Wireless Phone Services
Choosing the right wireless phone service means balancing coverage, data, price, device options, and the features you actually use. Some customers need an unlimited plan with plenty of hotspot data, while others can save money with a smaller or more flexible plan.
Wireless providers now offer more than basic talk, text, and data. Depending on the carrier and plan, you may also get 5G access, mobile hotspot data, Wi-Fi Calling, international service, eSIM support, device financing, and discounts for adding multiple lines.
Below, we take a closer look at wireless service options from major carriers and lower-cost providers to help you compare plans and decide which type of service makes the most sense for you.
Compare Wireless Phone Plans & Providers
There is no single wireless plan that works best for everyone. Coverage should always come first, followed by the amount of mobile data you need, the number of lines on your account, and the features that matter most to you.
Traditional carriers such as AT&T Wireless and Verizon offer broad nationwide networks, device financing, family plans, and premium wireless features. Cricket Wireless provides prepaid service on the AT&T network with straightforward pricing, multi-line savings, device deals, and several unlimited options. Tello Mobile takes an even more customizable approach, offering lower-cost plans for customers who may not need the extras included with larger carrier packages.
When comparing plans, look beyond the advertised starting price. Auto Pay discounts, multi-line savings, hotspot allowances, high-speed data limits, international benefits, device payments, prepaid requirements, and promotions can all affect the actual monthly cost.
AT&T Wireless Plans
AT&T Wireless offers nationwide mobile service with plans for individuals, families, heavy data users, travelers, and customers who want to connect multiple devices. Its current postpaid lineup is built around AT&T Unlimited Your Way®, which lets customers mix and match different unlimited plans on the same account.
The current Unlimited Your Way lineup includes four plans: Value 2.0, Extra 2.0, Premium 2.0, and Elite 2.0. Each plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, 5G access with a compatible device, AT&T ActiveArmor® mobile security, mobile hotspot data, and service in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
AT&T Unlimited 2.0 Plans
- Value 2.0 – Entry-level unlimited service with 5GB of high-speed data and 3GB of hotspot data per line.
- Extra 2.0 – Includes 100GB of high-speed data and 50GB of hotspot data, making it a strong option for everyday and heavier mobile users.
- Premium 2.0 – Includes unlimited high-speed data, 100GB of hotspot data, and high-speed talk, text, and data in 20 Latin American countries.
- Elite 2.0 – AT&T’s highest-tier plan, with 250GB of hotspot data, broader international benefits, AT&T Turbo®, and eligible smartwatch and tablet connectivity.
AT&T also continues to offer other wireless options, including its 4GB plan, qualifying 55+ service, prepaid plans, connected-device plans, and business wireless service.
AT&T Wireless Pricing & Multi-Line Savings
AT&T wireless pricing depends on the plan, number of phone lines, and payment method. Customers who sign up for paperless billing and AutoPay with a bank account or AT&T Points Plus® Card from Citi can receive a $10 monthly discount per eligible phone line. Using an eligible debit card provides a smaller $5 per-line AutoPay discount.
Adding multiple phone lines can reduce the monthly cost per line even further. AT&T’s Unlimited Your Way structure also allows customers to mix different plans on the same account. For example, one person can use Extra 2.0 while another uses Premium 2.0 or Elite 2.0, and the eligible lines can still contribute toward multi-line pricing.
This flexibility can be useful for families because everyone does not have to pay for the same level of service. A light user can stay on Value 2.0, while someone who needs more hotspot data or international features can move to a higher tier.
Which AT&T Plan Is Right for You?
Value 2.0 is best suited to customers who want affordable unlimited service and spend much of their time connected to Wi-Fi. Extra 2.0 provides considerably more high-speed and hotspot data for regular smartphone users.
Premium 2.0 makes more sense for heavy data users, frequent hotspot users, and customers who travel in Latin America. Elite 2.0 is aimed at power users and international travelers who can benefit from its larger hotspot allowance and expanded international features.
For complete plan details, pricing, data allowances, multi-line discounts, 4GB service, 55+ options, prepaid plans, and other choices, visit our AT&T Wireless Plans guide.
