Not everyone needs an unlimited data plan from the major phone carriers. You might be looking to save money each month or downsize features you don't use. A prepaid phone plan from carriers like Mint Mobile, TextNow or US Mobile could be a better fit, either as your main plan or for a second phone when you travel.
With the three major carriers in the US, you’re using their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They’re given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5GB of hotspot data
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
If Verizon’s network is strongest in your area, Visible by Verizon’s single-named Visible plan is a competitive option at $25 a month when paying monthly. You can cut that down to almost $23 by prepaying for an entire year at $275, but even that turns out not to be the best option. When you sign up for 12 months on the monthly plan as a new member, use code FRESHSTART at checkout to knock the price down to $20 a month. You need to stick with Visible for the full consecutive 12 months without switching plans to keep that rate, or else it goes back to $25 (which is still cheaper than many competitors). (Visible swaps its discount codes on a regular basis, so check the site for the latest deals.)
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
- Frequently offers deals for committing to 12 or 24 months (check site for latest offer)
Cons
- Best pricing requires a full year commitment and limited to new customers
- No access to fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network
- Cheapest rate requires promo code and multi-month commitment
- No phone support, although the company touts 24/7 access to "human assistance" via chat
Looking at the Google Fi Wireless plans, the Ultimate Essentials stands out for a group of four lines by coming in at $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). That's the inexpensive pick, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more at $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. Currently, Google Fi is cutting that down to $75 a month for four lines, or $19 per line, for 12 months. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, which is largely carried by T-Mobile's network.
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Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no extra charge
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls and texts to Mexico and Canada
Cons
- High-speed hotspot data counts toward monthly high-speed data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
The Metro $60/mo with AutoPay prepaid plan is the most expensive unlimited option from the T-Mobile owned service, but it’s also where most of the perks live. If you’re in an area where T-Mobile offers the best signal, this plan has a lot to tempt you. (Metro abandoned its previous naming scheme in favor of titling its plans based on the cost; this one used to be called the Metro Flex Unlimited Plus.)
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Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- 25GB hotspot data
- Amazon Prime included
- 5-year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Cons
- No streaming video option other than Prime Video included with the Amazon Prime membership
Surprisingly few prepaid plans offer many perks, presumably choosing to streamline options in order to reach the lowest price. If you’re looking for extras like streaming content, and you live in an area where Verizon’s coverage is strongest, look at the Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited prepaid plan.
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Disney Plus Premium included
- 5-year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Cons
- Capped international roaming data amount
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What is the best prepaid phone plan?
We field this question a lot, and it would be great to point to one prepaid plan and say, "Get this one." But as you've no doubt discovered, phone plans involve many factors. Which major cellular network -- AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon, which together cover nearly all of the US -- is strongest in your area? Do you need unlimited data? How many people will be on your plan? That said, we have some biases: We prefer unlimited plans to those that meter wireless data by the gigabyte, but we rarely go for those with the most features. So, for example, check out US Mobile Unlimited Flex for a single line and Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Standard for multiple lines. Those are good places to start, and as you read through the rest of our picks, you'll hopefully focus on the features and prices that best suit your needs.
Best unlimited prepaid plans for a single line
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5GB of hotspot data
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
With the three major carriers in the US, you’re using their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They’re given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
That sounds convoluted but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it’s a good way to see which one works best in your area.
OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp level, data speeds are at QCI 9 as of Aug. 18, 2025, with the ability to pay more for a QCI-8 add-on; plans in place before then are grandfathered at the QCI 8 speed. The Light Speed level is even higher priority at QCI 7.
The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it’s $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you’re traveling you’ll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $30 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts).
Why we like it
It’s an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area.
Who it’s best for
Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn’t expect to use much data.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you’re frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It’s also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds or you don’t want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
- Frequently offers deals for committing to 12 or 24 months (check site for latest offer)
Cons
- Best pricing requires a full year commitment and limited to new customers
- No access to fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network
- Cheapest rate requires promo code and multi-month commitment
- No phone support, although the company touts 24/7 access to "human assistance" via chat
If Verizon’s network is strongest in your area, Visible by Verizon’s single-named Visible plan is a competitive option at $25 a month when paying monthly. You can cut that down to almost $23 by prepaying for an entire year at $275, but even that turns out not to be the best option. When you sign up for 12 months on the monthly plan as a new member, use code FRESHSTART at checkout to knock the price down to $20 a month. You need to stick with Visible for the full consecutive 12 months without switching plans to keep that rate, or else it goes back to $25 (which is still cheaper than many competitors). (Visible swaps its discount codes on a regular basis, so check the site for the latest deals.)
