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Table of Contents

9 Best Cell Phone Plans of 2025

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Selected cell phone plans:
MobileX Custom
1 Line
1 Line
Verizon
$
0
/mo.
+tax
tax included
Custom
high-speed, then data stops

Priority
Included hotspot
4K video streaming
Custom minutes
Custom texts
Helium Mobile Zero
1 Line
1 Line
T-Mobile and Helium
$
0
/mo.
+tax
tax included
3GB
high-speed, then data stops

Deprioritized
No hotspot
480p video streaming
100 minutes
300 texts
US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star
1 Line
1 Line
AT&T
$
25
/mo.
+tax
tax included
Unlimited
high-speed

Deprioritized
20GB hotspot
720p video streaming
Unlimited minutes
Unlimited texts
US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star
1 Line
1 Line
AT&T
$
44
/mo.
+tax
tax included
Unlimited
high-speed

Unlimited priority
200GB, then 600Kbps hotspot
4K video streaming
Unlimited minutes
Unlimited texts

Summary:

  • The most cost cost-effective option if you have 1 to 3 lines is to purchase an unlocked phone and use it with a prepaid carrier such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, or Visible
  • The most cost-effective strategy for a family with 4+ lines is typically to do phone trade-in deals with the big carriers
  • All carriers in the U.S. use either AT&T, Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, or Verizon for coverage. See what network is best in your area using resources such as CoverageMap.com

If you are reading this article, you are shopping for a new cell phone plan. 

You are tired of shelling out your hard earned cash for a plan that hasn’t changed in years.

You are tired of unexplained increases to your monthly bill when you haven’t changed your plan in years. And let’s face it, you’re thinking it is probably time to upgrade that old phone of yours too, while you’re at it.

Lucky for you, you’re in the right place. 

I’m Stetson.

I’ve been reviewing cell phone plans for over a decade on my YouTube channel. 

My channel has over 150K+ subscribers. I’ve published more than 600 videos. And my videos have earned over 40 million views:

Stetson Doggett YouTube channel with 154,000 subscribers and 603 videos

Why do I do this?

Because I was once a high-school student looking for a cheap cell phone plan.

I thought the industry was confusing. There were so many options to choose from. I didn’t understand how much data I needed. I wasn’t sure if the cheap plans were a scam, or what I was sacrificing if I signed up.

So, I set out to un-complicate the cell phone plan industry.

I started reviewing one cell phone carrier each month and posted my review video on YouTube. 

Now, my goal is to help one million people save $10 per month or more on their cell phone bill while getting the coverage and features that they need. 

I hope this article helps you do exactly that.

Best Cell Phone Plans of 2025 at a Glance:

  1. Best overall cell phone plan: US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star
  2. Best cheap cell phone plan: Helium Mobile Zero
  3. Best custom plan: MobileX Custom
  4. Best annual plan: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed
  5. Best value unlimited plan: Total 5G+ Unlimited
  6. Best premium unlimited plan: Visible+ Pro
  7. Best unlimited plan for coverage: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star
  8. Best plan for families: AT&T Unlimited Starter SL
  9. Best plan for international travel: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed

How Did I Choose The Best Cell Phone Plans?

To make these picks, I created a massive spreadsheet in AirTable.

AirTable spreadsheet that compares cell phone plans

I looked at the cost of each plan. I looked at how much high-speed data and hotspot data they included. I looked at their extra features, such as video streaming quality and international roaming capabilities.

And I factored in my own personal experience testing the plans and service. 

I have personally tested each of the plans on this list, and I can recommend them with confidence. 

If you are a nerd like me, you can also access the AirTable for free

Check out my video below on how to use it to filter and sort all of the options:

1. Best Overall Cell Phone Plan: US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star

US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star cell phone plan

When people ask me, “what plan should I get?” US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star is my #1 pick.

Why?

It’s the perfect balance of price and features.

