Choosing the right cell phone plan is important in our increasingly connected world. The mobile market is teeming with options, ranging from traditional carriers to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), each offering unique plans tailored to different needs. With new 5G networks rolling out, prices fluctuating, and carriers offering more options than ever, picking the plan that best fits your needs and budget can be challenging.
TL/DR
Quick Picks
- Best value for money: Mint Mobile
- Best unlimited plan: T-Mobile Go5G
- Best family plan: T-Mobile Go5G
- Best plan for seniors: Consumer Cellular
- Best plan for travelers: Google Fi
Choosing the Right Plan for You
When selecting a mobile plan, it’s crucial to consider your individual needs, budget, and usage patterns. Here’s a brief guide to help you navigate through the decision-making process:
Key factors when choosing a cell phone plan
- Data usage needs – Do you primarily use your phone for basics like calling and texting? Or do you stream videos and music? Data usage impacts what plan makes the most sense. Heavy data users need unlimited data plans, whereas light users can save with limited options.
- Budget – Plans range from $10/month for prepaid limited data to $100+/month for unlimited 5G data on premium networks. If you want to cut expenses without compromising quality, consider switching to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) or exploring prepaid plans. These alternative providers often offer competitive rates and flexible terms, making them ideal for budget-conscious consumers. Decide what you can realistically afford each month.
- Network coverage & performance – Make sure your carrier has solid coverage in your area and network speeds that meet your needs. Talk to locals and check carrier coverage maps.
- Family vs. individual plans – For families or households with multiple users, a shared plan for the whole family and multi-line plans with per-line discounts are ideal. Some allow mix-and-matching individual data amounts, too.
- Extras/perks – Consider extras like weighing contracts and prepaid flexibility. Contracts can offer great phone upgrade deals but lock you in. Prepaid means no commitment but fewer perks. Also, consider international features if you travel, and research carrier customer service ratings. Comparison sites like WhistleOut and Wirefly let you filter plans by data, price, and other preferences to surface the best plans on various networks in one view. Cross-checking carrier reputations remains important after comparing rates alone.
Now, let’s explore the best cell phone plans available for 2024 across various categories, starting with best value for money.
Best value for money
If saving money is your top concern, there are some wallet-friendly options to consider from major carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Here are two affordable plans worth a look:
Mint Mobile 4GB Plan
Mint Mobile has earned a reputation for offering excellent value with its prepaid plans. The 4GB plan starts at just $15/month for the first three months when you prepay for an entire year. Renewals are $25/month.
For the price, you get:
- 4GB of 5G/4G LTE data per month
- Unlimited nationwide talk and text
- Free mobile hotspot capability
- Access to T-Mobile’s network
This plan is great for light or moderate data users who don’t need tons of full-speed data. You can upgrade to 10GB for just $5 more per month. Mint also lets you adjust your data each month for complete flexibility.
AT&T Prepaid 5GB Plan
AT&T is best for bulk data, with the prepaid 5GB plan normally running $30 per month or unlimited data at $50. Another excellent way to guarantee a discounted cost ahead of time is to make the $300 down payment in full for a whole year.
Key details include:
- 5GB of 4G LTE data
- Unlimited talk and text nationwide
- Stream Saver feature for HD video
- Mobile hotspot with initial 5GB
- Access to AT&T’s reliable nationwide network
For individuals heavy on data per month, this prepaid AT&T option is hard to top in terms of value and network coverage.
Best unlimited plan
If you’re a data hog who streams HD video, plays online games, and constantly shuffles between apps, an unlimited data plan is essential. Here are two top picks for getting the most high-speed data:
T-Mobile Go5G
T-Mobile has led the unlimited data plan race with features like free Netflix, no throttling, and unlimited premium resolution streaming. Their Go5G plan takes it to the next level.
For $75/month, you get:
- Truly unlimited premium 4G/5G data
- Up to 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data
- Unlimited HD streaming
- Free Netflix Basic (2 screens)
- Free scam call blocking and ID protection
- Free six months of Apple TV Plus
With extras like free Netflix and unlimited hotspot data, T-Mobile Go5G is a stellar choice for individuals who need unlimited data without compromise.
