Top-tier unrestricted data offers of 2025: Verizon, Mint Mobile, and further possibilities
When it comes to choosing the best unlimited data plan, there are several key factors to consider. By balancing these factors, you can select a plan tailored to your specific requirements.
Usage Needs
Determine how you use data. If you're a heavy user who streams videos and music, you'll require truly unlimited high-speed data. However, if you primarily use messaging or social media, plans with speed throttling after a certain data threshold might be more suitable for you.
Data Speeds and Throttling
Check whether the plan offers unlimited high-speed data or if it slows down after a certain usage cap. For example, Tello's Data Unlimited plan offers up to 35GB of high-speed 5G/LTE data, while Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan offers 50GB at high-speed, with speeds getting downgraded to 256Kbps after.
Price
Compare monthly costs, including taxes and fees. Affordable plans often have some throttling or lower priority during congestion. Mint Mobile offers wireless service for $30 per month, while Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan costs $65 per month.
Network Coverage and Quality
The reliability and coverage of the carrier’s network in your area majorly impact your experience. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are commonly recommended for quality.
Hotspot Data Allowance
If you plan to use your phone as a hotspot, ensure enough hotspot data or unlimited hotspot capability is included. T-Mobile's unlimited premium data plan includes 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, while Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan offers dedicated 10GB of mobile hotspot data.
International Usage and Perks
Some plans include data and calling in Canada, Mexico, or other countries, or provide special “Global Pass” days and international texting/calling options. Tello allows customers to customize their data, talk time minutes, and international calls to more than 60 countries, starting from $25 per month.
Contract Terms
Consider prepaid vs. postpaid, and any upfront costs or required annual commitments. For instance, Mint Mobile offers wireless service in multi-month packs, while Visible often offers great deals and customers can pay for a full year of service to save more cash.
Standout Plans
- Tello's Data Unlimited plan costs $25 per month (before taxes and fees) and offers up to 35GB of high-speed 5G/LTE data, Wi-Fi calling, 5GB of mobile hotspot data, and free international calls to more than 60 countries.
- Google Fi Unlimited Premium plan costs $65 per month and offers calls and data access in hundreds of countries, 100GB free cloud storage, YouTube Premium, and more.
- Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan offers unlimited high-speed 5G/LTE data, free calling to UK, Mexico, and Canada, dedicated 10GB of mobile hotspot data, and video streaming at 480p (SD) resolution.
- Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan costs $90 per month (before taxes and fees) and includes unlimited premium data, Ultra-Wideband 5G network access, 200GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and video streaming at up to 1080p (FullHD) resolution.
In conclusion, by considering your usage needs, data speeds and throttling, price, network quality, hotspot allowance, international perks, and contract terms, you can select the best unlimited data plan that suits your lifestyle.
- If you're a heavy user who finds themselves streaming videos and music frequently, you should prioritize plans offering unlimited high-speed data such as Tello's Data Unlimited plan or Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan.
- On the other hand, if your primary usage consists of messaging and social media, you might find affordably-priced plans with speed throttling after a certain data threshold, like Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan, more suitable for your needs.
