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T-Mobile Business Plans: The Ultimate Guide for Savvy Shoppers

• April 21, 2024
• by Charles Scott

Are you a business owner in search of the perfect wireless plan? Look no further than T-Mobile, a leading carrier with a range of impressive business offerings. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into T-Mobile‘s business plans , with a special focus on their popular Business Unlimited Select option.

As an expert in the retail and consumer space with over a decade of experience, I‘ll provide you with the insights, analysis, and data you need to make an informed decision for your company‘s wireless needs. Let‘s get started!

T-Mobile Business Plans: An Overview

T-Mobile offers three main tiers of business plans, each catering to different needs and budgets:

• Business Unlimited Select : The most affordable option, starting at $30/line per month for 6+ lines with autopay.
• Business Unlimited Advanced : A mid-tier plan with more premium data and features, starting at $40/line per month for 6+ lines with autopay.
• Business Unlimited Ultimate : The top-of-the-line plan with truly unlimited data and advanced features, starting at $50/line per month for 6+ lines with autopay.

All plans include unlimited talk and text, with varying amounts of high-speed data, hotspot allowances, and international perks. Here‘s a closer look at the specifics:

As you can see, each plan tier offers increasing levels of data, features, and perks. The Business Unlimited Select plan is a budget-friendly option for smaller businesses, while the Advanced and Ultimate plans cater to organizations with greater data needs and those seeking advanced features like Microsoft 365 integration and in-flight WiFi.

The Business Unlimited Select Plan: A Closer Look

For small businesses and startups, the Business Unlimited Select plan offers an enticing balance of features and affordability. At just $30/line per month for 6 or more lines with autopay, it‘s one of the most competitively priced business plans on the market.

One standout feature of this plan is the generous 50GB of premium smartphone data per month. This means your employees can use their devices without worrying about slowdowns or throttling until they hit that 50GB threshold. In comparison, Verizon‘s entry-level business unlimited plan only offers 35GB of premium data, while AT&T‘s starter plan includes a meager 22GB.

For businesses with workers who need internet access on the go, the 5GB of high-speed hotspot data per line is another valuable perk. This allows your team to securely connect laptops, tablets, and other devices when away from the office or home. And with T-Mobile‘s 5G network expanding rapidly, your employees can enjoy faster speeds and lower latency in more places.

On the international front, Business Unlimited Select includes unlimited texting and 2G data in over 210 countries worldwide. This can translate to significant savings for companies with frequent international travelers, as many other carriers charge steep roaming fees or require expensive add-ons for global usage.

But don‘t just take my word for it. According to a 2022 J.D. Power study, T-Mobile ranks highest in business wireless customer satisfaction, with top marks for cost, performance, and customer service. In fact, T-Mobile‘s overall satisfaction score of 838 out of 1,000 puts it significantly ahead of competitors like Verizon (812) and AT&T (805).

Comparing T-Mobile Business Plans

While the Business Unlimited Select plan is an excellent choice for many small businesses, it‘s important to evaluate your specific needs and compare all of T-Mobile‘s offerings before making a decision.

Consider factors like your average monthly data usage, the number of lines you need, and which additional features are most important to your business. For example, if your employees frequently travel and need to stay connected in the air, the unlimited in-flight WiFi included with the Advanced and Ultimate plans could be a game-changer.

Similarly, if your business relies heavily on Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Teams, the included Microsoft 365 licenses with the higher-tier plans could provide significant value and cost savings.

To help you compare the costs of T-Mobile‘s business plans, here‘s a breakdown of the monthly prices for varying numbers of lines:

Prices shown are with autopay discounts applied. Taxes and fees included.

As you can see, the price per line decreases significantly as you add more lines to your account. For businesses with 6 or more lines, the Business Unlimited Select plan offers the most affordable option at just $30/line. However, the Advanced and Ultimate plans may be worth the extra cost for organizations that need more premium data, hotspot allowances, and advanced features.

Network Coverage and 5G Availability

Of course, even the best business plan is only as good as the network it runs on. Fortunately, T-Mobile boasts an extensive nationwide 5G network that covers over 1.6 million square miles and reaches more than 280 million people.

In fact, according to recent reports from third-party testing firms like OpenSignal and Ookla, T-Mobile‘s 5G network is the fastest and most widely available in the US. This means your business can take advantage of faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity in more places.

But T-Mobile isn‘t resting on its laurels. The carrier plans to expand its Ultra Capacity 5G network, which offers even faster speeds and greater capacity, to cover 200 million people by the end of 2022. This ongoing investment in network infrastructure is good news for businesses that increasingly rely on mobile connectivity to stay productive and competitive.

Business Features and Perks

In addition to the core features of its business plans, T-Mobile offers a range of valuable perks and services for its business customers:

• T-Mobile Collaborate : A suite of mobile-first communication and collaboration tools, including video conferencing, document sharing, and virtual whiteboarding. It‘s included at no extra cost for Business Advanced and Ultimate customers.
• Microsoft 365 Integration : Business Advanced and Ultimate plans come with Microsoft 365 licenses, making it easy to access popular productivity apps like Word, Excel, and Teams on the go.
• T-Mobile Tuesdays for Business : An exclusive rewards program that offers weekly freebies, discounts, and deals from popular brands like Shell, Puma, and Booking.com.
• Dedicated Business Support : T-Mobile offers 24/7 prioritized support for business customers, with specially trained representatives and a range of self-service tools.

Expert Insights and Customer Perspectives

To provide a well-rounded perspective on T-Mobile‘s business offerings, I reached out to some other industry experts and T-Mobile customers for their insights.

Jeff Fieldhack, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, had this to say about T-Mobile‘s position in the business wireless market:

"T-Mobile has made significant strides in the business segment, leveraging its leading 5G network and disruptive pricing to attract cost-conscious customers. Their Business Unlimited Select plan, in particular, offers a compelling balance of features and value for small businesses."

Meanwhile, Tom Giles, a small business owner who recently switched to T-Mobile‘s Business Unlimited Select plan, shared his experience:

"As a startup founder, I‘m always looking for ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. T-Mobile‘s Business Unlimited Select plan has been a perfect fit for our team. We get plenty of high-speed data, great coverage, and helpful features like hotspot and international roaming, all at a price that fits our budget. Plus, the customer service has been top-notch."

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right business cell phone plan is a critical decision that can impact your company‘s productivity, bottom line, and overall success. With its range of feature-rich plans, expansive 5G network, and commitment to customer satisfaction, T-Mobile is a top contender for businesses of all sizes.

For small businesses and budget-conscious organizations, the Business Unlimited Select plan offers an unbeatable combination of value and performance. With 50GB of premium data, 5GB of hotspot, and international perks starting at just $30/line for 6+ lines, it‘s a compelling choice in a crowded market.

Of course, every business is unique, and there‘s no one-size-fits-all solution. By carefully evaluating your needs, comparing carriers and plans, and considering factors like network coverage and customer support, you can find the best fit for your organization.

If you‘re ready to explore T-Mobile‘s business offerings in greater detail, visit their website or contact their dedicated business sales team today. With the right plan and partner, your business can stay connected, productive, and competitive in an increasingly mobile world.

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The best business phone plans: Reliable 5G for work

When I started writing for ZDNet 15 years ago , mobile phones were being used by 74% of the US population, but only 14% of those people were using these basic phones to access the internet. The latest data shows that 97% of Americans own a mobile phone, with 85% of those being smartphones that access the internet multiple times a day.

Smartphones and wireless cellular services are now essential for businesses to compete in today's market and broad coverage is an expectation. After T-Mobile's recent acquisition of Sprint, the US market is dominated by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Each of these carriers offers various plan options for businesses of all sizes.

5G continues to roll out across the US, but reliable LTE service is still essential to getting work done. The pricing for business service is competitive, and as someone who has been in the industry for decades, it is amazing to see the reasonable pricing for such fast service that reaches across the nation.

Verizon phone plans for businesses

Verizon Wireless has the most subscribers in the US and is popular with businesses. Three Business Unlimited plans make it easy to find the perfect option for your business. All three  Business Unlimited plans  from Verizon include unlimited talk, text, and data. Support for 5G, mobile hotspot, and tablet use differentiate the three plans. Pricing is also for five or more lines, targeted for business and not for family usage.

Business Unlimited Start

$30 per line per month.

While there are no limits on minutes, texts, or data, in times of congestion data may be slower with this Start plan. Nationwide 5G, low-band spectrum 5G, is supported with the Start plan and a compatible smartphone.

Tablet, smartwatch, and hotspot options are available for additional costs on the Business Unlimited Start plan. The price also includes $5 per month savings for paper-free billing and auto pay.

Pros  

• Nationwide 5G coverage
• Able to add additional devices (watches, tablets) to the account
• No support for mmWave, high-band, 5G
• Data speeds slowed down during times of congestion

Business Unlimited Plus

$40 per line per month.

For $10 more per line per month, Verizon adds 100GB of premium network access, 5G UWB (mmWave) support, and unlimited mobile hotspot service. In addition, Verizon's Business Mobile Secure is included at no additional cost. This enhanced security bundle includes lookout mobile endpoint secure, mobile device management, Wi-Fi protection, and tech support.

• Nationwide 5G coverage, including mmWave spectrum
• Enhanced security bundle included
• Unlimited mobile hotspot service
• 100GB limit during high usage time periods

Business Unlimited Pro

$50 per line per month.

The highest level Verizon Business Unlimited plan provides twice the amount of premium network access, 120GB, along with 50% off on Business Unlimited Pro tablet plans.

This plan may be perfect for businesses using connected tablets out in the field and smartphones that are using data throughout the day away from Wi-Fi service.

• Nationwide 5G coverage with mmWave support
• 50% cost savings on tablet plans
• $50 price per line higher than other tiers

T-Mobile phone plans for businesses

After the purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile is now the second largest (in terms of subscriber count) carrier in the US. While T-Mobile has long been known for its consumer-friendly cellular plans, it also has one of the most extensive  libraries of business offerings  for small companies, large companies, and government agencies. Its new  Business Unlimited plans  are presented below, but other options require  direct discussions  between businesses and T-Mobile.

Business Unlimited Select

$25 to $60 per line per month.

