Best phone carriers 2024

Last updated 2024

With a flourishing mobile phone carrier market it can be intricate to keep track. Here are our top 3 picks for the best phone carriers based on data speeds, phone selection, monthly costs and more

Best specialized plans

AT&T
Details Unlimited Plan: $50/month
Tiered Data Plan: $50/month 4GB
Prepaid Plan: $25/month 16GB plan
5G Coverage: 98% of national population
Parent Provider: AT&T
Pros Good 5G coverage
Cheap unlimited plan
Cons HBO Max included only
Pricey main plans 
While AT&T may be one of the Big Three carriers, it often gets overshadowed by the sheer scale of Verizon's network and the attention-grabbing developments from T-Mobile. However, delving deeper into AT&T reveals a carrier with distinctive offerings.
AT&T's plans may appear relatively costly, especially when focusing on the $85/month Unlimited Premium choice. This particular plan boasts unlimited data usage, and when traveling in 19 Latin American countries, you can freely utilize talk, text, and data. The primary offerings are rounded out by the $75/month Unlimited Extra and $65/month Unlimited Starter plans, which provide fewer perks compared to the Premium tier.
For those seeking a single line of data, the $50/month Value Plus plan stands out. Although lacking additional perks beyond 5G access and the option to use your plan in Mexico and Canada, it offers unlimited data and 5G coverage at a considerably lower cost compared to AT&T's other plans. It's worth noting that additional lines cannot be added to the Value Plus plan, making it less suitable for families.
AT&T also presents enticing prepaid options, including a deal that grants a substantial 16GB of data monthly when you prepay for a year of service in advance. While this requires a $300 upfront payment, there are also month-to-month alternatives featuring generous data allowances for those who prefer flexibility.

Best value for price

Mint Mobile
Details Unlimited Plan: $30/month unlimited data plan
Best Tiered Data Plan: N/A
Prepaid Plan: $20/month 15GB plan
Parent Provider: T-Mobile
5G Coverage: 98% of national population
Pros Best value for monthly rates
Good coverage
Cons Low rates enabled by yearly commitment
Less Perks 
Mint frequently rolls out promotions, and its current offer stands out as one of the best – all plans are reduced to $15 per month for the first three months. Consequently, unlimited data becomes available at the same cost as Mint's 5GB plan, totaling $45. After the initial three months, the regular rates, including discounts for a one-year coverage commitment, are reinstated.
For those interested in a family plan, Mint does offer an option. However, it's important to note that adding more lines does not result in increasing discounts. Instead, each plan within the family option adheres to Mint's discounted rate for prepaid service. The flexibility to mix and match different plans for each data line is a notable feature.
Mint places its bet on customers opting for upfront payment not only due to the cost-effectiveness but also because Mint's wireless coverage operates through T-Mobile's network. This implies swift performance if T-Mobile's coverage is robust in your area. Mint assures users of either 5G or 4G coverage based on the stronger signal, contingent on the possession of a 5G-compatible phone, naturally. (It's worth mentioning that T-Mobile's acquisition of Mint Mobile in 2023 is pending regulatory approval.)

Best alternative value

Visible
Details Unlimited Plan: $45/month
Tiered Data Plan: N/A
Prepaid Plan: N/A
5G Coverage: 98% of national population
Parent Provider: Verizon
Pros Plus plan bonuses like international calling
Good network
Cons Slower speeds at congested networks
Missing discounts for multiple lines 
Visible, a discount carrier under Verizon's umbrella, is currently offering unprecedented affordability for unlimited data. The basic Visible plan now kicks off at just $25 per month, inclusive of taxes and fees. While it may be a no-frills option, the Visible Plus plan at $45/month offers additional advantages for a modest increase in cost.

Opting for Visible Plus brings 50GB of premium data before any speed reductions take effect. Subscribers with Visible Plus also enjoy perks such as international calling to over 30 countries, data roaming in Mexico and Canada, and access to Verizon's high-speed Ultra Wideband 5G network. (It's worth noting that the $30 plan utilizes Verizon's slower nationwide 5G coverage.)

Signing up with the code 'VISIBLE24' before January 31 enables customers to benefit from discounts on either Visible plan for up to 24 months. This promotion lowers the cost of the Visible Plan to $20 per month, while Visible Plus customers pay only $35. Over the next two years, this results in potential savings of up to $240.

Originating as an iPhone-exclusive carrier, Visible has expanded its offerings to include Android phones, ranging from flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S23 to budget-friendly options like the Google Pixel 7a. The carrier features an early upgrade program, allowing users to switch to a new device after covering 50% of their phone's cost. Visible also accommodates users who prefer to bring their own device. Additionally, if you own a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone with eSIM support, you can test out Visible for free for a 15-day trial—a perk that iPhone users have long enjoyed with the carrier.