Verizon Unlimited Plus
Verizon has stepped up its unlimited game as well. Their Unlimited Plus individual plan runs $45//month and 35$/month for autopay, features include:
- Unlimited 5G Ultra-Wideband and 4G LTE data
- 50GB of premium 4G LTE mobile hotspot
- 500GB of Verizon Cloud storage
While you only get 720p video streaming, the 50GB of full-speed mobile hotspot data is a nice perk for this Verizon unlimited plan.
Best Family & Group Plans
If you need to cover the data needs of a family or group under one account, shared plans can offer savings compared to individual plans. Here are some of the top picks for families:
T-Mobile Go5G
T-Mobile’s Magenta plan gives families plenty of data for a reasonable price. For $180 per month for four lines, you get:
- Unlimited talk, text, and 4G/5G data
- 10GB of high-speed smartphone Mobile Hotspot
- 3GB of high-speed Mobile Hotspot data per line
- Unlimited data in Mexico and Canada
- Free Netflix Basic (2 screens)
- Free scam call blocking and ID protection
The cost is just $45 per line, with bill credits for multiple lines. T-Mobile Go5G is packed with data and perks for families on a budget.
Verizon Start Unlimited
Verizon’s Start Unlimited plan provides a basic unlimited option for families at $140 per month for four lines with a Three-year guarantee unchangeable price. Each line gets:
- Unlimited talk, text, and 4G data
- Unlimited text from the U.S.
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico & Canada
While video is limited to 480p and data may be throttled in congested areas, the plan still provides good value with subscription perks and unlimited basics. For $10/month, you can get Add-ons like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ included.
Best plan for seniors
For seniors who don’t use much data and want affordable prices, some carriers cater specifically to the 65+ crowd. Two great options are:
Consumer Cellular Talk & Text Plan
This AARP-recommended plan from Consumer Cellular offers a simple approach perfect for light users. For just $20 per month, you get:
- 250 monthly minutes
- Unlimited nationwide text messaging
- Free calls to 911 emergency services
- No long-term contract required
- Bring your phone or purchase one
Adding data starts at just $5 per month for 500MB. You can easily add more minutes or data as needed each month. Their plans work on AT&T’s network with excellent coverage.
T-Mobile Essentials 55+
T-Mobile Essentials 55+ gives seniors two lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for just $55/month or a single line for $27.50/month. Features include:
- Unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE smartphone data
- 3GB of high-speed Mobile Hotspot data
- Sam protection
- Unlimited talk & text and 2G data in Mexico and Canada
With two lines for a flat $55, this T-Mobile plan offers simplicity and savings for seniors who want unlimited everything on a reliable nationwide network.
Best Plans for International Travelers
For those who travel overseas frequently, having a plan that works abroad is a must. These two options help you stay connected while traveling:
Google Fi Flexible Plan
Google Fi’s network intelligently switches between T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular domestically and internationally across 200+ countries. The flexible plan costs $50 per month plus $10 per GB used or a $65 Unlimited Plus plan. Key perks for travelers include:
- Free unlimited calls from the U.S. to 50+ countries
- Unlimited texts worldwide from the U.S.
- Free unlimited texts and low-cost calls (20¢/min) internationally
- 24/7 customer support from Fi experts
With free international texts, inexpensive calls, and widespread coverage, Google Fi is perfect for U.S.-based jetsetters. Suspend service anytime.
Verizon Travel Pass
While Verizon plans are excellent domestically, the Travel Pass feature gives you affordable international access. For $10 per day per line, you get:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in over 185 destinations
- Unlimited international texting from the U.S.
- 512 MB/day of high-speed data abroad
- TravelPass day pass only activates when abroad
With Verizon TravelPass, you don’t have to change plans to get daily international access on your trips. Easy 24-hour pass activation makes it a breeze for domestic Verizon users.
The right plan for your needs
As you can see, many great mobile plans are available to suit all sorts of needs and budgets in 2024. The key is taking the time to determine your unique priorities and usage and then matching them to the provider whose offerings best align.
Don’t overload your plan with costly extras you won’t use. But also make sure to get the data speed and allotments required so you don’t face throttling or overages. Read the fine print on throttling policies, video resolution, and other limitations. Remember, the best mobile plan is the one that aligns with your individual needs and budget.