The plan costs just $25 per month. All taxes and fees are included. For the price, it comes with unlimited high-speed data, 20GB of hotspot, 720p video streaming, and coverage on AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Plus, US Mobile has a great mobile application. 

You can easily track your data usage, manage multiple lines, switch devices, and more.

I’ve been using US Mobile as my personal cell phone carrier for over a year now, and I’ve been happy with the service. 

What I like:

  • Unlimited high-speed data for $25/month, taxes & fees included
  • Robust coverage on AT&T’s network
  • Option to add a secondary network via the multi-network add-on ($10/mo extra)
  • Available for $22.50/mo with the annual option

What I don’t like:

  • The plan features vary by network. I specifically recommend the AT&T version of the plan, which comes with unlimited high-speed data. The T-Mobile and Verizon versions only come with 70GB of high-speed data and half the hotspot data.
  • No smartwatch support on the AT&T network (only available on Verizon)

US Mobile Unlimited Starter full plan features:

  • Cost: $25/month ($22.50/mo with annual option)
  • Coverage: AT&T
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 9 (deprioritized)
  • Hotspot: 20GB
  • Video streaming quality: 720p (4 Mbps)
  • Smartwatch: not supported
  • Tablet: Add a tablet line starting at $10 for 2GB
  • International texting: Free international texting to 200+ destinations
  • International calling: $3 add-on for calls to 200+ destinations
  • Canada and Mexico: $15 add-on for 150 minutes, 150 texts, and 1GB of data
  • International data roaming: $15 add-on for 150 minutes, 150 texts, and 1GB of data in 69+ countries

Get started with US Mobile Unlimited Starter Dark Star

Runner Up: Total 5G Unlimited

Total Wireless 5G Unlimited cell phone plan

If it turns out AT&T coverage isn’t that great in your area (like it is in mine), then you may want to consider Total 5G Unlimited.

Total 5G Unlimited is another great value unlimited plan.

While this plan normally costs $50 per month, you can grab it for just $25 per month if you bring your own device. 

It comes with unlimited high-speed priority data, 15GB of hotspot data, 720p video streaming, free international texting to 200+ countries, free international calling to 180+ countries, free talk, text, and 10GB of roaming in Canada and Mexico, and free talk, text and 10GB of data roaming in 30+ countries.

You can also add an unlimited tablet line to your plan for $10 extra. 

The big advantage?

Total Wireless runs on the Verizon network for coverage.

Total 5G Unlimited full plan features:

  • Cost: $50/month ($25/mo with BYOD discount)
  • Coverage: Verizon
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed data
  • Data priority level: QCI 8 (priority)
  • Hotspot: Unlimited at 5 Mbps
  • Video streaming quality: 480p (1.5 Mbps)
  • Smartwatch: $10 add-on
  • Tablet: Not supported
  • International texting: Free international texting to Canada and Mexico
  • International calling: Free international calling to 6 countries
  • Canada and Mexico: $5/day for unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB high-speed data per day
  • International data roaming: $10/day for unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB high-speed data per day in 180+ supported destinations

Get started with Total 5G Unlimited

2. Best Cheap Cell Phone Plan: Helium Mobile Zero

Helium Mobile Zero cell phone plan

Can you find a cheaper plan than free?

Nope. 

That’s why Helium Mobile Zero is my number one pick for the best cheap cell phone plan.

It’s completely free. It costs $0 per month after all taxes and fees. And, shockingly, it comes with decent features. You get 100 minutes, 300 texts, and an impressive 3GB of high-speed data. 

But, there’s a BIG question:

How can Helium afford to offer this?

I think it’s a combination of three factors:

  1. Helium Mobile has raised over $360 million. I’m guessing they are choosing to invest some of that money to acquire customers, even at a potential loss, with their free plan.
  2. Helium Mobile operates on the “people-powered Helium Network,” which has lower operational costs than a traditional cell network. And by “people-powered,” I mean they have a bunch of crypto bros deploying Helium Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, gyms, and other commercial environments. Helium Mobile customers automatically connect to these Wi-Fi hotspots for internet access, which is significantly cheaper than using the underlying cellular network (T-Mobile) for data.
  3. Helium needs more users to prove its business model works. The idea is to have enough crypto bros deploy Wi-Fi hotspots that it creates a meaningful coverage map, and that enough users are actively on the Helium network and using data so that the crypto bros earn their money back. How do you get more users on the network? Bingo. You make it free. 

