Article
Best Unlimited Data Plans in 2026
Compare the top 10 unlimited data plans with premium features, no throttling, and affordable pricing. Find the perfect unlimited plan for heavy data users.
Unlimited data plans have become the standard for mobile service, but not all “unlimited” plans are created equal. Some offer truly unlimited premium data, while others slow speeds after certain thresholds or deprioritize your traffic during congestion. Understanding these differences is crucial for heavy data users.
Our team analyzed data policies, tested real-world speeds, and compared features across dozens of unlimited plans. Here are the 10 best unlimited data plans for 2026, from budget options to premium plans with no compromises.
Quick Comparison
| Plan | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. US Mobile Unlimited Premium | Best Overall Unlimited | $44/month | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. T-Mobile Experience More | Best Premium Features | $50/month | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Best Coverage & Reliability | $55/month | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. Visible (Base Plan) | Best Budget Unlimited | $25/month | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. AT&T Unlimited Premium PL | Best Network Performance | $50.99/month | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. Mint Mobile Unlimited | Best Prepaid Unlimited Value | $30/month | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Visible Plus (Visible+) | Best Premium Budget Unlimited | $45/month | ★4.7/5 |
| 8. Cricket Wireless Unlimited Max | Best Family Unlimited | $25/month | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. Google Fi Unlimited Plus | Best for International Travelers | $65/month | ★4.6/5 |
| 10. Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited | Best Prepaid Perks | $50/month | ★4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
US Mobile Unlimited Premium
US Mobile's Unlimited Premium plan offers incredible value at $44/month with 100GB of priority data and the unique ability to choose between Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile networks. It's the best overall unlimited plan for most users.
Pros
- ✓Choose any of the three major networks
- ✓100GB premium data before deprioritization
- ✓50GB premium mobile hotspot
- ✓Taxes and fees included ($44 total)
- ✓Excellent customer service ratings
Cons
- ✗Network switching requires new SIM card
- ✗Not as well-known as major carriers
- ✗Perks cost extra unlike T-Mobile
T-Mobile Experience More
T-Mobile's Experience More plan delivers truly unlimited premium data that never slows, plus Netflix and Apple TV+ included. With a 5-year price guarantee and the fastest 5G speeds, it's perfect for families and heavy data users.
Pros
- ✓Truly unlimited premium data (never slows)
- ✓Netflix and Apple TV+ included
- ✓5-year price lock guarantee
- ✓Best international roaming (215+ countries)
- ✓Fastest 5G speeds nationwide
Cons
- ✗More expensive for single lines ($90)
- ✗Some rural coverage gaps
- ✗Perks only on higher-tier plans
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate provides the most reliable coverage with 200GB of premium data before any slowdown, 60GB premium hotspot, and 5G UW access. At $55/line with 4+ lines, it's the premium choice for reliability.
Pros
- ✓Best network coverage in America
- ✓200GB premium data threshold (highest)
- ✓60GB premium mobile hotspot
- ✓5G Ultra Wideband access
- ✓3-year price lock guarantee
Cons
- ✗Most expensive ($90 single line)
- ✗$35 activation fee per line
- ✗Overkill for light/moderate users
Visible (Base Plan)
Visible offers unbeatable value with unlimited data for just $25/month all-in on Verizon's network. Perfect for budget-conscious users who want unlimited data without breaking the bank or needing a family plan.
Pros
- ✓Just $25/month with all taxes included
- ✓Runs on Verizon's reliable network
- ✓Unlimited mobile hotspot (5 Mbps)
- ✓No multi-line requirement needed
- ✓Simple, transparent pricing
Cons
- ✗Always deprioritized during congestion
- ✗Video streaming limited to SD (480p)
- ✗Customer service is digital-only (no phone)
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL
AT&T's Unlimited Premium PL delivers the best tested network performance with unlimited premium data, 60GB hotspot, and 4K streaming. At $50.99/line with 4 lines, it's ideal for users prioritizing reliability and speed.
Pros
- ✓Best network performance (RootMetrics 2026)
- ✓Unlimited premium data (never throttled)
- ✓60GB premium mobile hotspot
- ✓4K UHD streaming quality
- ✓ActiveArmor security included
Cons
- ✗Expensive for single lines ($85.99)
- ✗Fewer international perks than T-Mobile
- ✗Less flexibility than competitors
Mint Mobile Unlimited
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan at $30/month (12-month prepay) offers exceptional value with 50GB priority data and 20GB hotspot on T-Mobile's network. Best prepaid unlimited option for users who can prepay annually.
Pros
- ✓Only $30/month with 12-month prepay
- ✓50GB priority data (increased from 35GB)
- ✓20GB mobile hotspot included
- ✓Runs on T-Mobile's 5G network
- ✓No contracts, prepaid flexibility
Cons
- ✗Must prepay $360 upfront for best rate
- ✗Renewal pricing higher than intro
- ✗Deprioritized after 50GB priority threshold
Visible Plus (Visible+)
Visible+ at $45/month adds premium features to the base Visible plan, including 50GB priority data, 5G Ultra Wideband access, and international calling to 140 countries. Best premium unlimited under $50.
