Among the three major carriers, T-Mobile’s Essentials plan easily offers the best deal in the budget category thanks to its generous 50GB of premium data. That means T-Mobile won’t slow down your data speeds until you’ve used 50GB of data, even when the network is busy. Meanwhile, AT&T and Verizon don’t offer any premium data in their equivalent budget plans.<\/p>\n
T-Mobile’s Essentials plan starts at $60\/month for a single line, with the price per line reducing with every line, up to four lines. If you can manage four or five lines in a plan, $25\/month for T-Mobile’s Essentials plan is an absolute steal.<\/p>\n
T-Mobile’s Essentials plan includes access to the carrier’s full and extensive 5G network, including its Ultra Capacity 5G network (mmWave and C-band) and its Extended Range 5G (Sub-6). Despite the inclusion, it’s worth noting that data speeds for Essentials customers may be slower overall than other customers on more premium plans, even before the 50GB data limit. Still, data speeds should be fast enough for pretty much anything you do on your phone, including video streaming and calling.<\/p>\n
T-Mobile offers unlimited mobile hotspot functionality on its Essentials plan, but only at 3G speeds. It limits you to basic tasks, like emailing, that don’t involve video streaming or even loading photos. If you’re looking for at least some flexibility to use your phone as a mobile hotspot, AT&T’s Unlimited Starter plan will be the better option with 3GB of mobile hotspot at faster speeds, which can better serve you for light use or in an emergency.<\/p>\n
Finally, T-Mobile offers some international perks with its Essentials plan. You get unlimited texting, $0.25\/minute calls in 215+ countries, and unlimited international texting from home. In Canada and Mexico, Essentials offers unlimited talk and text, but up to 128Kbps data speeds, which is so slow you may even struggle with an email. T-Mobile Travel is also included.<\/p>\n
A “true budget” cell phone plan typically comes from a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which delivers data and connectivity to your phone by piggybacking off a major carrier’s network. Plans from these providers offer data at significantly lower monthly costs than major carrier offerings.<\/p>\n
Overall, Mint Mobile has the best “true budget” options, with prepaid plans starting at $15\/month for a range of monthly data, from 5GB to “unlimited” data (40GB). Mint Mobile’s plans are an incredible value, especially if you know how much data you typically use per month and can pick a plan with limited data. We recommend starting with Mint Mobile’s new customer promotion, which gives you a discounted rate on any of its three-month plans.<\/p>\n
As we detail in our Mint Mobile review, one of the best things about Mint is its user-friendly app and web-based platform, where you can manage your plan and check how much data you’ve used for a given month.<\/p>\n
When considering a budget-friendly cell phone plan, T-Mobile’s Essentials plan stands out for several reasons. Along with the generous 50GB of premium data, T-Mobile provides customers with access to their full 5G network, including Ultra Capacity 5G and Extended Range 5G. This means you’ll enjoy faster speeds and enhanced coverage while using your smartphone.<\/p>\n
In terms of pricing, T-Mobile offers competitive rates for their Essentials plan. Starting at $60\/month for a single line, the cost per line decreases as you add more lines, making it an attractive option for families or individuals who need multiple lines. With the ability to have up to four or five lines for just $25\/month, T-Mobile’s Essentials plan offers excellent value.<\/p>\n
Although T-Mobile’s Essentials plan offers reliable data speeds, it’s important to note that customers may experience slightly slower speeds compared to those on premium plans. However, these speeds should still be sufficient for most activities, including video streaming and calls.<\/p>\n
For those seeking true budget options, Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), offers compelling plans starting at just $15\/month. With a range of monthly data options, from 5GB to “unlimited” data (40GB), Mint Mobile provides excellent value for budget-conscious individuals. By selecting a plan based on your typical data usage, you can save even more on your monthly bill.<\/p>\n
Mint Mobile’s user-friendly app and web-based platform make it easy to manage your plan and monitor your data usage. They also offer a new customer promotion, allowing you to take advantage of discounted rates on any three-month plan.<\/p>\n
When comparing cell phone plans, it’s crucial to assess your specific requirements and usage patterns. Consider factors such as data allowances, network coverage, pricing, and additional perks like international features. By understanding your needs, you can select a plan that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"