Best Phone Plans for Every Type of User, 2018
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

When choosing a phone plan, talk and text are the least of your concern; your cost will largely depend on how many users (lines) you choose and how much data you expect to use.
If you’re switching plans, refer to a recent bill so you needn’t guess about usage and try to anticipate any changes ahead -- say, you’re retiring or kicking the kids off your plan. Here are suggested plans for various types of users.
All plans, except for the one targeting families, are priced for one user.

Families
With the T-Mobile Essentials Plan (opens in new tab), you’ll pay $30 per line for four lines with unlimited talk, texting and data on a high-speed 4G LTE network. You must make automatic payments to get that price; taxes and fees are extra.

Average Users
If you want unlimited talk and texting but you use data moderately -- no HD streaming or game playing -- consider the US Mobile Unlimited Talk and Text (opens in new tab) plan with 5 gigabytes of data at standard speed. The cost is $25 per month (plus $4 for the starter kit).

Data Guzzlers
For the cheapest way to get unlimited high-speed data, check out US Mobile (opens in new tab)’s offering, which costs from $40 to $55 a month for a single line, depending on the data speed. The plan is no-frills, but it provides great coverage using the Verizon and T-Mobile networks. Data speed may slow after you use 20GB in a month. Most users won’t get there, but you can add more high-speed data for a fee.

International Travelers
With T-Mobile One (opens in new tab), you get unlimited talk and text and up to 5GB of data at 4G LTE speed in Mexico and Canada. Plus, you get unlimited, free calling from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada. In more than 100 countries, you get unlimited texting and data at 2G speed free and calls for 25 cents per minute. You can add higher-speed service with T-Mobile One Plus (opens in new tab) ($15 per month) or an International Pass (opens in new tab) ($5 per pass).

55-Plus Users
If you’re not a big mobile-phone user, the Tello Economy (opens in new tab) plan will provide you with 200 minutes of talk and unlimited texting, plus 500 megabytes of data at 4G LTE speed, for just $10 a month. You can use minutes for calls within the U.S. or to Canada, Mexico and China.
-
-
The 6 Safest Vanguard Funds to Own in a Bear Market
recession Batten the hatches for continued market tumult without eating high fees with these six Vanguard ETFs and mutual funds.
By Kyle Woodley • Published
-
In Retirement Planning, What’s Your Retirement Personality?
There are many ways to think about retirement planning, and your personality can influence yours. If your personality and plan match, you have a greater chance of retirement success.
By Samuel V. Gaeta, CFP® • Published
-
The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Edition
places to live Take a look at our list of the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
By Dan Burrows • Published
-
Should I Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
Amazon Prime The giant retailer had a year of ups and downs, leaving many wondering: Do I need Amazon Prime?
By Bob Niedt • Published
-
10 Things to Know About Hurricane Insurance Claims
Becoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
-
The Most Expensive Natural Disasters in U.S. History
Economic Forecasts Wind, water, fire and drought have all wreaked havoc on the United States. What’s been the worst?
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
The 27 Best Smart Home Devices
gadgets Innovations ranging from voice-activated faucets to robotic lawn mowers can easily boost your home’s IQ—and create more free time for you.
By Daniel Bortz • Published
-
Amazon Prime Day 2022: Some of the Best Deals from Kiplinger Editors
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is here. We’ve identified some great values on products and services, a number of which we’ve used ourselves.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated
-
10 Tax Deadlines for April 18 (Today is Not Just the Due Date for Your Tax Return)
tax deadline Between requesting a tax extension, making IRA or HSA contributions, and meeting other tax deadlines, there's more to do today than just filing your federal income tax return.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
-
Alternatives to Amazon Prime for Free Shipping and More
Amazon Prime You don’t need to pay Amazon Prime’s juiced $139 annual fee to find a wide swath of products online at different retailers.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated