak times
- Limited customer support
- No international calling or texting
3. T-Mobile Essentials
T-Mobile Essentials is a budget-friendly unlimited mobile plan, starting at $60 monthly for a single line. T-Mobile Essentials is not the cheapest in the market, but it offers several features that make it more valuable.
This package gets you unlimited talk, text, and data. You can also use your mobile hotspot data at no additional charge. Also, T-Mobile Essentials includes taxes and fees in its monthly price, so there are no surprise charges on your bill.
Pros:
- No contract required
- Includes unlimited talk, text, and data
- Uses T-Mobile’s network
Cons:
- Video streaming is limited to 480p
- Data may be deprioritized during peak times
- No international data roaming
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4. Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless offers an unlimited plan for $55 per month with no contract. The plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data on AT&T’s network. Cricket Wireless also offers discounts for multiple lines, making it an excellent option for families or groups. It also comes with free HBO Max for your entertainment.
Pros:
- No contract required
- Uses AT&T’s network
- Discounts for multiple lines
Cons:
- Data speeds may be slowed after 22GB of usage
- Video streaming is limited to 480p
- Limited customer support
5. Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile offers an unlimited plan for $50 per month with no contract. The plan gives you access to unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile’s network. It also comes with a 12GB hotspot for using the data on another device.
Boost Mobile offers discounts for multiple lines, making it an excellent option for families or groups.
Pros:
- No contract required
- Uses T-Mobile’s network
- Discounts for multiple lines
Cons:
- Data speeds may be slowed after 35GB of usage
- Limited customer support
- No international data roaming
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Unlimited Mobile Plan
When looking for an unlimited mobile plan, consider these factors to ensure you get the best possible deal:
Pricing
Establishing a budget is crucial when searching for a mobile plan. This helps you avoid overspending and getting locked into an expensive package. Decide your budget and filter your options according to price range.
If your budget is limited, consider mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offering more affordable plans. However, you may have to compromise on some features, such as entertainment perks or hotspot allowances.
When budget isn’t a limiting factor, you can go for more premium benefits from major providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. Their plans come with more features and higher-quality service at a higher cost.
It’s crucial to balance your budget vs. the features you need from your mobile plan. A nice balance helps to get the most value without overspending on features you mightn’t need:
Full-Speed Data
Another crucial factor to consider when selecting an unlimited mobile plan is data speed. All major carriers offer full-speed data. So you’re sorted if you get any package from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint.
Some providers have started introducing 5G in certain cities, but this requires a 5G-capable phone. Most smaller carriers also offer full-speed data plans, but some, like US Mobile and Cricket Wireless, restrict speeds on some of their plans.
For example, US Mobile’s unlimited data plan at standard speeds just provides 1Mbps data speeds, which is inadequate for most smartphone users to post pictures on social media or browse the internet effectively.
Furthermore, knowing data deprioritization thresholds is essential when searching for plans. Carriers may temporarily slow down your speeds once you have reached a specific monthly data usage limit.
Data deprioritization thresholds vary from plan to plan across different carriers, and higher-priced unlimited plans generally have higher thresholds. Some MVNOs even prioritize their parent network’s customers, such as T-Mobile or Verizon, over their own customers. If you consume a lot of data on your smartphone each month, choose a mobile plan with a high threshold of 50GB or more.
Coverage
The coverage of your data provider matters more than you think. Coverage should be the first thing you look into before you even think of the price of the unlimited mobile plan. You’ll find some of the best offers that mightn’t work in your area in the list we will share here. Whether you want to use it at home or work, study the map your carrier covers. You don’t want to end up with data that don’t help you.
Luckily, most providers have wide coverage. These networks have also evolved with the advancement of technology in the industry. The competition between the top providers also forces them to adopt newer technologies to dominate the market. And companies have had to merge to gain a competitive edge and marshal the needed resources to power 5G all over America and dominate the game. The pace of growth is promising, and soon you’ll be using providers you initially couldn’t.
Until that happens, I’ve got a trick for you to know which network will serve you without buying. Visit the store and ask for their free trial. T-Mobile has Network Pass, Verizon has its 30-day “Test Drive,” and AT&T has a 14-day free trial dubbed “Cricket”! Thus, you can know if any of these major carriers serve your area before you sign up for a long-term contract.
Can You Make International Calls?
Taking a plan with international calling options can be lifesaving if you have loved ones abroad. These perks can come as cheap add-ons or pay-as-you-go rates, saving you costs if you often call abroad.
Many plans come with add-ons or pay-as-you-go rates for specific countries, making staying in touch with family and friends overseas easy and affordable. While some carriers offer international calling plans for free or a small monthly fee, others do not include international calling at all.
