With so many options to consider around pricing, data needs, carrier networks and features, picking the ideal phone plan can be downright confusing! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors in deciding and recommend the top plans tailored to different needs and budgets right now in 2023. I‘ll provide detailed breakdowns of leading plans from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and various prepaid carriers. My goal is to arm you with everything needed to confidently choose a mobile plan that checks all of your boxes at a price meeting your budget. Let‘s dive in!
What Usage Factors Impact Your Plan Pick?
Before comparing specific plans, prioritize what‘s most important for your usage, lifestyle and budget. These key considerations will dictate your best option:
Data Usage
The most common use case I hear is needing ample data each month for activities like:
- Streaming shows, movies and music
- Using social media apps
- Web browsing and reading news articles
- Emailing large attachments for work
- Playing mobile games
According to a 2022 Pew Research study, the average American uses over 5 GB of smartphone data per month just on web browsing and app usage. Heavy video streamers can use over 15 GB monthly.
So realistically estimate your typical monthly usage across those activities to choose a plan aligning with sufficient data.
Budget
Of course every good decision balances value and cost. Phone plans now range from $10 to $100+ monthly depending on data limits and features. Outline what you can reasonably pay each month, factoring in any device financing or activation fees. Some key notes on pricing:
- Unlimited plans cost more but allow unrestrained usage.
- Prepaid carriers offer lowest rates but smaller data pools.
- Individual plans are cheapest. Family plans cost more but bundle savings per line.
Network Coverage & Reliability
The big carriers like Verizon and AT&T boast strong nationwide 4G LTE that spans rural and urban areas alike. But smaller prepaid carriers rent access to the same networks at reduced infrastructure costs.
Check carrier coverage maps for your most frequented locations – home neighborhood, office, commute routes and common travel destinations. Consistent access is crucial whenever you need to place calls, stream shows or share a WiFi hotspot on the go.
Weigh Phone Plan Perks & Limitations
Beyond just data amounts and pricing, take a close look at each carrier‘s terms and extras built into their plans:
Plan Perks:
- Mobile hotspot usage – Share your data plan with other devices like laptops
- International roaming – Use talk/text/data while traveling abroad
- Streaming TV/movies – Free or discounted subscriptions
- 5G access – Unlocked devices tap into new fast speeds
Potential Limitations:
- Throttling or deprioritization – Speed slowdowns during congested times after certain data thresholds
- Video streaming caps – DVD-quality video instead of HD quality
- Restrictions on sharing data or hotspot usage
Certain limitations allow carriers to provide cheaper plans. Just be aware of any clauses that may impact your experience.
The 5 Best Phone Plans of 2023
Now that you know which factors and features are most critical, here is my expert recommendation of 2023‘s top phone plans suited for a variety of needs and lifestyles:
Overall Best Value – Mint Mobile
Most Flexible Customization – US Mobile
Best Unlimited 5G – T-Mobile
Most Reliable Coverage – Verizon
Best Perks & Extras – AT&T
I‘ll now dive deeper into the defining features, pricing and ideal usage scenarios for each to aid your research process.
Mint Mobile – Best Overall Budget Value
Plans Starting At: $15/month for 4GB
Monthly Data Options:
- 4 GB
- 10 GB
- 15 GB
- Unlimited
Major Perks:
- Uses T-Mobile‘s reliable nationwide network
- Bring your own phone or purchase latest devices
- Prices drop as you prepay 3/6/12 months
- Free calls to Mexico & Canada on all plans
- Mobile hotspot access and WiFi calling
- No contracts so you can cancel or change plans freely
Mint Mobile is my top overall pick for smartphone plan value especially for light to moderate data usage. Prepaying for longer terms earns you the lowest monthly rates all still using T-Mobile‘s expansive, speedy network. It just takes some planning to determine your ideal data amount and term length.
This affordability and flexibility makes it a leading choice for:
- Budget shoppers who still desire ample data and calling without restriction
- Those needing 2-15 GB data for lighter usage like messaging, web browsing and some media streaming
- Anyone wanting network coverage and reliability without a long term contract
US Mobile – For Customized & Shareable Plans
Plans Starting At: $9/month
Monthly Options:
- Minutes: 0 ➝ unlimited
- Texts: 0 ➝ unlimited
- Data: 500MB ➝ unlimited
- Per gig pricing once data used up
Major Perks
- Fully customizable combinations
- Access Verizon or T-Mobile networks
- Shared family plans with pooled data
- International roaming capabilities
- Endless data options like 30GB and 100GB
US Mobile is an innovative carrier that lets you hand pick exactly how many minutes, texts and data GBs you want each month across Verizon, T-Mobile or pooled family plans. Say your family of 4 has varying needs – US Mobile allows you to customize and divide up usage perfectly avoiding overspending.