Business Unlimited Select plans are designed for small business customers who need 1 to 12 lines of service. A one line plan is the most expensive, at $60 per month. Two lines are priced at $45 per line per month, four lines are $30 per line per month, and six or more lines are just $25 per line per month.

These plans include 5G network support, 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, as well as unlimited calling/texting/data in Mexico and Canada.

• Very affordable small business plan
• Unlimited service in Mexico and Canada
• Unlimited streaming is limited to SD content
• Included data in Canada and Mexico is 128kbps speed

Business Unlimited Advanced

$30 to $70 per line per month.

If the employees of your small business travel by airplane and need Microsoft apps, then you should consider the T-Mobile Business Unlimited Advanced plan. This service plan includes 40GB of high-speed hotspot data, Microsoft 365, one hour of Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi, and 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico.

• Affordable per line price point
• Microsoft 365 productivity service included
• One hour of in-flight Wi-Fi service
• 40GB of high-speed hotspot
• 100GB of premium data

Business Unlimited Ultimate

$40 to $85 per line per month.

For small businesses that want it all at reasonable per line prices, the new Business Unlimited Ultimate plan is for you. In addition to the unlimited talk, text, and data (with 5G included) small businesses also get unlimited premium data, 100GB of mobile hotspot, and Microsoft 365.

Streaming content is provided with unlimited 4K UHD quality, WiFi on your flight is unlimited, and data in 210 countries is twice as fast (256kbps) as the other T-Mobile small business plans.

• Unlimited premium data
• Unlimited WiFi on your flight
• Microsoft 365 services included
• 5GB of high speed data in Canada and Mexico

AT&T phone plans for businesses

After T-Mobile added Sprint subscribers to its total subscriber base, AT&T dropped to third in total subscriber count. However, AT&T is also well established as an enterprise service provider with  four enterprise options  available to customers. AT&T also serves as the backbone for the  FirstNet network  optimized for first responders.

Unlimited Your Way for Business

Starting at $30 per month.

The Unlimited Your Way for Business plans allow up to 10 devices per plan group and are designed for small to medium-sized businesses. The more lines you add, up to 10 lines, the less expensive the starting price is for AT&T Business Unlimited Starter, Business Unlimited Performance, and Business Unlimited Elite. For 10 lines, the starting price is $30, $35, and $40 per line per month, respectively. For just a single line, these prices are $65, $75, and $85 per line per month, respectively.

Hotspot data allotments, priority data transmission, and higher definition streaming are features that improve as you move from the Starter tier to the Elite tier of service. Select the number of lines on the Unlimited Your Way website to view pricing for your company.

• Price per line decreases with additional lines
• Multiple tiers of service are offered
• Limited to 10 lines of service
• Priority data transmission restrictions
• Hotspot data limits

AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled

Starting at $35 per month.

Unlimited calls and text messages in the US, unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting from the US to more than 120 countries are included in the  AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled  plan service. Data is served up to each employee from a single shared pool for each business account.

Plans start at $35 per month, but potential customers need to contact AT&T to discuss specific details and plan pricing.

• Affordable plan pricing
• Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada
• Shared pool requires management to allocate

AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business

Starting at $50 per month.

The AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business plan supports from one to 25 smartphone lines with various monthly data caps, ranging from 3GB to 120GB per phone. Pricing per phone starts at $50 per month for 3GB and goes up to $615 for one phone with 120GB of data.

Shareable data, rollover data, unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot service, and international talk, text, and data are provided with these plans.

• Support for up to 25 lines of service
• Rollover data support
• Mobile hotspot service included
• Data caps allocated by service option

AT&T Business 4GB

Unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data per line are provided with the AT&T Business 4GB  plan. Hotspot data and standard mobile security services are also provided with the plan. Pricing for smartphones starts at $50 per month, but further pricing requires consultation with an AT&T representative.

AT&T Business 4GB is available for tablets for $20 per month and for wearables for $10 per month. AT&T advertises this plan as best for small businesses.

• Unlimited talk and text
• Controlled pricing per each phone
• Service options for tablets and wearables
• 4GB data limit per each line

MVNO options for businesses

While the three major carriers offer focused business plans, there are also a few MVNOs that offer attractive per line plans that may work well for small businesses. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are companies that use establish wireless carrier infrastructure to provide no or minimal contract options for customers. The MVNOs do not openly advertise which wireless carrier infrastructure they are using, but as soon as you insert a SIM into your phone, you can see which carrier is connected to which MVNO. MVNOs are optimized for consumers looking for phone service with no contracts and prepaid options, but these same elements may help small businesses control costs and adjust to market demands.

US Mobile for business

$9 per line and $2 per gb per month.

Most MVNOs offer attractive per line prices with each account limited to five or six lines. US Mobile is one MVNO that actually provides shared data plans for companies of any size. Enter the number of lines you need and the amount of shared data to view your total monthly payment. 

A couple of examples include 50 lines with 100GB of data for $674 per month or 30 lines with 50GB of data for $385 per month. We had the opportunity to test out the two available US Mobile SIM cards and found the service to be fast and reliable.

• Specific service offering for businesses
• Scalable to your business size and line needs
• Competitive $9 per line base fee
• Verizon and T-Mobile serve as network providers
• Data price per GB may be higher than unlimited plans

Mint Mobile

$30 per month per line.

Mint Mobile is one of the most popular MVNOs thanks in large part to advertising by one of its owners, Ryan Reynolds. While there are no specific business plans, three/six/twelve month plans for individual phones are available starting as low as $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.

T-Mobile provides the network for Mint Mobile's service so you will need GSM handsets for the service.

• Unlimited talk, text, and data plan options
• Flexibility for less expensive data limit plans
• No specific business service plans
• Limited to T-Mobile coverage area
• Three available contract period options

Cricket Wireless

Starting at $25 per line per month.

Cricket Wireless is an established MVNO, service provided by AT&T, that has retail stores around the country so you can get support and establish service in person if you desire. One to five lines can be setup for each account with measured data or unlimited data. Mobile hotspot data can also be added to each line.

4G LTE and 5G data is provided, along with international support, cloud storage, and more.

• Established, trusted MVNO
• Physical retail stores around the country
• Unlimited and measured data plan options
• No long term contract required
• Service coverage area limited to AT&T network
• Five line limit per account

What steps should a new business take to establish wireless service?

While this buying guide provides current pricing and service options from the three primary US wireless carriers and MVNOs, specific pricing for your business requires a conversation with the carrier to fully define your company needs, available service discounts, and contract lengths.

One of the first things to figure out is where you will need service geographically in the US as all three carriers have slightly different coverage maps. Your geographic operating area may remove one, or more, carriers from your viable candidate list. 

The next step is to determine how many lines of service you will need and then the data needs of those lines. Calling and text messages are unlimited in all cases, but data speed and amount of data will drive your costs.

Most carriers also offer additional incentives and services, such as hotspot, in-flight coverage, Microsoft 365, and more. Make sure to account for the value of these incentives in your decision-making process.

What are the disadvantages of a MVNO?

Most MVNOs are focused on the consumer market so business plan offerings for more than six lines of service are rare. Pricing can be very competitive and with no contracts these MVNOs may be attractive to businesses just getting started that do not want to lock in long-term contracts.

Account management may require more time from businesses given the consumer focus of MVNOs. MVNOs are also subject to the infrastructure provided by the big three US carriers, but there are several established MVNOs with solid reputation and a record of high-quality service and support.

What is the best business phone plan?

We analyzed reliability, coverage, and price to compile a list of the best phone plans for your business which includes: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Does the choice of my smartphone model limit wireless service?

In the past, the US wireless market was split into GSM and CDMA service technologies with two carriers supporting each of these technologies. Modern smartphones support LTE and 5G service without CDMA technology your choice of smartphone is not as limited.

The most popular smartphones in the US, Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, support all wireless technologies in the US wireless market so there are no limits on using these phones with any US carrier. If you purchase these phones directly from Samsung and Apple, then you can choose to purchase unlocked models.

Some phones are sold in a locked state so they can only be used on one specific carrier. This may be changing soon and there are processes to unlock your phone from your carrier if you decide to switch carriers. There used to be incentives for purchasing locked phones, but in today's world purchasing unlocked phones gives you the most flexibility for choosing your service provider.

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Home > Services > Phone

The 5 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *AutoPay Discount included: -$5/mo. per line. Plus taxes & fees.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

Business.org’s 5 best business cell phone plans

At&t: best full-featured plans.

Looking for a broad choice of bells and whistles? As a telecom behemoth, AT&T has plenty of cell phone features and packages to offer a business—around 20 plan variations, small to large. All plans include free US roaming, unlimited talk, and text messages, as well as unlimited texting outside of the country. Basic features like call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and conference calling also come standard with all AT&T business cell phone plans, along with bring-your-own-phone support.

AT&T's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Business Unlimited plan prices start at $35 a month per line, and there is a new perk where unlimited data is included in the unlimited talk and text plan. This means there is no need to worry about overages or data caps. 

 AT&T business plans can also accommodate up to 10 lines per account, and they come fully loaded with perks—like Stream Saver. This feature optimizes streaming video on your phone to 480p so you can watch webinars on-the-go without dealing with a blurry picture.

Each plan also includes a decent array of iOS and Android smartphone options and even a few good ol’ flip phones. A 15% military veteran discount can be applied to the Business Unlimited plans, as well as AT&T-owned DIRECTV services (because, again, telecom behemoth).

Users are eligible for a discount if they elect for autopay and paperless billing but this discount is only applied until after two pay periods. We don't know why the discount cannot be applied earlier in the billing process but we do find it frustrating. 

T-Mobile: Best flexible plans

Not sure exactly what you’ll need in a mobile plan besides future adaptability? T-Mobile, the third-largest wireless service in the US, offers four Magenta® for Business plans, all packed with unique features that set T-Mobile apart from the rest. The German-owned company has also earned a reputation for stellar customer service and was the first to eliminate annual contracts (an idea that stuck—none of the plans reviewed on this page require contracts). In April 2018, the company announced its intention to merge with Sprint under the T-Mobile banner.

T-Mobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *While using AutoPay.

All of T-Mobile’s Business cell phone plans offer the same basic features:

Unlimited talk and text

Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data on our network

• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Scam Shield

Unlimited calling and texting to Mexico & Canada

Unlimited video streaming

In addition, all T-Mobile Business plans include DIGITS, which allows you to access up to five phone numbers on a single device. That means you could answer calls to your work number and your personal number on one device—no more packing two phones in your bag every day. DIGITS also lets you share your phone number across multiple devices, so you can answer on your phone, smartwatch, tablet, or computer.

