In this article, I’m covering the best cell phone plans on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile that will work with your current phone and save you money on your cell phone bill.
If you’re new to cell phone plans, don’t worry.
I’m covering everything you need to know in this article, including the four steps to picking a perfect cell phone plan, the thirteen best cell phone plans for individuals, and the six best plans for families.
Let’s begin with how to pick a cell phone plan.
How To Pick A Cell Phone Plan
The four steps to picking a perfect cell phone plan involve answering four simple questions:
- How much data do you need?
- What features do you need?
- What network do you want for coverage?
- How many lines do you have?
If you haven’t answered these questions, definitely watch my video “How To Choose A Cell Phone Plan.”
It’ll walk you through the full process of answering these questions, and you’ll get the information you need to pick a perfect cell phone plan for you.
For this article, here’s what you need to know:
- Most people on average use about 14.6GB of data per month
- I made a free worksheet to help you identify which features you want and which features you actually need. You can find this worksheet here
- If you’re happy with your current coverage, you can keep using the same network and simply switch to a more affordable cell phone plan. If you’re unhappy with your coverage, you switch to a new network and hopefully get a more affordable cell phone plan as well
- You should know how many lines you have. :)
Pro Tip: To figure out which network provides the best coverage in your area, I recommend the website CoverageCritic. It was built by my friend Chris, and all you do is enter your ZIP code and it’ll tell you which network is best in your area
If you have one or two lines, you should put each person on a single-line plan. If you have three or four lines, you should probably get a family plan.
Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022
With all that said, let's now dive into the thirteen best cell phone plans for 2022!
- Best cheap Verizon plan: US Mobile $15 4GB
- Best cheap AT&T plan: Boost Mobile $14 5GB
- Best cheap T-Mobile plan: Mint Mobile $15 4GB
- Best cheap unlimited plan: Visible $25 Unlimited
- Best value AT&T plan: Boost Mobile $25 35GB
- Best value T-Mobile plan: Mint Mobile $30 35GB
- Best Verizon unlimited plan: US Mobile Unlimited Premium $45
- Best bundle plan: Xfinity Mobile Unlimited $45
- Best AT&T unlimited plan: Cricket More $55
- Best T-Mobile unlimited plan: Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited $50
- Best premium Verizon plan: Verizon 5G Play More $80
- Best premium AT&T plan: AT&T Unlimited Elite $85
- Best premium T-Mobile plan: T-Mobile Magenta $70
Best Cell Phone Plans for $15
Here I recommend US Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Mint Mobile.
1. Best cheap Verizon plan: US Mobile $15 5GB
On the Verizon network, I recommend US Mobile. Their $15 plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 5GB of high-speed data. Hotspot is also available for this plan for $5 extra.
What’s really nice about US Mobile is that if you activate with a 5G phone on Verizon you get premium data. This gives you the exact same quality of service as going with Verizon directly.
US Mobile also supports plenty of features like Wi-Fi calling, eSIM activations, 5G access, and international eSIM data plans for staying connected when you travel abroad.
2. Best Cheap AT&T Plan: Boost Mobile $14 5GB
If you’re looking for AT&T coverage, then Boost Mobile is a great option to consider. Their $14 annual plan includes unlimited minutes and texts with 5GB of high-speed data. Hotspot is included here for free, along with 5G access.
There’s also an option to add roaming data in Mexico.
3. Best cheap T-Mobile Plan: Mint Mobile $15 4GB
And on the T-Mobile network, I recommend Mint Mobile. Mint’s $15 plan includes unlimited minutes, texts, and 4GB of high-speed data before unlimited data at 2G speeds.
Mint also has excellent feature support. You get mobile hotspot, VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, eSIM, and 5G access on T-Mobile’s 5G network.
International calling and data roaming add-ons are also available if you need them.
Best Cell Phone Plans for $30 or Less
Next, on to the best plans for $30 or less.
Here I’m recommending Visible, Boost Mobile, and Mint Mobile.
