At a Glance
- T-Mobile’s Experience plans offer true unlimited 5G without throttling.
- Verizon’s Ultimate plan gives the cheapest unlimited 5G data by removing perks.
- AT&T’s Premium plan delivers 4K video and no throttling at $86/month.
- Why it matters: Pick the plan that balances price, speed, and perks for your lifestyle.
Choosing an unlimited plan is more than just “unlimited” talk and text. All three carriers now give 5G data access on every tier, but the rules around throttling, hotspot speeds, and bundled perks differ. Below is a side-by-side look at the major carriers’ plans so you can decide which one fits your budget and usage habits.
T-Mobile Unlimited Plans
T-Mobile has rebranded its unlimited offerings this year into three tiers: Essentials, Experience More, and Experience Beyond. Only the two Experience plans give true unlimited 5G data with no throttling or deprioritizing.
| Plan | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines | 5 Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $60 | $90 | $90 | $100 | $125 |
| Experience More | $85 | $140 | $140 | $170 | $200 |
| Experience Beyond | $100 | $170 | $170 | $215 | $260 |
- Essentials is the only plan that limits hotspot speeds to 3 G and caps video streaming at 480 p, but it offers up to 50 GB of premium data that won’t be throttled.
- Experience More adds in-flight Wi-Fi, 4 K video, 60 GB of high-speed hotspot, a modest amount of international data, free ad-supported Netflix, and a $3 Apple TV subscription.
- Experience Beyond gives unlimited high-speed hotspot, triple the international data, annual phone upgrades, and access to T-Satellite (Starlink) data for emergency use.
T-Mobile also claims the best 5G coverage and speeds among the big three, according to OpenSignal and Ookla. Its value proposition is strengthened by entertainment bundles, airplane Wi-Fi, and emergency satellite data.
Verizon Unlimited Plans
Verizon’s unlimited lineup consists of Welcome, Plus, and Ultimate. The carrier separates perks from data, so the higher-tier plans are cheaper for pure 5G data.
| Plan | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines | 5 Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | $55 | $95 | $115 | $100 | $130 |
| Plus | $70 | $120 | $135 | $160 | $205 |
| Ultimate | $80 | $145 | $175 | $200 | $255 |
- Welcome includes 5G access but not the fast version, no mobile hotspot, and 480 p video.
- Plus offers a discount on streaming services and a small amount of international data, but still throttles speeds during congestion.
- Ultimate removes throttling, gives 4 K video, and includes 60 GB of high-speed hotspot.
Verizon’s 5G coverage is the best overall, and it excels in gaming and video streaming thanks to partnerships with gaming and video companies. The carrier’s modular pricing lets you pay only for data and add entertainment bundles separately.
AT&T Unlimited Plans
AT&T’s unlimited lineup includes Starter, Extra, and Premium. It focuses on coverage in sparsely populated areas and offers the lowest price for high-speed data.
| Plan | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines | 5 Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $66 | $122 | $138 | $144 | $155 |
| Extra | $76 | $113 | $153 | $164 | $180 |
| Premium | $86 | $152 | $183 | $204 | $230 |
- Starter has no mobile hotspot, throttles during congestion, and offers no HD video or international data.
- Extra gives standard streaming and throttles after 75 GB.
- Premium delivers 4 K video, no throttling, 60 GB of hotspot, and a lower price than T-Mobile’s top tier.
AT&T’s 4 G LTE coverage is unmatched in less populated areas, and it offers unbeatable military and first-responder discounts through FirstNet & Family.
How to Pick the Right Plan
- If you want the cheapest unlimited 5G data and don’t care about bundled perks, go with Verizon Ultimate.
- If you need true unlimited 5G without throttling and value entertainment bundles, choose T-Mobile Experience More or Beyond.
- If you live in a rural area or need unmatched LTE coverage, AT&T Premium is the best bet.
Consider your monthly data usage, hotspot needs, and whether you travel internationally. All plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, but speeds and hotspot quality vary.
Key Takeaways
- T-Mobile’s Experience plans give true unlimited 5G and are best for those who want perks and no throttling.
- Verizon’s Ultimate plan is the cheapest route to unlimited 5G data when perks are optional.
- AT&T’s Premium plan offers the best rural coverage and 4 K video at a competitive price.
Choosing the right unlimited plan can save you money and keep you connected where you need it most.
