10 best phone data plans

Phone data plans are subscription-based services offered by mobile carriers that provide users with access to cellular networks, enabling them to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data on their smartphones or other mobile devices. These plans are crucial for staying connected in today's digital age and come in various types to suit different needs.

Here are some key aspects of phone data plans:

  1. Voice Minutes: Many phone plans include a specific number of voice minutes for making calls. Some plans offer unlimited minutes, while others have a set allocation of minutes. Overage charges may apply if you exceed your allotted minutes.

  2. Text Messaging: Phone plans typically include text messaging capabilities. Like voice minutes, some plans offer unlimited texting, while others have limits on the number of texts you can send. There are also data-only plans that don't include text messaging.

  3. Data Allowance: The data allowance is a crucial aspect of phone plans, especially for smartphone users who rely on mobile data for internet access. Data allowances are typically measured in gigabytes (GB). Common data plan options include 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, and unlimited data. Going over your data limit can result in overage charges or reduced data speeds, depending on the plan.

  4. Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans: Phone plans are often categorized as prepaid or postpaid. Prepaid plans require users to pay for their service upfront, typically on a monthly or pay-as-you-go basis.Postpaid plans bill users after they've used the service during the billing period. Postpaid plans often come with more features and flexibility but may require credit checks.

  5. Family Plans: Many carriers offer family plans that allow multiple family members or lines to share voice minutes, texts, and data. These plans can be cost-effective for households with multiple mobile users.

  6. International Roaming: If you travel internationally, it's important to consider whether your plan includes international roaming or if you'll need to purchase add-on packages or use a local SIM card in the destination country.

  7. SIM Cards: SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are small cards that you insert into your phone to activate it on a particular network. Prepaid plans often involve purchasing a SIM card and activating it with a chosen plan. Postpaid plans may also use SIM cards, but they are usually provided by the carrier.

  8. Contract Length: Some phone plans require you to sign a contract, typically for 1 to 2 years, while others are contract-free (month-to-month). Contract plans often come with subsidized phone purchases, while no-contract plans may require you to pay the full retail price for your device.

  9. Data Speeds: Different plans offer varying data speeds. Faster speeds, often associated with 4G LTE or 5G networks, provide a smoother and quicker internet experience.

  10. Add-Ons and Extras: Carriers may offer additional services like mobile hotspot access, device insurance, and streaming subscriptions as part of their plans or as optional add-ons.

When selecting a phone data plan, it's essential to assess your usage patterns, such as the amount of data you need, the number of minutes you use for calls, and whether you need international capabilities. Comparing plans from different carriers can help you find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best phone data plans on the market
  

Tracfone $25 Unlimited Talk, Text, 2GB Data - 30 Day Smartphone Plan

TracFone

Based on 422 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get Unlimited Talk and Text for 30 days plus Unlimited Carryover that keeps you in control. Unused data never expires as long as your service stays active on one of our Unlimited plans.

  • *NEW Plans* Unlimited Talk, Text, 2GB of Data
  • 30-Days of Service
  • Unused Carryover with Active Service
  • Physical Card shipped directly from Tracfone

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be stacked? In other words, if I buy 12 of these cards and put them all on my phone at once, will I have unlimited talk and text for a year
Answer: ♾️Well....♾️ I've put multiple cards on before. 12months.... Is a long time....pho🙃ne could break....etc. ☮️🦋☮️
Question: Is an annual plan required before purchasing a 30-day unlimited talk and text plan
Answer: No you don't need an annual plan.You just have to add an unlimited Talk ,Text once a month..
Question: What is Activated Service
Answer: After you purchase your smart phone you call Tracfone and activate the phone before you can add this Unlimited talk and text 2TH card....that is activated service.
Question: my data ran out on the 365 day plan, will this work if you have iphone
Answer: I run out of data on a regular basis so I have been purchasing additional data at $10.00 per GB. That is better than having to pay the $25.00 per card where you are getting unlimited minutes and text and 2GB of data.