► Learn more about AT&T Wireless
Verizon Wireless Plans
Verizon Wireless is a national cellular network, covering the majority of citizens in the US. When it comes to 4G, the speed is absolutely superior compared to other mobile networks. Also, Verizon is one of the first networks that has tackled the development of 5G networks and is in the process of offering coverage to some areas.
In terms of wireless plans, Verizon has many different options, but they can be divided into two groups – Unlimited and Shared Data. There’s also a prepaid option that will be discussed in this article.
Unlimited Plans
Nowadays, having unlimited wireless data isn’t a big deal. Data plans used to be more expensive and with the data caps were nothing like they are today. And it’s no wonder, with the rise of streaming services, social media platforms, and just the amount of data traffic, people expect not to worry about limitations when it comes to their cell phone plan. Here are the unlimited wireless cell phone plans from Verizon:
- Start – priced at $70, comes with Unlimited 4G LTE, no HD streaming, six months of Apple Music
- Play More – priced at $80, comes with 5G access where applicable, Apple music, Unlimited 4G, 720p stream quality
- Do More – priced at $80, comes with 5G access, Unlimited 4G, no HD streaming, 500GB of cloud storage, six months Apple Music
- Get More – priced at $90, has everything Do More includes, plus 720p streaming quality, and Mobile Hotspot data
- Just Kids – priced at $35, manages the kids' screen time, filters content, and tracks the location
Shared Data
Some people find that they don’t need an unlimited plan because they’re not heavy users of social media or streaming. But still, they need a quality plan that will cover all their needs. Also, if they want a shared plan that can cover more people or an entire family, this is the preferred choice.
Verizon has several shared data plans. All of these shared data plans have 4G LTE access, unlimited talk and text options, carryover data feature, safety mode, Verizon Up rewards, and the option for Data Boost of 1GB for $15.
- S – priced at $35 and 2GB
- M – priced at $50 and 4GB
- L – priced at $70 and 8GB
- 5GB – priced at $40 and there is only one phone per plan
There are other single device plans from Verizon that are for one basic phone or other kinds of devices like tablets and hotspots. The price tags for tablets, hotspots, and wearables is $10, and for a basic phone it's $30. Also included in the Verizon share data are the following three plans:
- Kids’ – This plan comes with parental control apps and 5GB of data.
- Prepaid – No contract but the option for AutoPay, prices range from $45 to $65.
- International – Three options: Traveling outside the US, Call, and message while in the US, Prepaid International services.
► Learn more about Verizon Wireless
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless provider offering nationwide 5G service on the AT&T network. Cricket combines no-annual-contract service with monthly and multi-month plans, family discounts, Bring Your Own Phone support, smartphone promotions, and options for customers who want hotspot or international features.
Cricket’s current monthly lineup includes Sensible™ 10GB, Select Unlimited™, Smart Unlimited™, and Supreme Unlimited. All current phone plans include 5G access with a compatible device, while the upper tiers add features such as mobile hotspot, cloud storage, international texting, Mexico and Canada usage, and HBO Max Basic with Ads.
Cricket Wireless Plans
- Sensible™ 10GB – 10GB of high-speed data for customers who do not need unlimited service.
- Select Unlimited™ – Cricket’s entry-level unlimited plan with nationwide 5G access.
- Smart Unlimited™ – Adds 15GB of hotspot data, cloud storage, international texting, and Mexico/Canada usage.
- Supreme Unlimited – Cricket’s most feature-rich plan, with 50GB of hotspot data, 150GB of cloud storage, HBO Max Basic with Ads, and expanded international features.
Eligible single-line customers can also receive Auto Pay savings, while families can lower the effective price per line through Cricket’s multi-line discounts. Cricket also offers 3-month and 12-month prepaid options for customers willing to pay several months of service in advance.
Phones, BYOD & Other Cricket Features
Cricket sells smartphones from brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, and frequently offers discounted devices for qualifying new customers. Customers who already own a compatible unlocked phone can use Bring Your Own Device instead, with eSIM support available on eligible phones.