Look, candidly, I am not the biggest fan of crypto.

But ignoring the crypto thing for a moment, Helium Mobile’s plan is awesome. 

It does what it says it will do. It delivers free phone service to people who need it. And I am all about helping people save money and stay connected. 

Plus, I signed up.

I tried it out. 

And it works.

When it comes to the free cell phone plan, here’s all you need to know:

  • It’s actually free
  • You need to verify your identity by scanning your ID to sign up
  • You get 100 minutes, 300 texts, and 3GB of high-speed data each month
  • It uses T-Mobile for coverage (alongside automatically connecting to Helium Wi-Fi hotspots)
  • Mobile hotspot/tethering isn't supported
  • You just need to use a few MB of data each month to keep the service active

Helium Mobile Pros:

  • Completely free service
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Rewards via “Cloud Points” for using your phone
  • Surprisingly nice mobile app experience

Helium Mobile Cons:

  • Requires you to scan your ID to sign up
  • No support for international calls or texts
  • Data is shut off when you reach your limit

One thing to note: Previously, Helium Mobile’s Zero plan required access to your location in order to remain free. This is no longer the case. Helium has updated its policy and no longer requires sharing your location. Instead, all you need to do is use a little bit of cellular data each month to keep your service active. That’s it. 

Runner Up: US Mobile 2GB

US Mobile ten dollar two gigabyte plan

If it turns out you need more calling or texting than what Helium Mobile includes for free, then US Mobile’s 2GB plan is my next recommendation.

It costs just $10 per month with all taxes and fees included. 

It comes with unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 2GB of high-speed data.

The best part?

You can choose to activate this plan on either the AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon network for coverage. So you’re guaranteed to get great service where you live. 

Get started with US Mobile 2GB

3. Best Custom Plan: MobileX Custom

MobileX custom 1GB plan

Custom cell phone plans are hard to come by. 

And I think there is a reason why: They are great for consumers. And bad for businesses. 

You see, cell phone carriers make money by selling consumers MORE data than they actually need. Ever wonder why those unlimited plans are so popular? Bingo. Carriers can charge more for unlimited data.

And do people need it?

Nope. 

According to Ericsson’s 2025 Mobility Report, consumers in North America use an average of 22GB per month. I’ve heard from friends in the industry that actual cellular data usage is even LOWER for a lot of people.

Custom cell phone plans can save lighter users A LOT of money because you don’t overspend on data you don’t use.

What’s the best custom cell phone plan?

It’s easily MobileX.

Instead of making a huge amount of money off of people paying for data they don’t need, MobileX earns money through a small $1.99 service fee per line. 

And their custom plans are super affordable.

First, you choose how many minutes and texts you want:

  • $0 for no minutes or texts
  • $1.50 for 50 minutes and 50 texts
  • $2.50 for 150 minutes and 150 texts
  • $4.50 for unlimited minutes and texts

Then you choose how much data you want:

  • $1.90 per GB of deprioritized data (QCI 9)
  • $2.10 per GB of priority data (QCI 8)

Simple as that. 

An example plan with 150 minutes, 150 texts, and 2GB of data comes out to just $8.29 before taxes and fees.

