Compare AT&T unlimited plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
How to choose the best value AT&T eSIM plan
Does AT&T offer coverage where you live?
Low-cost eSIM carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. According to an Opensignal network experience report 2023, AT&T comes out as the best for availability. If you're new to the AT&T network, you can use our coverage map to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an AT&T unlimited data plan? They want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. If you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your cellular data usage is likely to be lower, so you have the option to select a data plan that suits your requirements with cheap AT&T MVNO plans, meaning you can pay less if you use less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Most AT&T low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data, although there's a restriction on the amount of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit is determined by the carrier and plan that you select. You can also get AT&T data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots, ideal to use for video streaming and browsing the internet.
What's the monthly cost?
While AT&T unlimited plans cost around $65-85 per month, the best way to get an AT&T unlimited data plan is from one of their low-cost carriers. Offering budget-friendly plans ranging from around $15-45 per month without compromising wireless coverage and data speeds. Be cautious of undisclosed fees and taxes, including activation fees, as certain prepaid carriers incorporate these into the total cost while AT&T doesn't.
How many lines do you need?
With AT&T, you only get the advertised low price if you buy four lines. But with AT&T's low-cost carriers, the price you see is the price you pay, even for a single line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further family plan discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
AT&T loves keeping you locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle. But you can bring your own phone to AT&T with their Mobile Virtual Network Operators. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. Just make sure your phone's unlocked from your old carrier. If you do want to purchase a new smartphone, many MVNOs offer a great way with 0% financing over 1-2 years with offers including the latest iPhone and Samsung models.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Promotions on AT&T's wireless service can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and being stuck in 3-year phone contracts. MVNOs offer a unique service model to build your own plan to fit your needs. Often with unlimited minutes and texts, with many offering short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is more transparent.
What perks are included?
Some AT&T plans have premium data along with complimentary TV subscriptions for SD and 4K UHD TV streaming. But these often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically billed after a few months. Some affordable carriers do provide plan choices with free subscription services like HBO Max. However, it's generally advisable to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary things.
What international features are available?
Several low-cost carriers on AT&T's network offer unlimited international talk to 60 or more countries, with some also offering unlimited international texting. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that includes this. If you travel regularly, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconvenience while you're abroad.
Do they offer parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid eSIM plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best eSIM plans in your area
You still have options if AT&T isn't giving you the best coverage. Take a look at some of the best Verizon eSIM plans and T-Mobile eSIM plans to see if they've got a better plan offering for you.
Compare the cheapest AT&T eSIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB eSIM | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB eSIM | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data eSIM | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data eSIM | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
AT&T eSIM plans FAQs
AT&T MVNOs like Boost Mobile and Red Pocket offer the best eSIM prepaid plans.
The cheapest prepaid eSIM plan on the AT&T wireless network is offered by Boost Mobile and costs just $5 per month.
Recap: What is the best AT&T eSIM plan?
If you're looking to save money on your monthly cell phone bill, choosing an eSIM from an AT&T MVNO is a no-brainer.
The cheapest AT&T prepaid eSIM plans start from around $10 a month, depending on your cell phone needs.
eSIM plan guides
- Best eSIM Plans
- Best 5G eSIM Plans
- Best Prepaid eSIM Plans for iPhone
- Best eSIM Carriers
- Best Free eSIM Service
- Best Value AT&T eSIM Plans
- Best Value Verizon eSIM Plans
- Best Value T-Mobile eSIM Plans
- Best eSIM plans for Apple Watch
- Best eSIM Plans for iPads
How we choose the best eSIM carriers and plans
To select the best eSIM carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We keep our comparisons fresh by checking our eSIM plans weekly and giving our content a makeover every 3 months. This way, we ensure you're getting the most current and precise information.