Cricket also offers smartwatch plans, dedicated hotspot-device plans, Wi-Fi Calling on compatible phones, and international options for customers who travel or communicate outside the United States.
Learn more about Cricket Wireless, or compare current options on our Cricket Wireless Plans & Pricing page.
Tello Mobile
Tello Mobile takes a different approach to wireless service than traditional carriers. Instead of pushing customers toward large unlimited packages, Tello offers affordable plans that can be customized around the amount of data and talk time you actually use.
Tello plans include access to 5G and 4G LTE service, unlimited texting, mobile hotspot capabilities, Wi-Fi Calling, and support for compatible unlocked phones. Tello also supports eSIM activation, making it possible to get started without waiting for a physical SIM card when your device supports the feature.
Customers can choose from several ready-made plans or use Tello’s Build Your Own Plan option. Current choices range from low-data plans for light users to an Unlimited option for people who rely more heavily on mobile data. There are no annual service contracts, so plans can be changed as your needs change.
Tello also stands out for its international features. Plans that include voice minutes come with calls to 60+ international destinations, while international roaming is available in more than 200 countries and territories.
Learn more about Tello Mobile, or compare current options on our Tello Mobile Plans & Pricing page.
Devices, eSIM & Bring Your Own Phone
Choosing a wireless provider no longer means you have to buy a new phone at the same time. Major carriers and prepaid providers alike often allow customers to bring their own compatible device, which can reduce the cost of switching service.
Before moving an existing phone to another provider, make sure it is carrier unlocked and compatible with the new network. Most providers offer an online compatibility checker where you can enter the phone’s IMEI number before activating service.
Newer smartphones may also support eSIM, which replaces the traditional removable SIM card with a digital profile. With a compatible device, eSIM can make switching providers or adding a second wireless line quicker and more convenient.
AT&T and Verizon offer large device selections, installment-payment options, trade-in promotions, tablets, watches, and other connected devices. Cricket Wireless also maintains its own smartphone store with Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and other devices, including promotional pricing for eligible switchers. Providers such as Tello Mobile place more emphasis on Bring Your Own Phone and keeping the cost of service separate from the cost of a device.
When comparing providers, consider more than the advertised phone price. Check device compatibility, financing or leasing terms, upgrade requirements, trade-in conditions, plan requirements, and whether a promotional discount depends on transferring a number or keeping a specific plan.
Picking the Right Wireless Plan
The best wireless plan is not necessarily the one with the most data or the highest monthly price. Start by looking at how you actually use your phone and where you need reliable coverage.
If you regularly stream video, use your phone as a hotspot, or spend much of the day away from Wi-Fi, an unlimited or high-data plan may make sense. If most of your internet use happens over Wi-Fi at home or work, a smaller data plan can save money without noticeably changing your experience.
Coverage should come before price. Check each provider’s coverage where you live, work, commute, and travel frequently. A discounted plan is not much of a bargain if reception is unreliable in the places where you use your phone most.
Also consider features such as 5G access, mobile hotspot data, Wi-Fi Calling, international calling, roaming, eSIM support, family pricing, Bring Your Own Phone compatibility, and whether you prefer prepaid or postpaid billing.
AT&T and Verizon can be attractive for customers who want traditional postpaid service, extensive device financing, multi-line options, and broader carrier services. Cricket Wireless may appeal to customers who want prepaid service on a major network, family savings, straightforward monthly pricing, and device promotions. Tello Mobile may be a better fit for customers who prefer lower monthly costs, customizable data allowances, and fewer extras.
Before choosing a plan, compare the total monthly cost, not just the advertised starting price. Taxes, device payments, premium features, data limits, Auto Pay discounts, multi-line requirements, prepaid commitments, and promotional pricing can all affect what you actually pay.
For many people, the smartest approach is simple: choose a provider with reliable coverage first, then pay only for the amount of data and the features you are likely to use.
Mobile Phones and Plans
Learn more about the wireless phone service providers covered here:
