Finding the most affordable wireless plan
Assessing your wireless needs
You'll want to understand your personal needs in a wireless plan to choose not only cheap phone plans but also the best cell phone plan for you to avoid paying for unnecessary features.
Some factors to consider when evaluating wireless plans include your average data usage, the need for hotspot data, mobile security, and access to 5G.
If you have an existing AT&T WirelessSM plan, you can check your current usage for data, talk, and text to see your baseline needs. You can also research the 5G coverage of your preferred carrier to see their coverage in your geographical region.
You might also consider how often you use 5G access, international texting, and hotspot capabilities. In the long run, if you use these features often, a plan that includes them may save you money rather than paying for these services as needed.
Are you looking for a phone plan deal with the most features? With the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan, you not only get:
- AT&T 5G access included.1
- AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security, a free app to monitor the dark web for your personal information and help block harmful websites, and more.2
- 60GB of hotspot data per line/mo.3
- Unlimited talk, text & high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries at no extra cost.4
- 4K Ultra H.D. streaming available.
- Unlimited text from the U.S. to over 200+ countries.
- Unlimited talk, text & data in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.5
Unlimited high-speed data that can't slow down based on how much you use.
1Requires a compatible 5G device. Coverage not avail. everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
2Compatible device for AT&T ActiveArmor app. Download of app req'd. Some mobile security features not avail. while roaming internationally. Details at att.com/activearmorapp.
3After 60GB, speeds slowed to max. 128Kbps.
4Coverage and data speeds vary. International usage should not exceed domestic.
52G off net data speeds may apply.
Comparing wireless plans
Once you've evaluated your needs, you should explore our wireless plans to find a phone plan deal that fits you best.
Whether you mostly use your phone for talking and texting or have serious data needs, choosing the right phone plan deal allows you to only pay for the features you need.
AT&T Wireless plans come with unlimited talk and text. This means you never have to worry about overage charges for domestic calls or SMS messages. If your family uses internet access lightly on their cell phones, a 4GB plan may be the best option.
Looking for the best mobile phone plans possible? With our best unlimited plan, the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan, you'll enjoy a number of great benefits, including: AT&T 5G access,1 AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security, a free app to monitor the dark web for your personal information and help block harmful websites, and more,2 60GB of hotspot data per line/mo.,3 unlimited talk, text & high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries at no extra cost,4 4K Ultra H.D. streaming availability, unlimited text from the U.S. to over 200+ countries and unlimited talk, text & data in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.5
Looking for the cheapest cell phone plans? One of AT&T's most affordable phone plans , the AT&T Value PlusSM VL unlimited plan, comes with:
- Unlimited talk, text & data starting at $3099/mo. per phone line (for four lines).6
- Unlimited talk, text & data in and between the U.S., Canada & Mexico.5
- Access to fast, reliable, secure AT&T 5G.1
- AT&T ActiveArmorSM security, a free app to help block those annoying spam calls & texts, and more. 2
- Upgrade when it's right for you with flexible options.
- Unlimited texting from the U.S. to 200+ countries.
- Includes SD video streaming.
- Available for your phone, tablet and smartwatch.
You may wish to use AT&T's wireless plan calculator to figure out how much each wireless plan costs based on how many lines of service you need, and which plan you choose for each line. Using the calculator, you can mix and match on our best-mobile phone plans.
Unlimited high-speed data that can't slow down based on how much you use.
1Requires a compatible 5G device. Coverage not avail. everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
2Compatible device for AT&T ActiveArmor app. Download of app req'd. Some mobile security features not avail. while roaming internationally. Details at att.com/activearmorapp.
3After 60GB, speeds slowed to max. 128Kbps.
4Coverage and data speeds vary. International usage should not exceed domestic.
52G off net data speeds may apply.
6Req’s AT&T Value PlusSM VL, eligible autopay & paperless bill. Taxes and fees extra.
Family plans and group discounts
Family plans and group discounts offer some of the greatest affordable phone plans when shopping for a wireless service. Many AT&T Wireless plans offer the best pricing with four or more lines, so everyone in the family can get great cell phone service.