For that price, you get unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, but not at the fastest 5G Ultra Wideband speeds, even if your phone supports it. Hotspot data is also unlimited but capped at 5Mbps speeds. Calls and texts to Mexico and Canada while you’re in the US are unlimited, too; if you’re traveling, Visible’s Global Pass costs $5 a day in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands or $10 a day for 2GB of data in more than 140 countries.
Why we like it
Unlimited data, even if it’s not at the highest 5G and hotspot speeds, is still worthwhile for the price.
Who it’s best for
Customers in strong Verizon coverage areas who want to save money.
Customer service options
• Online: Visible Help Center
• Phone: n/a, live chat only
• Store: n/a
• App: Visible iOS, Android
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no extra charge
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls and texts to Mexico and Canada
Cons
- High-speed hotspot data counts toward monthly high-speed data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
Looking at the Google Fi Wireless plans, the Ultimate Essentials stands out for a group of four lines by coming in at $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). That's the inexpensive pick, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more at $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. Currently, Google Fi is cutting that down to $75 a month for four lines, or $19 per line, for 12 months. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, which is largely carried by T-Mobile's network.
Not so great is the drop-off of data speeds after you’ve exhausted the 50GB of high-speed data -- then the service crawls at 256kbps for the rest of the month. You can pony up $10 per gigabyte to get back into the fast lane if needed, but that can get expensive real quick. Also, that 25GB of high-speed hotspot data counts toward the 50GB of fast data.
Why we like it
Compared with similarly priced prepaid plans by Metro or Cricket, Google Fi Wireless comes out ahead at the same price with its 50GB of high-speed data and hotspot feature.
Who it's best for
It's an affordable plan for a family with average data needs.
Who shouldn't get it
People who frequently stream video or primarily use cellular data instead of local Wi-Fi.
Customer service options
• Online: Google Fi Wireless
• Phone: 844-825-5234
• Store: n/a
• App: Google Fi
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- 25GB hotspot data
- Amazon Prime included
- 5-year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Cons
- No streaming video option other than Prime Video included with the Amazon Prime membership
The Metro $60/mo with AutoPay prepaid plan is the most expensive unlimited option from the T-Mobile owned service, but it’s also where most of the perks live. If you’re in an area where T-Mobile offers the best signal, this plan has a lot to tempt you. (Metro abandoned its previous naming scheme in favor of titling its plans based on the cost; this one used to be called the Metro Flex Unlimited Plus.)
First, the basics: For $60 a month for a single line or $140 a month for four lines (with a fourth line free deal), you get unlimited 5G data, unlimited talk and text and 25GB of hotspot data. That 5G data will be throttled if you burn through more than 70GB a month, but you won’t be capped. The plan also has T-Mobile’s 5-year price guarantee that covers talk, text and data.
In terms of perks, we chose to highlight this plan for a couple of reasons. It includes Amazon Prime, typically a $15 a month charge, as well as a 100GB Google One membership (a $2 a month value), along with T-Mobile Tuesdays and the company’s Scam Shield service for filtering unwanted calls and texts. Aside from Amazon Prime video, no other streaming services are bundled in. If you already have a cellular-capable smartwatch or tablet, you can add it for $5 a month.
Granted, these perks appeal to a narrow slice of customers -- T-Mobile coverage, Amazon Prime and Google One -- but if that fits your needs, it’s a good deal.
Why we like it
Amazon Prime is a big addition that can save $180 a year, plus perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays.
Who it’s best for
People in a strong T-Mobile coverage area that also subscribe to Amazon Prime.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you’re in an area where Verizon or AT&T networks give better performance, look for a different plan.