4. Best Cheap Unlimited Plan: Visible $25 Unlimited
Visible’s unlimited plans is one of the best value plans out there. It comes in at just $25 per month with Visible’s Party Pay discount, which anyone can easily take advantage of. Watch my video here to learn more.
You get truly unlimited data on the Verizon network with truly unlimited hotspot data. Hotspot speeds are officially capped at 5Mbps, though I was getting about 9Mbps on my tests.
Visible also supports VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, eSIM activations, and free international calling to Canada, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
5G is also supported here, but 5G speeds are officially capped at 200Mbps.
5. Best Value AT&T Plan: Boost Mobile $25 35GB
Boost Mobile is my next recommendation here. Their $25 annual plan gets you 35GB of high-speed data on the AT&T network, which is a fantastic value. You also get 12GB of mobile hotspot data, and all of the same great features as before.
6. Best Value T-Mobile Plan: Mint Mobile $30 35GB
On the T-Mobile network, I’m recommending Mint Mobile’s $30 annual plan. This gets you 35GB of high-speed data, 5GB of hotspot data, and unlimited talk and text.
You continue to get Mint’s great feature selection here, including of course 5G access and eSIM activations.
It’s also worth noting that add-ons are available for international calling and international data roaming if you need it.
Best Unlimited Data Plans
Here I’m recommending plans from US Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Cricket, and Walmart Family Mobile.
7. Best Verizon Unlimited Plan: US Mobile Unlimited Premium $45
US Mobile’s unlimited plan is $45 per month and includes 100GB of premium data. You’ll notice this isn’t truly unlimited, and it’s also more expensive than Visible’s $25 unlimited plan.
But US Mobile’s plan is here for multiple reasons.
First, it’s got priority data if you activate with a 5G device. This means you’re getting faster data speeds anytime the Verizon network is busy.
Second, US Mobile includes free international data roaming with their international eSIM plans.
And third, US Mobile just has a beautiful online account dashboard, and an excellent tool allowing you to visualize and track your data usage.
Here are the full plan details:
Yes, US Mobile’s plan is more expensive than Visible, but I think you’re getting great additional features. It’s worth the price increase for those looking for a premium network experience.
8. Best Bundle Plan: Xfinity Mobile Unlimted $45
Next is the Xfinity Mobile plan. This is $45 per month and includes 20GB of high-speed data before unlimited data at 1.50 Mbps download and 0.75 Mbps upload. It also has excellent feature support, including add-ons for both international calling and data roaming.
Reasons to consider Xfinity are:
- You get a discount on your Xfinity Internet service, which can really add up the savings over time
- Xfinity Mobile offers great discounts on phones, such as up to $400 off a new Samsung Galaxy phone or iPhone
- Xfininty Mobile includes premium data, so you’re getting the same great network experience as you would on Verizon directly
9. Best AT&T Unlimited Plan: Cricket More $55
Cricket’s Unlimited More plan is an outstanding value on the AT&T network.
For just $55 per month you get unlimited premium data, 15GB of hotspot data, 480p video streaming, and unlimited high-speed data roaming in Canada and Mexico.
Cricket More is basically the same plan as AT&T Unlimited Extra, but for $15 less per month.
Plus, Cricket includes all taxes and fees in the cost of their plan, so the savings would be even greater. You’re easily looking to save $180+ per year compared to going with AT&T directly.
If you’re a heavy data user and want AT&T coverage, Cricket More is easily one of the best options available.
10. Best T-Mobile Unlimited Plan: Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited $50
The last plan in this category is the Walmart Family Mobile plan. I recently discovered this plan, and wow is it a good value.
For $50 per month you’re getting truly unlimited data, 30GB of hotspot data, support for core features, and 5G access.
It’s one of the best, low-cost unlimited plans you can get on T-Mobile.
Best Premium Unlimited Plans
The best premium cell phone plans come from the major carriers directly.
Here I’m recommending Verizon 5G Play More, AT&T Unlimited Extra, and T-Mobile Magenta.
