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Searching For The Best Phone Plans in 2023
Something I heard ad nauseam when I was younger was my dad complaining that “Cell phone plans are much better in the US.” We didn’t live in a remote country like Greenland or a third-world country where such a comparison would be head-smackingly obvious – we lived in Canada.
You know what? He was right. Granted, this was the early 2010s, but promotions like “rollback minutes” were foreign to us. I was lucky if I could send more than 125 text messages in a single month without receiving an overage charge. Standards have changed and Canada has quote-unquote good plans, but the best phone plans for 2023 still remain in the United States.
That’s what I’m going to tell you about today. Not all phone plans are created equal and they’re not all made for everyone. Some are better for families while others are suited for digital nomads who trot around the country. There are people who live on their phones for work and thus require as much data as humanly possible.
So while I can’t tell you which phone plan is right for you specifically, I can tell you the best phone plans for 2023. You can then decide which one best suits your lifestyle, wants, and needs.
10 Best Phone Plans for 2023
1. Visible by Verizon
Plenty of customers are already using Visible, Verizon’s all-digital service launched in 2018. They’ve earned their spot on my list for their new pricing updates, which reduces the basic plan to $25 per month. This decrease isn’t part of any deal or promotion, it’s the way they’ll continue forward.
It’s not the pricing alone that makes Visible worthwhile. The service is entirely online and offers unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot. You can also trade in and trade up your phone or swap your old phone for a new one.
Each plan includes all taxes and fees in the price, so you shouldn’t see any numbers sneak in when you have to pay. There’s also no annual contract and you can access the latest phones from giant phone producers like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
Visible covers 99% of the United States and uses Verizon’s network that provides both 5G and 4G. If that hasn’t sold you, then fear not – Visible offers new users a 15-day trial to see if the service is right for them.
2. T-Mobile Essentials
For $65 per month, the T-Mobile Essentials plan delivers, well, the essentials. Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, limitless talk and text, national 5G coverage, and scam-blockers are all included here. Plus it also includes 50GB of premium data, which means that if the network becomes throttled then your data shouldn’t tremendously slow down.
Additionally, this plan has discounts for customers who are 55 or older, first responders, and military personnel or veterans. You can also add a third line to the package for free, so it’s a good plan if you want to get the family on a single bill.
3. AT&T Unlimited Extra Data Plan
My next pick as one of the best phone plans for 2023 is the AT&T Unlimited Extra Data Plan, which builds upon their basic unlimited plan with some notable perks.
Of course, it includes unlimited talk, text, and data that are shared between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, so you don’t have to switch plans when you cross the border. It also provides fast 5G coverage and AT&T Active Armor security which can block spam callers.
But what elevates the AT&T Unlimited Extra Data Plan above other AT&T plans are the 15GB allotted to hotspot sharing per month as well as the standard-definition streaming capabilities. Security measures are all beefed up on this plan as it can provide public Wi-Fi protection and identity monitoring.
All this comes together for $75, which is steeper than some of the other best phone plans for 2023, but its deep security measures and streaming services make it worthwhile for some folks.
4. Google Fi Simply Unlimited
Family plans don’t get much better than Google Fi. Though the base price is $50 per month, it follows an interesting price structure where you pay less for each phone added to the plan. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 1 line costs $50
- 2 lines cost $40 each
- 3 lines cost $27 each
- 4-6 cost $20 each
Unfortunately, taxes aren’t included in these amounts so you will have to pay those after the fact. Thankfully, signing up is easy since it’s all online.
Besides the cost, the Google Fi Simply Unlimited Plan has other benefits like connectivity with certain smartwatches, family safety features (i.e. shared block lists, location sharing), a VPN, and free texts from the United States to more than 200 countries.
The plan also includes unlimited talk, text, and data within the US, Canada, and Mexico, unlimited data that’s throttled after 35GB per person, and 5GB of hotspots.
5. Mint Mobile
If you want to save as much money as possible and already have a phone that’s in good working condition, Mint Mobile Unlimited is likely for you. Their cheapest plan is $15 per month while their most costly one is $45 monthly. The catch is that you have to sign up for at least three months at once.
Mint Mobile uses a prepaid structure, so the longer you sign up for, the less you’ll pay. With that prepaid structure, you’ll receive unlimited talk and text across the nation. Their data limits increase with price, starting at 5GB for $15 and cresting with an unlimited plan for $30 monthly.
6. Tello Economy
Tello provides customers the chance to build their own plans. They can choose how much data they want (anywhere from no data at all to unlimited) and how many minutes of talk plus their overhead texting limit. At their most barren, Tello’s plans can cost as little as $5 per month, but that’s not feasible in today’s day and age.
Other than that, Tello is great because they don’t lock you into contracts, meaning you’ll only pay for what you use. If you need to decrease or increase how much you can use, you can do so for free. There’s no extra cost for changing your plan.
7. T-Mobile Magenta
While the T-Mobile Magenta isn’t the out-and-out least expensive of the best phone plans for 2023, it is the best if you’re obsessed with data and coverage. It runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network, which is the best in the entire United States. It provides speedy coverage all over the country, so you’re paying for premium treatment.
You also get an outrageously high data cap with the Magenta plan. The data is unlimited, like most of the best phone plans for 2023, but the premium data cap (which is something that all phone plans have, unfortunately) is 100GB. That means you have to use 100GB of data in a single month before you see any slowdown.
Scroll back up to when I spoke about T-Mobile’s Essentials plan. Magenta includes everything in that entry, so it’s like an upgraded version of their essentials.
8. Cricket Wireless 10GB
Cricket includes taxes in their prices, which should be an industry-wide practice but we’ll take what we can get. Their prepaid 10BG plan only costs $40 per month, but you can decrease that to $35 per month if you set up auto pay.
