At most
- Best value-only plan: T-Mobile Essentials Saver – $50 per line, 50 GB high-speed data, unlimited hotspot at 3 G.
- Best overall plan: T-Mobile Experience More – $85 per line, unlimited 5 G data, 60 GB hotspot, Netflix 4 K.
- Best perks-heavy plan: T-Mobile Experience More – includes Netflix, T-Mobile Tuesdays, 15 % Hilton discounts.
Coverage
All three carriers offer nationwide 4G LTE and expanding 5 G networks. Coverage maps claim most of the country is covered, but real-world experience varies by location. In dense urban areas, T-Mobile’s low-band 5 G often delivers the best speeds, while Verizon’s low-band 5 G can be more reliable in rural Iowa. AT&T still offers some tiered data plans that may cap data after a set amount.
> Kevin Heinz notes that “Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.” Knowing the coverage in your own neighborhood and workplace is essential.
How to test coverage
- Ask friends or family near you about their experience.
- Visit a carrier store for a free trial: T-Mobile’s Network Pass, Verizon’s 30-day trial, AT&T’s eSIM trial.
- Use the carrier’s coverage map as a starting point, but remember real-world bars and speeds can differ.
Price/Value
Value is measured by the amount of high-speed data you receive and what is included in the sticker price. Many plans add taxes and fees separately, raising the monthly bill.
| Plan | 1-line (auto-pay) | 4-lines (auto-pay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data | Streaming resolution | Price guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials Saver | $50 | – | 50 GB | Unlimited 3 G | 480 p (SD) | – |
| T-Mobile Essentials | $60 | $105 | 50 GB | Unlimited 3 G | 480 p (SD) | – |
| T-Mobile Experience More | $85 | $170 | Unlimited 5 G | 60 GB | 4 K | 5 years |
| AT&T Value Plus VL | $51 | $124 | Unlimited 5 G | – | 480 p (SD) | – |
| Verizon Unlimited Welcome | $55 | $100 | Unlimited 5 G (no 5G UW) | – | 480 p (SD) | 3 years |
> Kevin Heinz explains that “unlimited plans were once rarities, but now nearly all postpaid plans offer unlimited data.”
Perks
Perks go beyond talk, text and data. They include streaming bundles, extra hotspot data, and international usage. T-Mobile’s Experience More includes Netflix Standard (ads) at 4 K, a one-year AAA membership, and T-Mobile Tuesdays discounts. Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome lets you add 100 GB of hotspot data for $10/month. AT&T’s Value Plus VL does not include a hotspot at all.
5 G Explained
5 G is an umbrella term for the current fifth-generation wireless network. It offers faster speeds than 4G LTE. Three main types:
- Low-band 5 G – slower but broader coverage.
- Mid-band 5 G – balanced speed and range.
- Millimeter-wave (mmWave) – extremely fast, short range.
Carrier icons differ: AT&T uses “5G Plus” for mmWave, Verizon uses “5G UW/5G UWB” for mid-band/millimeter-wave, and T-Mobile uses “5G UC.” Devices may also see “5G Reduced Capacity” for wearables.
Why Unlimited Is Often Best
Most users need a plan that won’t surprise them with extra charges for heavy usage. Unlimited plans remove the data cap, letting you stream, browse and share without worrying about a 4 GB limit. Even AT&T’s basic Unlimited Starter at $65 per line offers unlimited 5 G, though it may slow when the network is congested.
Hotspot Considerations
Hotspot availability varies. Some plans, like AT&T’s Value Plus VL and Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome, exclude it. Others, such as T-Mobile Essentials, give limited high-speed hotspot data before dropping to 3 G. If hotspot is a priority, look at higher-tier plans:
- T-Mobile: Experience More (60 GB) or Experience Beyond (250 GB).
- Verizon: Unlimited Plus (30 GB) or Unlimited Ultimate (200 GB).
- AT&T: Unlimited Extra EL (30 GB) or Unlimited Premium PL (60 GB).
Choosing the Right Plan
The right plan depends on location, data habits and desired perks. Rural areas may favor Verizon, while urban centers often benefit from T-Mobile’s expansive 5 G. Military, first responders, teachers and seniors can get discounted rates, sometimes as low as $55/month for two lines.
> Kevin Heinz advises: “Know your area, know your deals, and test-drive the network if you can.”
Bottom Line
For most consumers, an unlimited plan is the safest bet in 2025. It eliminates the risk of data overages and provides the flexibility to stream, share and travel without hidden fees. If you’re looking for the best value, T-Mobile Essentials Saver at $50/month offers a solid mix of high-speed data and low cost. If perks and streaming are priorities, T-Mobile Experience More at $85/month delivers a comprehensive bundle, including Netflix and international data.
—
