Cheapest Unlimited Phone Plans

The average price of cell phone plans has been trending downward for over a decade¹, but if you ask us, they’re still not cheap enough. While we can’t really do anything about the industry’s pricing trends, we can help you find an awesome (and awesomely cheap) unlimited plan.

We’ve highlighted the best of the cheapest cell phone plans for all kinds of users. That way, you can find a plan that’s perfect for you and your wallet.

Before we talk about the details of each plan, here’s a look at how they compare side-by-side. (Note: We haven’t included US Mobile’s unlimited talk and text plan in this comparison because it’s on a totally different tier and it doesn’t come with any mobile data.)

Cheapest unlimited data phone plans comparison

Sprint Unlimited Kickstart: Best value

Everything is unlimited with this plan, except the price.

What we like

There’s a reason why Sprint’s Unlimited Kickstart plan has earned a spot in our lineup of the best cheap cell phone plans. Actually, there are a few reasons. Let’s dive into the details.

Very affordable.

Sprint may not be the biggest or fastest of the major mobile carriers, but it is the cheapest. In fact, the Unlimited Kickstart plan even manages to beat out discount MVNOs when it comes to cost.

At just $35, this plan offers the same basic benefits and features as plans that cost twice as much.

Unlimited talk, text, and data with no caps

With the Unlimited Kickstart plan you’ll get unlimited talk and text, plus truly unlimited 4G LTE data. That means no caps once you’ve used a certain amount of data.

This plan also gets you free access to unlimited texts and data at 2G speeds in over 185 other countries.

Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t come with any mobile hotspot data.

Great deals on new phones

The best time to grab a new phone is when you’re switching plans. And few companies offer better deals on new phones than Sprint. When you sign up for the Unlimited Kickstart plan you can grab a super cheap (or even free) iPhone or Galaxy with the company’s Flex Lease program.

What we don’t like

You might be wondering how Sprint can offer an unlimited data plan for just $35. Don’t worry, it’s not a scam. But there are a few drawbacks that we’ll talk about now.

Weaker network performance

Sprint tends to come in dead last among the major networks in terms of performance indicators, like 4G LTE coverage and data speeds. So this probably isn’t the best plan for folks living in rural Idaho. It could also disappoint those who need top-tier data speeds for gaming and streaming.

Deprioritization

As we mentioned above, there are no data caps on the Unlimited Kickstart plan. But there is a chance that your data will be deprioritized. That means that when the network is busy, your data speeds will be reduced (so that customers who pay more get full speeds).

Additionally, your data speeds for music, gaming, and video streaming will always be throttled on this plan at the following rates:

• Video streams: 480p resolution
• Gaming streams: 2 mbps
• Music streams: 500 kbps

Alternative picks

Sprint boasts the cheapest unlimited data plan around, but there are other plans that come close. If the Unlimited Kickstart plan doesn’t tickle your fancy, then check out these similar plans from other carriers.

Cheap unlimited data plans comparison

Visible Wireless $40 Unlimited Plan: Best network

Get unlimited everything on the nation’s best network for just $40 a month.

What we like

Visible Wireless’s $40 unlimited plan isn’t just one of the cheapest unlimited data plans on the market, it’s also one of the best. Here’s what we love about it.

Operates on Verizon’s network

What’s the point of an unlimited plan if you don’t have enough bars to call your aunt Baru on her birthday or play Pokémon GO on your afternoon stroll? That’s right, there is no point at all. So get yourself on a network that provides good coverage in your area.

For most people, Verizon’s network will provide the best coverage. And, while it still lags behind other carriers, its data speeds are still pretty darn fast. Visible Wireless runs on Verizon’s network (and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than Verizon itself).

But don’t take our word for it. Check out Verizon’s coverage in your area using this interactive map.

Unlimited talk, text, and data

Visible Wireless’s plan (they only offer one) will give you unlimited talk, text, and data. There are no caps, so go ahead and stream Tiger King on your layover or play some PUBG Mobile while you’re on the bus.

Unfortunately, Visible doesn’t give you any mobile hotspot data (if that’s a dealbreaker, check out these great hotspot plans).

Great deals on extra lines

When you add extra lines to your Visible Wireless plan, it’s not called a family plan. It’s called Party Pay. That’s right, this is a party, and you can invite whoever you want: friends, coworkers, ex boyfriends, roommates.

When you add lines with Party Pay your own bill will go down. For example, once you’ve got four lines on your plan it will be just $100 a month, or $25 per line. That’s a wildly good deal for an unlimited data plan!

What we don’t like

We’re pretty impressed with Visible Wireless, but that doesn’t make us blind to its flaws. Here are a few of the less desirable features of the plan.

Limited phone selection

Visible has done a lot to improve its phone selection in the last few years. But there are still a few compatibility issues, especially with older phones. So, if you’re still rocking an iPhone 5 then you might need to find another carrier (or just upgrade your device).

Deprioritization

It’s not just the Sprint Unlimited Kickstart plan. Visible customers can also experience deprioritization (in fact, all of the cheapest unlimited mobile plans can be deprioritized). So, if you need a plan with reliably super-fast data speeds, you might want to look elsewhere.

But for most of us, a little data slowdown during rush hour or when we’re out on a Friday night won’t be catastrophic.

