Choosing the right phone plan in the USA can feel overwhelming. With numerous carriers, plans, and confusing jargon, it’s tough to know where to start. If you’re looking to compare phone plans in the USA and prioritize fast speeds, ample data for streaming and downloading, and reliable 5G coverage, the T-Mobile Go5G plan might be the perfect choice for you. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see if it truly stands out in the crowded US mobile market.
If data is your main concern—you need a robust network connection for heavy downloading and uploading—the T-Mobile Go5G plan is a strong contender. While it’s not the most prominently advertised plan on T-Mobile’s website (you’ll need to click “See More Plans” on their plans page), it offers excellent value, especially when you compare phone plans from competitors like AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile’s expanding 5G network has significantly enhanced its already solid service across a growing portion of the United States.
T-Mobile Go5G logo, a top pick for unlimited data phone plans in the USA
Go5G: A Top Contender in Unlimited Data Plans
When you compare phone plans based purely on price for unlimited data, Go5G emerges as a leader. For $75 per month, you get unlimited on-phone data, including a generous 100 GB of priority data. After using 100 GB, T-Mobile may temporarily slow down your speeds during periods of network congestion. This data allowance is more substantial than AT&T’s comparable plan, which offers 75 GB of priority data for a $10 higher price. Verizon’s closest plan, while offering unlimited priority data, also comes at a $10 premium. Notably, T-Mobile’s advertised price includes taxes and fees, unlike its competitors who add these costs on top. (For multiple lines, the price drops to $65 per line for two lines and $35 per line for four lines). The plan includes 15 GB of mobile hotspot data, suitable for occasional use, though less than some pricier competitor plans offer. However, for most users’ typical needs, it’s more than sufficient.
Exploring Cheaper T-Mobile Alternatives
T-Mobile also presents more budget-friendly options when you compare phone plans. The Magenta plan, previously recommended, is still available for $5 less than Go5G. It maintains 100 GB of priority data but reduces the hotspot quota to 5 GB. While still accessible, T-Mobile now requires contacting customer service via phone or chat to order it, which often indicates a plan nearing discontinuation. Therefore, it’s not the most future-proof choice.
For customers aged 55 and older, T-Mobile offers even more compelling discounts. By selecting “Age 55+” under “Phone & discount plans” on T-Mobile’s website, you can access reduced rates on Go5G. The 55+ Go5G plan costs $60 for a single line, $45 per line for two lines, and $55 per line for three or four lines. If you’re approaching 55, remember to consider this plan, as T-Mobile might not proactively inform you about your eligibility.
T-Mobile’s 5G Network Advantage
Data plans are only as good as the network supporting them. T-Mobile’s network, particularly its 5G, has become a clear leader. This is largely due to their deployment of mid-band spectrum, which provides a sweet spot of impressively fast 5G speeds and broader coverage than the extremely fast but short-range millimeter-wave 5G used by AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile markets this mid-band 5G as Ultra Capacity 5G, and it delivers significantly faster speeds compared to the low-band 5G that forms the base of their network and is the most common type of 5G offered by competitors.
Third-party testing and independent evaluations of Wi-Fi hotspots from major carriers consistently highlight this advantage.
Opensignal’s 5G-specific tests from July 2024 demonstrate T-Mobile’s significant lead in download speeds, exceeding Verizon and AT&T by over 50%. Furthermore, T-Mobile’s 5G was available nearly 68% of the time, drastically higher than AT&T’s almost 12% and Verizon’s nearly 8%. Ookla’s Speedtest in Q4 2023 also showed T-Mobile leading in median download speeds (188.96 Mbps vs. 91.62 Mbps for Verizon and 90.82 Mbps for AT&T) and 5G-only median download speeds (238.87 Mbps compared to Verizon’s 196.43 Mbps and AT&T’s 125.73 Mbps).