T-Mobile users with a Business plan can also add the PlusUp add-on and get extra features, like Voicemail to Text, HD streaming, 20 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, caller ID, and double the data speed when roaming internationally.

Keep in mind, though, that T-Mobile’s Business plans are available only on plans with two to 13 lines. If you need more than 13 lines, you’ll need to sign up for the 13+ Plan ($285 per month for 13 lines, plus $25 per month for each additional line).

T-Mobile plans also allow bring-your-own-device convenience, or you can buy phones up front with a single payment (there are nearly 40 iOS and Android phones to choose from).

Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have been merged for almost six months, some significant changes have taken effect. T-Mobile’s website is now the only place businesses can sign up for Sprint or T-Mobile business phone accounts.

Sprint still has an active business website for previous users but all new plans will be sold by T-Mobile on its website.

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Verizon: Best growing business plans

Serving over 150 million customers, Verizon isn’t just big, it’s BIG. Such a mobile mammoth might not seem like the obvious choice for a small business, but for what it lacks in a personalized customer service reputation, Verizon more than makes up for by offering every cell phone feature there is, as well as dominant US, and near-dominant global, coverage. Like McDonald’s and Marvel movies, Verizon is everywhere.

Verizon's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With 4+ lines

While business owners can get business cell phone plans with limited data, we recommend choosing an unlimited plan if you have multiple employees (or do a lot of work via cell phone).

Verizon’s Business Unlimited cell phone plans are scalable from four employees up to and over 40. And with plans starting at just $40 per line, Verizon Business Unlimited plans are an attractive option whether you’re running a tiny company with no expansion plans, a medium-sized business with an eye toward growth, or a large enterprise with heavy cell phone requirements.

Verizon Beyond Unlimited plans also include unlimited mobile hotspot use, though your speeds are limited depending on your plan. Plus, you get unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada—not to mention unlimited calling, texting, and data while in those countries. And naturally, you also get unlimited talk and text as part of your Beyond Unlimited package.

Verizon doesn’t skimp on device choices either. There are nearly 100 iOS and Android phones and tablets available—including the Verizon Jetpack, a mobile hotspot device that can connect 10 devices to its 4G LTE network and an additional five to 3G.

If your company requires truly “unlimited” cell phone service and scalability to grow and is in the position to pay for functionality with frills, Verizon Business Unlimited is the way to go. Bare-bones operations, however, might want to look elsewhere.

Each of our recommendations has its strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the most difficult part about finding a phone system is determining exactly what you need and don't need. The best place to start is separating your needs between installing a new system, replacing a system or expanding system.

If you are having trouble sorting out exactly what your phone needs are, use this tool to help you understand what the best options are for your unique needs. 

MintMobile: Most affordable plans

We are sure you’ve seen the commercials with Ryan Reynolds talking about this new phone carrier business with a fox logo called Mint Mobile. In fact, a lot of Mint customers were drawn to Mint because of Ryan Reynolds Hollywood looks, but that’s not the only thing Mint has to offer. 

Mint is inexpensive and transparent, compared to other cell phone carriers with hidden fees and seemingly random regulations.

MintMobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7 /22 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

T hese are the prices for new customers and will last up to three months. After the third month, you are eligible to sign up for a 6- or 12-month contract on one of the tiered plans, all less than $35/mo/user, which is astronomically less than other providers. 

MintMobile is no fuss, and you really do feel like you must be tricking the rest of the world with its pricing. The only issue is that MintMobile is fairly new, launched in 2015, coverage is not completely everywhere. There are still a couple of coverage gaps in the West, namely Utah, Nebraska, Idaho and Nevada. If you are east of the Rocky Mountains, you are good to go!

Teltik: Best perks plans

If you’re a strapped startup, New Jersey’s Teltik can get you up and running on the cheap. Teltik is a reseller service operating on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, meaning it can offer the reliability and reach of a giant provider at smaller-company prices. Teltik also has the advantage of being completely US-based, with 24/7 local customer service that’s not outsourced overseas.

Teltik's business cell phone plans

3 more (non-business) cell phone plans reviewed by business.org.

Teltik appears to have a dozen plans, but they’re mostly just variations of the essential plan that offers all the expected basics. Not coincidentally, the features mirror those of T-Mobile, as they’re on the same network.

The most basic plan starts at $20 a month and includes unlimited calling and texting, mobile hotspot service, and unlimited data—with a 2 GB cap on 4G LTE speeds (meaning your speed gets throttled to 128 Kbps if you use more than 2 GB of data in a month). From there, you can upgrade your plan to include more 4G LTE data and more mobile hotspot data. Upgraded plans cost anywhere from $30 to $40 per month, and they all include one cloud-phone VoIP line—perfect for small businesses looking to save on all their telecommunications needs.

One distinctly entertaining feature (pun intended) of Teltik’s business plans? You get unlimited media streaming from over 40 music services (including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) and more than 100 video services (including YouTube, Netflix, and any other channel you can think of). That means you can stream as much TV as you want without it eating into your data. It’s almost as if Teltik doesn’t want you to get any work done.

Another thing you need to know: Teltik doesn’t sell phones. Instead, the company operates on a strict bring-your-own-device basis. Any unlocked phone will work with its network, as will any T-Mobile device, of course. However, you will have to spend $10 plus shipping and handling to buy a new SIM card for each of your devices (unless they’ve already got brand-new, unused T-Mobile SIM cards).

The takeaway

Assess your company’s current cell phone usage, and projected future needs, before diving into any plan. What looks like a great deal could turn out to be more than you actually need—or you may have initially underestimated your business’s cell phone requirements. Also, if your company has both cell phone and regular office phone needs, check into bundling. The larger telecom providers offer both types of phone coverage, and bundling services is an easy way to save money in the long run.

Don’t want to carry around separate phones for work and personal calls? With the right VoIP service, you don’t have to. Check out our favorite business VoIP providers to see which ones offer on-the-go business phone capabilities.

Business cell phone plan FAQs

If you have several employees working outside of the office on a regular basis, desk-bound phones obviously aren’t going to work for them. Some may be only calling and texting while others will be checking email, using GPS navigation, and accessing the internet for work, but a cell phone is a must for employees in the field.

If you’re a one-person operation accountable to only yourself, you could get by with a personal cell plan. Keeping track of multiple employees’ hours, data, and providers, however, would be an extra headache you don’t need. For streamlining and collaboration purposes, a business cell phone plan would be the easier route.

Most of the plans we’ve reviewed here offer unlimited data—domestically, at least—so hitting the data ceiling won’t likely be an issue. But if you want to forecast how much data your business uses every month, providers make data plan estimators available on their websites. Or you could use a third-party calculator app.

BYOD stands for bring your own device . Another common term is BYOP for bring your own phone . These can mean that employees are using their personal phones, tablets, or laptops on their own carrier plans for work or that they’ve put those devices on the company’s plan. The upside? Less expensive than buying devices. The downside? Extra security concerns.

In the annoying absence of Wi-Fi, you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet by switching on the mobile hotspot option and simply treating it like a Wi-Fi router. For multiple device connections, a dedicated hotspot (such as Verizon’s Jetpack) can provide a faster, and more stable, connection.

Business owners weigh in

Methodology

To find the best business cell phone options, we considered pricing plans, customer support, and data limits. We also looked at the variety of contracts and whether these plans were flexible with discounts. 

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

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The best small business cell phone plans

Just as one shoe size can’t fit all, there’s no single cell phone plan that will suit every small company. But there are numerous high-quality plans that are worth considering as they strive to meet the needs of different types of businesses. To settle on the best cell phone plan for your business, you first want to figure out what kind of plan best fits your company.

How to choose a plan

Big four basics.

Business owners generally buy and pay for employee cell phones or plans or both when workers spend at least some part of their time off-site. With employees, you may want to track hours and data. In that case, to streamline operation and collaboration, a specialized business cell phone plan might be optimal. Today, more American businesses are accommodating work-at-home schedules that avoid meetings and travel, but note that quarantines and shelter-in-place orders will not last forever, so it’s a good idea to take the entire spectrum of your business activities into account.

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There are numerous factors to reflect on when choosing a cell phone plan for your small company. Here are some major issues you’ll want to consider.

Business design: Is your proposed plan built for businesses and scaled for business customers? If you’re a solopreneur or an extremely small company with just a handful of employees, you may be able to get away with a personal friends-and-family-type plan, as opposed to a bona fide business plan. But once you have more than a couple of employees, start to think bigger about scalabilities such as multiple lines, unlimited options on talk, text, and data, data-only plans for companies that don’t need talk or text, and discounts for more lines or devices.

Network coverage: Consider sound quality, data speeds, coverage, and overall dependability. Make sure the plan you choose has good coverage in the area where your employees are located or are traveling. If your employees travel internationally, choose from plans that have good rates for the target countries. Also, don’t forget about airline coverage and in-flight texting services.

Security:  Some cell phone business plans offer virtual private networks, encryption, and other features to protect your company’s data. That could be quite valuable, as it relieves you of having to research, choose, and pay for additional services.

Hardware: If you need to supply employees with handsets, consider the kinds of phones offered with the plans you’re considering, or whether employees prefer to use their own smartphones.

Hot spot: Some business environments just don’t have usable Wi-Fi, but you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet with a mobile hotspot. For multiple device connections, look for a dedicated hotspot with a fast, stable, secure connection, as well as other services like call forwarding, voicemail, call hold, analytics, and call queuing.

Data: Business plans should be generous with data, but unlimited is best — unless you really do not need data to conduct business.

Customer service: Count on problems arising, and when they do, you or your employees will want someone reliable to call before customers and clients get restless.

Price: Price is always a factor, and sometimes the cheapest plans offer just the service and features you’re looking for. But for something as critical as your business communications, do not buy on price alone.

Just in case you’re also looking for the best all-around mobile cellular deals, have a look at our survey of the  best cell phone plans of 2020 and our report on the best prepaid cell phone plans . Meantime, below are some of the business-oriented plans available now.

