“Unlimited” is a funny term. Unlimited cell phone plans often come with a long list of footnotes, terms, conditions, and exceptions. Mercifully, all of the Big Three cell companies have, by now, ditched throttling on their most expensive plans and include 5G data access in all their unlimited plans. Yet there are still many differences in the services they offer, and there are many differences between each carrier's various tiers.
Cheaper “unlimited” tiers do offer unlimited talk and text. But they still have rules on how much data you get before they start throttling your speed, and some “unlimited” plans may throttle your data at any given time. It's been a fixture of cell service plans for years.
It can be overwhelming, which is why I've broken it down. Below, I've highlighted what each of the three major carriers offers for “unlimited” individual and family plans to help you figure out which unlimited plan is best for you and your budget.
If you absolutely want to avoid slower data speeds at peak times, you'll likely be choosing among the plans here. But look to our guide to the Best Prepaid Phone Plans for lower costs at the expense of some limitations. Also check out WIRED's guides to the Best Android Phones, Best iPhones, and Best Cheap Phones.
Update February 2026: We updated prices and plans for all three major carriers. We added T-Mobile's Essentials Saver Plan and rebranded Better Value Plan as well as AT&T’s rebranded Premium PL, Extra EL, Saver SL, and Value Plus VL plans.
The Best Unlimited Plan Right Now: T-Mobile Experience More/Better Value Plans
The Essentials plan (with autopay, taxes/fees not included): 1 Line for $60/month | 2 Lines $90 | 3 Lines $90 | 4 Lines $100 | 5 Lines $125.
Essentials Saver plan (with autopay, taxes/fees not included): 1 Line for $50/month | 2 Lines $80 | 3 Lines $140
Experience More/Better Value (with autopay, taxes/fees not included): 1 Line for $85/month | 2 Lines $140 | 3 Lines $140 | 4 Lines $170 | 5 Lines $200
Experience Beyond (with autopay, taxes/fees not included): 1 Line for $100/month | 2 Lines $170 | 3 Lines $170 | 4 Lines $215 | 5 Lines $260
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