Customer service options
• Online: Metro Support
• Phone: 1-888-8metro8 (863-8768)
• Store: Store locator
• App: Metro app
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Disney Plus Premium included
- 5-year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Cons
- Capped international roaming data amount
Surprisingly few prepaid plans offer many perks, presumably choosing to streamline options in order to reach the lowest price. If you’re looking for extras like streaming content, and you live in an area where Verizon’s coverage is strongest, look at the Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited prepaid plan.
This plan is the most expensive of the Total Wireless plans at $60 a month for a single line or $120 a month for four lines. But that’s less expensive than our other prepaid perks pick for four lines, Metro’s $60/mo with AutoPay (which becomes "$140/mo with AutoPay"), and it includes Disney Plus Premium, a $20 a month value. Taxes and fees are also included in the cost of the plan.
The plan includes unlimited 5G data that parent company Verizon says will not be slowed down after a fixed number of gigabytes used. That 5G data is also accessed using the speedier 5G Ultra Wideband if your device supports it. You'll also get unlimited hotspot data, though at speeds up to 5 Mbps. International calling is free to more than 85 destinations and texting is free to more than 200 locations as long as you’re residing in the US, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands. When visiting Canada, Mexico or 15 other countries, data roaming is possible up to a 10GB roaming allotment.
Why we like it
It’s less expensive than our prepaid perks runner-up, doesn’t throttle data, has unlimited hotspot data and includes Disney Plus.
Who it’s best for
People in strong Verizon coverage areas who want to bundle Disney Plus.
Who shouldn’t get it
Someone in an area not well served by Verizon’s network, or if you don’t care about the Disney Plus addition.
Customer service options
• Online: Total Wireless Support
• Phone: 1-866-663-3633 or text 611611
• Store: Store locator
• App: Total Wireless app
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Free talk and text
Cons
- Need to use the TextNow app to call and text
- App has ads
- Minimal cellular data
- No access to services like WhatsApp over cellular
- Adding data is pricey
Today’s phones are so data-consuming that it's hard to imagine not using any data at all. And yet that's pretty close to what you'd be using with TextNow's Free Flex Plan, which includes just 550MB (yes, megabytes) of data at up to 5Mbps (megabits per second) and then throttled to 128kbps (kilobits per second). And the cost is... nothing. Well, there's a $5 fee for purchasing a SIM, but you can bypass that with TextNow's new eSIM options.
The catch is that calls and texts happen inside the TextNow app, not in the phone, messages, WhatsApp or other communications apps that use data. And because you're locked into the app, you're also served ads. TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network for wireless access. If you do need data access, TextNow has "passes" you can purchase, like a $3 day pass with 2GB of high-speed data and then unlimited 2G data. There's also a $9 weekly pass with 5GB of high-speed data and a $36 month pass with 20GB of high-speed data and no ads, but if you're spending that much, it makes sense to go with a cheaper plan from another provider with more options.
Why we like it
Aside from the optional fee for purchasing a SIM (if you don't go for the eSIM option) and putting up with ads, it's hard to beat free.
Who it's best for
Someone who rarely needs to use a phone, or has a basic phone as a backup or burner.
Who shouldn't get it
In reality, most people will avoid this plan because much of how we use phones these days centers around data.
Customer service options
• Online: TextNow Help
• Phone: n/a
• Store: n/a
• App: TextNow app
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals
- Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK
Cons
- Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers
- Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment
Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount.
Mint Mobile’s 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total).
Why we like it
With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale.
Who it's best for
People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data.
Who shouldn't get it
Someone who obsesses over data use or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit.
Customer service options
• Online: Mint Mobile Help Center
• Phone: 800-683-7392
• Store: n/a
• App: Mint Mobile
Pros
- Cheap rate for 2GB of data
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 2GB high-speed data
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks free
- International calling is a separate add-on
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
It’s easy to get wrapped up in unlimited data plans and streaming perks, but some people just need a way to connect to their friends and family with a little bit of data to get them through the month. If you’re usually connected to Wi-Fi or need a phone line just for emergencies, the US Mobile Light Plan is the most affordable option.