AT&T offers several variations of its Mobility Rate Plans — Mobile Share Plus, Mobile Select Priority Pooled, and Business Unlimited Elite, plus several in between — tailored to your budget for $50, $55, and $85 per line per month. Designed for small- to medium-sized businesses, the Elite plan offers unlimited data, talk, and text for up to 10 devices. The Pooled plan gives employees a data allowance alongside pooled data within a single account. The Plus plan lets you share data across up to 10 or up to 25 business devices. All plans feature unlimited domestic talk and text and unlimited talk from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texts from the U.S. to over 120 countries, along with high definition video streaming. The Elite and Pooled plans also feature 5G . Data speeds may slow down with congestion past certain data points.

Verizon markets the Plan for Business, Business Unlimited, the New Verizon Plan, and the Flexible Business Plan specifically for small companies. The Plan for Business starts at $175 per month for up to 25 lines, with data plans ranging from 25GB to 200GB for various prices and topping out at $1,000 per month. All plans include carryover data, safety mode, calling to and from Mexico and Canada, use of your device in Mexico and Canada, and data boost costing $15 per 1GB. With all business plans, you can turn your device into an internet hotspot and send unlimited messages to more than 200 countries worldwide. Additional smartphones cost $15 per month.

Simple Choice for Business by T-Mobile costs $50 per line per month up to $110 per month for up to five lines. You can add $10 per line per month for 6 to 12 lines and up to 2GB of 4G LTE Data. You can call and text from any Wi-Fi connection, as your unused LTE data (up to 20GB) rolls forward for 12 months. The plan features unlimited calling and texting to and from Mexico and Canada, plus you get up to 5GB of data at 4G LTE speeds. If you’re looking for a more streamlined option, T-Mobile Essentials only costs $30 per month per line for four lines. It offers unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data, unlimited talk, text, 2G data in Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting and flat-rate calling at 20 cents per minute in over 210 countries. An additional 10GB of high-speed 4G LTE mobile hotspot data will cost you $10 a month. For a more robust plan, the Magenta for Business plan is available for two, four, eight, and 12 lines for $60, $40, and $30 per month per line, respectively. It features 5G service, 3GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, plus unlimited 3G data, in-flight texting and data, unlimited data and texting in over 210 countries, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. The included Digits program eliminates the need for separate work and personal phones, allowing you to access up to five numbers on one device and use one number across several devices.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a VoIP system that functions extremely well in an office setting. It supports unlimited calling and conferencing toll-free numbers and a customizable caller ID. Functionality is its primary priority; It supports useful features, like texting, online meetings, and faxing. When you use RingCentral, incoming calls go through the same call-routing system as your office phones. It helps make your office number into a portable communication system. You can call, text, and fax from your business number on any mobile device. The service could be used by two users to 1000 and offers four levels: Essentials, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate for $20, $25, $35, and $50, each with a free trial.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a highly-rated and widely-used prepaid wireless service that prides itself on its affordability. It typically costs users from $30 to $60 per month. With Cricket Wireless, users can build their own custom phone plans. If you prefer a more basic plan with talk and text and no data, that’s manageable. You can build off that basic plan by adding data (2GB, 5GB, or unlimited), unlimited talk and text, picture messages, a mobile hotspot, and SD quality video streaming. If you often travel or need international coverage, that’s also manageable. You can add coverage for Canada and Mexico and unlimited text to 37 countries, HD Voice, and Wi-Fi calling from a compatible phone. Data-only plans of 20GB and 40GB are available for $35 and $50 per month, respectively, with Mexico and Canada coverage in the mix.

Republic Wireless

Consider Republic Wireless for your business if you don’t exactly need a phone network, but you do use a significant amount of Wi-Fi. This plan functions more like a virtual network than other cellular providers. The vendor relies on T-Mobile and Sprint networks when Wi-Fi is unavailable. The base plan is incredibly affordable, starting at $15 a month or $150 a year for unlimited talk and text. At this level, Republic Wireless charges $5 per gigabyte of data, up to 15GB. Fortunately, Republic won’t let a person’s bill skyrocket if they start to use too much data; Instead, the company disables data before you stretch past your limit. Using their data plan, users can also opt to make their smartphone a hotspot. One feature we enjoy about Republic is their Extend Home service. This feature allows people to connect their cell phones with their home phone to access contacts, receive calls, or make calls from one direct number using either of their phones.

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• Buying Guides

Buying the best tablet for business isn’t quite as simple as just buying something from our look at the best tablets. Business users have specific needs which mean they don’t have to worry so much high-end gaming performance or a particularly sharp and speedy display. Instead, it’s mostly about strong number crunching ability, plenty of storage, good cameras for calls, and those kind of responsible considerations.

That’s why we’ve specifically picked out the best tablets for business below. Further down, we’ve also gone into greater depth about how we came to our decisions but rest assured, we’re experts in the field and know exactly what a business user needs from a great tablet. For some of you that may mean one of the best iPads but for others, it means an Android device or even a hybrid laptop/tablet setup.

Tablets, which cater to a wide range of purposes, are also excellent devices for children. Younger kids will be able to access educational and entertainment apps with a tactile experience because of the devices' touchscreens. while older kids can use them for their schoolwork and recreational activities. However, not all tablets in the market are designed for children, so to help you decide what to buy, we've rounded up the best tablets for kids of all ages.

There are no limitations to the learning and creativity of children, and a tablet will help them develop their knowledge and skills like no other gadget can. While it's still necessary for parents to guide their kids in maximizing the use of their tablets, it can't be denied that the device has the potential to be a useful tool for your children as they grow up. Buying them one of our recommended tablets below will make sure that they get an appropriate device for their age, as we took into consideration several factors that prioritize your kid's well-being above all else. The best tablets for kids in 2024

The iPhone 15 is Apple’s current flagship phone, and it’s also one of its most popular phones. It’s come storming out of the gate since its release and has skyrocketed to make our ranks of the best phones. Its popularity can make it difficult to find iPhone 15 deals, but there are some out there. We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 15 deals going on right now, and while most of them entail trading in a device for savings, trade-in value is very high and could land you a free iPhone 15 if you’re trading in the right device. We’ve got all of those details below, so read onward and start saving on a new Apple iPhone 15. Today's best iPhone 15 deals

: Get up to $830 in savings when you trade in a similar device. Also included is 3 free months of Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and 4 free months of Apple Arcade. : Save up to $830 with device trade-in and inclusion of Verizon Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans. : Save up to $830 via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device. : Save up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device and commit to an AT&T Unlimited plan of more than $76 per month.

Wirefly helps you save on cell phones and plans by offering innovative comparison tools so consumers can make educated choices. Start saving today with Wirefly!

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T-Mobile Business Cell Phone Plans

Compare T-Mobile business cell phone plans at Wirefly to find a winning wireless package for your business. We make it possible for you as a business owner or IT decision maker to compare different T-Mobile business cell phone plans and get one that fits your needs. T-Mobile features an impressive collection of phones from Apple, Samsung, BlackBerry, HTC, LG, and more. T-Mobile ushers in the best wireless technology including the fastest 4G networks. T-Mobile also offers some of the most affordable cell phone plans for business. Compare T-Mobile business cell phone plans below:

Select the amount of total data you need for the entire plan.

For example, if you need 2 lines with 1 GB of data each, you would select 2 GB of data with the data slider below.

Business Cell Phone Options

T-Mobile knows business owners and decision makers look for a variety of options that will fit their criteria. Some users prefer mobile phones that offer just text and voice, while some businesses just need data. Some companies also want unlimited everything on their plans. T-Mobile offers a wide variety of smartphones and plans fit for business.

Plans to Choose From

When it comes to cell phone plans for business , T-Mobile offers quite the selection. Check them out below:

T-Mobile ONE for Business

The T-Mobile ONE for Business plan features:

• Unlimited Mobile Hotspot with the first 10GB up to 4G LTE speed
• Go overseas at two times the average data speed
• Unlimited Wi-Fi on GoGo enabled flights
• Unlimited HD video streaming in the USA

T-Mobile ONE Plus International for Business

The T-Mobile ONE Plus International for Business plan features:

• Unlimited international calls to landlines in more than 70 countries and mobile numbers to over 30 countries
• Unlimited 4G LTE data (Canada and Mexico)
• Unlimited 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot on GoGo enabled flights
• Go overseas at two times the standard data speed

For businesses that need 13 or more phone lines, T-Mobile offers a plan that starts at $325 for 13 lines, and each additional line costs only $25 per line. Users get unlimited 4G LTE data on their phones plus text and talk features.

T-Mobile business accounts can also add a tablet line for only $20 per month and add a wearable line for $10 every month. Get more lines which means getting additional savings.

T-Mobile Network Specs

Gsm technology.

• 2G Bandwidths (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) - 1900MHz
• 3G Bandwidths (UMTS) - 1700MHz / 2100MHz
• 4G Bandwidths (HSPA+) - 1700MHz / 2100MHz

About T-Mobile Business

Network – T-Mobile operates a 4G LTE network that functions on LTE bands 12 and 4 which use the following frequencies; 1900, 1700 (DEF), and 7000 A. The system utilizes the 1900 MHZ frequency if mobile phones use the 3G or 2G network technology.

Coverage – T-Mobile ranked third in the last overall regarding coverage in the USA. However, consumers predict this may change because the company acquired spectrum in places not covered in the past.

Where to Buy – Anybody can purchase any T-Mobile product from their website or physical stores in their localities. T-Mobile maintains more than 2,500 retail outlets all over the country. T-Mobile offers numerous prepaid plans. It also owns MetroPCS, a popular prepaid carrier.

Bring a Phone to T-Mobile – Customers interested in any T-Mobile service can bring an unlocked and GSM-compatible mobile phone so that we can sign them up for an appropriate facility. The phone must support T-Mobile's 3G frequencies as well as LTE brands. We have included all taxes and miscellaneous fees in the prices of our cell phone plans.

Tethering – We allow our customers to make use of an unlimited amount of tethering if they decide to buy our Unlimited ONE Plan. This particular plan includes unlimited hotspot data with a maximum speed of up to 3G. Customers can also add the ONE Plus Plan to get free smartphone mobile hotspot data with a maximum speed of 4G LTE.