Pros
- ✓50GB premium data on Verizon
- ✓5G Ultra Wideband access
- ✓International calling to 140 countries
- ✓Still only $45/month all-in
- ✓Unlimited premium hotspot
Cons
- ✗Deprioritized after 50GB premium data
- ✗Digital-only customer support
- ✗No family plan discounts
Cricket Wireless Unlimited Max
Cricket's Unlimited Max delivers unbeatable family value with 4 lines for $100/month total on AT&T's network. Includes 60GB hotspot per line and HBO Max, making it perfect for budget-conscious families.
Pros
- ✓4 lines for just $100 total ($25/line)
- ✓Runs on AT&T's reliable network
- ✓HBO Max included on Max plan
- ✓60GB mobile hotspot per line
- ✓Taxes and fees included
Cons
- ✗Video streaming capped at 8 Mbps
- ✗Always deprioritized (MVNO)
- ✗Limited international options
Google Fi Unlimited Plus
Google Fi Unlimited Plus at $65/month excels for frequent international travelers with free data and texting in 200+ countries. Includes 50GB premium US data, 100GB Google One storage, and built-in VPN.
Pros
- ✓Free international data in 200+ countries
- ✓50GB premium data in US
- ✓100GB Google One storage included
- ✓Built-in VPN for security
- ✓No international roaming charges
Cons
- ✗Expensive at $65/line domestically
- ✗Best features require compatible phones
- ✗Limited to T-Mobile/US Cellular networks
Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited
Metro's unlimited plan at $60/month includes Amazon Prime (value $139/year), making it excellent for Prime members on T-Mobile's network. Prepaid flexibility with no contracts and taxes included.
Pros
- ✓Amazon Prime included on $60 plan
- ✓Runs on T-Mobile's 5G network
- ✓100GB Google One storage included
- ✓No contracts or credit checks
- ✓Taxes included in advertised price
Cons
- ✗Data may slow after 35GB
- ✗Deprioritized during congestion
- ✗Often requires in-store activation
Understanding “Unlimited” Data
Not all unlimited plans are equal. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Unlimited Data
True Premium Unlimited (Rare)
- Data never slows based on usage amount
- Full-speed data all month, every month
- Examples: T-Mobile Experience More, AT&T Premium PL
- Cost: $50-90/month for single lines
Premium Data Threshold (Common)
- Full speed until you hit threshold (50-200GB)
- After threshold, may slow during congestion only
- Examples: Verizon Ultimate (200GB), US Mobile Premium (100GB)
- Cost: $44-90/month
Deprioritized Unlimited (Budget Options)
- Always lower priority during network congestion
- Speeds may slow in busy areas/times
- Examples: Visible, Mint Mobile, Cricket
- Cost: $25-40/month
Data Deprioritization Explained
What it means:
- Your data gets lower priority when towers are busy
- Faster speeds during normal times, slower during peak
When it happens:
- Rush hour commutes in cities
- Concerts, sports events, festivals
- Crowded areas (airports, stadiums)
- Lunchtime in business districts
Real-world impact:
- Minimal if you’re not in congested areas
- Noticeable in major cities during peak times
- Heavy impact at big events
Premium vs Standard Data
Premium Data Benefits:
- Priority access during congestion
- Faster speeds when towers are busy
- Better streaming quality
- More consistent performance
Standard Data Limitations:
- May slow to 1-5 Mbps during congestion
- Buffering during peak times
- Variable performance by location
Data Usage Guide for Unlimited Plans
How Much Data Do You Really Use?
According to Ericsson’s 2026 Mobility Report, average North American usage is 22GB/month:
Light Users (5-10GB/month)
- Primarily on WiFi at home and work
- Occasional browsing and social media
- Music streaming during commute
- Verdict: May not need unlimited
Medium Users (10-30GB/month)
- Mix of WiFi and cellular data
- Regular social media and browsing
- Music streaming, some video
- Verdict: Unlimited saves money and worry
Heavy Users (30-60GB/month)
- Frequent video streaming
- Limited WiFi access
- Mobile hotspot use
- Verdict: Need unlimited, consider premium
Very Heavy Users (60GB+/month)
- Constant streaming (4K video)
- Primary internet via mobile hotspot
- Gaming, large downloads
- Verdict: Require premium unlimited with high threshold
Activities and Data Consumption
Typical data usage per hour:
- Web browsing: 25-50 MB/hour
- Social media: 50-150 MB/hour
- Music streaming: 50-100 MB/hour (Spotify, Apple Music)
- SD video (480p): 500-700 MB/hour (Netflix, YouTube)
- HD video (1080p): 2-3 GB/hour
- 4K video: 7-10 GB/hour
- Video calls: 500 MB - 1.5 GB/hour (Zoom, FaceTime)
- Gaming: 50-100 MB/hour (varies widely)
Mobile Hotspot Considerations
Hotspot Limits on Unlimited Plans
Even unlimited phone plans often cap hotspot:
Premium Plans
- 30-60GB high-speed hotspot
- Slows to 600 Kbps after cap
- Examples: Verizon Ultimate (60GB), AT&T Premium (60GB)
Mid-Tier Plans
- 10-30GB high-speed hotspot
- Sufficient for laptop work, email, browsing
- Examples: US Mobile (50GB), T-Mobile (50GB)
Budget Plans
- Unlimited but speed-capped (3-5 Mbps)
- Works for basic tasks, not streaming
- Examples: Visible base ($25 plan)
Is Capped Hotspot Speed Usable?