The plan includes unlimited talk and text and 2GB of premium data. If you prepay for a year, it costs $96, including taxes and fees, which breaks down to $8 a month. (You can choose to pay monthly at $10 a month.) Did 2GB turn out to be too little data? You can add a Top Up for $2 per gigabyte.
US Mobile’s approach is to use all three major carriers’ infrastructure, and you choose which one is the best in your area. They’re given special names – no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition – and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. If you want to switch to another, you can do so up to two times free and then after that with a $2 Network Transfer charge.
Why we like it
The cost is low and you can jump onto whichever carrier’s network is strongest in your area.
Who it’s best for
Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn’t expect to use much data.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you’re frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It’s also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don’t want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android
Best prepaid plans compared
| Plan | Cost 1 line (AutoPay) | Cost 4 lines (AutoPay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price guarantee | Max number of lines | Streaming resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | Unlimited Flex | $17.50 | n/a | 10GB | 5GB | n/a | Unlimited | 480p (SD) |
| Visible | Visible | $20 | n/a | Unlimited | Unlimited | n/a | n/a | 480p (SD) |
| Google Fi Wireless | Unlimited Standard | $50 | $100 | 50GB | 25GB | n/a | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| Metro | $60/mo with AutoPay | $60 | $140 | Unlimited | 25GB | 5 years | 4 | 1080p (HD) |
| Total Wireless | 5G Plus Unlimited | $60 | $120 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 years | 5 | 480p (SD) |
| TextNow | Essential Data | Free | n/a | 550MB | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20 | n/a | 15GB | 10GB | n/a | n/a | 480p (SD) |
| US Mobile | Light Plan | $8 | n/a | 2GB | n/a | n.a | 1 | 480p (SD) |
Visible runs special offers on its regular Visible plan, so we've included the latest offer code. However, the company changes its deals frequently, so be sure to check for the latest one.
Metro changed the names of its plans. Instead of the marketing-heavy "Metro Flex Unlimited Plus" title, the plan is now the more descriptive "Metro $60/mo with AutoPay" -- maybe not as interesting, but more straightforward.
We used to recommend Metro's Heritage plan that was a little cheaper for perks, but that option is now gone.
The Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited plan is a recent addition to this list.
US Mobile changed the network priority level of its Warp (Verizon) level as of Aug. 18, 2025 to QCI 9 instead of the higher-priority QCI 8. However, anyone on Warp before that date keeps the QCI 8 designation.
TextNow's Free Flex plan now includes 550MB of data (up from 350MB), which is then unlimited after instead of being capped. Also, the Monthly Unlimited plan includes 20GB of high-speed data instead of 10GB.
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like me saying I have a car. Good for me -- but what make and model is it? Does it run reliably? Can it actually get up to the top speed on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the freeway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I'd paid less for a model without extras like heated seats and a TruCoat sealant?
As you're evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Know your area
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you aren't getting reliably fast connections, or if calls often drop or aren't picked up, then you could be paying for more than you're getting. Fortunately, most areas of the US are blanketed by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren't as many dead zones as there used to be. (And now satellite service is starting to fill those holes.) The major companies are also putting a lot of money and effort into broadening their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier's network may be stronger than another's, or signals could be reduced because of interference. So the best approach is to ask friends or family members which services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test-drive services to see how your devices work in your area. (See the FAQ below for more on how reliable coverage maps can be.)
Know your deals and discounts
One other thing to keep in mind: discounts. All the carriers offer additional discounts you could be eligible for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age. Usually these apply to postpaid plans, not prepaid ones, but it's worth checking them out.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can get discounts on every major carrier. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile's Work perk could knock 15% off the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Premium 2.0 plan. AT&T also has a promotion for teachers that offers 20% off its latest unlimited plans.
If you're 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as low as $55 a month for two lines, and Verizon and AT&T offer similar options but only for Florida residents.
It's also worth noting that on their websites, some carriers sometimes advertise different rates geared toward switchers, for example if you bring your own phone (not trade in and finance a new one on an installment plan). Our recommendations reflect the actual rate outside of these very specific promotions.
Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a very individualized process. What works for you and your family's needs may be vastly different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage while others work best on Verizon or T-Mobile. The picks we make are based on more than a decade of covering and evaluating wireless carriers, their offerings and overall performance.