Related: T-Mobile consumer cell phone plans

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile earned the rank of third-largest mobile phone carrier in the USA and second-biggest provider of GSM with more than 30 million legitimate subscribers. Deutsche Telekom owns T-Mobile. This company earned the reputation of providing highly-competitive pricing and excellent customer service. T-Mobile offers great value plans without any contracts. However, T-Mobile no longer sells subsidized phones.

T-Mobile business customers can choose between purchasing phones outright or make a down payment and regular installments for 24 months. Business customers who want to cancel their services must pay the remaining balance before transferring to another provider. T-Mobile became well-known for its unlimited plans without worrying about slow speed or download limits.

The company boasts of affordable packages just like other carriers. However, T-Mobile initiated the practice of no contracts and early upgrading which many business customers found beneficial. It added more features which made them stand out in the industry. T-Mobile started operations in 1994. John Legere is the current chief executive officer.

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Best T-Mobile cell phone plans in 2024

These are the best T-Mobile cell phone plans for families, seniors and anyone who needs unlimited data

• Best overall plan
• Best family plan
• Best plan for seniors
• Best for travlers
• Best for streamers
• Other plans
• T-Mobile alternatives

Is T-Mobile a good carrier?

Singling out the best T-Mobile cell phone plans should be easy. But then you look at all the options available at T-Mobile — most of which feature unlimited data — and you realize how tricky things can get.

1. The quick list 2. The best T-Mobile plan overall 3. The best value T-Mobile 4. The best T-Mobile plan for families 5. The best T-Mobile plan for seniors 6. The best T-Mobile plan for travelers 7. The best T-Mobile plan for streamers 8. Other T-Mobile plans 9. Getting T-Mobile coverage on a budget 10. Is T-Mobile a good carrier?

The good news is that T-Mobile includes plans that cost less than what competitors charge for comparable service. And you're going to get data — a lot of it — no matter which of the half-dozen or so T-Mobile plans ends up as your own. But you will have to do some searching, as not every plan is visible when you look at T-Mobile's website — you've got to keep scrolling and clicking to see every available option.

Fortunately, we've gone through all of these plans, digging into their details to see what options deliver which benefits as we look for the best cell phone plans overall. And we're happy to report that T-Mobile offers some of the best unlimited data plans out there. Need more than one line? You'll find some of the best family cell phone plans through T-Mobile, too. There's even choices for people who don't need a lot of data as well as discounts for seniors who are 55 years or older.

As complicated as sifting through the different T-Mobile options may be, your reward is a large range of prices that match up well to what rival carriers have to offer. And if you want to save even more while still enjoying the benefits of T-Mobile's network, plenty of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Mint Mobile and Tello use T-Mobile towers to provide coverage of their own at discounted rates.

If you want to find a great option at T-Mobile, here are our picks for the best T-Mobile cell phone plans for a variety of different customers.

The quick list

Unlimited data for $75/month

The Go5G plan includes 5G coverage, 15GB of hotspot data and six months of Apple TV Plus. Taxes and fees are included in the $75 rate, too.

Read more below

5GB of data for $15/month

If your data needs are modest, T-Mobile connect offers you a low monthly rate for a plan that includes 5G coverage. This plan's data allotment has grown every year while the price has stuck at $15. 

Unlimited data for $180/month (four lines)

The best unlimited plan at T-Mobile is also the best plan for families, thanks to escalating discounts as you add lines. Family plans get a Netflix subscription, too.

Unlimited data for $60/month (two lines)

Seniors 55 years or older should turn to T-Mobile's Essentials Choice 55 plan for basic coverage including 5G with unlimited data. This is T-Mobile's cheapest option for seniors.

Unlimited data for $90

Globe trotters will appreciate the more expensive Go5G Plus unlimited data plan, which gives you 5G of high-speed data when traveling in 215-plus countries. In-flight Wi-Fi is included, too.

Unlimited data for $100

It's T-Mobile's most expensive plan, but streamers will find value as perks include subscriptions to Apple TV Plus, Netflix and Hulu. You can also upgrade your phone every year.

The best T-Mobile cell phone plan overall

T-Mobile Go5G | unlimited data | $75/month - T-Mobile's best plan plan With few exceptions, T-Mobile plans mean unlimited data, and the best of the bunch is T-Mobile's Go5G offering. At $75 for a single line, it features a few more perks than the slightly cheaper Magenta plan such as 15GB of hotspot data instead of 5GB and double the data (10GB) you can use when traveling in Mexico and Canada. Go5G customers are also eligible for the same upgrade offers available to new customers, making it easier to switch to a different phone. Pros: More hotspot and roaming data than Magenta; Easily to upgrade device Cons: More expensive than Magenta

Best value plan at T-Mobile

T-Mobile Connect | 5GB data | $15/month — Best low-cost T-Mobile cell phone plan T-Mobile's Connect plan is a great option if you're on a tighter budget and don't need a lot of data. The plan has grown to 5GB of data, thanks to annual boosts from T-Mobile. (Data increases end in 2025, though.) This plan only costs only $15 a month, but once you hit your data cap, you can't use any more for the rest of the billing cycle.) You can upgrade to T-Mobile's connect plan with 8GB of data instead for $25/month, while there's a 1GB option available for just $10/month. (That latter plan remains capped at 1GB.) Pros: Low costs, 500MB data boosts annually Cons: Out of data once you hit your cap

The best T-Mobile cell phone plan for families

T-Mobile Go5G | unlimited data | $180/month (4 lines) - T-Mobile's best family plan Families should also turn to the Go5G plan, as discounts for every line you add help keep the cost lower than family plans at other carriers, not to mention T-Mobile's own plans. You get the same hotspot and travel benefits a single linge of Go5G enjoys, and once you add two or more lines, T-Mobile includes a free Netflix subscription with your plan. T-Mobile frequently runs a promotion that waives the price of the third line of data, brining the cost of this plan down to $155 for four lines. Pros: More hotspot and roaming data than Magenta; Includes Netflix subscription Cons: Families an't mix and match different T-Mobile plans

The best T-Mobile cell phone plan for seniors

T-Mobile | Essentials Choice 55 senior unlimited plan | 2-line plan | $60/month — Best value unlimited senior plan If you're 55 or over, you can get a T-Mobile unlimited data plan for lower price and with a few changes to some of the perks. The best price for seniors comes with the Essential Choice 55 plan, which includes two lines of unlimited data for $60/month after a $5 price hike. (A single line now costs $30.) This comes with unlimited data, calls, and texts with no speed restrictions, 3G mobile hotspot speeds, and scam protection. However, you are limited to SD streaming, and if you're in Mexico or Canada, you can only use 2G data. Pros: Affordable price; No annual contract; 5G coverage at no extra cost Cons: Limited to 2G in Mexico/Canada; Only SD streaming

Best T-Mobile cell phone plan for travelers

T-Mobile Go5G Plus | unlimited data | $90/month or $220 for four lines - Best T-Mobile plan for travel If you do a lot of travelling, you'll want to pay up for the Go5G Plus, a super-sized offering that packs in more perks. Even single lines of data qualify for a Netflix subscription as well as Apple TV Plus, and you get 50GB of hotspot data. Travel perks includ 15GB of data for use in Mexico or Canada, plus the ability to use 5GB of high-speed data in 215-plus countries. (Data is slowed to 3G speeds after that.) In-flight Wi-Fi is also included where available. As with many T-Mobile plans, the cost of a third line of data is often waived, lowering the amount families of four need to pay. Pros: Extensive travel benefits; Free streaming services Cons: Expensive, particularly for families

The best T-Mobile cell phone plan for streamers

T-Mobile Go5G Next | unlimited data | $100/month or $260 for 4 lines Go5G Next is T-Mobile's most expensive plan, and it has all the perks of Go5G Plus. So why pay extra? If you're a streamer, you get the ad-supported tier of Hulu with Go5G Next to go along with Netflix and Apple TV Plus. Those extra streaming services can save you money elsewhere in your budget. You also get to upgrade your phone every year under Go5G Next. Pros: Lots of streaming perks; Extensive travel benefits; Ability to upgrade phone every year Cons: T-Mobile's most expensive option

Other T-Mobile plans

We're highlighting the best T-Mobile cell phone plans for particular situations, but these aren't your only option at the Uncarrier. Here's a quick summary of the other plans currently on offer at T-Mobile.

T-Mobile unlimited data plans

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

• Magenta Max ($85/month): One of T-Mobile's older offerings, this plan includes the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, though you only get 5GB of data to use in Mexico and Canada. You're also limited ot 40GB of hotspot data.
• Magenta ($70/month): Essentially, the Magenta plan is just like the Go5G plan, but with less hotspot data (5GB instead of 15GB) and only 5GB of data when traveling in Mexico and Canada.
• Essentials ($60/month): This used to be T-Mobile's cheapest unlimited data plan, with only 3G speeds for hotspot data and few other perks. Your data speeds can be slowed if you use more than 50GB in a month.
• Essentials Saver ($50/month): If you need only one line of data and can bring your own phone, you can sign up for this cheap unlimited plan, which otherwise has the same perks as Essentials. This is the only option families can't sign up for.

T-Mobile senior plans

• Go5G Next 55 ($120/month for two lines): The senior version of Go5G Next, this plan lets you upgrade your smartphone every year.
• Go5G Plus 55 ($100/month for two lines): Anyone 55 years or older can get a discounted rate on the Go5G Plus plan, while receiving the same streaming and travel benefits included with unlimited data.

T-Mobile prepaid plans

• 12GB plan: T-Mobile's most expensive prepaid plan costs $35/month.
• 8GB plan: Like the 5GB connect plan, T-Mobile has increased the amount of data while keeping the price the same. This plan costs $25/month.
• 1GB plan: T-Mobile's cheapest prepaid plan is for people with minimal data needs. It costs $10/month.

Low-cost T-Mobile alternatives

Pricing on the best T-Mobile cell phone plans compares very well to comparable service at AT&T and Verizon , particularly when it comes to unlimited data plans. But there's a way to get T-Mobile service for even less — turn to a discount carrier that uses T-Mobile's network to provide low-cost coverage.

Such a service is known as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), and there are plenty that use T-Mobile for coverage. Our favorite happens to be Mint Mobile (which T-Mobile is actually in the process of buying). Mint offers four plans , ranging in price between $15 (5GB) and $30 (unlimited data) per month. You get those low rates by paying for your service in advance — prepaying for a year of data gets you the very best rate at Mint. A frequent promotion at Mint drops the month cost of every plan to $15 for the first three months, if you're looking for additional savings.