The plan itself is rather barebones, including everything you’d expect from one of the best phone plans for 2023. However, it must be stated that Cricket includes 5G access. Getting 10GB of data for $35 across the United States at high speeds is quite the deal, which is why I’ve included Cricket to my list.
9. Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity’s Unlimited Mobile plan is only available for Comcast Xfinity internet customers, but the plan is attractive enough that I couldn’t not include it. Though you can hop onto one of their limited data plans, they’re not as rewarding as the Xfinity Unlimited Plan, which costs $45 for a single line but only $30 if you register 2 or more lines.
It’s worth it if you already have a 5G-enabled device as Xfinity has good 5G coverage. It can handle standard 480p streaming video, which is always important if you’re on public transportation.
If your data ever drops out, know you can use one of Xfinity’s 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots to get back on the web quickly. This can be useful in a pinch, so don’t discount this option.
10. Boost Mobile Unlimited
Finally, let’s talk about Boost Mobile Unlimited, which works on a three-month basis. Since Boost doesn’t use contracts, you’ll have to renew at the end of the three months. However, for those three months, you’ll receive phenomenal 5G coverage through T-Mobile, unlimited talk, text, and data, and a 12GB mobile hotspot. All that only costs $30 a month.
How To Choose the Best Phone Plan
Choosing the best phone plan for 2023 can be a significant decision that affects your communication and budget. It’s not as insignificant a decision as selecting either minion or da bob. Here are some tips to help you select the right plan for your needs:
- Assess Your Usage: Before choosing a plan, analyze your usage patterns. Consider how many minutes, texts, and data you use each month. This will help you determine which plan suits your needs.
- Data Allowance: Determine how much data you require based on your internet usage. Streaming videos and music, browsing, and social media apps all consume data. Choose a plan with an appropriate data limit to avoid overage charges.
- Coverage and Network Quality: Check the coverage and network quality of different carriers in your area. A great plan won’t be useful if you have poor reception where you live, work, or travel frequently.
- Contract or No Contract: Decide whether you prefer a contract plan or a no-contract (prepaid) plan. Contract plans may offer subsidized phones, but they can also come with early termination fees. No-contract plans provide more flexibility.
- Family Plans: If you have multiple lines, consider a family plan. These plans often offer discounts and shared data among family members.
- Unlimited Plans: If you use a lot of data, an unlimited plan might be a good fit. Be sure to read the fine print as some “unlimited” plans may have data throttling after a certain usage threshold.
- International Roaming: If you travel frequently, look for plans that offer international roaming options at reasonable rates.
- Extras and Add-Ons: Check for any additional features like hotspot tethering, caller ID, or international calling that you might need.
- Compare Plans: Don’t settle for the first plan you come across. Compare different carriers and their offerings to find the best value for your money.
- Read Reviews: Look for customer reviews and feedback about the carrier and plan you’re considering. This can give you insights into the actual user experience.
- Customer Service: Research the carrier’s customer service reputation. You’ll want a carrier that provides reliable and accessible customer support.
- Check for Discounts: Many carriers offer discounts to students, military personnel, and seniors. See if you qualify for any special rates.
- Upgrade Options: If you like to have the latest phone, consider plans that offer regular phone upgrades as part of the package.
- Trial Period: Some carriers offer trial periods where you can test their network and services. This can help you ensure that the plan meets your needs before committing.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Look for any hidden fees like activation charges, SIM card fees, or administrative costs. These can add up over time.
FAQ
What phone companies give free phones when you switch in 2023?
Metro, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offer free phones to shoppers who switch brands. However, it’s not always the newest iPhone on the market. Companies like Xfinity Wireless, Spectrum Wireless, and Optium Mobile, meanwhile, do not offer customers free phones at all when they switch, instead giving them other discounts.
Can I use an old phone in 2023?
You can use an older phone in 2023, but you have to know that certain developers and manufacturers will not support them as well and thus you may not be able to repair them. They may also lack certain security measures that new phones possess, which is only becoming more important with how frequently scammers are calling people.
What cell phone carrier truly has the best coverage?
Right now, T-Mobile has the best 5G coverage in America, but Verizon and AT&T may have better overall coverage. They each have at least 55% of the country covered through their networks.
Why is 5G important?
5G offers significantly faster data speeds compared to previous generations like 4G LTE. This means that users can download and upload content, stream videos, and access online services much more quickly, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Plus, 5G offers improved connectivity in crowded and densely populated areas, such as stadiums, airports, and urban centers, where many devices are competing for network resources.
Final Thoughts
Unquestionably, not all phone plans are equal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best phone plans for 2023 reflect this dynamic landscape, offering tailored packages that align with distinct lifestyles, preferences, and objectives.
From the robust connectivity of Visible by Verizon to the comprehensive coverage of T-Mobile Essentials, the options are as varied as the consumers they serve. The AT&T Unlimited Extra Data Plan elevates the bar with enhanced security features, while Google Fi’s innovative family-friendly structure brings affordability and versatility to the forefront.
When choosing the best phone plan, careful evaluation is paramount. Factors such as usage patterns, data requirements, coverage, and contract preferences all play pivotal roles in the decision-making process. With an ever-growing array of add-ons, international options, and upgrade possibilities, scrutinizing the fine print is essential.
In conclusion, the best phone plans for 2023 mirror the diverse tapestry of modern connectivity. A wealth of options cater to varying demands, and consumers are urged to navigate through the offerings with thoroughness and diligence. By investigating deeply and choosing wisely, individuals can unlock the plan that seamlessly aligns with their communication needs, ensuring a seamless and fulfilling connection in the digital age.
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