The best plan for you may offer unlimited wireless internet data, but certain limitations exist. Most plans have a "Fair Use Policy" that gives carriers some latitude regarding data usage. These policies often limit usage to a few hundred GB per month, and any use beyond that may result in throttling or termination. You should always be aware of this policy before using an unlimited plan. But in most cases, it is impossible to use data beyond these limits.
T-Mobile's Magenta MAX plan
The new T-Mobile Magenta MAX plan offers unlimited data and streaming in up to 4K UHD and 40GB of high-speed tethering. The downside to this plan is that it throttles your devices after using up the limit. This is a good thing if you frequently go online for long periods. However, after the limit, your data is throttled to 3G speed.
The T-Mobile Magenta MAX plan offers the best value for your money. At $70 per line per month, this plan offers unlimited talk and text within the U.S. and unlimited data in over 210 countries. The plan includes a free Netflix subscription for two or more lines, tons of high-speed data, and unlimited streaming via T-Mobile's app.
Verizon's Fios Internet 300/300 plan
The Fios Internet 300/300 plan provides high bandwidth for streaming, downloading, and gaming. The service is great for households with multiple users and can accommodate your internet needs, from streaming Netflix to playing games. This plan can meet your gaming and home internet needs with nearly symmetrical download and upload speeds. The service does not have upload rate caps, making it perfect for gamers and home users.
The Fios Forward program can save households $20 per month. For example, households with low-income income can qualify for the program. The plan covers all charges, including the router and other fees. But to qualify, you must be a Fios Mix & Match customer. Regardless of which plan you choose, you can save up to $20 per month by enrolling in the Fios Forward program.
AT&T's Nomad Internet plan
The Nomad Internet plan is tied to the AT&T and Verizon networks. You can choose from a range of service plans to suit your needs, including a Strong Pink plan that costs $129 per month, or a Deep Red plan, which costs $149 per month. The Very Blue plan, unfortunately, was out of stock at the time of writing. However, upgrading your Nomad plan to a higher-speed service is possible by paying an additional $50.
The Nomad Internet plan includes unlimited data and is well-suited for nomads. Because you're not tied to a specific location, you can take your router anywhere. The connection is guaranteed to be as fast as at home. There are no data caps, and the unlimited service is perfect for streaming or doing remote work. No contract and cancellation fees make the Nomad Internet plan an excellent travel choice.
AT&T's Spectrum plan
Both AT&T and Spectrum offer a wide variety of plans, with different speeds and plans. Their offerings are relatively straightforward, with download speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps. Both companies' download speeds are faster than their upload speeds, though uploads tend to be slower than downloads. Unlike cable Internet, though, both companies offer unlimited data plans. To make matters even more confusing, AT&T and Spectrum do not offer simultaneous upload and download speeds.
One of the biggest differences between AT&T and Spectrum is the installation fee. Both companies charge $50 for a professional installation, but Spectrum offers a self-installation kit for as little as $10. If you have trouble installing your router, you can skip the installation fee and use a do-it-yourself installation kit. However, you might not be able to do this in your own home, so Spectrum may be a better choice for people with less technical knowledge.