Best AT&T Plans (2024): Unlimited Data and More

AT&T Wireless is one of America’s three major carriers, along with Verizon and T-Mobile. The company operates its own nationwide 4G and 5G networks, and carries a variety of phones, plans, and accessories. 

AT&T sells four unlimited plans: Unlimited Premium PL ($85.99/month), Unlimited Extra EL ($75.99/month), Unlimited Starter SL ($65.99/month), and Value Plus VL ($50.99/month). Additionally, the carrier offers a single capped data option, the 4GB plan ($50/month). While AT&T’s plans don’t include lots of extras like T-Mobile’s—nor the ability to add perks at a discount like you can with Verizon’s myPlan—they do feature varying amounts of mobile hotspot data, not to mention the backing of one of the most reliable coverage networks in the country. 

In this article, we’ll outline our favorite overall, family, and budget AT&T plans. Read on to learn about the best AT&T plans on the market right now.

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Best Overall AT&T Plan

Our choice for the best overall AT&T plan is Unlimited Extra EL. While somewhat pricey at $75.99/month for a single line, Unlimited Extra EL gives you 75GB of premium (i.e., unprioritized) data to use each month, as well as 30GB of mobile hotspot data, and Mexico and Canada privileges. Here’s a full list of the plan’s assets: 

• 75GB premium data
• 30GB high-speed mobile hotspot
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada 
• Unlimited texting from US to 200+ countries

While certainly not as flashy or packed with perks as similarly priced offerings from T-Mobile and Verizon, AT&T’s Unlimited Extra EL is nonetheless our choice for the best plan on the AT&T network. 

Best AT&T Family Plan

If you’re a shrewd consumer—or just someone who pays attention to cell phone carrier commercials—you probably already know that adding lines to your cell phone plan can lead to big savings. Going the family plan route for your wireless service can allow you to get premium plans for far less than you would otherwise pay. 

If you plan on signing up for multiple lines with AT&T, we suggest taking a look at the carrier’s Unlimited Premium PL offering. The plan includes unlimited premium data—no deprioritization, ever—along with a generous 60GB mobile hotspot data allowance, and unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries at no extra cost. 

Unlimited Premium PL is AT&T’s most expensive plan at $85.99/month for a single line, but comes down in price as you add them. Each line costs just $60.99/month, for example, when you add three, or $50.99/month when you add four. Here’s a full list of everything included with Unlimited Premium PL:

• Unlimited premium data
• 60GB high-speed mobile hotspot
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada 
• Unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries
• Unlimited texting from US to 200+ countries

Best Budget AT&T Plan

Looking to keep your cell phone plan costs down? We think AT&T’s Value Plus VL is the carrier’s best budget plan. 

Value Plus VL includes unlimited talk, text, and deprioritized data, Mexico and Canada privileges, and access to AT&T’s powerful 5G network—for just $50.99/month for a single line. Here’s a full list Value Plus VL’s features : 

• Unlimited deprioritized data
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada
• Unlimited texting from US to 200+ countries
• 5G access

This plan gets even cheaper as you add lines, coming down to just $30.99/month when you add four. This makes Value Plus VL a great option if you’re also looking for a cheap family plan on AT&T’s great network. 

What About AT&T Prepaid Plans?

We’ve focused on AT&T’s postpaid plans, since they offer the most features for the price. However, AT&T sells a number of affordable prepaid plans as well. This includes three unlimited plans: Unlimited MAX + 25GB hotspot data ($55/month), Unlimited + 5GB hotspot data ($50/month), Unlimited ($40/month). Additionally, AT&T offers two capped data prepaid plans, one that gives you 15GB for $40/month, and another that delivers 5GB for $30/month. 

If you’re willing to venture beyond the major carrier market, there are also a number of smaller prepaid carriers, or MVNOs, that rent network space from AT&T and offer plans at a fraction of the price. These include Cricket Wireless, Straight Talk, and TracFone, to name a few. 

However, it’s important to note that major carriers tend to prioritize their customers ahead of subcarrier customers on their networks, which can translate to better coverage. Signing up with AT&T means you’re getting coverage straight from the source, so you may get more reliable service. 

AT&T Phones

AT&T stocks flagship and mid-range phone models from the likes of Samsung, Apple, Google, and Motorola—and frequently runs promotions that allow you to get them at discount prices.  

AT&T phone deals typically require you to trade in an eligible device and sign up for a specified unlimited data plan. Discounts are then applied in the form of bill credits across 36 months. Some of AT&T’s recent promotions have included deals on the iPhone 15, the Samsung Galaxy S24, and the Google Pixel 8. 

The Bottom Line

As one of the country’s three major mobile providers (along with T-Mobile and Verizon), AT&T offers a selection of unlimited data wireless plans that come backed by the company’s fast and wide-reaching 4G and 5G coverage. 

Our favorite overall AT&T plan is Unlimited Extra EL ($75.99/month), which includes 75GB of premium data, along with a 30GB high-speed mobile hotspot data allowance. Our pick for the best AT&T family plan is Unlimited Premium PL ($85.99/month), which features unlimited premium data, a massive 60GB mobile hotspot data allowance, and a variety of international perks. Lastly, the best budget AT&T plan is Value Plus VL ($50.99/month), a inexpensive plan that nonetheless gives you access to AT&T’s powerful 5G network. 

Ready to start comparing plans? Check out Navi’s Plan Finder tool to score the best deals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my AT&T cell phone cheaper?

To cut down your AT&T cell phone costs, start by figuring out how much data you actually need, so you're not overpaying for unused services or features. It's also worth looking at different plans, including prepaid options, which can be cheaper than traditional ones. Signing up for AutoPay can reduce your bill by as much as $15. 

Do seniors get a discount with AT&T?

Yes, AT&T offers savings for seniors. Senior customers can get a 10 percent discount by being an AARP member. On that note, veterans can also get about 25 percent off AT&T's unlimited plans. 

What is AT&T's $45 unlimited plan?

AT&T doesn’t have a $45 unlimited plan, but their prepaid Unlimited plan for $40 a month is the closest match. It gives you unlimited talk, text, and data, though it skips some of the perks you’d get with their higher-end plans. If you want solid coverage, this could be a good option.