Every Major US Carrier, Compared

Pros

• ✓ Cheapest per-line pricing in the US
• ✓ Full T-Mobile 5G access
• ✓ No annual contract required
• ✓ Wi-Fi calling included

Cons

• ✕ Single-line only (no family plans)
• ✕ Must pay months upfront to get best rate
• ✕ Deprioritized during congestion

Best for

• → Budget-conscious solo users
• → Light to moderate data users
• → City dwellers on T-Mobile coverage

Pros

• ✓ $25 flat — no tricks
• ✓ Unlimited everything including hotspot
• ✓ Verizon's network (best rural coverage)
• ✓ No annual contract

Cons

• ✕ Single-line only
• ✕ Hotspot speeds capped at 5 Mbps
• ✕ Deprioritized during congestion on base plan

Best for

• → Solo users who want Verizon coverage for less
• → Remote workers who hotspot frequently
• → Anyone tired of overage fees

Pros

• ✓ AT&T network without the AT&T price
• ✓ Multi-line family discounts
• ✓ No annual contract
• ✓ Hotspot on mid/high plans

Cons

• ✕ Data deprioritized vs postpaid AT&T
• ✕ No 5G on base plans
• ✕ Hotspot not on cheapest plan

Best for

• → Families who want AT&T coverage on a budget
• → Light-to-moderate data users
• → Those switching from AT&T postpaid

Pros

• ✓ AARP member discounts (5%)
• ✓ No contract, no activation fee
• ✓ US-based customer support
• ✓ Flexible data tiers — pay for what you use

Cons

• ✕ No 5G access
• ✕ Hotspot only on higher tiers
• ✕ Not aimed at heavy data users

Best for

• → Seniors and AARP members
• → Light data users who want simplicity
• → Anyone who wants US-based customer service

Pros

• ✓ Amazon Prime included on $60 plan
• ✓ Full T-Mobile 5G access
• ✓ Good multi-line discounts
• ✓ Mexico & Canada calling on higher tiers

Cons

• ✕ Deprioritized vs T-Mobile postpaid
• ✕ Amazon Prime only on top plan
• ✕ In-store sign-up required for some deals

Best for

• → T-Mobile coverage areas
• → Families of 3–5
• → Anyone who already pays for Amazon Prime

Pros

• ✓ Among the cheapest plans available
• ✓ No annual contract
• ✓ Multi-line options
• ✓ Hotspot on most plans

Cons

• ✕ Customer service reviews are mixed
• ✕ Heavily deprioritized during congestion
• ✕ Fewer perks than competitors

Best for

• → Extreme budget shoppers
• → Light data users
• → Backup or secondary lines

Pros

• ✓ Best 5G coverage in the country
• ✓ Free Netflix on family plans
• ✓ International texting included
• ✓ Strong multi-line discounts

Cons

• ✕ More expensive than MVNOs
• ✕ Best perks locked to higher tiers
• ✕ Congestion in very dense urban areas

Best for

• → Families of 3+
• → Heavy data and hotspot users
• → Frequent international travelers

Pros

• ✓ Best suburban and highway coverage
• ✓ Unlimited Mexico & Canada on most plans
• ✓ First Responder and military discounts
• ✓ HBO Max on premium plan

Cons

• ✕ Pricier than MVNOs on its own network
• ✕ Hotspot limited on base unlimited plan
• ✕ Throttling above 75 GB/month

Best for

• → Suburban families
• → Those who travel to Mexico & Canada
• → First responders and military members

Pros

• ✓ #1 for rural and highway coverage
• ✓ Customizable myPlan perks (Disney+, Apple One, etc.)
• ✓ Strong device trade-in offers
• ✓ Best choice for road warriors

Cons

• ✕ Among the most expensive carriers
• ✕ Best perks require top-tier plan
• ✕ TravelPass adds cost for international

Best for

• → Rural residents and highway drivers
• → Families who want premium coverage
• → Anyone with a Verizon work discount