The quest for Good Phone Services boils down to finding a provider that offers dependable connectivity at a price that fits your budget, all while providing prompt and helpful support when you need assistance with your service or device. Extra perks that enhance your plan are always a welcome bonus.
These are the key criteria I use when evaluating phone services for readers of Tom’s Guide. Having extensively researched the landscape of cell phone plans for the past decade, I possess a deep understanding of the pricing structures across various carriers, the data allowances offered at different price points, and, crucially, the ever-evolving nature of these plans. I constantly monitor price changes and take note of valuable additions like complimentary streaming services, international coverage, and other benefits.
While pinpointing coverage specifics for every location is challenging, I diligently track overall network performance, paying close attention to third-party evaluations of network reliability and speed. Furthermore, I stay informed about the progress major carriers are making in expanding their 5G networks and enhancing speeds.
Based on this comprehensive analysis, I consistently recommend Verizon as a top provider of good phone services, citing their flexible plan options and expansive network reach. (Full disclosure: I personally use Verizon for my daily phone service and can confidently attest to its quality.) However, acknowledging that network strength varies geographically, T-Mobile, with its diverse range of unlimited plans, emerges as the leading alternative among major carriers. Importantly, don’t overlook smaller carriers, known as MVNOs, which leverage the infrastructure of larger networks. Exploring options like Visible or Mint Mobile can lead to significantly lower monthly bills while still providing very reliable wireless service – truly good phone services at a better value.
Top Picks for Good Phone Services: A Quick Guide
Verizon logoVerizon: Best Overall
- Verizon: Best Overall
Offering reliable and good phone services with flexible plans and extensive coverage.
T-Mobile logoT-Mobile: Best Alternative
2. T-Mobile: Best Alternative
Providing good phone services with leading 5G coverage and a variety of unlimited plan options.
Visible logoVisible: Best Low-Cost Unlimited
3. Visible: Best Low-Cost Unlimited
For good phone services on a budget, Visible offers cheap unlimited data plans using Verizon’s network.
Mint Mobile logoMint Mobile: Best Value
4. Mint Mobile: Best Value
Delivering surprisingly good phone services for the price, especially if you’re looking for budget-friendly options.
AT&T LogoAT&T: Solid Plan Range
5. AT&T: Solid Plan Range
Offering a good range of phone services with strong network performance and diverse plan options, including prepaid.
Google Fi Wireless LogoGoogle Fi: Best for Travelers
6. Google Fi: Best for Travelers
For international travelers seeking good phone services, Google Fi offers seamless global connectivity.
Philip Michaels
I’m Philip Michaels, Managing Editor for Mobile Devices at Tom’s Guide. My role involves overseeing our extensive smartphone coverage and, importantly, keeping a close watch on the US phone carrier landscape. For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of cell phone plans, and I’ve directed several rounds of cellular network testing for Tom’s Guide. I was even on the ground in Chicago in 2019 to test the very first US 5G network launch. (It’s improved dramatically since then.) If a phone carrier exists, chances are I have an informed opinion about it, regardless of its size or profile.
Verizon: Best Overall for Good Phone Services
(Image credit: Verizon)
1. Verizon: The Leader in Reliable Phone Services
The Best Choice for Overall Good Phone Services
Plan Highlights:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Plus at $80/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 15GB plan at $35/month
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 250 million people (Ultra Wideband 5G)
- Network Parent: Verizon
Why Verizon Offers Good Phone Services:
- Extensive Network Reach: Verizon boasts widespread coverage across the US, ensuring reliable service in more locations.
- Expanding Ultra Wideband 5G: Their rapidly growing 5G network delivers faster speeds in more areas.
- Excellent Prepaid Options: Verizon’s prepaid plans are among the best from major carriers, offering value and flexibility.
Considerations:
- Add-on Costs: While flexible, the $10 add-ons for streaming and travel can increase monthly expenses if you select many.
- Base Plan Price: Verizon’s base plans are generally pricier than some competitors.
Verizon consistently ranks as a top provider of good phone services due to its flexible unlimited plans and a 5G network that is rapidly expanding and improving. Focusing on their 5G, Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G service now reaches approximately 250 million people. In past LTE speed tests, Verizon has often led the pack, although the most recent Rootmetrics report for the first half of 2024 places AT&T slightly ahead in overall speed. However, the same Rootmetrics report still recognizes Verizon as the top carrier overall, and a separate Rootmetrics report on 5G speed again ranks Verizon as number one.