This pick is ideal for:
- Light data users who still require talk/text for cheap rates
- Families to build group plans tailored to each member
- Anyone wanting the flexibility of swapping networks or customization
US Mobile also offers the highest data caps reaching 100GB for power streamers and work-from-phone professionals requiring endless limits each month.
T-Mobile – Best For Unlimited 5G
Plans Starting At: $50/month per line
Monthly Options:
- Essentials: Unlimited talk, text & data
- Magenta: Unlimited premium data + 3GB hotspot per person
- Magenta Max: Truly unlimited premium data, 40GB hotspot
Major Perks
- Fast & reliable 5G coast-to-coast
- Free Netflix subscription
- Great for international travel – 210+ country coverage
- Discount per line on family plans
- Several business plan options
If you want the highest data speeds with no compromise plus entertainment perks, T-Mobile leads the pack currently. Their investments in 5G towers spell the difference streaming HD shows in crowded areas when other networks struggle. Top it off with free Netflix, discounts bundling family lines, and Global Plus upgrades for travel make it a premium experience for:
- Data-hungry users who devour 10-50GB monthly across streaming, gaming, social and more
- Families needing around 2-5 lines on shared plans
- Business customers wanting dedicated support and device management
T-Mobile also offers a Test Drive allowing you to try their service on an iPhone for 30 days before switching.
Verizon – Most Reliable National Coverage
Plans Starting At: $35/month
Monthly Options:
- Start Unlimited: Unlimited talk, text & data
- Play More Unlimited: 25 GB high-speed data + 15GB hotspot
- Do More Unlimited: 50 GB high speed data + 15GB hotspot
- Get More Unlimited: Truly unlimited premium data + 30GB hotspot
Major Perks
- America‘s most reliable nationwide 5G & 4G coverage
- Mix and match group plans to customize data
- Includes 6 month free Apple services
- 500 GB cloud storage per line
- Mobile hotspot usage on all plans
Verizon continues to lead testing and awards for delivering consistent data and call quality spanning crowded metros to rural small towns. For anyone prioritizing cell connectivity regardless of location, Verizon offers true peace of mind starting under $40 monthly.
Top options tailor made for:
- Those regularly in rural/remote areas needing dependable access
- Customizing data usage across family members
- iPhone users who can utilize 6 months free Apple services subs
- Businesses requiring phones across many regions
Verizon also lets you spread device payments over 24 months to ease upgrade costs. I do recommend studying Verizon‘s coverage map thoroughly before committing to avoid any surprises traveling to common destinations.
AT&T – Best Perks & Extras
Plans Starting At: $35/month
Monthly Options:
- Unlimited Starter: Unlimited talk, text & data
- Unlimited Extra: 50GB high-speed data + 15GB hotspot
- Unlimited Elite: 100GB premium data + 40GB hotspot
Major Perks
- Fast & reliable nationwide 5G coverage
- HBO Max subscription included
- Rollover unused data month-to-month
- Customizable group & family plans
- International perks like Mexico & Canada calling
Offering expanded 5G coverage plus the popular HBO Max streaming freebie differentiates AT&T‘s offerings. Their premium unlimited plan also allots a whopping 40GB hotspot data monthly that I haven‘t seen matched.
Ideal AT&T customers include:
- Cord cutters wanting their streaming TV replacement
- Those who frequently tether other devices to phone‘s data
- Households needing to customize data amounts per member
- Businesses requiring secure network solutions
One unique option from AT&T is the ability to roll over unused data to the next billing cycle preventing waste at month‘s end.
Final Takeaways Choosing Your Plan
I know facing down all the phone plan factors feels overwhelming initially. But now that you have full breakdowns tailored to common needs, hopefully the path forward is clear! Here are my parting recommendations as you determine the right fit:
Mobile Hotspot Usage?
Prioritize unlimited data options from T-Mobile, Verizon or premium AT&T to allow generous wi-fi tethering each month.
Travel Frequently?
T-Mobile‘s free international 5G roaming gives you high speeds in 210+ countries covering 95% of overseas trips.
Want Flexibility Switching Fast?
Avoid contracts with prepaid carriers like Mint or US Mobile. You can pivot plans or networks freely.
Stream Heavy Video/Music?
Unlimited plans lift data caps so you tap play endlessly across YouTube, TikTok, Netflix and Spotify without buffering or lower quality.
I hope mapping your usage, priorities and budget to the best carriers leaves you feeling equipped to upgrade plans with total confidence. Don‘t settle paying for unused data or overpriced rates long term. Find what brings you joy and value without restriction so you stay connected on your own terms.
Let me know if any other questions pop up during research and happy plan hunting!