When selecting a phone plan that suits your needs or that of your family, examine which countries are covered under the various international calling plans. Verify whether your desired destination is included or not. If your current carrier does not cover your preferred country, switch to a carrier that offers international calling add-ons for that country.
For instance, if you call India more often, look for carriers that offer affordable calling plans for India. Unlimited mobile carriers have add-ons and pay-as-you-go rates to ease communications beyond the US borders. But always compare rates across providers to choose the one that provides the best value for money.
Extra Package Features
Unlimited plans aren’t the same. Although they all offer unlimited data, some plans may include extra features such as international calling, entertainment package or mobile hotspot data.
These features can benefit people who frequently travel abroad or need to use their phones as a hotspot. Therefore, when choosing an unlimited plan, it’s essential to evaluate if these additional features are necessary for your lifestyle and select a plan that includes them or offers them as an add-on at a reasonable price. Otherwise, you may pay for a plan that doesn’t meet your needs or be forced to pay extra fees to add these features later.
Also, check if the provider includes entertainment in its packages. Some carriers offer entertainment perks as part of their plans. Thus you can have extras, like access to your favorite shows on streaming services like HBO, Hulu, and Netflix.
For instance, AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan offers access to HBO, while Verizon’s unlimited plans include Apple Music and Disney+. T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta Plus plans come with Netflix, and Sprint’s unlimited plans provide access to Hulu.
These perks may vary depending on the carrier and your specific plan. Check the details before signing up. Additionally, if entertainment perks are essential, select a plan that includes the ones you want.
Customer Service
The quality of customer service matters. You want a carrier that offers excellent customer support, whether it’s through phone or chat.
Look for carriers with positive customer service reviews and knowledgeable representatives who can assist you with any issues. A carrier offering 24/7 customer service is a plus since it ensures you can receive assistance anytime something goes wrong.
Additionally, some carriers offer online resources such as FAQs and troubleshooting guides, which can help you solve common issues without contacting customer support. Check if your carrier provides these resources and how comprehensive they are.
Good customer service can make all the difference in having a positive experience with your mobile carrier. Research and compare customer service offerings will help you find the right carrier for your needs.
You want to know the company’s options to reach them should you need anything. AT&T’s support, for instance, can be reached by calling, chatting, and Twitter, among other options. Be sure you’re covered when occasional hitches happen. The last thing you want is to struggle to troubleshoot when you can have someone on call helping you get back connected faster.
Contract Terms
Examine the contract before you decide. The contract outlines the terms and conditions of service, including pricing, installation, equipment fees, data caps, and cancellation policies. Understanding the contract terms can help you avoid unexpected costs, ensure you get the services you require, and know your rights as a customer.
Some contracts may require a commitment of one or two years. Thus, consider your long-term needs and plans before signing up for a service. You can avoid future problems when you get the right contract. Consider these factors to choose an unlimited mobile plan that fits your needs and budget.
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Tips for Saving Money on Your Unlimited Mobile Plan
Unlimited mobile plan costs can quickly add up, and you might consume your monthly limit in no time. These tips will help you save on your unlimited mobile plan:
Negotiate With Your Provider
If you’re happy with your current provider but want to lower your bill, try negotiating with them. Ask if they have any available promotions or discounts or if they can match a lower price offered by a competitor.
Compare Plans
Do your research and compare different plans from various carriers. Look for hidden costs, such as activation or early termination fees, and ensure you understand the plan’s terms and conditions before signing up.
Use Wi-Fi
Connect to Wi-Fi networks when doing major system updates. This will help you stay within your monthly data limit and reduce the cost of your plan. Using Wi-Fi also means saving your mobile bundles for when you’re on the move.
Opt For a Family Plan
If you have multiple lines, opt for a family plan. These plans often offer discounts for additional lines, which can help you save money.
Use a Budgeting App
A budgeting app tracks your mobile data usage and identifies areas where you can cut back. This will help you stay within your plan’s data limit and avoid unnecessary spending.
Finally, finding the cheapest unlimited mobile plan that meets your needs can be overwhelming due to the many options available. However, you can make an informed decision by considering the key factors we’ve discussed, such as data speed, coverage, and additional perks.
Take advantage of the tips we’ve shared to save money on your mobile plan. Negotiating with your current provider and considering family plans or discounts can help you reduce your monthly bill.
Ultimately, the right unlimited mobile plan depends on your needs and budget. Whether you prioritize data speed or seek additional perks like international roaming, there’s a plan for you. Research and compare plans from different carriers to choose the one that offers you the best value for your money.