Mint's a popular choice because it includes full coverage on T-Mobile, including 5G speeds if you've got a comparable phone. As with any MVNO, you do risk seeing your traffic slowed if the network is congested and T-Mobile prioritizes its own customers.

Other MVNOs using T-Mobile's network include Tello , TextNow and Metro by T-Mobile. The latter service is owned and operated by T-Mobile.

T-Mobile is not just a good carrier — it's currently the runner-up in our best phone phone carriers rankings. This position comes down to a couple of benefits and factors T-Mobile does very well.

When it comes to terms of plans and offers, T-Mobile is one of the most diverse options. It offers a wide array of prices that span family plans, unlimited data choices, prepaid plans and more.

Past that, our LTE network testing showed that T-Mobile is one of the faster carriers available, and subsequent testing by third parties backs that claim. In Ookla's most recent testing , T-Mobile was rated the fastest mobile operator in the U.S. with the best download and upload speeds.

T=Mobile also ranks well in 5G performance testing by third parties, with RootMetrics currently rating T-Mobile tops for 5G speeds and availability. (Verizon's 5G is judged to be more reliable.) T-Mobile's 5G service reaches more than 330 million people and through its incorporation of Sprint, 5G speeds have increased further by adding Sprints 5G into the spectrum. T-Mobile now offers its fastest 5G to 300 million people after an aggressive upgrade program.

T-Mobile also has weekly giveaways and a host of incentives for its customers. The carrier's blend of affordability, features and coverage make it a top choice if you're looking for a wireless provider who offers something more than just a low monthly bill.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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• Network speed vs network coverage more important?
• Premium data vs Normal data
• 5G network types
• 5G Start plans
• T-Mobile Magenta vs Verizon 5G Play More and 5G Do More plans
• T-Mobile Magenta Max vs Verizon 5G Get More plans
• Which is the best carrier for you?
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Glossary of terms

T-mobile vs. verizon: you'll get better value from t-mobile, but verizon's network generally has better coverage.

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• T-Mobile has faster 5G and more "premium" data than Verizon for a lower monthly cost.
• However, Verizon tends to have better coverage, especially in rural areas. 
• You'll need a 5G phone to make the most of any of these plans.

T-Mobile and Verizon are often compared when picking a mobile carrier, as T-Mobile is more affordable than Verizon, and you might be wondering why.

Despite this price disparity, T-Mobile gives you more unthrottled, "premium" data in the basic and mid-range plans compared to Verizon's comparable plans. Plus, T-Mobile has better international and travel perks than Verizon.

At the same time, Verizon generally has better coverage, especially in rural areas. Verizon also has better perks overall, especially if you subscribe to Hulu, Disney Plus, or ESPN Plus. You can also get 50% off a connected device plan for smartwatches, tablets, or hotspots.  

T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Coverage

Generally speaking, Verizon has more expansive coverage than T-Mobile, especially in rural areas. With that said, T-Mobile has improved its network to better cover highways, even boasting it has twice the 5G coverage on highways compared to Verizon. 

You can check out each carrier's LTE and 5G coverage map below. Just note that these maps are taken from each carrier's website, and have not been independently verified. 

In our experience, the general consensus that Verizon has better coverage, especially in rural areas, is true. However, the several T-Mobile users we know aren't bothered when they don't have signal in a rural area while a Verizon user does.

Verizon's coverage map

You can get a closer look at Verizon's coverage where you live and where you often go on the Verizon website . The map will also show you finer coverage detail for Verizon's mmWave 5G Ultra Wideband network. 

T-Mobile's coverage map

You can get a closer look at T-Mobile's coverage where you live and where you often go on T-Mobile's website . The map will also show you finer coverage detail for T-Mobile's mmWave 5G Ultra Capacity network. 

5G coverage

T-Mobile claims to have better 5G coverage with faster-than-LTE speeds than Verizon, and that much appears true, according to PCMag's annual Fastest Mobile Networks project .

T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Is network speed or network coverage more important?

Our experience shows that coverage is more important than speeds. 

While T-Mobile has a more expansive, faster 5G network than Verizon, just note that faster data speeds don't matter if T-Mobile doesn't reach your most frequented areas. Any coverage at all, even if it means slower data, is better than no coverage for phone calls or texting, especially around your home and home town, or in case of an emergency.  

T-Mobile vs. Verizon: "Premium" data vs. normal data

T-Mobile and Verizon offer "premium" data, referring to full-speed, unthrottled data regardless of network traffic.

Normal, non-premium data can still deliver full speeds, but it's "deprioritized", which means data speeds can be throttled down when the carrier's network is experiencing high traffic from heavy data use by lots of people at the same time.  

T-Mobile offers more premium data in its basic Essentials (50GB) and mid-range Magenta (100GB) plans than Verizon's equivalent 5G Start (no premium data) and Play More/Do More plans (50GB). 

T-Mobile vs. Verizon: 5G network types

First off, 5G is the next generation of cellular networks, and it's designed to be a major upgrade over the 4G LTE we've been used to for years. T-Mobile and Verizon basically have two types of 5G networks.

T-Mobile's Ultra Capacity 5G and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband networks are high-band and mid-band 5G networks. High-band 5G networks have short range, but deliver the fastest speeds. Mid-band 5G networks have medium range, but they can still carry faster speeds than LTE. 

T-Mobile's Nationwide Extended Range 5G and Verizon's 5G Nationwide networks are low-band 5G networks. Low-band 5G networks have the longest range of the three, but their speeds are only comparable to LTE.  Carriers are working to improve data speeds on their low-band 5G networks. 

As you might expect, you need a 5G-compatible phone to connect to a 5G network of any kind.

T-Mobile Essentials vs. Verizon 5G Start plans

T-mobile magenta vs. verizon 5g play more and 5g do more plans, t-mobile magenta max vs. verizon 5g get more plans, which is the best carrier for you: t-mobile or verizon.

T-Mobile offers the best value, most premium data, and fastest data speeds if you know for a fact that its networks cover your home region and the places you usually travel to. It's also the best option if you often travel to Canada and/or Mexico, and the 210-plus Simple Global countries .

Verizon offers a decent amount of premium data in its Play More/Do More plans, but we don't recommend the 5G Start plan. The lack of premium data and lack of access to Verizon's fastest Ultra Wideband 5G network in the basic 5G Start plan is a red flag. Still, Verizon is the best option if you know T-Mobile's coverage doesn't reach certain areas you frequent, and Verizon has tempting media streaming subscription perks. 

For discounts and promo codes, check out Business Insider's T-Mobile and Verizon coupon pages.

You've picked a carrier, now here are the best phones

Most mid-range and premium phones come with 5G connectivity, and they'll make the most out of these unlimited data plans from either T-Mobile or Verizon.

We recommend the iPhone 13 as the best phone overall for most people, and Android users should take a good look at the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus . Check out why and our other recommendation for the best phones you can buy in 2022 .

4G LTE is often simply known as LTE, is a wireless network standard that carriers began introducing to the mainstream in 2010. It provides fast data speeds, but its limited capacity results in slower data speeds, especially in congested areas like major cities.

5G is the next generation of cellular networks, and it's designed to be a major upgrade over 4G LTE. The main benefits of 5G include significantly higher capacity, faster data speeds, and lower latency.

Higher capacity means more devices can stream and load heavy-duty content without congestion.

Faster data speeds means you can stream and load higher quality photos, videos, and music. 

Low latency results in a snappier, more immediate experience when browsing the web, loading content in apps, or playing multiplayer games. 

Low-band 5G networks have the longest range of the three types, but their speeds are only comparable to LTE.

Mid-band 5G networks, also known as "C-band," have medium range, but they can still carry faster speeds than LTE.

High-band 5G networks, also known as millimeter wave (mmWave), have short range, but deliver the fastest speeds that can be even quicker than the average home's internet speed, which is about 224 megabits per second (Mbps), according to Ookla's Speedtest .

Premium data : Both T-Mobile and Verizon have replaced the old "unlimited" data cap system with their "premium" data models. That means there's no longer a data cap for unlimited data, where if you used a certain amount of data you would either get throttled to significantly slower speeds, or charged for extra data use. 

Rather, the current "premium" data model means you get full-speed, unthrottled data up to a certain data cap. After you've used up all your premium data, you still get full-speed data, but your connection gets "deprioritized" and speeds can be throttled down when the carrier's network is congested with high-traffic use.

• Main content

Home » Mobile

AT&T Wireless vs. T-Mobile Review

T-Mobile is looking like the best carrier in the industry, but AT&T may still be better for some folks.

Let’s skip the long intro and get right into the meat of this article: which carrier is better, AT&T or T-Mobile?

While we can’t say T-Mobile is better for everyone , we do think it’s the more impressive company right now, offering the fastest data speeds, highest data caps, most perks, and cheapest prices.

But AT&T may be a better option for some, especially those that need good 4G coverage in rural areas.

• How to choose a cell phone plan
• Plans and pricing
• Family plans
• Performance
• AT&T coverage map
• T-Mobile coverage map
• Customer service

Methodology

Pay half price for the same coverage.

Here’s a cost-saving tip—you can get the same reliable cellular coverage as you would from AT&T or T-Mobile when you sign up for a much cheaper wireless plan through an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator). MVNO carriers operate over the same cellular towers, but let you save big with a simpler plan.

Looking for a T-Mobile plan? Go for Mint Mobile —you get unlimited data, mobile hotspot access, and 40GB of premium 5G data over for just $30 a month, and you have the option to get plans for as low as $15 a month. That’s a serious bargain considering it gives you access to the fastest and most widely available 5G network in the country.

Need an AT&T plan? Try Boost Mobile —you pay as little as $15 a month for unlimited talk and text, and you save even more if you pay 12 months upfront for a long-term plan.

What to look for in a cell phone plan

Before we dive into the details, here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect plan.