19 Ultra Mobile Phone Plan | Unlimited Talk & Text + 2GB 5G • 4G LTE Data (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card)

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price
  • Get one month of unlimited nationwide talk and global text with free calling to 80+ international destinations
  • 2GB of high-speed data delivered on the nation’s largest 5G network
  • Includes $1.50 international call credit to reach destinations beyond the 80+ included for free, and $5.00 international roaming credit to call, text, and use data while outside of the United States
  • Additional features: bring your own phone + keep your phone number + mobile hotspot + WiFi calling and text
  • Plan comes with a 3-in-1 GSM SIM card that includes standard, micro, and nano sizes

User questions & answers

Question: is it unlimited talk and text for local calls too
Answer: For the $100 here is what you get in addition to what the Charge HR has: Text notifications (The Surge can show you text notifications and the message of the text itself in addition to call notifications while the Charge HR can only do call notifications) 7 day battery life vs 3 days in the Charge HRMusic Control (you can control your music playlist and pause/play, skip, etc that is BT connected to your phone)"Always" on clock and better readable stats/touch screen (HR requires you to press a button or to "tap it twice" to see the time and no touch screen)More water resistant (5 ATM vs 1 ATM for the Charge HR)Workout Selection (allows you to select your workout right from the watch)GPSIf these features are worth the $100 for you, plus the nicer looking watch than get the surge. For me, I don't care about GPS, but for the first 4 features that alone was worth the extra $100
Question: Dose it work in Canada as well
Answer: The Time does NOT constantly display. This was terribly annoying to me. As others have mentioned the screen is always visible and stays on the last page you viewed (unless and until the buttons are inadvertently bumped or catch on your shirt cuff.) I was very surprised at how ofter the screen changed. If you lift your wrist to look at the clock, but find that the screen has changed, it then takes your other hand to change the Surge back to the clock page. Checking the time turned into a two-hand operation far too many times for the Surge to be useful as a watch. I can check the time on my cell phone, and it only takes one hand to do it.

Product features

STAY CONNECTED AND SAVE

We’re dedicated to creating innovative, authentic, mobile communication experiences by delivering convenient and cost-effective wireless services to those in the United States. Connect with family and friends around the globe at prices you can afford. Choose from a range of Ultra Mobile plans and then personalize your plan with easy-to-add extras to fit your needs. Unlimited domestic and international talk and text plans start at 15 dollars a month!

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH EACH PLAN:

  • Reliable Coverage on the Nation's Largest 5G Network
  • Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Global Text
  • Free Unlimited Talk to 80+ International Destinations
  • Free 3-in-1 GSM SIM Card
  • Free Mobile Hotspot on All Data Plans (not available on Talk & Text only)
  • WiFi Calling & Text

Step 1: Punch SIM

Our 3-in-1 SIM card includes standard, micro, and nano sizes, punch out the one that fits your device.

Step 2: Insert SIM

For specific instructions on where to insert the SIM card, please refer to your phone’s manual.

Step 3: Activate Plan

Activate online, by text message, or by phone. See your kit for full details.

Step 4: Connect

No pins, no extra steps. Just call or text directly from your phone.

The Most Destinations

Connect across the world with no limits and no borders at prices you can afford.

Affordability

Unlimited domestic and international talk and text plans starting at 15 dollars a month!

Coverage

It’s easy to stay in touch with connections to 80+ international destinations and the nation’s largest 5G mobile network behind you.

Service

With our global service team, we are here for you to make sure you have an Ultra experience every step of the way.

Red Pocket Mobile Premium 180 Day Prepaid Phone Plan, No Contract, Free SIM Kit; Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text & 3 GB of LTE Data - Only $25.50/Month

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price
  • Keep your phone, keep your number, save money
  • Activation code received via Amazon messages within 1 business day of your SIM kit shipment
  • Activation code received via Amazon messages within 1 business day of your SIM kit shipment
  • Optional FREE Starter Kit, containing 1 Univeral GSMA SIM, 1 Dual Cut GSMT SIM and 1 Universal CDMA SIM included in the price
  • Amazon $25.50 per month!