Verizon’s plan options, while generally more expensive than carriers like T-Mobile, have become more streamlined and user-friendly, making it easier to find a plan that meets your needs for good phone services. Their $65/month Unlimited Welcome plan provides nationwide 5G coverage for essential connectivity. Stepping up to the $80/month Unlimited Plus plan unlocks faster Ultra Wideband 5G and adds 30GB of hotspot data. For even more, the Unlimited Ultimate plan at $90/month doubles the hotspot data to 60GB and includes international high-speed data for travelers.
A key aspect of Verizon’s good phone services is the plan flexibility through add-ons. For an extra $10/month per bundle, you can customize your plan with options like the Disney streaming bundle or international TravelPass benefits for short trips. (Verizon’s Disney bundle offers a $12 savings compared to subscribing separately). These add-ons provide customization but can increase costs if many are selected. The advantage is the ability to add and remove them monthly as needed. For example, I currently don’t use any add-ons on my personal Verizon plan, but I would activate the TravelPass before any trip to Europe.
Verizon’s prepaid plans are a standout feature among major carriers, making good phone services accessible at different price points. The 15GB prepaid plan, with an autopay discount, drops to $35 per month – sufficient data for many users. Unlimited prepaid plans start at $50. Verizon has also enhanced its prepaid offerings by allowing multiple prepaid lines and offering discounts on unlimited data plans for these multi-line setups.
To further improve accessibility to 5G, Verizon accepts any phone trade-in, even damaged ones, to reduce the cost of upgrading to a 5G device. Their phone payment agreements have shifted to 36 months, which extends the commitment period if you finance a phone through Verizon or take advantage of Verizon phone deals.
Verizon’s customer service has consistently performed well in phone carrier testing, further solidifying its reputation for good phone services. They also offer a wide selection of phones, including Ultra Wideband compatible models optimized for their network. If you prioritize strong performance and comprehensive service, and are willing to invest slightly more per month, Verizon stands out as the best overall provider of good phone services.
T-Mobile: Top Alternative for Reliable Phone Services
T-Mobile phone carrier image
(Image credit: T-Mobile)
2. T-Mobile: A Strong Contender for Good Phone Services
A Leading Alternative to Verizon for Reliable Service
Plan Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Go5G plan at $75/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 5GB plan at $15/month
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 330 million people (nationwide)
- Network Parent: T-Mobile
Why T-Mobile is a Provider of Good Phone Services:
- Attractive Unlimited Plans: T-Mobile’s unlimited plans offer excellent value and features.
- Affordable Tiered Data Plans: They also provide budget-friendly options for users who need less data.
- Excellent Subscriber Perks: T-Mobile is known for its valuable perks and customer benefits.
Points to Consider:
- T-Mobile Connect Data Caps: Their Connect prepaid plans have hard data caps, meaning data access stops once the limit is reached.
While Verizon holds the top spot, T-Mobile is a very close second, offering excellent plans and widespread 5G coverage, making them another strong option for good phone services. T-Mobile’s plans are generally slightly less expensive than Verizon’s, positioning the “Uncarrier” as an appealing alternative, particularly if T-Mobile’s network is strong in your specific location. This makes them a compelling choice for good phone services.
T-Mobile’s data plans are a major highlight. Their $75/month Go5G plan is considered one of the best unlimited data plan options available. Frequent promotions, such as waiving the cost of a third Go5G line for new customers, make T-Mobile a top contender for the best family cell phone plan as well. For those 55 and older, T-Mobile offers some of the best cell phone plans for seniors, starting at $60/month for two unlimited lines. T-Mobile’s senior plans are broadly available to anyone 55+ across the US, unlike Verizon and AT&T, which often limit senior plans to specific regions like Florida and age ranges.
For enhanced perks, the Go5G Plus plan offers superior travel and streaming benefits compared to the standard Go5G plan. The Go5G Plus plan includes an Apple TV Plus subscription. T-Mobile’s most premium offering, Go5G Next, at $100/month for a single line, allows annual phone upgrades and includes subscriptions to multiple streaming services like Apple TV Plus, Netflix, and Hulu. These added benefits significantly enhance the value proposition of T-Mobile’s good phone services.
