Best Phone Service Deals: Comparing Top Smartphone Carrier Offers in 2025

Smartphone carriers in the US offer a wide range of plans catering to different user needs, from light data users to heavy streamers and gamers. The current market is dominated by three major carriers – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile – along with several competitive MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that provide service on these networks at lower prices. Understanding the differences between these options can help consumers save money while getting the coverage and features they need.
Major Carrier Phone Service Deals
The three primary national carriers continue to lead the market with comprehensive coverage and premium features. Verizon maintains its reputation for extensive coverage, particularly in rural areas, while T-Mobile has aggressively expanded its 5G network. AT&T offers a balance between coverage and value, with competitive bundling options.
Verizon Wireless Plans
Verizon’s current offerings include three tiers of unlimited plans: Welcome Unlimited, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate. The Welcome Unlimited plan starts at $65/month for one line, offering basic unlimited data with potential throttling during peak times. Unlimited Plus at $80/month adds premium data, 5G Ultra Wideband access, and 30GB of mobile hotspot. The top-tier Unlimited Ultimate plan includes 60GB hotspot, international features, and streaming perks.
AT&T Wireless Options
AT&T provides four unlimited plan options: Value Plus, Unlimited Starter, Unlimited Extra, and Unlimited Premium. The Value Plus plan is the most affordable at $50/month but lacks hotspot data. Unlimited Starter includes unlimited talk, text, and data for $65/month. Unlimited Extra adds 50GB of premium data and 15GB hotspot for $75/month, while Unlimited Premium offers 100GB premium data and 50GB hotspot for $85/month.
T-Mobile Magenta Plans
T-Mobile’s simplified approach includes Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta MAX plans. Essentials starts at $60/month with unlimited data (lower priority) and 5GB hotspot. Magenta at $70/month offers 100GB premium data, 5GB high-speed hotspot, and Netflix Basic included. Magenta MAX provides unlimited premium data, 40GB hotspot, and Netflix Standard for $85/month, along with superior international roaming benefits.
Comparison of Major Carrier Phone Service Deals
Carrier | Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Premium Plan | 5G Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon | $65/month | $80/month | $90/month | Nationwide + Ultra Wideband |
AT&T | $50/month | $75/month | $85/month | Nationwide + 5G+ |
T-Mobile | $60/month | $70/month | $85/month | Nationwide + Extended Range |
MVNO and Prepaid Alternatives
For budget-conscious consumers, MVNOs offer significant savings by operating on major networks at reduced prices. Popular options include Visible (Verizon network), Cricket Wireless (AT&T), and Metro by T-Mobile. These providers typically offer plans starting around $25-$40/month, though with some limitations on data prioritization and fewer perks.
Family Plan Considerations
Most carriers offer substantial discounts for multiple lines. Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan drops to $50/line for four lines, while T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX becomes $40/line for four lines. AT&T’s Unlimited Premium reduces to $42.50/line for four lines. Family plans often include additional benefits like shared hotspot data and multiple streaming subscriptions.
Choosing the Right Phone Service Deal
When selecting a carrier, consider your typical data usage, coverage in your area, international travel needs, and whether you value extras like streaming subscriptions. Test network coverage using carrier maps and consider trial periods when available. Remember that advertised speeds may vary based on location, time of day, and network congestion.
For references and more information, visit the official carrier websites: Verizon , AT&T , and T-Mobile . Additional MVNO options can be found at Visible , Cricket Wireless , and Metro by T-Mobile .