User questions & answers

Question: Is there international data, texting and calling on this plan? If so at what speed
Answer: We started about six months. It is only useful if the baby can sit in a grocery cart upright. It is not useful if the baby is still in a carrier.
Question: Can I buy the 6-month plan now and activate it later e.g. in 6 - 7 months time
Answer: It can! But we found that the pillows get in the way in a restaurant high chair so we'd take them out.
Question: Is tethering available on cdma plans
Answer: I do not generally wake up to the Surge silent alarm. I didn't wake up to the Flex's alarm. I think Jawbone Up has the best one (it looks at your sleep cycles and alarms when you are in your lightest part of your sleep cycle - really well done). As others have said, it just goes off and if you wake up, great, if not, too bad. What I will do sometimes is to set an alarm on the Surge and an audible alarm on my phone - if I wake up to the Surge alarm, I will turn off the audible alarm. If not, no harm, there will be a loud alarm in a few minutes. The one downside to this is that you sometimes forget you have a repeating alarm going off and it can eat up the battery.
Question: Once the 3GB is used for the month, do you get unlimited 2G speeds or is it a hard cap and you have no data until your month resets
Answer: No, it is not. Sweat proof...MAYBE shower proof...water proof, no. At this time, only three Fitbit watches are waterproof (swim-proof as they call it): the Ionic, Versa, and Flex 2. All others are not to be submerged in water.

Red Pocket Mobile Express 180 Day Prepaid Phone Plan, No Contract, Free SIM Kit; Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text & 1 GB of LTE Data - Only $21.25/Month

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • Keep your phone, keep your number, save money
  • Works with virtually any cell phone in the USA with nationwide coverage on any top network
  • Activation code received via Amazon messages within 1 business day of your SIM kit shipment
  • Optional FREE Starter Kit, containing 1 Univeral GSMA SIM, 1 Dual Cut GSMT SIM and 1 Universal CDMA SIM included in the price
  • $21.25 per month

User questions & answers

Question: will this work for a 3g phone
Answer: Yeaa I’ll upload a video soon
Question: Is the 1gb of data per month? will imessages work with this ? i have an iphone 5, which is no longer able to update
Answer: Target is all I know it does
Question: can this work with my tracfone and can i keep my phone number
Answer: I believe so. There should be a zipper to take the pillows out to wash the cover. This was one of the best things I bought for my little!
Question: Can this be used by existing customer? In other words, if I am already a subscriber, can I purchase this & add to my account to extend for 6 months
Answer: I removed the pillows that are on each side and the lap belt. I washed it on warm and dried it on medium with the rest of his clothing. I have washed it many times in the last year and it comes out perfect still. I love this product and my son likes the pillows at each side to lean against. The toy attachments is a great feature, as is the pocket behind the seat. This product fits every cart I have ever put it into. I would recommend this product to any mother. I leave it in the car to take with us everywhere we go. This product was great when my son was at the age where he would chew on anything, knowing he didn't put his mouth on a filthy cart handle made it worth it to me. The support pillows also helped to keep my son upright and safe in a cart. This product is of good quality and in my opinion worth the money I paid. After a year I am still very happy with my purchase of this product.

New Tracfone $30 Unlimited Talk, Text, 3GB Data - 30 Day Smartphone Plan

Based on 118 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get Unlimited Talk and Text for 30 days plus Unlimited Carryover that keeps you in control. Unused data never expires as long as your service stays active on one of our Unlimited plans.

  • *NEW Plans* Unlimited Talk, Text, 1GB of Data
  • 30-Days of Service
  • Unused Carryover with Active Service
  • Physical Card shipped directly from Tracfone

User questions & answers

Question: Does this card work with samsung tracphones
Answer: I have a Samsung tracfone and it worked with mine.
Question: where does It show your phone number
Answer: What do you mean? You can usually find the # for a phone under settings.
Question: Can this phone be used with access wireless
Answer: Yes, that is what I did.
Question: what is the best card for video and pictures
Answer: Do you mean watching videos, like on YouTube? If so, you either need wi-fi or data for that. More data would = more viewing time. Unless you are putting pictures up on social media, you do not need wi-fi or data just to take videos or pictures with the camera on a Tracfone. As far as I know, Amazon has not been selling this card, and lately when they have, it's through a 3rd party that tacks on a lot of shipping. Until if can be purchased for $30 with free shipping, you'd probably be better off with the 1GB card for $10, though no talk or text is included as it is with the $30 with includes unlimited talk and text in addition to the 3GB of data.

