Use a lot of data? Check out these MVNO carriers
A lot of people think of an MVNO as a carrier you get to just save money, but in the last few years these carriers have become a stronger choice even for heavy users. A data hungry user wants to have fast and reliable internet everywhere they go. There are more options than ever for unlimited MVNO data plans and the prices keep coming down as well. Our current favorite is Visible because of its simplicity compared to other carriers.
Best Overall: Visible
Visible keeps things simple like no other carrier. Besides being easy to understand, its service is rated highly, prices are competitive, and there are no service contracts. Utilizing Verizon's LTE network, Visible has great coverage out of the gate. You should still check the coverage map to be sure.
Unlimited talk, text, and data are all included in the $40 per month price. Unlike some other unlimited plans, all of Visible's data is LTE with download speeds around 5-12Mbps in most areas, which is more than enough for most HD streaming or social media applications. This is rounded out with an unlimited hotspot at 5Mbps.
It's worth keeping in mind that Visible doesn't support every new or unlocked phone. You will need to keep an eye on its compatibility list to know for sure. Most modern iPhones and a few Android phones are available with more being added all the time. You also won't get any international service at all. If you are a traveler, you'll need to pair Visible with another carrier in order to stay connected abroad.
Pros:
- Unlimited talk, text, and LTE data
- Simple to understand
- Verizon LTE
- Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)
Cons:
- No roaming
- No international roaming
- Limited phone selection
Best Overall
Visible
Verizon LTE without limits
Visible offers one of the best packages for users that want to forget about usage. Unlimited everything, including a hotspot, makes Visible a great deal.
Best World Coverage: Google Fi
Google Fi has been around for a while but the recently unveiled unlimited plan makes Fi a better option than ever for heavy data users. The new plan picks up where the old one left off, offering 22GB without interruption before being slowed down. Video streams could be limited to a quality of 480p but Google hasn't been specific on when quality drops.
The 22GB cap is more than most people need and starting at $70 for one line with the price per line decreasing with more line activations up to four at $45 each, Google Fi is still a good value. You can also use your data as a hotspot at will.
Google Fi is compatible with phones that are unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's GSM network but works even better with phones designed specifically to work with Fi. These phones will get access to Sprint's and US Cellular's networks if T-Mobile has weak service. While T-Mobile's growing footprint narrows the gap between the two tiers all the time, if you want the best service possible, you'll need the most compatible phone possible. You can check your phone at Google Fi's website.
It's also a good idea to make sure you are covered on the coverage map to be sure Fi is right for you.
One thing that sets Google Fi apart from the crowd is its international roaming capabilities. In over 200 countries Google Fi users can use their phone's data like normal. For the world traveler, there really is no better value from another MVNO or even the carriers.
Pros:
- Large combined network
- Support for most phones
- International coverage
- 100GB Google cloud storage
Cons:
- Slowed after 22GB
- Video quality may be low
Best World Coverage
Google Fi Unlimited
A great tool for traveling abroad
Google Fi expands its service with this unlimited plan for heavier users that want to take advantage of the great travel benefits and coverage of Fi.
Best on AT&T: Cricket Wireless
AT&T has a massive network and for a lot of people, it's worth it to have the coverage that comes with it. Coverage is always one of the most important factors when selecting a carrier and you should always check the coverage map before signing up for service. Luckily, Cricket has a great unlimited option available.
Make sure you opt for the Cricket More plan over the Cricket Core plan. Though cheaper, the Cricket Core plan limits data to just 3Mbps and will be noticeably slow. At $60 per month, the Cricket More plan is a good value and comes with 15GB of hotspot data as well. You also get usage in Mexico and Canada for those that like to travel.
Cricket sells a decent array of phones from its website such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 but it doesn't have the other versions of the S10 series like you might expect. Still, most unlocked phones should work fine on Cricket and you can make sure on Cricket's website.
Pros:
- Vast AT&T network
- Support for most phones
- Mexico and Canada roaming
- 15GB hotspot
Cons:
- 480p video streams
Best Value
Cricket More
Cricket's biggest data plan
Take advantage of the strong AT&T network with no contracts with the Cricket More plan. Unlimited data and 15GB of hotspot makes it a great option.
Best Value: Walmart Family Mobile
Family Mobile offers a large amount of data on the T-Mobile network for a fairly standard price. Where it really stands out is when it comes to adding lines. While one line with unlimited data costs just under $50 per month, adding additional lines is only $25 each. With more than one line, the value really stands out.
As always, check your coverage before signing up. As far as phones go, Walmart sells plenty of devices, though most of them trend towards the lower end, there are high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S10 line. With the T-Mobile network, most unlocked phones should work as well.
Family Mobile isn't perfect with its hotspot only coming with 5GB of data as well as videos only streaming at 480p. Still, if you are fine with these drawbacks and have coverage, Family Mobile can be a great value.
Pros:
- Save with more lines
- Support for most phones
- Uses T-Mobile network
Cons:
- Only 5GB hotspot
- 480p video streams
Best Value
Family Mobile Truly Unlimited
Available at your local Walmart
Walmart and T-Mobile come together to offer cheap data and great coverage. Save money by adding more lines and forget about your data usage.
Max Data: Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile allows users to consume a massive 35GB of data before they are subject to data deprioritization. This is good if you want to use a lot of data and want your speeds to stay suitably snappy even when the towers are getting busy. The lower priced unlimited plan, at $50 per month, includes 5GB of hotspot data and 100GB of Google One cloud storage.
Since Metro uses T-Mobile's network, it has the same coverage a T-Mobile customer would get, but you should always check to be sure you're covered. It also means that nearly any unlocked phone should work, but you can always check before you sign up.
Metro sells some phones from its stores, you can see the models on the website, which are mostly lower-end devices with more expensive phones available from Samsung and Apple. You can also save some money if you have multiple lines with the cost for additional lines discounted $20. A bigger plan is available for $10 more per month that comes with more hotspot data and an Amazon Prime membership.
Pros:
- 35GB before deprioritization
- 100GB Google cloud storage
- Save with more lines
- Support for most phones
Cons:
- Only 5GB hotspot
- 480p video streams
Max Data
Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited
A data focused network
Make the most of the T-Mobile network with no contracts with Metro by T-Mobile. Unlimited data with savings for each additional line are a great value.
Bottom line
There's a lot ot consider with all of these different plans but the most important factor is going to be coverage. Not all MVNOs have access to the same towers so it's important to check each one individually. Considering this among the other factors, Visible is the best overall value thanks to the massive Verizon LTE network and the simple plan with a great price.
While another carrier like Google Fi is compelling for its massive roaming potential, Visible is the best balance and should be suitable for nearly any user. There's only one plan, but it's easy to understand and you'll get everything you need for heavy data usage. You don't get international roaming either, but for U.S.-based customers who don't travel often, you can't do much better.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Samuel Contreras When Samuel is not writing about networking at Windows Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.
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