compare phone plans and save up to 80%
compare now
Phone Plans

The Best 5G Cell Phone Plans to Get for the Fastest Running Data in the Country

By
Sara Nuss
March 16, 2023

Everyone nowadays seems to want the best cell phone plans with the fastest service, coverage, and data speeds, and many more are opting to get brand new cell phones to take advantage of 5G. Many of the newer cell phones support 5G coverage that provide some of the fastest data speeds you’ll ever see.

You may be wondering what the importance of 5G really is for cell phones and why it’s included in all of the newest smartphones . Between big carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon Wireless, as well as MVNOs, you can take advantage of 5G on all of their plans.

If you are interested in getting a new cell phone and wondering what carriers and plans have 5G, let’s check out what there is to offer right now!

If you want to switch cell phone carriers, then consider looking into Really to help you with all of your phone services needs! At Really, you can compare phone plans to get more bang for your buck, and you can see what carriers and plans are in your area, sort by price, best value and more, and even click on the plan you wish to learn more about in an instant. 

What is the Craze About 5G Really About?

It’s important to get to know a little bit more about 5G and why everyone is raving about it!

Many people have been upgrading their cell phones to take advantage of the fast 5G data speeds. Image courtesy of Let’s Talk

Getting a cell phone plan is a priority nowadays, and knowing where to get the best plan  and what features to get are important, but so is having 5G nationwide data. 5G is the latest in fast data for cell phone plans that allows you to do everything from surf the web, scroll through social media, or even stream videos in high-definition.

Let’s get to know a little bit more about 5G, what it does, and why so many people are obsessed with it!

What is 5G?

The first question that’s always important to answer and discuss is what is 5G? We’re sure that you’ve been hearing about the 5G craze lately, but if you’re not sure, it’s the fifth generation of technology that works for broadband cellular networks. This means that large phone carriers, and even most MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, have access to this type of technology.

5G can connect to anything and everything, from your cell phone, tablet, laptops, machines, and a ton of other different types of technology. It helps everything  work much faster, and it beats its competitor, 4G LTE. While most cell phone carriers offer 4G LTE and 5G, many of them are eliminating 3G, since it’s old technology now.

How Fast is 5G?

The next question that you may have is how fast does 5G actually work? Let’s put it into perspective; if 4G LTE has download speeds between 5 to 12MBPS and upload speeds of 2 to 5MBPS, then 5G is significantly faster. 5G can run as fast as 20GBPS at peak data times and even over 100+MBPS. 

This is something to talk about since it’s a major upgrade from 4G LTE, but 5G also offers more capacity too. It is twenty times faster than 4G LTE, and it can also outrun even the fastest Wi-Fi speeds too. This can help support individuals who game a lot, and others who are streaming or uploading content to various social media outlets. 

What Cell Phones Use 5G Data?

If you are considering getting a new cell phone plan, it’s important to get a new phone that also uses 5G data speeds and coverage. Many of the latest smartphones offer 5G data usage, which allows you to use some of the fastest speeds that anyone has ever seen.

You may be curious as to what cell phones can use 5G data, and you’re in luck because a lot of them can use it. No matter if you’re an Apple, Android, or Google user, or even if you’re one for using other brands of smartphones, almost every new phone coming out gives you access to 5G no matter the plan or network. 

What Cell Phone Carriers Use 5G?

Regardless of whether or not you have a cell phone plan through a large carrier, such as T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or even AT&T, or if you have an MVNO that shares the same network, you will have access to 5G service and coverage. While some carriers only offer it in certain parts of the country and are working towards making it more inclusive for everyone, 5G is slowly being brought in for all phone carriers. 

Many major cities across the country offer 5G, especially through large carriers, but it can be harder to get in small, rural towns. If you are wondering if you will have access to 5G, there is a simple solution to check, and all this includes is looking on a 5G coverage map to see if it’s offered in your area. 

What is Happening with 3G and 4G LTE?

As of the end of 2022, many cell phone companies have been getting rid of 3G since it is outdated. To introduce new technology, such as 5G, older technology has to be phased out, and 3G is included in this. Many newer smartphones don’t support 3G and currently only use 4G LTE or 5G.

