How to pick the Best Unlimited Data Plan

The fact that all four wireless carriers are offering several unlimited data plans is excellent news to all consumers. This increases the competition for unlimited data plans, and as a result, we are witnessing rollout even better plans. Whether you are looking for an unlimited plan for yourself, your family, or a business, you should get one that provides the basics plus a few extra perks.

In this review, we have come up with a brief list of the best unlimited data plans. This list is based on several factors, the key of which is covered and reliable services. An unlimited data plan would mean very little if you can barely stream a video or music without latency issues. All our top picks have demonstrated consistent 4G coverage making sure that you are getting full value for your money. We also looked at the additional perks you get, such as LTE hotspot data and more. Finally, we checked on the price to determine which carrier was offering the best bargain.

It’s vital to know that although these carriers do provide unlimited data plans, they’ll usually give you a cap after which the speeds will be throttled. It’s very important to consider what the set limit is and compare it with the other carriers while also checking the price of each one of them before making your final decision.

What’s the best unlimited data plan?

T-Mobile has the best unlimited data plans at the moment. Not only do you get the basic free coverage, but you will also receive so many perks, and for the price, we can’t see any other plan offering better value for your money. We also understand that T-Mobile has one of the best coverage around according to OpenSignal’s rankings and hence, network issues should be the least of your worries.

Here is a breakdown of what the T-Mobile Unlimited Plan has to offer and some of the other excellent alternatives in the market.

T-Mobile Unlimited Meganta Plans

T-Mobile currently offers three different unlimited data plans coming at different price points. The signature unlimited data plan from T-Mobile starts at $70 per month for a single line, $100 for two, $140 for three and $160 for four. Any other line you include afterward will only attract $20 in additional payment. All payments are inclusive of taxes and other applicable fees. From this plan, you can expect unlimited text, talk, and smartphone data, a dedicated customer care team, 3GB mobile hot spot at 4G LTE, an hour of inflight Wi-Fi, Netflix for a single screen, SD streaming and Data and texting abroad. You will also receive 5GB data (4G) in Canada and Mexico.

Users looking for even more perks and data, can subscribe to the Meganta Plus plan that offers free unlimited text, talk and smartphone data, HD streaming, dedicated customer care team, 20GB mobile hotspot data at 4G, faster data speeds and texting when abroad, 5GB data in Canada and Mexico at 4G, unlimited Wi-Fi when flying, and Name ID and Voicemail to text. The Meganta Plus plan also supports the streaming of Netflix in two devices and many other weekly perks. To get the best value for your money, you should register around four lines for this plan where you will pay just $50 per line inclusive of taxes and fees.

The other more affordable unlimited data plan from this carrier is the T-Mobile Essentials which goes for just $60 for a single line an extra $30 for a second line and $15 for any additional line. The T-Mobile Essentials doesn’t come with as many perks as the other two, but it is very affordable. You will still get unlimited text, talk, and smartphone data, SD streaming of up to 480p, dedicated customer care team. 3G hotspot data, texting abroad, and 2G data in Canada and Mexico.

T-Mobile also has special plans for the elderly and veterans. The One Unlimited 55+ is targeted to the 55+ year olds who will pay just $60/$50 for one line and an extra $10 for the second line with the auto-bill option enabled. This package offers all the benefits of the T-Mobile One Plans, but it is limited to two lines per plan only. Their Military Plans start at just $100 per month for four lines offering the same benefits as their Signature Plan.

T-Mobile Unlimited Plan subscribers are awarded various free stuff every week with some Tuesday specials including discounts on movie tickets, fast foods, and Lyft rides among others.

Drawbacks

Speeds are reduced significantly after 50GB
Video streaming capped at 480p

Verizon Unlimited Plans

Verizon is offering three different unlimited data plans. Their first and cheapest plan is the Go Unlimited Data plan, which is starting at around $75 for one device and $130 for two devices. The plan offers 4G LTE data and unlimited tethering, but the problem is that streaming is capped at just 480p while the hot spot speeds are throttled to 600kbps.

The next plan in the ranks is the Beyond Unlimited going for $85 for one line and $160 for two. This plan offers unlimited text and talk, Apple music streaming, Verizon Up rewards 4G LTE data, 15GB hotspot data at 4G, and unlimited texts, calls, and data in Canada and Mexico. You will also get video streaming, but it is capped at 720p.

Finally, you have the Verizon Above Unlimited plan that’s starting at $95 for one line, $180 for two and $210 for three lines. Any other line included will cost you $60 each. This plan offers unlimited text and talk, 4G LTE (75GB), 20GB of 4G hotspot data, video streaming capped at 720P, five TravelPasses every month for use in over 185 countries, 500GB for Apple Music, Verizon Up rewards, and unlimited texts, talk, and data in Canada and Mexico.

Of the three, the Beyond Unlimited Data plan offers the best value for your buck. Also, all the plans will give you a $5 discount for enabling the autopay.

There is a special plan for kids known as JustKids. The plan works with one line registered to the unlimited plan. It starts at $110 for two lines, $135 for three and $140 for four. Your kids will receive 4G LTE data (5GB), unlimited text, and talk to 20 contacts, 480p video streaming, Data Boost, and Verizon Up rewards. The plan also integrates parental controls through the Verizon Smart Family Premium.

Drawbacks

You will have to pay an extra $20 to get tablet data
Speeds are throttled after hitting 22GB

Sprint Unlimited Plans

Sprint has three main unlimited plans and special packages for the military/veterans and the elderly population aged 55+ years. The first and most affordable plan is the Unlimited Basic starting at $60 per month. You can include two or more lines at $100 per month. The plan offers 500MB of LTE mobile hotspot, unlimited text, talk, and 5GB LTE data at 4G in Canada and Mexico; SD streaming capped at 480p. The Basic Unlimited plan from Sprint allows you to stream Hulu.

The second plan is the Unlimited Plus starting at $70 per month for one line. You can register two lines for $120, 3 lines for $130, 4 lines for $140 or 5 lines for $150. It offers 50GB mobile hotspot, 1080p video streaming, unlimited text, talk and 10GB LTE data (4G) in Canada and Mexico. You will also get free Hulu and Tidal streaming.

For individuals looking for a premium experience, the Unlimited Premium from Sprint is one of your best bets. This package starts at just $80 per month for a single line, $140 for two, $160 for 3, $180 for four and $200 for five lines. From this plan, you will get a 100GB mobile hotspot, 1080p video streaming and unlimited text, talk and 4G LTE data in Canada and Mexico. The Unlimited Premium plan is also compatible with 5G phones, and you will also get free Hulu, Amazon Prime, Tidal and Lookout Premium Plus.

Through the Unlimited Military, members of the United States Armed Forces can also get up to 50% off of the unlimited basic rates (2-6 lines). Active duty, reserves, and veterans are all eligible for this plan. Sprint will also make a donation to the Fisher House Foundation for every account that is activated.

The Unlimited 55+ gives all customers aged 55 and above unlimited data for just $35 per month per line.

You can pay an extra $10 and $15 every month to get an unlimited data plan for your smartwatch and tablet.

Drawbacks

Music and gaming capped at 1.5mbps and 8mbps respectively