11. Best Premium Verizon Plan: Verizon 5G Play More $80
Verizon 5G Play More is a mid-tier plan offering from Verizon. It’s $80 per month for a single line, which is less than the $90 per month Verizon charges for their top-tier 5G Get More plan.
5G Play More includes 50GB of premium data with unlimited deprioritized data afterward, 25GB of high-speed hotspot data, 720p video streaming, and access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Verizon also loads this plan up with perks. You get a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ subscription included for free, Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass included for free, and a 6-month free trial of Apple Music.
Additionally, 5G Play More subscribers are eligible for a 50% off discount for Verizon’s 5G Home Internet product or $30 off the FiOS gigabit internet plan.
I recommend 5G Play More because I feel it is the best balance between price and features. You get a great premium experience on the Verizon network while still saving money over the more expensive 5G Get More plan.
That said, if you need a tablet line on Verizon, it makes sense to upgrade to 5G Get More for $90 per month.
5G Get More includes unlimited premium data, doubles the high-speed hotspot data to 50GB, and has additional perks like one free TravelPass day per month, 600GB of Verizon Cloud storage, and Apple Music (as opposed to the 6-month free trial).
And critically for tablet users, 5G Get More also includes a 50% off discount for a tablet or connected device line.
The tablet plans are $20 for Unlimited Basic and $30 for Unlimited Plus, so the 50% off discount is between $10-$15 per month in savings. That easily covers the price difference for upgrading to 5G Get More.
12. Best Premium AT&T Plan: AT&T Unlimited Extra $75
AT&T’s Unlimited Extra plan is the best balance between features and price.
It includes 50GB of premium data, 15GB of hotspot data, 480p video streaming, and free high-speed data roaming in Canada and Mexico.
13. Best Premium T-Mobile Plan: T-Mobile Magenta $70
The best premium plan on the T-Mobile network is the T-Mobile Magenta plan.
Magenta is $70 per month with all taxes and fees included. It comes with 100GB of priority data, 5GB of high-speed hotspot data, and 720p video streaming.
It also includes great international features. You get 5GB of high-speed data roaming in Canada and Mexico and free international data roaming in over 200 countries with speeds up to 128Kbps.
Staying connected while traveling abroad without having to pay extra is a nice perk about T-Mobile Magenta, and it makes it a great option for frequent international travelers.
If you do want high-speed data while you are abroad, then you can also purchase one of T-Mobile’s international data passes, which are more affordable than the options from Verizon or AT&T.
T-Mobile Magenta is overall a great value plan, and it’s one of the most affordable premium plans available at just $70 per month with all taxes and fees included.
Suggested: Verizon vs AT&T vs T-Mobile: the Ultimate Plan Comparison
Best Family Cell Phone Plans
Now let’s move on to the best family plans. I’ve consolidated this down to just 6 great options. The best value family plans come from US Mobile, Cricket, and Metro by T-Mobile.
- Best value Verizon family plan: US Mobile Unlimited Premium $30/line
- Best value AT&T family plan: Cricket Core $25/line
- Best value T-Mobile family plan: Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $33/line
- Best premium Verizon family plan: Verizon 5G Play More $45/line
- Best premium AT&T family plan: AT&T Unlimited Elite $50/line
- Best premium T-Mobile family plan: T-Mobile Magenta $35/line
Best Value Verizon Family Plan: US Mobile Premium Unlimited $30/line
US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium plan drops to just $30/line for a family of four.
Each line gets 100GB of high-speed data per month along with 50GB of high-speed hotspot data.
As a perk, US Mobile will reimburse you for up to two streaming services of your choice.
Options include Spotify Family, Apple Music Family, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard, HBO MAX, Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+, Playstation Plus, Xbox Live Gold, and more.
This makes US Mobile’s plan one heck of a deal on the Verizon network.