PCMag recognized T-Mobile as the fastest mobile network in 2021, their first-ever top ranking. They maintained this position in 2022, the last year of their drive testing. RootMetrics’ latest State of the Mobile Union report for the first half of 2024 also confirms T-Mobile’s fastest median download speeds at 307.6 Mbps, double Verizon’s 152.2 Mbps and AT&T’s 140.7 Mbps. While RootMetrics awarded overall top honors to Verizon for more consistent service outside urban areas, AT&T closely followed.
| Average 5G download | 5G availability |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 226.7 Mbps |
| Verizon | 150.5 Mbps |
| AT&T | 142.1 Mbps |
Opensignal’s July 2024 report indicated that T-Mobile’s 5G network is both faster and more accessible to its users compared to the other two major national carriers. Source: Opensignal
Although AT&T and Verizon launched their faster 5G services on C-band frequencies in January 2022 and have expanded this mid-band coverage nationally beyond initial limited launch areas (eight for AT&T [PDF] and 46 mostly urban markets for Verizon), T-Mobile’s advantage has persisted.
International Travel Perks with Go5G
For frequent travelers, Go5G offers significant benefits. It includes international roaming with 5 GB of high-speed data in 11 European countries where T-Mobile’s parent company, Deutsche Telekom, operates, and 128 kbps speeds elsewhere. While 128 kbps may seem slow, it’s adequate for basic email and browsing. You also get free texting, calls at 25¢ per minute, and the ability to use your phone in Canada or Mexico with no roaming charges for up to 10 GB per month, even on 5G. Additionally, Go5G includes one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi, and four full-flight Wi-Fi passes per year on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Go5G vs. Go5G Plus and Go5G Next
T-Mobile also provides higher-tier unlimited plans. Go5G Plus costs $90 for a single line, $75 each for two lines, or $55 each for four lines. It increases the hotspot data to 50 GB, offers 5 GB of international roaming in over 200 countries, and provides free full-flight Wi-Fi on all flights with partner airlines. This plan also bundles in Apple TV+ and Netflix’s standard with-ads plan. For frequent travelers and streaming enthusiasts, Go5G Plus might offer cost savings by combining wireless and entertainment expenses. However, for most users, the standard Go5G offers the best balance of features and price. The Go5G Next plan, priced at $100, caters to those who want a new phone every year.
T-Mobile’s discounts for customers 55 and older apply to these premium plans as well. For a single line, Go5G Plus costs $75 and Go5G Next costs $85 under the 55+ discount, with similar savings for multi-line plans.
Potential Drawbacks of Go5G
Rural Coverage Limitations
While T-Mobile’s network has improved significantly, its rural coverage still lags behind AT&T and Verizon. In less populated areas, AT&T and Verizon generally offer more comprehensive coverage, as observed in drive testing for PCMag in rural regions of the Southeast and Northwest. If you frequently travel to remote areas, this coverage difference could be a factor to consider when you compare phone plans.
International Roaming and Phone Locking
Although T-Mobile’s international roaming is more affordable than AT&T’s and Verizon’s, there’s a caveat. If you purchase your phone from T-Mobile on an installment plan, your phone will remain locked until the balance is paid off or the contract term is completed. This could restrict international roaming if you plan to use a local SIM card abroad before your phone is unlocked.
Data Breach History
T-Mobile has experienced several data breaches, with a major one in August 2022 affecting approximately 40 million customers. While concerning, data security issues are unfortunately prevalent across the telecom industry. T-Mobile’s subsequent decision to limit autopay discounts to bank account or debit card payments has also been criticized.
“Un-carrier” Missteps
Despite branding itself as the “Un-carrier” and aiming to disrupt traditional wireless practices, T-Mobile hasn’t been immune to customer-unfriendly actions. Examples include attempts to migrate users from older plans to more expensive ones (later reversed after backlash) and rate hikes on older plans implemented via text message notifications. These instances highlight the need for customers to remain vigilant and review their monthly statements and communications from T-Mobile, as with any carrier.
Final Verdict: Is T-Mobile Go5G the Right Phone Plan for You?
When you compare phone plans in the USA, T-Mobile Go5G stands out as an excellent choice for users who prioritize fast data speeds, extensive 5G coverage, and value-packed international features, all at a competitive price. While rural coverage and past data breaches are considerations, for most users, the advantages of Go5G, particularly its leading 5G network and unlimited data offering, outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability, T-Mobile Go5G should be high on your list when comparing phone plans in the US market.