What I like:

  • Nationwide coverage on Verizon’s LTE and 5G networks
  • Auto top-up features is easy to turn on to always give you more data if you run out, or turn off if you want to keep your bill the same
  • If you use less data than you paid for, MobileX gives you account credit for any of your unused data each month

What I don’t like:

  • For heavier data users (5GB+), choosing a different cell phone plan will be cheaper
  • Mobile app feels slow and could do a better job providing data usage analytics
  • Cumbersome to manage multiple lines under one account (accounts need to be set up separately and then linked together)

MobileX Custom full details:

  • Cost: $8.29/month for a 1GB plan
  • Coverage: Verizon
  • Data: 1GB
  • Data priority level: QCI 9 (deprioritized)
  • Hotspot: Included (use all high-speed data as hotspot data)
  • Video streaming quality: Up to 4K (you have options to select 480p, 720p, 1080p or 4K based on your preference)
  • Smartwatch: Not supported
  • Tablet: Not supported
  • International texting: Not supported
  • International calling: $2 add-on for international calls to 100+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: $10 per day for unlimited minutes, texts and 1GB of data
  • International data roaming: $10/day for unlimited minutes, texts, and 1GB high-speed data per day in 180+ supported destinations

Get Started with MobileX Custom

4. Best Annual Plan: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed

US Mobile Unlimited Annual Light Speed cell phone plan

Mint Mobile pioneered the idea of an annual cell phone plan back in August of 2016.

Why did it become so popular?

It was like the Costco of mobile carriers. 

By buying in bulk 3-, 6-, or 12-month packages, you could get cell phone service at insanely low prices (much like the items at Costco). People loved saving money, getting more data, and not having to think about their cell phone bill for an entire year. 

Annual plans are even more popular today. 

They are offered by carriers such as Visible, Red Pocket, Good2Go Mobile, H2O Wireless, Cricket Wireless, AT&T Prepaid, Lyca Mobile, and Ultra Mobile.

Which plan is best?

My pick for the best annual plan is US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium Light Speed plan. 

Normally $44 per month, this plan drops to $32.50 per month ($390 up front) for the annual option. All taxes and fees are included in the price, which makes it cheaper than Mint Mobile’s unlimited annual plan ($32.67 after tax in my area).

For the price, you get INSANE features.

We’re talking unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of hotspot data (five times more than Mint’s plan), 720p video streaming, free international texting, free international calling to 200+ countries, 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of data roaming in Canada and Mexico, and 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of data roaming in 197 countries.

For $32.50 per month.

Unreal.

What I like:

  • Great value
  • Nationwide coverage on T-Mobile’s LTE and 5G networks
  • Great mobile app & website
  • Good customer service
  • Option to add a secondary network for coverage for $10/mo extra (you get 100GB of shared multi-network data, then you’ll continue getting unlimited data on the T-Mobile network)
  • Option to switch networks of T-Mobile isn’t good in you area

What I don’t like:

  • $390 up front can be a lot for some people 
  • No Apple watch support

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed full plan details:

  • Cost: $390 for 12 months ($32.50 per month)
  • Coverage: T-Mobile
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 7 (deprioritized)
  • Hotspot: 50GB
  • Video streaming quality: 720p (4 Mbps)
  • Smartwatch: Not supported
  • Tablet: Add a tablet plan starting at $10 for 2GB
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: Free to 200+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB data
  • International data roaming: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB data in 197 countries

Get started with US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed

5. Best Value Unlimited Plan: Total 5G+ Unlimited

Total 5G+ Unlimited cell phone plan with BYOD promotion

If you are looking for the best value plan in the industry right now, I think that plan is Total 5G+ Unlimited.

Now, there are some CRAZY good value cell phone plans in the industry, such as the first four we just covered.

So, what makes Total 5G+ Unlimited my #1 pick for the best value plan?

Three reasons:

  1. It’s got premium features
  2. It’s 50% off if you bring your own device
  3. It comes with a free Disney+ Premium subscription ($18.99/mo)

Total Wireless’s Total 5G+ Unlimited is normally $60 per month.

However, Total has been running a promo on it where you can grab it for just $30 per month (50% off) if you bring your own device. 

This plan is packed with features. It comes with unlimited priority data (same network experience as the $90 Verizon Unlimited Ultimate plan). It’s got unlimited hotspot data at 5 Mbps. It includes free international texting to 200+ countries, free calling to 180 countries, and free roaming in Canada, Mexico, and 30 other countries. 