For lighter data users, T-Mobile’s Connect plans offer 5GB, 8GB, and 12GB data tiers at very competitive prices. The 5GB plan, priced at just $15/month, directly rivals Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan pricing but without requiring a full year commitment. However, a key difference with T-Mobile Connect is that data access is hard-capped; once your monthly data is depleted, you lose data service until the next billing cycle unless you purchase more data. Many other prepaid carriers, in contrast, will simply throttle data speeds once you exceed your limit.
In terms of network performance, Ookla testing for the first half of 2024 indicated T-Mobile achieved the fastest speeds among US carriers. Rootmetrics reports T-Mobile has the best 5G availability, although they note Verizon’s 5G speeds are now faster. Opensignal’s January 2025 report awarded T-Mobile top honors across all overall experience categories, including download speed, and also ranked T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and availability as the best overall, reinforcing their standing as a provider of good phone services.
T-Mobile’s 5G network now covers over 330 million people nationwide, with 300 million having access to their faster Ultra Capacity 5G service. T-Mobile has also partnered with SpaceX on a satellite initiative to expand cellular coverage to remote areas, further improving accessibility to good phone services.
The perks for T-Mobile customers continue to differentiate them from competitors. Weekly T-Mobile Tuesday giveaways offer various prizes and benefits, and their Magenta Status program provides additional subscriber rewards. T-Mobile’s Team of Experts program, launched several years ago, focuses on enhancing customer service, contributing to a better overall experience with their phone services.
Visible: Best Low-Cost Unlimited Phone Services
Visible phone carrier image
(Image credit: Visible)
3. Visible: Affordable Unlimited Data for Good Phone Services
The Go-To Carrier for Cheap Unlimited Data
Plan Details:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Starting at $45/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: Not Applicable
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 250 million people (Ultra Wideband 5G)
- Network Parent: Verizon
Benefits of Visible’s Good Phone Services:
- Unlimited Data from $25: Visible offers very affordable entry points for unlimited data plans.
- Visible Plus Value: The Plus plan adds international calling and faster 5G at a still-reasonable price.
- Verizon Network Access: Visible leverages Verizon’s extensive network for reliable coverage.
Drawbacks:
- Potential Speed Throttling: Speeds may be reduced during periods of network congestion.
- No Multi-line Discounts: Visible no longer offers discounts for multiple lines on an account.
Visible, a discount carrier owned by Verizon, makes unlimited data more affordable than ever. Their base Visible plan starts at just $25 per month, including taxes and fees. While basic, the $45/month Visible Plus plan offers significant enhancements for a relatively small price increase, making it a strong value option for good phone services.
Visible Plus is currently an even better deal due to a limited-time promotion reducing the monthly cost for 25 months. Using code ‘SWITCH25’ at signup lowers the Visible Plus plan to $30/month and the standard Visible plan to $20/month. This promotion is set to end on January 31st, so acting quickly is advised to take advantage of these lower rates for good phone services.
Visible Plus subscribers receive 50GB of premium data before potential slowdowns. The Plus plan also includes international calling to over 30 countries, data roaming in Mexico and Canada, and one free Global Pass per month for international travel. Visible Plus also provides faster mobile hotspot speeds and allows smartwatch connection at no extra charge. A major advantage remains access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network (the standard plan uses Verizon’s slower nationwide 5G). These features make Visible Plus a compelling option for good phone services.
Visible has adopted the prepaid model of carriers like Mint Mobile, offering annual prepayment options for lower monthly rates. A full year of standard Visible service costs $275, saving $25 annually. The savings are more substantial with a year of Visible Plus prepaid service – $395 upfront saves $145 compared to regular monthly payments. Existing customers can also switch to these annual plans.
Initially focused on iPhone users, Visible now supports a wide range of Android phones, from flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 to budget models like the Galaxy A35. Their early upgrade program lets you upgrade devices after paying off 50% of the phone cost. Bring-your-own-device is also supported. For Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones with eSIM support, Visible offers a 15-day free trial, a perk previously exclusive to iPhone users, allowing potential customers to test their good phone services risk-free.
My personal experience using Visible has been positive, with network performance comparable to my Verizon service in the same areas. Visible’s customer service is online-only, which I found adequate. However, some users have reported less satisfactory support experiences.
Mint Mobile: Best Value for Money Phone Services
Mint Mobile phone carrier image
(Image credit: Mint Mobile)
4. Mint Mobile: Exceptional Value in Phone Services
Unbeatable Low Rates with Upfront Payment
Plan Details:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited data plan at $30/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 15GB plan at $20/month
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 330 million people (nationwide)
- Network Parent: T-Mobile
Why Mint Mobile Offers Good Value Phone Services:
- Extremely Low Monthly Rates: Mint’s rates are among the lowest available, especially for unlimited data.
