When choosing a cell phone carrier, especially if you’re prioritizing data for streaming and downloading, the options can be overwhelming. Among the major players, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T consistently rank high, but which one truly offers the best value and service? This review delves into a detailed comparison, spotlighting T-Mobile’s Go5G plan as a potentially leading choice, particularly when pitted against competitors.
For users whose primary concern is robust data connectivity for bandwidth-intensive activities, the T-Mobile Go5G plan emerges as a compelling option. While it might not be the most prominently featured plan on T-Mobile’s website—requiring a click on “See More Plans” to uncover—it presents a stronger value proposition for most users compared to similar plans from AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile’s ongoing 5G network expansion has significantly enhanced its already commendable network performance across a growing portion of the United States.
Go5G: A Price-Competitive Unlimited Data Plan
The T-Mobile Go5G plan distinguishes itself primarily through its competitive pricing for unlimited data. At $75 per month for a single line, Go5G provides unlimited on-device data, including a generous 100 GB of premium data. After this threshold, T-Mobile may temporarily reduce speeds during periods of network congestion. This data allowance surpasses AT&T’s comparable plan, which offers 75 GB of premium data for a $10 higher monthly cost. Verizon’s closest equivalent, while offering unlimited premium data, also comes with a $10 price premium. Crucially, T-Mobile’s advertised price is more transparent, incorporating taxes and fees that are typically added separately by AT&T and Verizon. For multiple lines, the value increases: two lines cost $65 each, and four lines are priced at $35 each. The plan includes 15 GB of mobile hotspot data, suitable for occasional tethering needs, although less than some pricier competitor plans.
Exploring Cheaper T-Mobile Alternatives
T-Mobile also presents more economical options. The Magenta plan, previously recommended, is still available at $5 less than Go5G, offering 100 GB of premium data and a 5 GB hotspot allocation. However, its availability is becoming less prominent, often requiring customers to contact T-Mobile directly, suggesting a potential phase-out.
For customers aged 55 and above, T-Mobile provides even greater discounts. These “55+” plans significantly reduce the cost of Go5G, making T-Mobile an even more attractive choice for seniors. The Go5G plan for those 55+ drops to $60 for a single line and $45 per line for two lines, with further reductions for three or four lines. It’s advisable for eligible customers to proactively inquire about these discounts, as T-Mobile may not always automatically apply them.
T-Mobile’s 5G Network Leadership
Data allowance is only valuable when paired with a fast and reliable network. T-Mobile’s network has emerged as a leader, particularly in 5G performance, thanks to its strategic deployment of mid-band spectrum. This mid-band 5G, branded as Ultra Capacity 5G by T-Mobile, delivers impressive speeds with broader coverage compared to the C-band 5G of AT&T and Verizon, and far surpasses the limited range of millimeter-wave 5G. While low-band 5G provides wider coverage for all carriers, T-Mobile’s mid-band advantage is increasingly evident.
Independent testing consistently validates T-Mobile’s 5G superiority. Opensignal’s July 2024 crowdsourced data highlights a significant lead for T-Mobile in 5G download speeds, exceeding Verizon and AT&T by over 50%. Furthermore, T-Mobile’s 5G availability was significantly higher, accessible nearly 68% of the time, compared to under 12% for AT&T and almost 8% for Verizon. Ookla’s Speedtest data from Q4 2023 reinforces this, showing T-Mobile leading in median download speeds and 5G-only median download speeds.
PCMag recognized T-Mobile as the fastest mobile network in both 2021 and 2022. RootMetrics’ latest State of the Mobile Union report for the first half of 2024 also confirms T-Mobile’s speed advantage in median download speeds, double that of Verizon and AT&T. However, RootMetrics acknowledged Verizon’s stronger overall performance in areas outside of urban centers, with AT&T closely following.
| Average 5G download | 5G availability |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 226.7 Mbps |
| Verizon | 150.5 Mbps |
| AT&T | 142.1 Mbps |
Opensignal’s July 2024 report demonstrated T-Mobile’s 5G network superiority in speed and availability compared to its national competitors. Source: Opensignal
While AT&T and Verizon have expanded their 5G networks using C-band frequencies since January 2022, T-Mobile’s early lead and mid-band focus have allowed it to maintain a performance advantage.
Go5G: Ideal for International Travelers
For frequent travelers, the Go5G plan offers notable benefits. It includes international roaming with 5 GB of high-speed data in 11 European countries within Deutsche Telekom’s service area, and 128 kbps speeds elsewhere. While 128 kbps might seem slow, it’s generally sufficient for basic email and browsing. The plan also includes free texting, low-cost calling at 25¢ per minute, and usage in Canada and Mexico without roaming charges (up to 10 GB per month, even on 5G). Additionally, Go5G provides an hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi and four full-flight Wi-Fi passes per year on select airlines.
Exploring Higher-Tier Unlimited Options
T-Mobile offers more premium unlimited plans, but Go5G remains the optimal choice for most users. Go5G Plus, priced higher, increases hotspot data to 50 GB, international roaming data to 5 GB in over 200 countries, and provides free full-flight Wi-Fi on partner airlines. It also includes subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Netflix (standard with ads). For frequent travelers who already subscribe to these streaming services, Go5G Plus might offer cost savings. However, for most users, the standard Go5G plan provides the best balance of features and value. The Go5G Next plan, focused on annual phone upgrades, is also available at an even higher price point. The 55+ discounts apply to these higher-tier plans as well, reducing their monthly costs.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Rural Coverage Limitations
While T-Mobile’s network has improved significantly, its rural coverage still trails behind AT&T and Verizon. In less populated areas, AT&T and Verizon may offer more consistent coverage. Prospective customers who frequently travel in rural regions should assess whether T-Mobile’s coverage limitations might be a significant issue.
International Roaming and Phone Locking
T-Mobile’s international roaming is generally more affordable than competitors, but there’s a caveat. If you purchase your phone from T-Mobile on an installment plan, the device may be locked to their network until the balance is paid off, potentially affecting international roaming if you intend to use a local SIM card.
Past Data Breaches
T-Mobile has experienced a history of data breaches, with a significant incident in August 2022 affecting millions of customers. While data breaches are a concern across the telecom industry, T-Mobile’s history is noteworthy. This also adds context to their decision to limit autopay discounts to bank account or debit card payments, a policy that has drawn criticism.
Customer Service Concerns
Despite T-Mobile’s “Un-carrier” branding and efforts to disrupt industry norms, there have been instances of customer-unfriendly practices. Examples include attempts to migrate customers to more expensive plans and rate increases on older plans, communicated through text messages. Customers should remain vigilant and review their monthly statements and communications from T-Mobile.
Conclusion: Is T-Mobile Go5G the Best Choice?
When comparing cell phone carriers, T-Mobile’s Go5G plan stands out as a top contender, particularly for users who prioritize data speed, 5G coverage, and international travel benefits. Its competitive pricing and transparent fee structure further enhance its appeal. While potential drawbacks like rural coverage limitations and past data breaches exist, T-Mobile’s strengths, especially in network performance and value, make Go5G a compelling choice for many. For those seeking a balance of performance, features, and price, T-Mobile Go5G deserves strong consideration when comparing cell phone carrier options.
