When it comes to wireless plans, AT&T is among the simplest. Like its rival US carriers, AT&T offers a variety of different options, all with the promise of "unlimited" talk, text and data. Unlike T-Mobile, which has a variety of options listed on its website, AT&T has a much simpler offering (albeit with worse names):
- Unlimited Starter SL
- Unlimited Extra EL
- Unlimited Premium PL
- Value Plus VL
All offer unlimited talk, text and data, but all also have different prices, features and perks. Which ones should you consider? Let's break it down.
Read more: Our guide to the best cell phone plans
$51 a month for one line, $124 a month for four lines
Pros
- AT&T's network is solid
- Includes use in Canada and Mexico
Cons
- No hotspot data
- Everyone needs to be on the same plan
- Need to go to "more plans" section to find Value Plus VL option
- Device promotions may not qualify for this plan
AT&T has two largely similar base plans, the Unlimited Starter SL and Value Plus VL. Both include unlimited talk, text and data and lack an allotment of high-speed data so in either scenario you could find yourself slowed down in busy areas (think packed stadiums or arenas). You can tap into AT&T's 5G network, and both plans also include unlimited talk, text and data in Canada and Mexico.
The biggest differences are that Starter SL includes 5GB of hotspot data per line and Value Plus VL needs everyone on your account to be on the same plan. Most people don't need the hotspot data and, in that case, will probably be fine with Value Plus VL and are better off saving the money.
Rounding up, one line of Value Plus VL is $51 while a single line of Starter SL is $66 (both factoring in automatic payments and paper-free billing). Spending an extra $15 a month for 5GB of hotspot data seems excessive. The difference at four lines is $20 a month ($124 for Value Plus VL versus $144 for Starter SL). At least in this case, getting Starter SL will allow you to put other people on your plan who need more features, like international roaming in Latin America or more high-speed or hotspot data, to be on pricier AT&T plans like Extra EL or Premium PL while those who don't need such options stay on the cheaper Starter SL.
It is also worth noting that Value Plus VL may not qualify for AT&T's upgrade deals, so those looking for new devices may need to look at Starter SL instead.
AT&T doesn't push the Value Plus VL and hides it behind a "more plans" section on its plans page.
The upgrade pick for those who want faster data or hotspot
Pros
- AT&T has a solid network
- Not everyone needs to be on the same plan
- Good amount of high-speed and hotspot data
Cons
- No streaming perks
- No international data outside of Mexico and Canada
Unlike T-Mobile and Verizon, AT&T no longer offers perks like bundled streaming services. It used to offer HBO (now Max) with its older top plans, but today its pricier options largely differentiate themselves with how much hotspot or high-speed data it offers domestically and in 20 Latin American countries.
For people looking for a step up from AT&T's base plans, and aren't regular travelers to Latin America, our pick is the company's Unlimited Extra EL. With this plan, you get 75GB of high-speed data and 30GB of hotspot capability.
A single line of Extra runs $76 a month (assuming automatic payments and paperless billing), while if you had four lines it would be around $164 monthly ($41 per line). Like Starter SL and Premium PL, AT&T allows those with this plan to "mix and match" lines on a family account so if only one person needs extra data or hotspot they can be on this plan while others are on the cheaper Starter SL.
AT&T's top plan, Premium PL, is $10 more per line, per month than Extra EL. For that price you do get unlimited high-speed data with no limits, 60GB of hotspot data per month, the ability to stream content on your phone in 4K and unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries. For most people, we think you'd be better off saving the money and getting the step-down plan (and potentially upgrading to this option for a month if you're traveling or need more data).
Factors to consider: Know your area
As we covered in our other wireless guides, to get the best deal you need to make sure you have the coverage that you need. This makes it hard to give a blanket recommendation of any one carrier. T-Mobile's service in New York may be excellent, but if you're in rural Iowa, Verizon is more reliable.
Your mileage may vary, but the good news is that these networks are growing and improving all the time, particularly as the three major players race to blanket the US with 5G. It's quite possible that you left a network complaining about its sparse service a decade ago, but now it's beefed itself up because of that race to acquire customers.
If you know any friends or family in your area that already use the carrier you're considering, ask about their experience. You could also go to a carrier's store and see if they offer any free ways to try out the service before switching over, such as T-Mobile's Network Pass. Verizon offers a similar 30-day program," target="_blank while AT&T has recently introduced its own 30-day eSIM free trial option for sampling its network.
How we test
Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a personal decision. What works for you and your family's needs may be different from what works for your friends or neighbors. And coverage varies by location, with some areas better served by AT&T, while others have stronger signals from Verizon or T-Mobile. Our picks are based on over a decade of covering and evaluating wireless carriers, their offerings and their performance.
In particular, we take into account the following:
1. Coverage
2. Price
3. Value
4. Perks
Coverage
With all three major carriers covering most of the country with solid 4G LTE or 5G, the choice often comes down to personal preference. We recommend trying out various eSIM options to find the best service for your specific location and needs. Looking at coverage maps on each provider's website will likely show whether you can get good coverage even if your experience isn't full bars or the fastest speeds.
This is also why, with prepaid plans, we specify which network each prepaid provider uses, as they sometimes make that difficult to figure out.
Price/Value
Value is factoring in the total experience, such as how much high-speed data you get and what's included in the sticker price.
Perks
Perks are add-ons beyond the core components of wireless service (talk, text and data). This could include bundling or discounts on streaming services, extra hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.