- T-Mobile Network Coverage: They utilize T-Mobile’s extensive network for reliable service.
- Increased Data in April: Data amounts for some plans are set to increase in April, adding further value.
Things to Consider:
- Annual Commitment for Lowest Rates: The lowest advertised rates require prepayment for a full year of service.
- Minimal Extra Perks: Mint focuses on low cost, so fewer extra benefits are included.
Mint Mobile provides some of the most affordable phone services on the market, especially if you are willing to pay for coverage upfront. Currently, they offer an introductory rate of $15/month for the first three months of any plan. (This offer is ongoing but is stated to end on February 2nd on Mint’s website).
After the initial three months, you have the option to continue at a discounted rate by prepaying for a full year of service. For the 5GB plan, this translates to a $15 monthly rate, with a total upfront cost of $180. The best rate for their unlimited data plan is $30/month, requiring a $360 annual prepayment. We’ve explored the pros and cons of annual prepayment for cell service to help you decide if this model fits your needs for good phone services.
Another limited-time Mint promotion currently halves the price of unlimited service when prepaying for a year, reducing the annual cost to $180 instead of $360. This deal reportedly expires on January 24th, according to Mint’s website.
Mint offers family plans, though without the tiered discounts common with other carriers as you add more lines (like parent company T-Mobile). Instead, each line on a Mint family plan receives Mint’s standard prepaid discounted rates. A benefit is the ability to mix and match different data plans for each line within the family, a flexibility not offered by T-Mobile’s family plans.
Mint’s business model relies on customer retention through low prices and reliable service using T-Mobile’s network. You can expect fast performance in areas with strong T-Mobile coverage. Mint advertises 5G or 4G LTE coverage depending on signal strength, assuming you have a 5G-compatible phone. This network reliability coupled with low prices makes Mint a strong contender for good phone services on a budget.
Mint sells both iPhones and Android phones at various price points. You can also bring your own compatible phone to their service.
AT&T: Wide Range of Good Phone Service Plans
AT&T phone carrier image
(Image credit: AT&T)
5. AT&T: Diverse Plans for Good Phone Services
Solid Options Across Prepaid and Unlimited
Plan Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Value Plus at $51/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: 4GB plan at $50/month
- Best Prepaid Plan: Unlimited plan at $25/month (with 12-month prepayment)
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 295 million (nationwide), 230 million (high-speed)
- Network Parent: AT&T
Advantages of AT&T’s Good Phone Services:
- Extensive Network: AT&T has a large and reliable nationwide network.
- Expanding 5G Coverage: Their 5G network continues to grow in reach and speed.
- Affordable Unlimited Plan Option: The Value Plus plan provides a competitively priced unlimited option for individual users.
Disadvantages:
- HBO Max Removal: Free HBO Max is no longer included in their plans.
- Main Plan Pricing: Their primary unlimited plans can be relatively expensive compared to some competitors.
AT&T, while one of the “Big Three” carriers, can sometimes be overlooked compared to Verizon’s network size and T-Mobile’s marketing. However, AT&T offers a compelling range of good phone services when you delve deeper into their plan options.
AT&T’s plan lineup might initially seem pricey, particularly the $86/month Unlimited Premium option. This top-tier plan offers truly unlimited data and includes talk, text, and data usage in 20 Latin American countries. The $76/month Unlimited Extra and $66/month Unlimited Starter plans offer fewer perks than the Premium option.
However, for single-line users, the $51/month Value Plus plan is a standout option. It provides unlimited data and 5G access (plus usage in Mexico and Canada) for significantly less than AT&T’s other unlimited plans, although it lacks extra perks. (Previously, Value Plus multi-line discounts were unavailable, but AT&T’s website now indicates discounts apply starting with the third line.) This makes Value Plus a very competitive option for good phone services.
AT&T also has attractive prepaid options, including an unlimited data plan with a 16GB high-speed data cap. By prepaying $300 annually, this plan effectively costs $25/month – a good value for that data allowance. If prepayment isn’t desired, a $45/month unlimited prepaid plan with a 30GB high-speed data cap is also available.