• Data: Your phone is a lot less smart when you run out of 4G LTE/5G data . Get a plan with a data cap high enough to support all your streaming and scrolling.
• Price: Make sure you’re not overpaying for your cell phone plan by checking comparison tools like the WhistleOut charts we use in this article.
• Coverage: Peep these coverage maps to see how different networks look in your area. Be sure to consider both 4G and 5G coverage.
• Perks: There are perks, like mobile hotspot data, that may be essential for some customers. Others, like a free Max subscription, are just a nice bonus. Check the fine print to make sure your plan has all the features you need.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T plans and pricing

T-Mobile and AT&T are two of three big names in the mobile industry (Verizon being the other one). They have a ton to offer, but we’re going to focus on their most popular—and best—offerings here: unlimited data plans .

Both companies have three flagship unlimited plans that can be categorized into three tiers. We’ll look at all three tiers and figure out which company offers a better plan in each one.

What about limited data plans?

The main reason we’re not looking at T-Mobile and AT&T’s limited data plans is because they’re just not that great. They offer less than the unlimited plans and cost more than similar plans from competitors. If you want a great prepaid plan or limited data plan, we suggest checking out these phone carriers .

First-tier unlimited data plans

We’ll begin with the cheapest, and least powerful, cell phone plans. These are the basic models, without any bells and whistles. You’ll get unlimited talk, text, and data, but not much else. And your data is going to be on the slow side (more on that in a second).

And if you're unsure about how much data you actually need, we’ve written up a guide to help you figure out your data habits, and how to find a perfect plan that gives you everything you need.

Check out the first-tier options for yourself right here.

AT&T Start Unlimited Starter plan

The T-Mobile Essentials and AT&T Unlimited Starter plans are very similar. Both plans get you access to the fastest mobile network of 5G. Both come with a throttle on video quality (at 480p). And both of them have the same major drawback: data deprioritization .

With a deprioritized data plan, your speeds will always be subject to slowdowns. Basically, when the network gets busy, you get kicked to the back of the line. Those who pay for pricier plans will still see 4G/5G data speeds in the 20-40 Mbps range, while yours can drop as low as 3-5 Mbps, making it hard to stream and even load web pages.

So, if you need reliable high-speed data, you might want to check out the tier two and tier three plans. If you don’t mind occasional data slowdowns, then T-Mobile Essentials is probably the better choice here, if only because it’s cheaper.

Mid-tier unlimited data plans

In this middle tier we’ve got Go5G and Unlimited Extra plans. With these middle-tier plans data deprioritization is replaced with a data cap. Your data speeds are guaranteed to be fast until you reach your cap, then they can be slowed down.

This brings us to the biggest difference between T-Mobile and AT&T’s mid-tier plans: the Go5G plan gives you a full 100 GB of high-speed 4G/5G data, and the Unlimited Extra plan gives you just 75GB. That’s not a trivial difference.

Take a look at the plans for yourself here.

T-Mobile's plan comes with 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data , while AT&T offers double that, giving you 30GB of hotspot data. But T-Mobile has an edge when it comes to perks, giving you six free months of Apple TV+.

Despite T-Mobile's perks, choosing between these two plans, since their prices are so similar, depends on whether users need more than 15GB of hotspot data.

What's the deal with 5G?

5G is the next generation of mobile technology, offering increased data speeds. But not all 5G is created equal. Some networks use “high-band” or “millimeter-wave” technology, while others use “low-band” technology.

High-band 5G can get to speeds of 100+ Mbps (probably faster than your home internet ), while low-band 5G is only slightly faster than 4G data speeds. AT&T’s 5G network is almost all low-band, while T-Mobile has a mix of low and high-wave technology.

Top-tier unlimited data plans

If you’re sick of running out of high-speed data in the middle of a Zoom meeting or a game of Fortnite Mobile then it might be time to upgrade to one of these top-tier plans.

Both the Go5G Plus and Unlimited Premium plans come with truly unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data, no deprioritization, throttling, or data caps. Check it out.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus plan

Obviously, the biggest perk of upgrading to these plans is the truly unlimited data. In fact, Go5G Plus and Unlimited Premier are the only two plans in the entire industry that we know are offering unlimited high-speed data with no data cap. So, if you’re a data hog, then get it while you can!

There are a few other features of note in these two powerful plans. The AT&T plan offers 4K streaming, but it's perks are more limited compared to T-Mobile. The T-Mobile plan gives you not only a Netflix and Apple TV+ subscription but also access to weekly discounts and prizes with its T-Mobile Tuesdays app . Both plans come with 50 GB of high-speed hotspot data.

If you’re sitting there thinking that these plans seem nearly identical, you’re right. They both offer truly unlimited data and 50 GB of hotspot data. And while T-Mobile has a slight edge in regard to perks by offering free streaming subscriptions and weekly Tuesday perks, AT&T is $4 less. So it really comes down to other factors when choosing which plan is right for you.

Do you prefer T-Mobile’s faster data speeds or AT&T slightly better 4G coverage?

Read Full T-Mobile Review | View T-Mobile Plans   | Read Full AT&T Review | View AT&T Plans  

T-Mobile vs. AT&T family plans

Fact #1: You want to save money on your phone bill. Fact#2: The best way to save money on your phone bill is to get a family plan. It’s that simple. So, how are T-Mobile and AT&T’s family plans?

Both companies offer significant savings on unlimited data plans when you add lines, but T-Mobile’s discounts are better at every level. Check out this chart showing the prices for different unlimited data family plans with four lines.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T unlimited data family plans

Those prices might look high (more than $100 for a phone plan!), but when you break down the savings it’s kind of ridiculous.

For example, if you get four lines on the Go5G or Magenta plan it will cut the cost of each line in half ! Instead of paying $300 for four separate lines, you’ll pay just $160 for a family plan with four lines. Nice.

AT&T’s family plan deals are also awesome, even if they cost a bit more. So, no matter which phone carrier you decide to go with, we suggest adding additional lines.

Other than the cost savings, these plans are basically exactly the same as the individual plans we covered in detail above.

In some cases, you’ll get additional perks (like a free Netflix and Apple TV+ subscription on T-Mobile Essentials when you have 2+ lines), but these are minor details.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T data performance

We’ll cut to the chase here: T-Mobile’s data speeds are the fastest in the industry. This is true for both 4G LTE and 5G networks. Here’s a peek at the data.

According to our own speed tests from over 100,000 mobile customers, T-Mobile is comfortably in first place. AT&T comes in third (or last place), well behind Verizon Wireless .

While AT&T customers shouldn’t have a major issue with basic functions—like streaming, scrolling, and browsing—they might notice more significant lag during times of deprioritization. As well, they might have a harder time streaming HD and 4K video than T-Mobile customers.

When it comes to 5G data speeds, we’ll rely on the latest 5G User Experience Report from OpenSignal. It states that, “for the first time, T-Mobile wins Opensignal's award for 5G Download Speed.

Our T-Mobile users saw average 5G download speeds of 58.1 Mbps ahead of AT&T's score of 53.8 Mbps and Verizon on 47.4 Mbps.” 1

In short, if you care about having crystal clear HD streaming, lag-free gaming, and seamless Facetime video, then T-Mobile is the carrier for you.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T coverage

As you can see, AT&T has towers all over the country, with the exception of some gaps in New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, and other super rural areas. Now let’s compare that to T-Mobile.

Yep, those coverage deserts are a lot bigger on T-Mobile’s map. But, if we’re being totally honest, most people don’t live in (or even visit) those areas. And in all major metropolitan areas, T-Mobile’s coverage is just fine.

Now, look back at those coverage maps and click only the box at the bottom that says “5G”. All of a sudden T-Mobile’s coverage looks a lot better, right? The company has a clear edge when it comes to 5G network infrastructure.

T-Mobile vs. AT&T customer service

We wish we had a rosy story about how we called T-Mobile and AT&T and they were so helpful . But, if we’re being honest, that’s not usually how it goes. Both companies (and the mobile industry as a whole) have issues when it comes to customer service.

It can be hard to get a hold of a real human being, and once you do they may spend more energy trying to upsell you on a new plan than on actually helping you with your issue (I speak from personal experience).

So, this is one category where both companies could improve.

That said, if you do need to contact AT&T or T-Mobile about an issue, these are the best ways to do it.

T-Mobile customer service

• Call 1-800-937-8997
• Tag @TMobileHelp on Twitter
• Visit t-mobile.com/customers/customer-care
• Use the T-Mobile app for iOS or Android

AT&T customer service

• Call 1-800-331-0500
• Tag @ATTCares on Twitter
• Visit att.com/support/
• Post in a community forum

Recap: Which carrier is better?

In summary: T-Mobile simply has the best speeds, data caps, prices and 5G network in the industry, but AT&T may still be a good choice for those who need better rural coverage.

Here’s a quick section-by-section recap for the TLDR crowd.

• Plans: T-Mobile and AT&T have similar plans when it comes to the features they offer. T-Mobile offers more perks but AT&T's Unlimited Premium plan is a bit cheaper than T-Mobile's top tier plan.
• Family plans: You can save money by bundling up in a family plan with both companies, but you’ll save more with T-Mobile.
• Data performance: T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G data speeds are the best in the industry. AT&T’s are usually ranked the slowest.
• Coverage: AT&T’s 4G coverage is better than T-Mobile’s especially in rural areas, but T-Mobile’s 5G coverage is building out faster.

We’ve spent years tracking the prices and performance of all the major carriers, including AT&T and T-Mobile. For this review we dove deep into the current data so that we could compare these two carriers on nearly every metric.

We used our own proprietary data from over 100,000 customers to evaluate 4G speeds and we used the latest OpenSignal report to rate 5G speeds. Along with this data, we used our hands-on experience and publicly available plan information to evaluate AT&T and T-Mobile.

We appreciate you putting your trust in our analysis and recommendations, and we would love to hear any feedback you have for us in the comment section below.

In most cases, yes. T-Mobile and AT&T’s plans tend to be pretty similar when it comes to features, but T-Mobile’s are usually about $5 cheaper while offering higher data caps. And you’ll save even more with T-Mobile if you bundle up in a family plan .

Yes, AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE coverage is better than T-Mobile’s . This is especially true in rural parts of the west, like Nevada, New Mexico, and Idaho.

But, when it comes to 5G coverage , T-Mobile actually takes the gold medal. Ever since acquiring Sprint, T-Mobile’s 5G (and 4G) network have expanded rapidly.

• OpenSignal, “ 5G User Experience Report January 2021 ”

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T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T: The Ultimate Plan Comparison

If you’re deciding between plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, this article is for you.

I’ll be comparing all of the cell phone plans currently available and letting you know which ones are the best. 

