Budget

The 10 Cheapest Unlimited Plans in 2026

March 1, 2026 7 min read
The 10 Cheapest Unlimited Plans in 2026

Unlimited data no longer has to mean unlimited spending. Thanks to the explosive growth of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), you can now get unlimited talk, text, and data on the same networks as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for a fraction of the cost. Here are the 10 cheapest unlimited plans available in the United States in 2026, ranked by monthly price.

1. Tello Economy Unlimited — $25/month

Tello takes the top spot for the absolute cheapest unlimited plan in the US. At just $25/month with no contract, you get unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network. Tello includes 5GB of mobile hotspot data and supports eSIM. The plan is entirely month-to-month, and you can change your plan at any time without fees. The only catch is that data may be deprioritized during network congestion, but in practice most users report consistent speeds throughout the day.

2. Visible Basic — $25/month

Visible, owned by Verizon, matches Tello's price point while running on Verizon's network. For $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data with 5GB of hotspot. Video streams are capped at 480p. Visible is entirely app-based with no physical stores, and activation takes minutes with their eSIM support. If you want priority data on Verizon's network, upgrade to Visible+ at $45/month, which adds premium data and international calling to 30+ countries.

3. Mint Mobile Unlimited — $30/month (Annual)

Mint Mobile offers unlimited data for $30/month when you commit to 12 months upfront ($360/year). This runs on T-Mobile's 5G network and includes 10GB of hotspot data. Mint consistently ranks among the highest-rated MVNOs for customer satisfaction. The trade-off is the annual commitment, but the savings over monthly billing are substantial. Month-to-month, the same plan costs $40/month.

4. US Mobile Unlimited Basic — $25/month

US Mobile lets you choose between Verizon's or T-Mobile's network. Their unlimited basic plan starts at $25/month and includes unlimited talk, text, and data with 10GB of hotspot. US Mobile differentiates itself with excellent customer service, eSIM support, and the ability to create custom plans. For families, their pooled plans can drop the per-line cost even further.

5. Boost Mobile Unlimited — $25/month

Boost Mobile, now operating on AT&T's network after the DISH transition, offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/month. The plan includes 30GB of premium data before potential deprioritization. Boost has the advantage of physical retail locations nationwide, making it easier to get in-person help with activation and troubleshooting.

6. Cricket Wireless Unlimited — $55/month

Wait, $55/month? While Cricket Wireless is pricier than the others on this list, it earns its spot because the price drops dramatically with multi-line discounts. A family of four pays just $100/month total ($25/line). On AT&T's network, Cricket delivers reliable coverage and consistent speeds. Video is capped at SD quality on the base plan, but the Cricket Unlimited + More plan at $60/month bumps it to HD.

7. Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited — $30/month (with promotions)

Metro by T-Mobile frequently runs promotions that bring their unlimited plan down to $30/month for new customers. At its regular price of $40/month, it includes unlimited 5G data on T-Mobile's network, 5GB of hotspot, and 100GB of Google One cloud storage. Metro also includes Amazon Prime on their top-tier $60/month plan, which is a significant value add.

8. Total by Verizon Unlimited — $30/month

Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless) offers unlimited data on Verizon's network for $30/month for a single line. The plan includes 10GB of mobile hotspot and eSIM support. Total is a solid pick if you want Verizon's network reliability at a budget price, though the brand is less well-known than competitors.

9. Google Fi Unlimited — $35/month

Google Fi stands out for its international features. For $35/month, you get unlimited domestic data plus data in 200+ countries at no extra charge. Google Fi automatically switches between T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Wi-Fi networks for the best signal. The unlimited plan includes 5GB of tethering. For travelers or people who frequently make international calls, Google Fi is unbeatable.

10. Straight Talk Unlimited — $35/month

Straight Talk, available at Walmart stores nationwide, offers unlimited plans starting at $35/month. You can choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile networks depending on your device and location. The plan includes 10GB of hotspot data. Straight Talk's biggest advantage is accessibility: you can buy a plan and activate a phone in a single Walmart trip.

What to Know Before Switching

Before jumping to a budget unlimited plan, keep these factors in mind:

  • Data deprioritization: Most MVNO plans are subject to network management. During congestion, your data speeds may be temporarily reduced. This is rarely noticeable in suburban and rural areas but can matter in dense urban centers.
  • Hotspot limits: Budget plans typically include 5-10GB of hotspot data, compared to 50-60GB on premium carrier plans. If you rely on tethering, check this carefully.
  • Phone compatibility: Most MVNOs work with any unlocked phone. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you will need to unlock it before switching.
  • Customer support: MVNOs generally rely on online chat and phone support rather than in-person stores. If you need face-to-face help, consider Metro, Cricket, or Boost, which have physical locations.
  • Number porting: You can keep your existing phone number when switching to any of these carriers. The process typically takes 10-30 minutes.

The bottom line: unlimited data plans have never been more affordable. Whether you choose Tello at $25/month or Google Fi at $35/month for its international perks, you are getting the same underlying network as customers paying $80-90/month on major carriers. Use our comparison tool to see all plans side by side.