Specifically, we take into account coverage, price/value and perks.
Coverage
Because all three major providers cover most of the country with good 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a toss-up on a macro level. It's why we recommend a variety of eSIM options for figuring out what works best for you in your particular location, so you can best decide what's right for you. Looking at coverage maps on each provider's website will likely show that you get good coverage even if your experience isn't full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
Value is factoring in the total experience you might get, such as how much high-speed data you get and what's included in the sticker price. We also take into account whether a plan includes typical taxes and fees, or whether those are charged separately, inching your monthly bill higher.
Perks
Perks are add-ons beyond the core components of wireless service (talk, text and data). This could range from bundling in or discounting on streaming services to extra hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.
How to choose between a prepaid and a postpaid plan
When you're choosing a phone plan, there are generally two main options: a postpaid carrier like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile (plus cable options like Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile) and prepaid providers such as Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi Wireless and Cricket.
The difference boils down to this: With postpaid, you're paying for your plan after you've used your service, while prepaid lets you buy that allotment in advance.
Prepaid providers are generally cheaper than postpaid options, though they're also often (but not always) more limited when providing additional streaming perks, hotspot data or device discounts. To get a several-hundred-dollar trade-in credit toward a new iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy, you often will need to commit to a postpaid plan from one of the big three carriers and be willing to stay with that provider for 24 to 36 months.
All three of the major wireless carriers also offer various discounts on the plan pricing depending on age, employment, military or veteran status or if you or someone on your family plan is a nurse, teacher or first responder. You can find details here for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
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What to know about 5G
"5G" is an umbrella term that encompasses the current fifth-generation cellular wireless network technologies. All the major carriers and phones support 5G connections, which can offer faster data speeds than older technologies such as 4G LTE or 3G.
Essentially there are three types of 5G: Millimeter-wave (mmWave), which can be fast but has limited range; low-band 5G, which has slower speeds but works on a broader range; and midband, which is a balance between the two that's faster than low-band but also covers a larger range than millimeter-wave. Midband also incorporates C-band, a batch of spectrum auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission in 2021.
Your phone's 5G connection depends on which type blankets the area you're in, as well as other factors, such as population density and infrastructure. For instance, mmWave is super fast, but its signals can be thwarted by buildings -- or glass, or leaves -- or whether you're inside a structure.
When your device is connected to a 5G network, it can show up as several variations such as 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW or others, depending on the carrier. Here’s a list of icons you see at the top of your phone for the major services:
AT&T: 5GE (which isn't actually 5G, but rather a sly marketing name for 4G LTE), 5G (low band), 5G Plus (mmWave, midband)
Verizon: 5G (low band, also called "Nationwide 5G"), 5G UW/5G UWB (midband and mmWave, also called "5G Ultra Wideband")
T-Mobile: 5G (low band), 5G UC (midband and mmWave, also called "Ultra Capacity 5G")
There's also 5G Reduced Capacity (5G RedCap), which is a lower-power, smaller-capacity branch of 5G used by devices such as smartwatches and portable health devices; the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for example, connects via 5G RedCap.
Just around the corner is 5G Advanced, promising much faster speeds due to carrier aggregation, or combining multiple spectrums.
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How reliable are coverage maps?
The three major companies in the US -- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon -- offer services directly and have robust nationwide networks that offer 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (even faster) data. They all promise coverage that blankets most of the US, and they're actively trying to build up 5G coverage everywhere they can.
But maps are one thing; experience is another. That’s why it's impossible to say that one carrier is objectively better than another. For example, T-Mobile's service in New York may be excellent, but Verizon may be more reliable in parts of rural Iowa. Or you may have basic 5G coverage but not faster millimeter wave 5G.
If possible, ask neighbors, friends or family near you about which carriers they use and how fast or reliable the wireless service is. And don't forget to take into consideration not just where you live, but the places you frequent: Your house might get a clear connection, but your workplace could be in a cellular black hole.
You may also be able to test-drive a network -- go to a carrier's store and ask if there are free ways to try out the company's service. T-Mobile offers a free three-month Network Pass, Verizon has a 30-day "trial" program, and AT&T has its own 30-day eSIM free trial program.
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