And to top it off, it includes a Disney+ Premium subscription for completely free.

That’s the ad-free, highest-tier Disney+ plan with 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos audio, the ability to stream on multiple devices at a time, and the ability to download shows and movies on up to 10 devices.

Normally $18.99/month, you’re getting this subscription for free with your $30 Total 5G+ plan.

That, in my opinion, makes Total 5G+ one of the best-value plans in the industry.

What I like:

  • Unlimited priority data means your speeds will never slow down based on how much data you use
  • Robust coverage on Verizon’s network
  • Disney+ Premium included for free
  • Add a tablet line with unlimited data for $10

What I don’t like:

  • Mobile app and website could use improvement
  • No option for international roaming outside of the 30 included countries
  • 50% off BYOD discount only works for single lines, doesn’t apply to families (though you could activate each line on its own separate account)

Total 5G+ Plan full details:

  • Cost: $30/month if you bring your own device
  • Coverage: Verizon
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: (QCI 8)
  • Hotspot: Unlimited at 5 Mbps
  • Video streaming quality: 720p (4 Mbps)
  • Smartwatch: Not supported
  • Tablet: Add an unlimited tablet plan for $10
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: Free to 180+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 10GB of data
  • International data roaming: Free unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 10GB of data in 30 countries

Get started with Total 5G+ Unlimited

6. Best Premium Unlimited Plan: Visible+ Pro

Visible+ Pro cell phone plan

What if you want a best-of-the-best, no-compromises unlimited plan?

Well, then you’ll want Visible+ Pro.

Kind of surprising that my pick here comes from an MVNO and not a big carrier, right?

But do not be mistaken. Visible+ Pro is jam-packed with features. It comes with unlimited priority data, giving you the same network experience as Verizon Unlimited Ultimate. It also includes unlimited hotspot data at 15 Mbps, plenty fast for getting all of your work done on the go. 

It has up to full 4K video streaming on the 5G UW network and 1080p video streaming on 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide.

It includes a free smartwatch line that supports Apple Watch and Pixel Watch. 

And it has amazing international features. It comes with free international texting and 500 minutes of free calling to over 85 countries. You also get unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB per day of roaming in Canada and Mexico. And you get two free international roaming days per month that give you unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data per 24-hour period.

The best part?

The international days accumulate each month. 

At the end of one year, you’d have 24 total international roaming days. Perfect for two twelve day international vacations per year. 

What I like:

  • Excellent coverage on Verizon
  • Priority data gives you the best network experience available
  • 4K video streaming on 5G UW and 1080p on LTE/5G Nationwide
  • Unlimited high-speed hotspot data

What I don’t like:

  • Each line on Visible needs its own separate account, which is inconvenient for families (though you can share the same billing info with the new Inner Circle system)
  • No option to add a tablet line
  • No support for Samsung Galaxy smartwatches

Visible+ Pro full details:

  • Cost: $45/month ($37.50/mo with annual option)
  • Coverage: Verizon
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 8 (priority)
  • Hotspot: Unlimited at 15 Mbps
  • Video streaming quality: 4K on 5G UW (no speed cap), 1080p on LTE/5G nationwide (8 Mbps speed cap)
  • Smartwatch: Free smartwatch line included
  • Tablet: Not supported
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: 500 minutes of free calling to 85+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data per day
  • International data roaming: 2 free international days per month, which include unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of data per 24-hour period; accumulate up to 24 free days per year

Get started with Visible+ Pro

7. Best Unlimited Plan for Coverage: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star cell phone plan

If you want the best cell coverage, look no further than US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star.

US Mobile’s Dark Star network rides on AT&T for coverage. That means you’re already getting some of the best nationwide coverage available.

The real kicker is that US Mobile sells their multi-network add-on

The multi-network add-on lets you add a secondary network to your phone using dual-SIM for just $10 extra per month.

