One of the best things about smartphones is their ability to seamlessly integrate into our lives. Ideally, they let us access a wide variety of functions without ever needing to give it much thought. We can access the Internet, email, texts and apps without any micromanagement.
However, smartphone plans typically impose some level of restriction which we need to keep in mind. The following U.S. data plans get around that by offering unlimited data:
1. T-Mobile Magenta
T-Mobile typically ranks quite high for the best value data plan. It provides users with unlimited data for their main line. Of course, one important point to remember with any unlimited plan is that the term means something a little different to phone companies than to the average user. Phone companies mean “unlimited within normal usage scenarios” when they use the term unlimited. For example, T-Mobile will throttle Internet speeds if someone uses more than 500 GB in a month on an unlimited plan. The plan also provides a solid value for hotspot tethering. Users get unlimited hotspotting under 3G speeds. One can also use LTE speeds through hotspotting for up to 5G of data.
2. Verizon Play More
The Play More plan does cost a little more than some of the other unlimited data plans. However, it also comes with more features. The biggest benefit is a complimentary subscription to some of the biggest streaming services. This includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Users also receive a value packed gaming addon through 12 months of Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass. The data plan also gives top of the line functionally through 5G speeds rather than 4G. While Play More isn’t the most expensive of the top four plans, the higher price might be a concern for some people. The main question is whether or not the media subscriptions and gaming services are worth the extra price. If they aren’t, then one of the other unlimited plans might be a better match.
3. Mint Mobile
This is easily one of the lowest priced unlimited data options. It’s typically priced at about half of what most of the top competition charges, and when we compare it to the higher priced options, Mint can even come in at about 1/3rd the price. With this plan, users still get excellent service at that low price. However, the catch comes from the trial period. Users can enjoy the low cost and unlimited speeds for three months. But after that, the company requires users to sign up for a one year plan in order to stay at the lowest billing price.
4. AT&T Unlimited Elite
The Elite plan does live up to the name when it comes to overall cost. It’s the most expensive of the top four plans. However, the additional features might still make it a frugal option for people in specific usage scenarios. The biggest bonus comes from the fact that users also receive free access to HBO Max. It also provides a significant amount of 5G data. As with most plans, the Elite does limit the overall speed of the connection once a certain limit has been reached for the month. In this case, the limit is 100 GB of 5G data. But 100 GB of 5G is still a considerable boon. It’s also worth noting that AT&T provides similar plans without HBO Max that are priced a little more competitively. The HBO Max service really is the biggest selling point of the Elite plan. If someone isn’t interested in HBO Max then the other top four plans might be a better match.
