AT&T Jail cell Phone Plans Review 2022

AT&T scores big points for bang-up coverage and speeds, just are the perks worth the price?

AT&T is i of the biggest jail cell phone companies in the United states. In fact, it's one of the biggest companies in the world, period (#22 to be exact). So yous've probably heard well-nigh it. But the question is, does AT&T take good cell phone plans?

The short respond is: yeah. AT&T offers a variety of unlimited data plans with fast speeds, cracking coverage, and high information caps. Plus, AT&T is currently rolling out a robust 5G network. The biggest downsides are high prices and throttled streaming quality.

Strap on your scuba gear because we're going to exercise a deep swoop of everything AT&T: plans, performance, bundling deals, customer service, and more. But beginning, let's go over a few nuts.

Pros

  • High data caps

  • Fast download speeds

  • Good 4G coverage

  • Fast 5G network in select areas

  • Decent perks and discounts

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Throttled video stream

How to choose the perfect plan

Choosing the perfect cell telephone programme is easy if you know what to await for. Here are a few tips from some folks who exercise this for a living (united states of america).

  • Data: Get a plan with enough 4G LTE/5G data to support your streaming, gaming, and working needs. The last thing you demand is to run dry mid-month.
  • Price: The cheapest program isn't necessarily the best value for your money (it commonly isn't). Compare prices to be sure you're getting the right mix of performance and toll savings.
  • Coverage: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all accept darn expert 4G LTE coverage in most cities and suburbs. But rural coverage and emerging 5G networks are all over the identify. Bank check coverage maps to get on the best network in your expanse.
  • Features: Don't have special features—like HD streaming and hotspot data—for granted. Read the fine print on your program to make certain it has what y'all need.

AT&T Wireless plans and prices

Powerful plans with high data caps, if you can afford them

What we like

We have some complaints virtually AT&T, but we like to start with the proficient stuff. And there's actually quite a bit of good with this carrier. Here are the things AT&T does well.

Loftier information caps

Yous might expect your unlimited data program to, you know, give y'all unlimited loftier-speed data. Just that's not going to happen, no matter which carrier you're with.

Pretty much every cell telephone plan has data caps or something called data deprioritization. Basically, this means that after you utilize a sure corporeality of high-speed data, your speeds will be reduced (especially when the network is congested).

If you lot use your phone to game, mail, stream, or piece of work, then you want a plan with a high information cap. AT&T's Unlimited Extra and Unlimited Aristocracy plans fit the bill. They have a 50 GB and 100 GB data cap, respectively, making them amongst the best in the manufacture.

Solid 4G download speeds

AT&T averages a 28.ix Mbps boilerplate download speed, which isn't quite as fast as T-Mobile and Verizon on boilerplate, but it comes pretty close. To put 28.nine Mbps in context, permit's say an Instagram story is effectually 15 MB—that means the story should play afterward waiting nearly a half a 2d, on average. Also, if you wanted to download Oceanhorn 2 off of Apple Arcade (ii.three GB), information technology would take you a little over a minute.

An infographic ranking wireless networks by speed: #1 T-Mobile, #2 Verizon, #3 AT&T, Sprint unranked because it was acquired by T-Mobile in 2020

Powerful 5G Network infrastructure

As current AT&T customers (like myself) can report, AT&T has already rolled out its 5G network across the country. It's even so not as widespread as the carrier's 4G network, only it'due south available in many metropolitan areas (like Salt Lake Metropolis, where I alive).

But this nationwide 5G network is actually "low-band" 5G, which is just a fancy way of proverb it's fast, only not that fast. Speeds on this 5G network are just a little bit faster than normal 4G.

AT&T does accept another form of 5G which uses millimeter wave technology. This 5G tin go very fast, like faster than your home internet connexion (think 100+ Mbps). AT&T calls it 5G Plus, and it'due south merely available in select parts of 38 cities. . . for now.

Looking for a 5G capable device?

Deals

You'll but be able to feel true 5G (what AT&T calls 5G Plus) if you lot have a 5G-capable device. Check out the all-time discounts and promos on new 5G-capable devices on our deals page.

Stiff coverage

Overall, AT&T's 4G network covers near 68% of the country (while its 5G network covers about fifteen.9%).one That remaining 32% is concentrated in rural dead zones in California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, or Nebraska.

But for folks living in more populated areas, you tin can expect solid coverage. AT&T users study having reliable 4G coverage 88.nine% of the time with AT&T—a solid B+.1

Every bit someone who's been on AT&T for years, I can say that its coverage is pretty awesome, even when I'k driving between sleepy desert towns in Utah and California.

As long equally you run into some heavy regal around your region on the map above, your AT&T coverage should feel reliable.

How does AT&T divvy out its Hotspot information?