GigSky 4G LTE/3G Data SIM Card with Pay As You Go Data Plans for USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa for Unlocked iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Hotspots and Tablets

Based on 338 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stay online and connected to use the internet with the GigSky 4G LTE/3G Data SIM. The GigSky SIM card fits in all GSM Compatible unlocked smartphones, tablets and hot-spots using nano, micro, standard size SIM cards. Use your favorite voice, messaging, travel and Internet apps, anytime, and everywhere you go. Whether you need to check email, find your way around using your GPS, or share pictures of your latest adventure, the GigSky 4G LTE/3G Data SIM card keeps you connected on your terms while away from home to over 190 countries. Add and purchase a regional data plan that allow you to use data in multiple countries in addition to the country you need coverage in. The service offers 4G LTE networks where available for a day, up to 15 or 30 days with up to 5GBs of data to use at affordable prices. GigSky service is quick and simple to set via the GigSky app. Our pay-as-you-go data bundle plans are much more affordable than carrier roaming charges. Stop paying for international roaming year round with your carrier and use data when you need it for the time and amount of data you need to stay online. With GigSky there are no contracts, no overages, and absolutely no bill shock. The best service, the best value, the best solution for mobile data away from home on your terms.

  • Use GigSky 4G LTE/3G Data SIM to stay online and connected to the internet in over 190 countries. Simply insert the SIM into your unlocked mobile device, go to gigsky.com, create an account, and activate the SIM. You’re ready to add a regional data bundle which allows data for use in multiple countries included in the regional plan.
  • GigSky is a great choice when you need pay-as-you-go mobile data away from home. Stop paying to share a data plan on your domestic service when you need data away from home or only need it occasionally. Stop searching for a local SIM card everywhere you go. Stop paying for Wi-Fi or using unsecure Wi-Fi when you need to get online.
  • GigSky offers daily, 15 day or 30 day regional data plans using 4G LTE/3G networks which can be purchased for regional multi country use. Our Regional data plans are available for: North America, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East/Africa, and Asia Pacific.
  • Stay online and connected - to add data anytime, anywhere, simply go to app.gigsky.com to purchase a data plan.. Plans can be purchased in advance for each destination country and used when you arrive for not only that country but the multiple countries in the regional data plan
  • GigSky 4G LTE/3G Data SIM fits all GSM compatible unlocked smartphones, tablet and hotspots using Nano, Micro, and Standard size SIM cards. Coverage and pricing are subject to change, please check the GigSky website for current offerings.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it work in cruise ship
Answer: It works off of local cell networks. If you are in range of the country’s cell network then it should. But this is just data, most cruises have WiFi which would make this unnecessary
Question: It works in costa rica, el salvador and usa? how can i recharge it
Answer: You will buy the Latin America plan for Costa Rica and El Salvador, and it will work as you travel between them. Later you would buy the North America plan when traveling to the USA. For example, currently the 500 MB, 15 day Latin America Plan is $20. It will expire after 500 MB or 15 days, whichever comes first. The North America plan is the same cost and duration. Obviously it's cheaper to buy a local sim on arrival, but I like that I can use the GigSky Sim when traveling between countries in a region. I use the GigSky app to recharge the SIMs my family uses. You can manage and recharge them remotely, like when my wife was in another country with her GigSky SIM that is registered under our shared account, and I purchased a data plan package for her from the app on my phone.
Question: If you are using imessage do you use the same phone number you have in the US
Answer: Gigsky is data only. You can get a US number though an app like Textnow (free). Then you can call forward your calls to that number and if you have an Android phone you can forward you text as well. For this to happen you require 2 phones, one left at home and the other you take with you. Your current US number is tied to your carrier and NOT portable to Gigsky. Gigsky has no phone number attached...that's why it's so portable and a great convenience.
Question: Going from the us to canada do i need multiple plans or just one
Answer: The North American regional plan includes The USA, Canada, Mexico, and US Virgin Islands. This plan will provide data coverage in all countries.

Tracfone Prepaid Wireless Smartphone 1 Year (365 Days) Plan + SIM - Refill 1200 Minutes, 1200 TXTs, 3GB Data (3GB Data, 1200 Minutes, 1200 Texts, Unlocked Phones (Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile))

TracFone

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Why Tracfone



You don’t want to be locked into a contract, that’s why Tracfone doesn’t have them. Plus, there are no activation or cancellation fees, ever. Tracfone runs on the largest and most dependable networks in America – the same networks as the bigger carriers.



What coverage does Tracfone use?



Tracfone offers service on most major wireless networks in the USA. Network selection should be based upon your coverage preference and the phone model that you plan to use. Check coverage and device compatibility at Tracfone website.