AT&T generally performs well in network testing. Rootmetrics’ first-half 2024 rankings placed AT&T first in fastest overall coverage and call quality. While AT&T slipped to second overall in total performance after sharing first place with Verizon in the latter half of 2023, their network remains highly rated. AT&T’s 5G network covers 295 million people with low-band spectrum and 230 million with faster mid-band 5G, ensuring widespread access to good phone services.
Google Fi Wireless: Best for Travelers Seeking Good Phone Services
Google Fi phone carrier image
(Image credit: Google Fi)
6. Google Fi Wireless: Ideal for International Travel
The Best Choice for Travelers, Especially with Pixel Phones
Plan Details:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Plus at $65/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: $20/month (talk/text) + $10/GB data
- Best Prepaid Plan: Not Applicable
- 5G Coverage: Reaching 330 million people (nationwide)
- Network Parent: T-Mobile
Why Google Fi Offers Good Phone Services for Travelers:
- Pay-for-What-You-Use Data: Flexible data pricing, only paying for actual data consumed.
- International Data and Text: Seamless international data and texting included in plans.
- Pixel Optimization: Optimized for Google Pixel phones, and compatible with select Samsung and Motorola models.
Considerations:
- Cheaper Unlimited Data Elsewhere: More affordable unlimited data plans are available from other providers if international travel is not a priority.
Google Fi Wireless, formerly Project Fi, remains a top choice, especially if you own a Google Pixel phone like the Pixel 8a or any of the Pixel 9 models. Google Fi is tailored to provide good phone services, particularly for Pixel users and international travelers.
Pixel phones are uniquely optimized for Google Fi’s network, enabling seamless switching between T-Mobile’s network (Google Fi’s primary network), an extended network leveraging other carriers, and secure Wi-Fi. Google Fi also supports select third-party devices, including Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldables, and various Motorola phones. While iPhones are compatible with Google Fi, they don’t benefit from the optimized network switching.
Google Fi’s “by-the-gig” plan is attractive for light data users. You pay $20 for unlimited talk and text, plus $10 per GB of data used. Data charges are precisely calculated to your usage – for example, 2.5GB of data costs $25, without rounding up. This pay-as-you-go approach offers cost savings for minimal data users seeking good phone services.
Their unlimited data plans are also competitive. Unlimited Plus, at $65/month, includes international data usage in over 200 countries at no extra cost, making it one of the best international phone plans (though T-Mobile leads among major carriers for travel perks). Unlimited Plus also includes a year of YouTube Premium subscription. For those not needing international features, the Simply Unlimited plan is $50/month for a single line, which is more expensive than unlimited options from Visible and Mint Mobile.
Google Fi uniquely allows adding select devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Pixel Watch 3 to any Google Fi plan without extra connection fees – a rare benefit among carriers, further enhancing their offering of good phone services.
Comparing Good Phone Service Plans
Below is a comparison of top cell phone plans from our recommended good phone service providers. Note that our carrier rankings consider factors beyond just plan cost, which is why Verizon, our top overall pick, has a more expensive unlimited plan. Verizon’s cheaper Welcome Unlimited plan, while available, doesn’t include access to their fastest 5G service or the perk flexibility of their higher-tier plans.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Carrier | Data Amount | Monthly Cost (Single Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Unlimited | $80 |
| T-Mobile | Unlimited | $75 |
| Visible | Unlimited | $45 |
| Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15 (with $180 annual payment) |
| AT&T | Unlimited | $25 (with $300 annual payment) |
| Google Fi | Unlimited | $65 |
Visible and Mint Mobile predictably offer the cheapest plans, focusing on low-cost service over extensive perks. Mint Mobile’s low monthly rate requires annual prepayment, as does the highlighted AT&T prepaid plan.
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan, while slightly cheaper than Verizon’s, includes strong perks like travel and streaming benefits. Google Fi’s plan, although seemingly pricier at $65, offers significant international travel benefits, making it a better value for frequent travelers seeking good phone services.
Additional Good Phone Service Providers
While our top recommendations are limited to six providers, our research has identified several other wireless carriers that may appeal to specific users seeking good phone services. These may not be universally the “best,” but they offer compelling options for certain needs.
Boost Mobile
Why Tom’s Guide is a Trusted Source: Our writers and editors dedicate significant time to analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to provide informed recommendations. Learn more about our testing and review process.
