This week, T-Mobile started to notify around 8 million customers that they were raising their prices again. Well, technically, they were moving them to new plans that usually cost more, with more perks that those customers didn’t want or need. This has led to a lot of customers looking elsewhere.
Of course, you could always switch to AT&T or Verizon, but postpaid plans from the big three are quite expensive. And these days, you really don’t need to get a postpaid plan, as MVNO’s have become super competitive lately. As someone who has covered the smartphone industry for the last 15 years, I know a thing or two about the best phone plans you can sign up for right now. So I’ve rounded up five of the best alternatives, and one of them is the very plan I use.
US Mobile
Whenever people ask me what carrier they should switch to, I almost always say US Mobile. There’s really nothing that can compete with it right now. With US Mobile, there are basically two plans; there are a few other options you can go with, but for most people there’s Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Premium.
With Unlimited Starter, you’re getting Unlimited high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, along with 20GB of hotspot data. It’s unlimited high-speed data, depending on the network you choose, since US Mobile does work on all three wireless networks. It’s unlimited on AT&T, or 70GB on Verizon and T-Mobile. It’s also just $25/month.
Then there’s Unlimited Premium, which includes Unlimited Priority Data across all three networks, unlimited talk and text, and Unlimited hotspot data. There’s also 20GB of international data available, and free network transfers to move between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. This plan is $44/month, but it is almost always discounted.
I subscribe to the Unlimited Premium plan and have been using it for the past two years. It’s simply incredible; you’re getting the same priority as postpaid users on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, for a fraction of the cost. And if you do a lot of traveling, then the ability to switch networks on the fly is really useful.
US Mobile
– $25+
Google Fi Wireless
If you like T-Mobile’s network and coverage, then Google Fi Wireless is a really good option. Recently, Google has added a few more plans to its MVNO service, so now there’s really something for everyone.
Those that are light users will enjoy the Unlimited Essentials plan, which is $35 per month. This includes 30GB of high-speed data with data slowed to 2G speeds afterwards, and you also get full smartwatch connectivity.
Google Fi Wireless also has its Unlimited Premium plan, which is a great option for those that do a lot of traveling. You get 100GB of high-speed data, plus 50GB of high-speed hotspot data, along with international data in 200 countries (this is used from your 100GB allotment of high-speed data), along with connectivity for tablets and laptops, as well as smartwatches. The ability to set up an eSIM for your laptop or tablet is actually unparalleled in this industry. Most carriers will charge you $10 just to have the line, plus whatever they want to charge for data. That right there is a big reason why I use Google Fi for my second line (usually used in whatever device I’m reviewing at the time).
I’ve used Google Fi off and on over the past many years, usually as my secondary line for reviewing phones, and as my main line when I’m traveling internationally. It’s one that I recommend quite heavily.
Google Fi
– $30+
Visible
Visible is actually owned by Verizon, so obviously it does run on Verizon’s network only. And you can get unlimited data on Verizon’s network for as little as $25/month, which is virtually unheard of.
So Visible has three plans: Visible, Visible+, and Visible+ Pro. With Visible, you are getting unlimited talk, text, and data, but you are more likely to get deprioritized, and you also don’t get Verizon’s fastest 5G, Ultra Wideband. For that, you’ll need to move up to Visible+ for $30/month. Both Visible+ and Visible+ Pro sport unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. They also offer streaming video at 1080p and 4K quality, respectively.
Visible
– $25+
Mint Mobile
If you were happy with T-Mobile’s network, here’s another option for you: Mint Mobile. It’s actually owned by T-Mobile now, but the prices are still rock bottom.
Mint Mobile’s plans are pretty customizable, but they do really push you to buy 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans. So you’re paying for it all upfront. Which does bring down the cost a bit. For instance, you can pay $45 for three months of unlimited talk and text, with 6GB of high-speed data. There are also options for 17GB and 23GB, with an unlimited option for $30 per month. But Mint Mobile is more geared at those that don’t use a lot of data.
Mint Mobile
– $15+
Total Wireless
Finally, rounding out this list is Total Wireless, which is owned by Verizon as well. It’s a tad more expensive than Visible, but still worthwhile. There’s the Total Starter plan for $35 per month, which, like Visible, does not include 5G Ultra Wideband. You also only get 10GB of hotspot and roaming in Canada and Mexico.
Then there’s Total Max 5G for $50 or Total All Access for $60 per month. These both have unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband, with unlimited hotspot at 5mbps and 10mbps, respectively. These both also include roaming in 140 countries, with unlimited calling and texting in 200+ countries.
Total Wireless
– $35+
Wrap Up
So which carrier should you go with? Only you can answer that. Think about what you truly need from your wireless carrier. Do you need a lot of data? Do you need international data? If so, then Google Fi and US Mobile are the best bets. If you only need a little bit of data, and don’t travel much (maybe you work from home too), then Visible, Mint Mobile, and Total Wireless are great options too. Though I would choose Visible out of those three.
The post 5 Carriers Worth Considering After T-Mobile’s Latest Price Hike appeared first on Android Headlines.
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