I’ll provide my recommendations for both single-line users and for families so you can make sure you’re getting the best plan for your needs.

Let's get into it.

Entry-Level Unlimited Plan Comparison

Each carrier offers three different types of plans to choose from: entry-level plans, mid-tier plans, and top-tier plans.

Let’s start with the entry-level plans. These are the most affordable, and probably the plans most people are going to be considering.

We have T-Mobile Essentials , Verizon Start Unlimited , and AT&T Unlimited Starter .

And right up front, I’ll tell you these plans aren’t worth it for single-line users. 

Why? Because you can get better plans for less money.

On T-Mobile you could opt for T-Mobile Prepaid’s $50 plan and save $120 per year.

On Verizon you could get Visible’s $40 unlimited plan and save yourself a cool $360 per year. 

And on AT&T you get AT&T’s Prepaid Unlimited plan for just $50 per month and save $180 per year.

There are only two reasons to consider the entry-level postpaid plans on the major carriers.

Reason #1: You want to finance your device 

Currently device financing is really only available through postpaid plans. 

Your option if you go with a prepaid plan is typically to finance with Affirm. This can work for some people, but still the device trade-in deals and financing options from the major carriers tend to be some of the best.

You also can’t finance your phone if you go directly with T-Mobile Prepaid, Visible, or AT&T Prepaid. So if you want the device financing option, going with the entry-level postpaid plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T may be the way to go.

Reason #2: you have a family plan

A four-line family plan drops the cost per line to between $30 and $35 per month, which is much more reasonable.

If you pair these family discounts with a device financing deal, then I could see how these plans may be appealing to some people.

So if you do decide to sign up, which plan is the best?

Taking a look at the breakdown here, and you can see there are four main differences:

• T-Mobile includes unlimited hotspot data at 600Kbps, while Verizon and AT&T don’t include any hotspot data.
• AT&T includes unlimited data roaming in Canada and Mexico at full LTE speeds on when on partner networks. Verizon includes just 0.5GB of LTE data per day before unlimited data at 128Kbps, and T-Mobile’s speeds are always capped at 128Kbps.
• The perks. Verizon gives you a 6-month free trial of Apple Music, Disney+, and Discovery+. T-Mobile offers T-Mobile Tuesdays. And AT&T gives you nothing.
• Tablet lines are $15 on T-Mobile Essentials vs $20 on Verizon and AT&T.

The rest of the plan features are basically the same. All plans include unlimited data that’s deprioritized, 480p video streaming, and the same cost for wearable devices. 

If I had to choose, I would pick T-Mobile’s plan as the best option here, but only because it’s the cheapest. As I mentioned, I wouldn’t really recommend any of these plans because you can get the exact service for less. 

Even with the family discounts, you can still find cheaper plans. For example, Metro by T-Mobile offers an unlimited plan for $30/line with 4 lines, Visible drops the price down to just $25/line with 4 lines, and Cricket Wireless offers a family plan for $33/line for 4 lines. 

Unless you really want to finance your device, I think you are better off going with one of the alternative options and saving money on your monthly cell phone bill. 

Now let’s move on to the mid-tier plans.

Mid-Tier Plans

The mid-tier plans bump up in price, but they also offer more features and a better experience than the entry level plans. The three mid-tier plans are T-Mobile Magenta , Verizon Play More Unlimited , and AT&T Unlimited Extra . 

T-Mobile’s plan remains the lowest-cost option here. It’s just $70 per month compared to $75 from AT&T and $80 from Verizon. These prices include all auto-pay discounts. 

The full breakdown here reveals there are 7 key differences:

• T-Mobile includes 100GB of priority data here, compared to 50GB on Verizon and AT&T.
• Verizon and AT&T include 15GB of high-speed hotspot data, compared to just 5GB on T-Mobile.
• Verizon enables up to 720p video streaming compared to 480p streaming on the other plans.
• AT&T continues to offer the best option for roaming in Mexico and Canada with unlimited high-speed data.
• T-Mobile adds in unlimited international data roaming with speeds up to 128Kbps. The speeds are slow, but it’s much better than the expensive international add-ons from Verizon and AT&T that we’ll cover in the next section.
• T-Mobile includes all taxes and fees with their plan. This saves T-Mobile customers about $70 per year compared with the other plans, which is basically an extra free month of cell service.
• And finally are the perks. Verizon includes Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, along with 6 months of Apple Music and 12 months of discovery+. T-Mobile offers 1 Standard definition screen of Netflix, but only with two or more lines. Still, considering the $10 price difference between the plans, and the extra taxes and fees Verizon will charge you, you could basically get T-Mobile Magenta and the $13 Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle separately and end up paying about the same if not less. And AT&T doesn’t include any notable perks with their plan.

I think T-Mobile’s plan is the best here. It’s the most affordable, and 100GB of priority data is HUGE for average consumers. 

Most people use more data directly on their smartphone vs as hotspot data, so I think the extra priority data is more important than extra hotspot data. 5GB of hotspot data should still be plenty for average consumers.

In second place I would pick Verizon’s Play More plan. I do like the extra 15GB of hotspot data here, as well as 720p video streaming. 

I’m also a big fan of the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle. It may be the most expensive plan in this category, but I think it delivers an overall good value and experience.

When it comes to family plans, T-Mobile’s plan continues to be the best option. The price is the same as AT&T, $40 per line for four lines, but again T-Mobile includes all taxes and fees. This makes T-Mobile the cheapest, and you end up saving an estimated $240 to $480 compared with the other plans.

Verizon's family plan is the most expensive at $45 per line for four lines.

And honestly, with the $20 price difference per month between AT&T and Verizon, you could actually get AT&T Unlimited Extra and the Disney+ bundle and still save money. So I would probably go with AT&T if you’re a family over Verizon.

Top-Tier Plans

Now we have the top-tier plans. These are the best plans each carrier has to offer. They offer the most features, and they are the most expensive. 

T-Mobile offers Magenta MAX for $85 per month, Verizon offers Get More Unlimited for $90 per month, and AT&T offers Unlimited Elite for $85 per month. Again, these prices continue to include all auto-pay discounts already applied. 

The full breakdown of these plans reveals there are 7 key differences:

• T-Mobile offers the most priority here. You get truly unlimited priority data, compared with only 50GB on Verizon and a more respectable 100GB on AT&T.
• T-Mobile gives you the most hotspot data. You get 40GB compared with 30GB on the other carriers.
• T-Mobile and AT&T up the ante and provide full, 4K video streaming. Verizon stays stuck at 720p.
• AT&T continues to offer the best solution for roaming in Canada and Mexico with unlimited high-speed data.
• T-Mobile continues to offer the best international roaming solution with unlimited data now at 256Kbps. You also now get unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi and texting on GoGo enabled flights.
• T-Mobile continues to include taxes and fees.
• Verizon includes Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Apple Music, as well as a 12-month trial of the new discovery+ streaming service. AT&T includes HBO Max, which pairs nicely with their 4K streaming, and T-Mobile now offers Netflix Basic, which is 1 screen at standard def quality for single-line users.
• The tablet and wearable pricing. Verizon offers a 50% discount on tablet and wearable plans with their Get More unlimited plan, making the cost just $10 per tablet line and $5 per wearable.

T-Mobile’s new Magenta MAX plan clean sweeps the other plans with it’s new features and benefits. I think it’s easily the best option here, and it’s the most affordable with taxes and fees included. T-Mobile is delivering some serious value. 

In second place I would pick AT&T. Their plan is honestly still a great value with 100GB of priority, 4K video, and HBO MAX. Plus, you can easily get discounts on AT&T Unlimited Elite by becoming an AARP member, or if you qualify for other discount programs.

When we look at the family pricing here, T-Mobile continues to keep the pressure on. Four lines comes out to just $50/line which is the same as AT&T. 

And because T-Mobile includes taxes and fees, so families actually end up saving around $240 to $480 per year compared to the other options. 

That’s easily enough to cover the cost of HBO MAX or the Disney+ bundle, making the perks almost irrelevant for the other plans. 

BUT, again, AT&T does offer their signature discount which discounts their Elite plan by $10 per line. If you’re somehow able to get that discount, then I think AT&T’s plan is easily a close second, and even a first choice if you’re in an area with better AT&T coverage than T-Mobile coverage.

And funny enough, with Verizon’s Get More plan, you actually get LESS. Less priority data, less hotspot data, and lower quality video streaming. 

In fact, the only person getting “more” here is Verizon, because you’re literally paying more for their plan than the other two options.

What Unlimited Plan is Best?

So what’s the takeaway from all of these different postpaid unlimited plans?

The bottom line is this: I think T-Mobile is offering the best value in wireless when it comes to postpaid plans. 

Their plans include some of the most features, the best perks, and they are the most affordable when compared to the options from Verizon or AT&T.

If you haven’t tried T-Mobile recently, I think it’s worth giving them another chance. I think most people will be perfectly happy with their T-Mobile Magenta plan , though you could bump up to Magenta MAX if you wanted more hotspot data (5GB on Magenta vs 40GB on MAX).

In overall second place, I would give the award to AT&T . Their plans still include great features with unlimited high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, up to 4K video streaming, and up to 100GB of priority data with Unlimited Elite. 

AT&T’s plans are also cheaper than Verizon’s. AT&T Unlimited Elite is their best offering, and if you’re a heavy data user you’re going to love it. 

In last place I would put Verizon . Their plans are not only the most expensive, but they also lack features like extra priority data and 4K video streaming. 

Verizon is known for having some of the best coverage across the U.S. though, so if you had to sign up for them then I think their Play More plan is probably the best value. 

I just think it’s hard to recommend Verizon when carriers like US Mobile and Visible offer true unlimited data on the Verizon network for $40 to $45 per month for single-line users, and as low as $25 per line for three or more lines. 

Why pay more when you can get a good experience for less?

Either way, that has been the full comparison between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Share this post with a friend if you found it helpful.

Stetson graduated from Ithaca College in 2019 with a degree in Communication Management and Design. He launched BestPhonePlans.net as part a senior project in school. He loves helping people find great, affordable cell phone plans that meet their needs. When he’s not reviewing cell phone plans on his YouTube channel or website, Stetson is out hiking in the crisp Colorado air, playing board games with friends, or competing in an epic game of pickleball.