US Mobile multi-network add-on

If you activate on AT&T, you could choose to add a second SIM on either T-Mobile or Verizon. The add-on gives you 100GB of shared multi-network data. That means you can switch between your primary network and secondary network as often as you’d like for up to 100GB of combined usage. After 100GB, you would continue getting unlimited data on your primary network. 

To give you a concrete example, let’s say you activate on AT&T (Dark Star) as your primary network.

You could then add Verizon (Warp) as your secondary network. 

For your first 100GB of usage, you can toggle between AT&T and Verizon as much as you’d like. Once you reach 100GB of total usage, you would continue getting unlimited high-speed data on AT&T (your primary network) but data on Verizon would stop (your secondary network). 

US Mobile is the only carrier to offer a multi-network add-on.

Their unique and affordable approach makes them the #1 best option if you care about getting exceptional cell coverage.

Plus, the Unlimited Premium Dark Star plan is no slouch. 

It comes with unlimited high-speed priority data (QCI 8), 200GB of hotspot data (first 100GB at full speeds, second 100GB at 8 Mbps), and full 4K video streaming.

It also includes great international features. 

You get free international texting to 200+ countries; free international calling to 200+ countries; 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of data in Canada and Mexico; and 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of data roaming in 67 countries. 

And you get all that for just $44 per month, or just $32.50 per month with the annual plan. 

(Even as I type that it all seems too good to be true).

Needless to say, no other carrier will give you this experience, so it's an easy recommendation. 

What I like:

  • Unlimited priority data on the AT&T network
  • A heaping 200GB of usable hotspot data
  • $10 add-on to add a second network
  • Great website & mobile app for managing your account

What I don’t like:

  • No multi-line discount for families (just the annual discount)
  • Network switching needs to be done manually via a shortcut on your iPhone or via settings on Android

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star full details:

  • Cost: $44/month ($32.50/mo with annual option)
  • Coverage: AT&T
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 8 (priority)
  • Hotspot: 100GB at full-speed, then 100GB at 8 Mbps, then unlimited at 600 Kbps
  • Video streaming quality: 4K (no speed cap)
  • Smartwatch: Not supported
  • Tablet: Add a secondary tablet line starting at $10 for 2GB
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: Free to 200+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of data
  • International data roaming: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of international data in 67 countries; additional countries available but are data-only

Get started with US Mobile Unlimited Premium Dark Star

8. Best Plan For Families: AT&T Unlimited Starter SL

AT&T Unlimited Starter SL cell phone plan

If you have four or more lines, then the best cell phone plan for you is AT&T Unlimited Starter SL.

What makes it great?

Three key reasons:

  • The multi-line discount drops the price down to just $35.99/line/mo before taxes and fees
  • It is eligible for AT&T’s best device trade-in deals, saving you up to $1,100 every three years on a new phone
  • It comes with all the core features you need

When you’re picking a cell phone plan, you have to costs to consider:

  1. The cost of the phone
  2. The cost of the plan

For one, two, and three lines, it makes the most financial sense to go with a prepaid cell phone carrier, such as the ones we have covered thus far.

Even though the prepaid carriers do not offer the sexy “$1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro Max” deals that the big carriers offer, you can still trade your old phone in to either Apple, Samsung, or Google for a decent discount. Then, the real savings come from having a more affordable cell phone plan. Paying $25/mo for US Mobile Unlimited Starter versus $70/mo to one of the big carriers makes a big difference.

When you do the math out, there is no competition.

Assuming you upgrade your phone every 3 years (the typical length of a phone financing deal from AT&T or Verizon), it’s cheaper to go with a prepaid carrier every time:

Single line cost comparison
Single line cost comparison, assuming you upgrade every 3 years
Two line cost comparison
Two line cost comparison, assuming you upgrade every 3 years
Three line cost comparison
Three line cost comparison, assuming you upgrade every 3 years

However, for four lines, things switch around.

The combination of getting a good multi-line discount AND getting the sexy $1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro Max deal makes going with a postpaid carrier a better value. 