Boost Mobile, now owned by Dish Network after its divestiture following the T-Mobile/Sprint merger, is emerging as another nationwide network competitor to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Their strategy focuses on low-cost unlimited plans, with their cheapest unlimited option at $25/month, featuring a “lifetime” price guarantee for as long as you remain a Boost customer. Another notable plan, Boost Infinite Access, starts at $65/month and includes annual upgrades to a new iPhone or Galaxy flagship phone. Boost is building its own wireless network while still utilizing AT&T and T-Mobile towers for broader coverage. Boost’s 5G network was projected to cover approximately 80% of the US by early 2025.
Explore Boost Mobile Plans
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular has gained popularity, particularly among seniors, due to its straightforward plans and AARP member discounts (5% off monthly rates). Their 10GB plan at $35 for a single line is a popular choice, with plan options ranging from 1GB ($20/month) to unlimited data ($50/month). Consumer Cellular uses both AT&T and T-Mobile networks for coverage, ensuring good network performance in many areas. Customer service has received some criticism, but they are generally considered user-friendly for plan management and cost control, offering good phone services focused on simplicity.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, provides access to AT&T’s network at more affordable plan prices. As an MVNO, Cricket’s data speeds may be slower during AT&T network congestion, but they have eliminated speed caps on plans, making them more appealing than in the past. Cricket plans start at $30/month for 5GB of data, with multi-line discounts available. Their $60/month unlimited plan is particularly attractive, including perks like 15GB of hotspot data and a free ad-supported Max streaming subscription, features typically uncommon with prepaid carriers, enhancing their value as good phone services.
Xfinity Mobile
For Xfinity internet customers (from Comcast), bundling with Xfinity Mobile may be a convenient option for good phone services. Unlimited plans start at $40/month, with additional lines at $20 each, resulting in $100 for a family of four ($25 per line). Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network, including 5G, supplemented by Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots. They offer a selection of current flagship phones and support bring-your-own-device.
Check Out Xfinity Mobile Plans
Key Considerations When Choosing Good Phone Services
The primary factor in selecting good phone services is network coverage in your frequently visited locations, such as home, work, and common hangouts. While our network performance testing and third-party reports provide general network averages, local coverage can vary. Personal recommendations from friends and family about their carrier experiences in your area can be invaluable.
If you are open to options beyond major carriers, consider discount carriers (MVNOs). These utilize larger networks, so confirm which network an MVNO uses to ensure good service in your areas.
After assessing coverage, evaluate plans and pricing. Determine your data needs – whether unlimited data is necessary or if a tiered data plan suffices. Our analysis of the best cell phone plans can help you find a plan matching your requirements for good phone services.
Choosing phone carriers
(Image credit: 10’000 Hours)
Another factor is plan perks, such as streaming service subscriptions. Larger carriers often offer more perks, while discount and prepaid services tend to minimize extras. Common perks include high-speed hotspot data and international roaming capabilities. Consider which perks are valuable to you when evaluating good phone services.
Our Methodology for Evaluating Phone Services
Our network performance testing previously involved on-the-ground testing in eight US cities using Ookla’s Speedtest app to measure download speeds. Real-world testing included timing app downloads from Google Play. Due to recent travel limitations, we now heavily rely on network performance reports from reputable third-party firms like RootMetrics, Opensignal, and Ookla.
The table below summarizes recent data from these firms, showing median download speeds for the three major carriers. MVNO customers can generally expect speeds similar to their parent network, but MVNO speeds may be deprioritized during network congestion.
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Carrier Speed Benchmarks
| Carrier | Ookla (5G) | Opensignal (5G) | RootMetrics (5G + LTE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 131.6 Mbps | 155.1 Mbps | 140.7 Mbps |
| T-Mobile | 228.2 Mbps | 238.3 Mbps | 307.6 Mbps |
| Verizon | 191.6 Mbps | 136.5 Mbps | 152.2 Mbps |
| Testing Period | 2Q 2024 | January 2025 | 1H 2024 |
We continuously review cell phone plans, comparing data allowances and unlimited plan variations across carriers. We also evaluate the best prepaid phone plans, assessing the trade-offs between lower prices and reduced features to determine their overall value.
Past customer support testing involved undercover inquiries via phone and social media (Twitter and Facebook) to evaluate carrier responsiveness and helpfulness regarding service and phone inquiries.
Finally, we catalog plan perks, including streaming service add-ons, hotspot data, international roaming, and regular giveaways, to provide a comprehensive assessment of good phone services.