  • 3GB Data, 1200 minutes, 1200 texts plan will auto activate onto sim card upon activation , NO PHYSICAL CARD FOR PLAN WILL BE PROVIDED, and Can NOT refill an existing plan

User questions & answers

Question: My current tracfone service end date is Dec 2019. if I buy this card, and activate now (July 2019), what is new service end date
Answer: Log in to Tracphone to find out.
Question: Can i transfer minutes and phone number from my old trackphone to the new byop phone
Answer: Yes, just talk to the customer service. I did not have any problems.
Question: Has anyone been able to use a promo code with this card
Answer: Promo code doesn't work with Smartphone plans.
Question: Will this work with Verizon
Answer: Yes works with Verizon, AT&T and T Mobile.
Question: Do my minutes expire after 60 day if I don't use the
Answer: minutes, data and texts roll over.
Question: Where are they made
Answer: don't know
Question: do the minutes roll over
Answer: Yes both minutes and text roll over for 1 mouth you are not able to roll mutable month
Question: Does tracfone have teathering
Answer: yes it does

Lycamobile Preloaded Sim Card with $23 Plan Service Plan with Unlimited talk text and Data

Lycamobile

Based on 422 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Enjoy nationwide talk & text, unlimited data with 2GB at up to 4G LTE, Unlimited international talk to 75+ countries with this terrific monthly plan offer. $1.50 Bonus International Credit. Price breakdown: Data= $15.07; Talk/Text= $7.93.

  • Please Buy from "Lycamobile Authorized Dealer" with confidence and best price from seller List. How to Activate: dial 622 and enter zip to activate! Works with any unlocked GSM and T-Mobile Phones. This card support new activation only.
  • Unlimited Nationwide Talk, Text & Data - First 2GB at up to 4G LTE then the rest unlimited data at regular speed.
  • Unlimited Talk & Text to 75+ Countries.Unlimited free calls to Lycamobile numbers worldwide.
  • This card support new activation only. Porting in or transferring number will remove the month plan credit.
  • If you want to port in your existing number, please search listing# B073Z8P3S1 on Amazon.

User questions & answers

Question: If I went to kuwait the sim will activate
Answer: best to call lycamobile customer service 800 number and ask.
Question: can i make calls to india
Answer: I only called Morocco and it worked
Question: My 19 digit number is 8919601000177578503. please do the needful asap
Answer: This card has credit inside. How to Activate: dial 622 and enter zip to activate!
Question: Do you need to use a 4g phone, can older 3g models be used also
Answer: Lycamobile sim Works with any unlocked GSM Phones. the sim card will work on your phone, but your data might only go up to 3g speed.

Total Wireless $50 30-Day 1-Line Unlimited Mega Plan Prepaid Phone Card

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Activate or add minutes to your phone via Total Wireless with this Total Wireless $50 plan, which provides you with unlimited talk, text and data (25GB Data up to 4G LTE Speed, then 2G) for 30 days.

  • Unlimited Talk, Text and Data (25GB Data up to 4G LTE Speed, then 2G) for 30 days.
  • Hotspot Enabled up to 10GB.
  • Compatible with all Total Wireless prepaid phones
  • Physical Card shipped directly from Total Wireless (not emailed)
  • Final Sale. Returns not allowed upon Delivery.

User questions & answers

Question: For 2 phones, do I add this card to both phones for the 2 line card
Answer: As shown in the picture, the product is sent to you in 4 colors. Total 4Pcs, not 3Pcs

Total Wireless $85 Shared Plan - Unlimited Talk, Text, 60GB Data - 30 Days (New Benefits)

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Save with Total Wireless 4G LTE 30-Day Plans Starting at $25 Go Fast with one of America's Fastest 4G LTE Networks Keep Your Number or Get A New One This Total Wireless Plan card adds Unlimited Talk, Text, 60GB of Data and 30 days to service end date.

  • *New Benefits* Unlimited Talk, Text, 60GB of Shared Data. Hotspot Enabled Up to 10GB per Line.
  • 3 Lines/Devices 30-Day Plan
  • Compatible with Total Wireless Devices
  • Physical Card shipped directly from Total Wireless (not emailed)
  • Final Sale. Returns not allowed upon Delivery.

Latest Reviews

View all