600 Kbps (after premium hotspot runs out)
- Email and messaging: Works fine
- Web browsing: Very slow, frustrating
- Video streaming: Not practical
- Work/productivity: Barely functional
3-5 Mbps (Visible base plan unlimited hotspot)
- Email and messaging: Perfect
- Web browsing: Acceptable
- SD video streaming: Works with buffering
- HD video: Not recommended
- Video calls: Possible but quality varies
Value Analysis by User Type
Best for Budget-Conscious Users
Winner: Visible ($25/month)
- Simple, predictable pricing
- Verizon’s reliable network
- Unlimited hotspot (though speed-limited)
- No multi-line requirement
Runner-up: Mint Mobile ($30/month)
- Must prepay annually
- T-Mobile network with good coverage
- 50GB priority data
Best for Families
Winner: Cricket Wireless (4 lines $100/month)
- $25/line all-in with taxes
- AT&T network coverage
- 60GB hotspot per line on Max plan
Runner-up: Verizon Unlimited Plus (4 lines $180/month)
- Best coverage and reliability
- 30GB premium hotspot per line
- 5G Ultra Wideband access
Best for Power Users
Winner: Verizon Unlimited Ultimate ($55/line with 4)
- 200GB premium data threshold
- 60GB premium hotspot
- Best coverage nationwide
Runner-up: US Mobile Premium ($44 single line)
- 100GB premium data
- 50GB premium hotspot
- Network choice flexibility
Best for International Travelers
Winner: Google Fi Unlimited Plus ($65/month)
- Free data in 200+ countries
- No roaming charges
- 50GB US premium data
Runner-up: T-Mobile Experience More
- Free data/text in 215+ countries
- Unlimited premium US data
- Included streaming services
Frequently Asked Questions
What does truly unlimited data mean?
Truly unlimited means no hard data caps and no throttling based on usage amount. However, most plans have “network management” policies that may slow speeds during congestion after certain thresholds (typically 50-200GB). Only T-Mobile’s Experience plans and AT&T’s Premium plan offer unlimited premium data with no threshold.
Will my unlimited plan slow down?
It depends on your plan tier:
- Premium plans from major carriers: Minimal slowdown, only after very high usage (100-200GB+) during congestion
- Mid-tier plans: May slow after 50GB during busy times
- Budget/prepaid unlimited: Always deprioritized, may slow in congested areas regardless of usage
How much unlimited data do I really need?
If you use more than 10-15GB per month, unlimited makes financial sense to avoid overage charges and worry. The average American uses 22GB monthly. If you stream video frequently or use mobile hotspot, unlimited is essential.
Are unlimited hotspot plans worth it?
Plans with 30GB+ premium hotspot are excellent for travelers, remote workers, and home internet backup. However, unlimited hotspot with speed caps (3-5 Mbps) is limiting—fine for browsing and email, but struggles with video streaming or video calls.
Can I stream 4K video on unlimited plans?
Most budget unlimited plans limit video to SD (480p) or HD (720p). For 4K streaming, you need premium plans like AT&T Unlimited Premium, Verizon Ultimate, or T-Mobile Experience, which allow 4K/UHD streaming quality.
What happens after I exceed my premium data limit?
After hitting your premium data threshold (e.g., 100GB), your data doesn’t stop or slow automatically. Instead, it may be deprioritized during network congestion, meaning speeds could slow when towers are busy but remain normal otherwise.
Is 5G included in unlimited plans?
Yes, all modern unlimited plans include 5G access at no extra cost. However, access to premium 5G Ultra Wideband (Verizon) or extended range 5G varies by plan tier—budget plans may only get standard 5G nationwide coverage.
Do unlimited plans work for home internet replacement?
It depends on your usage and plan:
- Light home internet use (streaming, browsing): 30-60GB hotspot plans can work
- Heavy home internet use (4K streaming, gaming, downloads): Not recommended, will hit hotspot caps
- Better option: Dedicated home internet or 5G home internet plans from carriers
Can I tether unlimited devices to my hotspot?
Most plans don’t limit the number of devices connected to your hotspot, but they do limit the total data speed/amount available for hotspot use. Budget plans may limit to 1-5 devices simultaneously.
How do family unlimited plans save money?
Multi-line discounts are substantial. Example: Verizon Unlimited Ultimate costs $90 for one line but only $55/line with four lines—a $140/month total savings. Most carriers offer their best per-line pricing at 4+ lines.