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Best plans on AT&T for students
Top 3 most affordable plans with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T plan
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best cell phone plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
AT&T vs T-Mobile plans for students
Top 3 most affordable plans with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best plans for students on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
| AT&T | How do AT&T plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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*$45 for 3 Months
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| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
AT&T vs Verizon plans for students
Top 3 most affordable plans with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Twigby Mobile phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby Mobile offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about best plans for students on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- eSIM compatible
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Offering a selection of customizable wireless plans with a range of data options, with Twigby Mobile, you can create plans, whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- Twigby Mobile doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Great pricing
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Taxes & fees included in price
- User-friendly website
Cons
- Only 2 plan choices
- Data speed is capped at 5 Mbps
- Limited phone compatibility
- App-based service
| AT&T | How do AT&T plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
|
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| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best overall plan for students
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best cell phone plans for students.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
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 student plan on AT&T
Does AT&T offer coverage where you live?
Operating on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless network, AT&T MVNOs offer the same coverage. 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, college, 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 so you can save even more on a family plan with friends.
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 inconveniences while you're abroad.
Check out our comparison of the cheapest AT&T cell phone plans before you decide.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
You still have options if AT&T isn't giving you the best coverage. Check out the best Verizon student phone plans and T-Mobile student phone plans.
Compare the cheapest AT&T student phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* |
$225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
| Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* |
$150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
AT&T student plans FAQs
The cheapest AT&T plans are available from AT&T MVNOs, such as Red Pocket Mobile and Boost Mobile. They have plans starting as low as $5 per month.
The best AT&T phone plans are available through MVNOs that operate on the AT&T wireless network; you'll receive the same quality coverage at half the cost.
Recap: What is the best AT&T phone plan for students?
Switching to an AT&T MVNO can save you up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill.
Bringing your phone is a great idea if you want to save the most money when switching carriers.
AT&T phone plan guides
- Best Cell Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Unlimited Data Plans on AT&T
- AT&T MVNOs: Best Carriers on the AT&T Network
- Best Phone Plans for One on AT&T
- The Best AT&T Switch Deals
- Best Kids Plans on AT&T
- Best Plans for Students on AT&T
- Best BYOP Plans on AT&T
- Best 5G Plans on AT&T
- Best Phone Plans on AT&T
How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best 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 regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
It's time to take back your power from big corporations.
Together, we can bring change by making more informed choices.
Low cost carrier FAQs
Coverage depends on the carrier’s network. Check coverage maps and reviews to ensure your new carrier provides good coverage in your area.
Switching carriers is usually straightforward and can be done online or over the phone with very little downtime. If you’re switching to an eSIM plan you can switch in minutes.
Data speeds depend on the carrier’s network. Low-cost carriers use the same networks as the big 3, providing similar speeds.
Yes, most prepaid carriers offer similar features, including unlimited data, international calling, and mobile hotspots.
Many smaller and prepaid carriers offer excellent customer service, often with higher satisfaction ratings than the big 3.
No, prepaid plans are popular among all credit levels due to their flexibility, no-contract terms, and cost savings.
Only if you want to. Most low-cost carriers allow you to bring your own phone as long as it’s compatible with their network.
You can use our phone compatibility checker, or most carriers offer an online tool where you can enter your phone’s IMEI number to check compatibility.
Some carriers offer financing options or promotions that allow you to pay for a new phone in installments, often interest-free.
Yes, you can switch back, but be aware of any contract terms or fees that might apply. Always review policies with your old and new carrier before switching.
Many low-cost carriers offer competitive international plans. Check the specific carrier’s offerings for details.