Info Box

AT&T allows hotspot data on its Unlimited Extra (15 GB) and Unlimited Aristocracy (30 GB) plans. Hotspot information really comes in handy when you need to get some work done on the go, and AT&T offers solid quantities of hotspot data.

Decent perks and discounts

You can go the nearly out of your AT&T plan past taking advantage of the company's perks and discounts, such equally:

  • six months costless Stadia Pro Pass with any plan
  • Costless HBO Max subscription with Unlimited Elite programme
  • Early phone upgrades with AT&T Up Side by side
  • Costless film tickets, presale access to big events, and other little bonuses with AT&T Cheers

Also, if yous're a first responder, active military, nurse, doctor, or teacher, you can go a steep disbelieve on an unlimited data programme. Bank check it out:

Discounted unlimited plans from AT&T

This Unlimited Starter Program normally costs $lx a month, and so this is a solid $xvi.25 discount. (Eligible customers tin also salvage on the Unlimited Extra and Unlimited Aristocracy plans.)

What we don't like

AT&T used to dole out free HBO subscriptions to pretty much any new client. Now, you can only get that perk with the pricey Unlimited Elite plan. Merely that's hardly our biggest complaint nearly the company. The number one issue that AT&T has is its prices.

Expensive plans

AT&T's plans are a petty too pricey for what it currently offers. Even with the company'southward fast download speeds and high data caps, we would expect even amend coverage and more perks for an unlimited programme that starts at $65 a month.

Let's compare AT&T with the competition to bear witness its overly priced nature. Here's a chart where we compare AT&T with other major providers' unlimited data plans.

As yous can see, AT&T is pricier than any other carrier likewise Verizon. Granted, yous get high data caps with AT&T, only do you really want to spend an extra $x to $fifteen a calendar month for just a little more data? Well, maybe you exercise, but not everyone volition.

Poor streaming quality

Streaming with AT&T data gets pretty rough. Both the Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Extra information plans max out at Standard Definition (480p) video quality. You have to go as far equally paying $85 a calendar month for the Unlimited Elite plan if you lot want High Definition (720p or 1080p) streaming quality.

Streaming Quality Comparison

Standard Definition looks way worse than High Definition. Go effigy.

If you love streaming on the get, AT&T leaves a ton to be desired every bit far as streaming quality goes.

You can always rely on Wi-Fi for meliorate streaming.

Pin

AT&T's data plans may max out with SD-quality streaming, just you tin achieve Hard disk drive streaming with the assist of a handy Wi-Fi connection—assuming the Wi-Fi connection offers plenty speed.2

Data deprioritization on Unlimited Starter programme

Every bit we mentioned to a higher place, pretty much every unlimited data cell phone plan has a cap on 4G LTE and 5G data. This wasn't always the case, but it'southward become standard. Nosotros're non fans, but there's nothing we can do virtually information technology. Thankfully, AT&T's data caps on the Unlimited Actress and Unlimited Elite plans are pretty high.

Simply AT&T's Unlimited Starter plan is another story. This program is always subject to deprioritization. That means AT&T tin can irksome down your data whenever it darn well pleases. (The other two major providers, T-Mobile and Verizon, have done the aforementioned thing with their cheapest unlimited plans—gross.)

For a $65 plan, this is a bit ridiculous. In that location's no reason that y'all shouldn't go for a $40 program from a visitor like Visible if your data will be deprioritized either way.

How much information practice I use?

Okay, but how much GB am I using every month? Great question. For starters, about every hr of HD streaming y'all practise on Netflix or YouTube uses up well-nigh 1 GB of your data.

Take a look at my information usage for the month. I would consider myself to be mildly obsessed with my phone, and I've used over 100 GB.

Even though it sounds like you'll never striking 50 GB or 100 GB data caps, you lot'd be surprised how much data current apps require. Every podcast, Instagram story, and Twitter video takes upward data, and it can add upward over the form of a month.

AT&T family plans

As you tin can see in the chart of four-line plans above, AT&T family plans offering more bang for your buck than unmarried plans.

For example, if you got four split lines on the Unlimited Extra Plan, it would cost you $300! But if you bungle those lines together in a family plan, it's only $160. Yep, a family plan cuts your neb almost in half!

Seriously, these family unit plans offering all of the aforementioned benefits of individual plans—they just cost less. I know this because I've been on an AT&T family program for years (I promise to Venmo you my share of the nib soon, dad!).

How big can my family get?

Money

You can add up to 10 people on the same family programme. The pecker might seem similar a lot at that point, but dissever information technology by 10 and you're looking at a really affordable unlimited programme.

Are you lot wondering what family plans look like with other providers? Good. Yous should be. Permit'due south take a look.

AT&T family plans comparing

AT&T family plans follow the trend we've seen up to this signal—more on the expensive side, just not the well-nigh expensive option out at that place. You tin certainly get a cheaper family plan with providers like T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, but you won't savor the same level of coverage and data speeds that you would become with AT&T.1

Going with an AT&T family programme will salve you more money per programme than opting for an private information plan. Honestly, if y'all want to use AT&T as your service provider, you lot'll get the about value past hopping on a family unit plan.