Well, specifically, it makes going with AT&T Unlimited Starter SL the best value:

Four line cost comparison
Four line cost comparison, assuming you upgrade every 3 years

AT&T Unlimited Starter SL is the most affordable option. 

Even after factoring in all estimated taxes and fees.

What do you get with the plan?

Unlimited Starter SL includes unlimited high-speed data. It also comes with 5GB of hotspot data and 480p video streaming. 

It’s nothing flashy, but it gets the job done. 

And it’s one heck of a good value. 

What I like:

  • It’s AT&T’s most affordable plan
  • Even though it is AT&T’s most affordable plan, it is still eligible for the best device deals, which save you up to $1,100 off a new phone every 3 years
  • It comes with unlimited data and enough hotspot data to use in a pinch
  • You can go to a physical AT&T store for help and support

What I don’t like:

  • All phones will be locked to AT&T for 3 years, preventing you from adding a secondary SIM in the US or using those affordable international data-only eSIM plans if you travel abroad
  • If you want to leave AT&T, you forfeit all of your device promotional credit and have to buy out the remainder of your phones
  • AT&T doesn’t include any streaming services or perks. If you enjoy Netflix or Apple TV, you may get a better value from T-Mobile Experience More
  • Taxes & fees add an estimated $6 extra per line per month

AT&T Unlimited Starter SL full details:

  • Cost: $65.99/month for 1 line, $143.96/month for 4 lines
  • Coverage: AT&T
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 9 (deprioritized)
  • Hotspot: 5GB 
  • Video streaming quality: 480p (1.5 Mbps speed cap)
  • Smartwatch: $10 add-on
  • Tablet: $20 add-on
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: $15 add-on for calls to 85+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free unlimited talk, text, and data
  • International data roaming: $12/day add-on for unlimited talk, text, and data per 24-hour period

Get started with AT&T Unlimited Starter SL

9. Best Plan For International Travel: US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed cell phone plan

If you are a heavy international traveler, I think US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed is hands-down your best option.

For $44 per month, it includes 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB of high-speed data in 197 support countries. 

That’s 4x more data than what T-Mobile includes in their $85 Experience More plan. 

Plus, US Mobile’s plan is great to use in the U.S., too. It comes with unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of hotspot, and 720p video streaming. You can also add a separate tablet line starting at $10 for 2GB.

The other thing I love about US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed for international travel is that it includes 200 minutes of calling. 

Other popular plans, such as T-Mobile’s plans and Google Fi’s Unlimited Premium plan, charge $0.25 and $0.20 respectively for international phone calls while abroad. 

Plus, T-Mobile and Google Fi are way more expensive. T-Mobile Experience More is $85. And Google Fi Unlimited Premium is $65.

I think value-for-your-dollar, US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed is the move.

What I like:

  • US Mobile includes 200 minutes of free international calling, while other carriers charge $0.20-$0.25 per minute
  • Great price and features for use within the US as well
  • Available for as low as $32.50/mo with the annual option
  • Also eligible for US Mobile’s unique multi-network add-on

What I don’t like:

  • International roaming features vary between US Mobile’s plans. I specifically recommend the Light Speed network (T-Mobile) because it includes the most countries. Dark Star (AT&T) includes 67 countries and Warp (Verizon) includes 125 countries

US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed full plan details:

  • Cost: $390 for 12 months ($32.50 per month)
  • Coverage: T-Mobile
  • Data: Unlimited high-speed
  • Data priority level: QCI 7 (deprioritized)
  • Hotspot: 50GB
  • Video streaming quality: 720p (4 Mbps)
  • Smartwatch: Not supported
  • Tablet: Add a tablet plan starting at $10 for 2GB
  • International texting: Free to 200+ countries
  • International calling: Free to 200+ countries
  • Canada and Mexico: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB data
  • International data roaming: Free 200 minutes, 250 texts, and 20GB data in 197 countries

Get started with US Mobile Unlimited Premium Light Speed

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