Alternative picks

If Visible isn’t banging on all cylinders for you, then you might want to check out other carriers that use Verizon’s network. Some of them have cheaper, non-unlimited-data plans to offer.

T-Mobile Essentials 55+: Best for seniors

If you’re over 55, you can get this great unlimited data plan for $40 a month.

What we like

Senior discounts aren’t just for greasy spoon diners and auto insurance. In fact, you don’t even have to be an official senior to get a discount from T-Mobile. The company’s Essentials unlimited data plan is just $40 a month for anyone 55 or older.

This plan comes with solid service and quite a few perks. Let’s talk details.

Unlimited talk, text, and data without caps

As with the other plans on this list, Essentials will get you unlimited talk, text, and data. Your mobile data won’t have any hard caps.

But, unlike other cheap unlimited data plans, this one does come with some hotspot data, 3 GB of it to be exact. While that’s not a boatload of data, it’s enough for doing a few hours of work on your laptop when you’re traveling.

Good coverage

T-Mobile’s network fluctuates in the coverage and data speeds rankings. It used to be one of the largest and fastest networks, until it was overtaken by AT&T and Verizon. But there’s likely another shakeup coming.

Since their merger, T-Mobile has started absorbing Sprint’s customers and network infrastructure. This will mean a larger, more robust network and additional resources for expansion. You can expect T-Mobile to be a major contender in coming years, especially in the rollout of 5G.

And, by the way, the company’s network is actually quite good already. Here’s a look at its coverage map.

Great perks

The hotspot data isn’t the only perk this plan offers.

You’ll also get unlimited talk, text, and data (at 2G speeds) if you travel to Mexico or Canada. T-Mobile will help you break up with your old carrier by covering remaining phone payments and paying up to $350 of your early termination fee. And with T-Mobile Tuesdays you can get giveaways like concert tickets.

What we don’t like

If you qualify for this 55+ Essentials plan then there aren’t many drawbacks to worry about. The main one is the risk of deprioritization.

Deprioritization

As with the other two plans on this list, T-Mobile’s Essentials plan comes with a risk that your data will be slowed down when the network is congested. This shouldn’t affect you most of the time, but be prepared to have choppy streams and slow uploads when you’re on a crowded city street or at a sports game.

Alternative picks

While this plan is a great deal for those who want one of the best cheap unlimited data plans, it’s definitely not the only game in town for seniors. Here’s a look at some other senior-focused unlimited data plans.

Cheap senior-focused unlimited data plan comparison

US Mobile: Best unlimited talk and text plan

Talk and text to your heart’s content for just $7 a month.

What we like

Although many of us use the term “unlimited plan” to mean “unlimited data plan,” there are plans without data. And they’re very affordable.

This unlimited talk and text plan runs on two of the nation’s best networks and is dirt-cheap (fine, you might not pay $7 for dirt, but you know what we mean). Let’s take a closer look.

Unlimited talk and text

You don’t have to count your texts or worry about using up your anytime minutes with this plan. You’ll get unlimited talk and text on either T-Mobile or Verizon’s network (depending on what kind of device you have).

Very affordable

There’s “10% off” cheap, then there’s “sale bin at the front of the store” cheap. This plan from US Mobile is the latter. At $7 a month, this plan is cheaper than a Netflix subscription.

What we don’t like

The problem with this plan is kind of obvious: there’s no mobile data.

No mobile data

It’s harder than ever to live in the world without having mobile data. You can’t hail an Uber or look up directions on Google Maps. You can’t follow the latest news or your friends Instagram account.

With this US Mobile plan, you’ll be completely data-less. But if you think you can live without data, then more power to you (and more money in your pocket).

Alternative picks

There are plenty of other low-cost unlimited talk and text plans on the market. Here’s a look at some of the other cheapest ones.

Cheapest talk and text plans

Recap: Which cheap unlimited plan is right for you

You can save money and still get (most of) what you want. So don’t settle for a second-rate discount carrier before you’ve considered these plans.

• Best price: Sprint’s Unlimited Kickstart plan is the cheapest unlimited data plan out there by at least a few bucks. It’s a great deal from a decent provider, but the network coverage won’t be the best outside of metropolitan areas.
• Best network: Visible Wireless’s $40 Unlimited Plan is the best way to get on Verizon’s top-tier network without paying an arm and a leg. And your price will go down if you decide to add extra lines.
• Best for seniors: T-Mobile’s Essentials 55+ plan is an amazing deal for those who qualify. The plan offers useful perks, like mobile hotspot data and T-Mobile Tuesday giveaways.
• Best unlimited talk and text plan: US Mobile’s Unlimited Talk and Text plan is just $7 a month. What more do we really need to say? If you don’t need mobile data, then this is the perfect way to get connected for cheap.

What can you do now that you’ve got an unlimited data plan?

Having an unlimited data plan is kind of like having a million tickets at the arcade. Everything you’ve ever wanted is right there for the taking. And by everything you’ve ever wanted we mean, of course, great television.

Seriously, with an unlimited plan you can stream The Witcher or Rick and Morty while you’re waiting in line at the DMV or taking your lunch break at work. Here’s a look at the best streaming services that you should get on your phone.

Recommended streaming services

Sources:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Wireless Telephone Services in U.S. City Average”