AT&T prepaid plans

Prepaid plans offer a little more than flexibility than standard, postal service-paid plans. However, since nigh companies (including AT&T) have gotten ridden of contracts, the difference isn't as stark.

The only real advantages to AT&T prepaid plans is that yous take a wider variety of plans and prices to cull from, especially if you don't want a standard unlimited data plan. If one of the to a higher place plans looks perfect for y'all, go for information technology!

That said, if y'all're going the prepaid road, AT&T probably isn't the all-time carrier. Our favorite prepaid plans offer better prices, information caps, and options than what you see here–AT&T didn't quite brand the cutting.

AT&T prison cell phones and devices

You can count on AT&T to have all the latest devices.

One of the major benefits of going with a big provider similar AT&T is the fact that you lot can ever go the newest devices. And if you want to take advantage of the visitor's new 5G network, you'll probable need a new phone anyways.

AT&T probably has what you're looking for, whether you lot desire the sheer power of the Samsung Galaxy S21+, the seamless blueprint of the iPhone 12, or the no nonsense option of the Google Pixel v.

This chart shows some of the most popular telephone deals that the company is offering right now.

AT&T customer service

You can become a concord of AT&T pretty easily, just that doesn't make it all simple.

AT&T wireless has the following ways to get back up:

  • Phone: 1-800-331-0500
  • Live chat
  • Community forums
  • Twitter (@ATTCares)
  • Facebook

We'd similar to indicate out that AT&T (like all the major wireless providers) doesn't rank well with customers.2 It'south them, not you lot—we swear.

Like any human relationship, you lot'll exist happiest with AT&T when y'all take clear communication. Nosotros encounter virtually problems arising due to lack of clarity in the bill, so make sure y'all know what you're getting into and all will be good.

Some human interaction required for prepaid users

Heads Up

Users with prepaid wireless plans can't use the live chat feature, which is unfortunate—it's one of our favorite means of getting an reply when nosotros look gross and don't want to talk to anyone.

Recap: Is AT&T skillful?

AT&T'southward high information caps, fast speeds, and good coverage get in a neat choice for those who game, work, or stream on their phone all day. Those looking for a family programme with lots of data to share will also love AT&T.

But others may find that the company's loftier prices aren't worth it for a few actress GB of information, particularly since T-Mobile and Verizon offer powerful alternatives.

Here's a quick epitomize of the plans, coverage, and performance to help you brand upwardly your mind.

  • Plans: AT&T's Unlimited Starter plan offers little and costs a lot. But the Unlimited Actress and Aristocracy plans have high data caps (fifty to 100 GB), fast speeds, and some decent perks. Y'all can relieve coin on all these plans by bundling in a family programme.
  • Coverage: AT&T's 4G LTE coverage is pretty darn adept across the continent of North America. It'south download speeds are not the fastest, but they'll exercise the play a trick on. AT&T's 5G and 5G+ networks aren't the biggest or fastest in the country, simply they're coming forth.
  • Overall: When it comes to the big iii—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—AT&T stands out for its high data caps and good coverage. But T-Mobile still has faster information speeds and Verizon has better overall coverage.

If y'all're excited to get a great family plan deal and a 100 GB data cap, so yous tin can sign up for AT&T online. If you're still non sure, then you might desire to consider these other neat cell telephone plans.

Methodology

We've been monitoring AT&T's performance, prices, customer service, and plan structures for years. Nosotros update our reviews frequently using the latest sources, including customer reviews, hands-on testing, and functioning data from over 100,000 mobile users.

Overall, we've spent dozens of hours researching, writing, and updating this AT&T Wireless review so that it reflects the latest data available. Our recommendations are based on a holistic view of the carrier, the competition, and the manufacture as a whole.

Please leave a comment beneath if you have tips on how nosotros tin can ameliorate our reviews to better meet your needs!

FAQ

There are several ways to get in affect with AT&T if you lot're experiencing issues with your phone program, neb, or something else. Hither are the easiest ways to make it bear upon with customer service.

  • Telephone (1-800-331-0500)
  • Alive conversation
  • Community forums
  • Twitter (@ATTCares)
  • Facebook

Paying your AT&T bill is piece of cake. You can brand a payment using the myAT&T app, website, phone line, or you can pay past mail and in-person.

You can learn more than about all of the options in our article How to Pay Your AT&T Bill.

Easton Smith

Written by

Easton Smith

Easton has worked every bit a freelance writer and researcher for several years, reviewing health, lifestyle, and engineering science products. He has probably read more Terms of Employ contracts than any homo alive. When he's not sitting in forepart of a computer, Easton spends his fourth dimension camping, climbing, and volunteering with humanitarian aid organizations.

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