Best Value AT&T Family Plan: Cricket Core $25/line
Next up I’m recommending the Cricket Core plan on AT&T. This truly unlimited data plan comes in at just $25 per line with all taxes and fees included.
You also get superb feature support here, including 5G access, free international texting, and free data roaming in Canada and Mexico.
This plan is deprioritized, but AT&T’s network has such great capacity right now that I wouldn’t worry about getting a plan with premium data.
The two real downsides to Cricket Core are that video streaming is limited to 480p and the hotspot feature is a $10 add-on.
Still, $25/line is a fantastic deal and I think you’ll love it.
Plus, if you do need hotspot data, or you want premium data on the AT&T network, you can always upgrade to the Cricket More plan for $33/line.
Best Value T-Mobile Family Plan: Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited $30/line
Rounding off this section of value family plans is Metro by T-Mobile’s family plan.
This plan has includes unlimited data on the T-Mobile network and 15GB of high-speed hotspot data.
You also get some nice perks, including 100GB of free Google One Storage and a free Amazon Prime membership.
All taxes and fees are included in the price, so the plan is $30/line flat per month.
Best Premium Verizon Family Plan: Verizon 5G Play More $45/line
Verizon’s 5G Play More plan is a great option for families looking for a premium experience on the Verizon network.
Normally $80 per month, this plan drops to just $45/line for a family of four.
5G Play More includes 50GB of premium data, 25GB of hotspot data, and 720p video streaming.
It also comes with nice perks: a free Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle, free Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass, and a 6-month free trial of Apple Music.
You are also eligible for a 50% off discount of Verizon 5G Home Internet or $30 off FiOS gigabit internet.
Overall 5G Play More is a great balance between price and features.
One thing to note is that you have tablet lines on your account, then it will likely be worth upgrading to 5G Get More. 5G Get More adds some extra features to 5G Play More, such as unlimited premium data and 50GB of hotspot data, and it adds some extra perks. The big perk is 50% off a tablet or connected device plans, which saves you $10-$15 per month and makes up for the slightly higher price of 5G Get More.
Best Premium AT&T Family Plan: AT&T Unlimited Extra $
AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan remains the best premium option on their network for families.
The price of Unlimited Elite drops from $85 for a single line down to just $50 per line for a family of four.
Unlimited Elite includes unlimited premium data, 40GB of hotspot data, 4K video streaming, unlimited high-speed data roaming in Canada and Mexico, and a free HBO MAX subscription.
Discounts are also available. Business employees of participating businesses, AARP members, union members, and students all save $10 off per line on Unlimited Elite, and military veterans, first responders, teachers, nurses, and physicians all save 25% off the cost of Elite for their family.
If you’re eligible for the discounts, than the cost of Unlimited Elite drops to between $38-$40 per line, which is an outstanding value for what you get with the plan.
Best Premium T-Mobile Family Plan: T-Mobile Magenta $35/line
T-Mobile’s Magenta plan continues to be the best premium offering for families on the T-Mobile network.
The cost of Magenta drops to just $35 per line for a family of four, and all taxes and fees are included. This makes Magenta one of the most affordable premium family plans available.
Included with T-Mogile Magenta are 100GB of premium data, 5GB of hotspot data, 720p video streaming, 5GB of high-speed data roaming in Canada and Mexico, and free international data with speeds at 128Kbps.
You’re not getting any free streaming services with Magenta, but you are getting one heck of a great price.
I feel T-Mobile Magenta is one of the overall best value plans in the cell phone industry right now.
That said, families looking for more hotspot data or who want Netflix bundled in with their service may consider T-Mobile Magenta MAX.
T-Mobile Magenta MAX bumps the price up to $43/line (again with all taxes and fees included), but for the extra cost it adds extra features. You now get unlimited premium data, 40GB of hotspot data, 4K video streaming, and a free Netflix Standard subscription included with your service.
There is no doubt Magenta MAX is a superb option for network enthusiasts and heavy data users. But overall, I do feel the Magenta plan is an overall better value with its lower price and still excellent feature support.