With Unlimited Your Way®, the choice is yours, guaranteed. Mix and match any of our best unlimited* plans,2 starting at $3599/mo. per line (for four lines).1 You'll also be happy to know that all our best unlimited* plans include AT&T 5G, ActiveArmorSM security3, and hotspot data.
*AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy
Here's a recap of the benefits offered with each of AT&T's unlimited plans:
-
AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL plan: Comes with unlimited talk, text & data in and between the U.S., Canada & Mexico4, 5G access, AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security, a free app to monitor the dark web for your personal information and help block harmful URLs, and more.3 Plus, 5GB of hotspot data.5
-
AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL plan: This plan includes everything offered in the Unlimited Starter SL plan, combined with AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced security.
-
AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan: This plan offers the best of everything, including unlimited high-speed data that can't slow down based on how much you use and 60GB of hotspot data.5**
**After 75GB, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy
AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL, AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL, & AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL.
2AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL, AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL, & AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL.
3Compatible device for 5G, & AT&T ActiveArmor app access. Download of app req'd. Some mobile security features not avail. while roaming internationally. 5G coverage not avail. everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.
42G off net data speeds may apply.
5After 5GB/30GB/60GB speeds slowed to max. 128Kbps.
AT&T Signature Program discounts
You may be eligible to save $10/mo. per line,* on AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL through the AT&T Signature Program if you’re:
- An employee of a participating company
- A student of a participating school
- A member of a participating union
AT&T Wireless account owners may also enjoy additional benefits based on the agreement with their employer, school, or organization.
AT&T Appreciation offers are available for teachers, nurses and physicians, military service members and veterans, and their families. This is a 25% discount on our latest unlimited plans (AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy). It's a way of saying thank you to those who have done so much to improve our communities. AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
Special discounts are offered to qualified active union members through the Signature Program. Active union members can get $10/mo. savings per phone line on the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan.* Qualified unions members also get 15% off 4GB plan, waived activation fees with select activations, waived upgrade fees with select upgrades, and 20% off eligible accessories.
Customers 55+ get two lines of unlimited for $35/mo. per line with the AT&T 55+ plan—that’s our lowest price.
For lines to be eligible for an AT&T Signature Program discount, they must be the account owner or have been transferred billing responsibility. To find out if you qualify for the AT&T Signature Program, check out the AT&T Signature Program page and see if you qualify.
Prepaid vs. traditional wireless plans
AT&T Prepaid® is an alternative to the traditional AT&T wireless service. It offers simple, premium and affordable phone plans with no annual contract or credit check.
Plans start at $25 a month, and all AT&T Prepaid phone plans include:
-
5G access
-
Unlimited talk and text
-
Unlimited text from the U.S. to over 230 countries
-
Unlimited talk and text plus data usage in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada is included with $40 and higher monthly plans
-
AT&T ActiveArmor: Includes Fraud Call Blocking and Spam Alerts
-
Buy online and get a free SIM, free shipping and no activation fee
Plans:
-
Unlimited data, talk and text with 5GB hotspot*
-
$50 a month with $15 AutoPay savings. Taxes extra.
-
-
Online only: Unlimited data, talk, and text**
-
$25 a month when you pay $300 in advance for 12 months of service. Taxes extra.
-
-
15GB data
-
$40 a month. Taxes & fees extra.
-
-
5GB data
-
$30 a month. Taxes & fees extra.
-
Students and veterans get discounts on the unlimited plan with 5G hotspot when they sign up at AT&T Prepaid | Student Beans and Save 20% on AT&T Prepaid | Veterans Advantage.
AT&T Prepaid also offers budget-friendly cell phones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola and more.
Family plan discounts are also available. Save up to $20 per line every month!
Visit att.com/prepaid for details
**After 16GB, speeds slowed to max 1.5Mbps for the month
More articles and information
AT&T cell phone and data-only plans
Learn more about our wireless phone plans and data plans. Compare pricing and features and find the best plan to fit your needs.