If you have a cell phone that only uses 4G LTE and does not have the technology in it to use 5G, then you are in the clear. It has been made clear by many carriers that 4G LTE is not going anywhere anytime soon. It is also expected that 4G LTE can last as long as 2030, so you still have another seven years of use with it before it will be phased out. 

What Are the Best 5G Cell Phone Plans?

Get to know some of the best 5G cell phone plans from both large carriers and MVNOs!

Almost every carrier offers 5G, but finding the plan that fits your budget and includes the features you need is essential. Image courtesy of Phone Arena

So you’re interested in a 5G cell phone plan. Most carriers are offering cell phone plans that include 5G data and coverage, no matter if it’s through T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or AT&T, or with an MVNO.

AT&T

If you are more interested in putting your money in the hands of a large carrier where you will always get some of the best service and coverage in the country, AT&T may be a choice for you. Offering some of the fastest 5G data speeds in many different parts of the country, no matter if you live in a major city, or even a rural town, you’ll have fast data no matter where you go.

AT&T offers some great features on almost all of their plans, and if this is your biggest concern in a plan, here’s the best features they offer:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 50GB of premium 5G high-speed data and then slower unlimited data afterwards
  • AT&T’s incredible 5G nationwide service and coverage
  • AT&T ActiveArmor which protects you while using public Wi-Fi, Identity Monitoring, and more
  • 15Gb of a mobile hotspot available per line 
  • Unlimited international talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico
  • Unlimited texting from the United States to 200+ countries
  • Standard definition streaming included

It’s also crucial to go over some of the best cell phone plans that AT&T offers that include 5G data as well, which are:

  • AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan - $65 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, data, and 3GB of a mobile hotspot
  • AT&T Unlimited Extra Plan - $75 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, data, and 15G of a mobile hotspot
  • AT&T Unlimited Premium Plan - $85 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, data, and 50G of a mobile hotspot

Visible

If you are someone who prefers Verizon Wireless’ network, but want to switch to an MVNO to save some money, then one of the best plans you can choose is Visible. This is Verizon Wireless’ very own MVNO where you pay a fraction of the cost you do for one of their actual plans, but still get their 5G network service and coverage.

Visible has probably piqued your interest, and if that’s the case, then check out some of the features that they offer:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 4G LTE or 5G nationwide coverage
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot
  • Spam protection
  • Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
  • 5G ultra wideband on their most expensive plan
  • Unlimited roaming in Mexico and Canada on most expensive plan
  • International calling and texting to 30+ countries
  • International texting to 200+ countries
  • 24/7 access to customer service
  • Add a smartwatch for and extra $5 per month
  • No hidden fees 

Visible makes choosing a plan extremely easy:

  • Visible Plan - $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, and 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage
  • Visible+ Plan - $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage, 5G ultra wideband, and premium network experience

Mint Mobile

We’re sure you have seen plenty of advertisements for Mint Mobile, and it’s no lie that they’re one of the best MVNOs in the country, and they have some of the best 5G data plans too. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile 5G network coverage, and as an MVNO, they offer some of the best prices on a ton of different plans.

Mint Mobile has a lot of notable features that are included on all of their cell phones:

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Set data allotment plans or unlimited plans offered
  • Three-month, six-month, or year-long plans available
  • T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G coverage
  • High-speed 5G data 
  • Free calling to Mexico and Canada
  • Free 3-in-1 SIM card included when you sign up
  • Free mobile hotspot included in all plans
  • Wi-Fi calling and texting
  • Keep your current phone or buy a new one
  • Keep your current phone number or get a new one
  • Keep your contacts, photos, and apps when you switch plans
  • Mint Mobile app available to make payments and more

There are three-month, six-month, or year-long plans that you can choose from through Mint Mobile, and the main plans to choose are:

  • $15 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data
  • $20 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $25 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of data
  • $30 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

Tello

MVNOs are taking the country by storm with some of the best plans that allow you to save money and still get the most out of your plan. Tello offers some of the best cell phone plans out there, where you can choose how much data you need, as well as T-Mobile’s 5G coverage.

We know for a fact that you will love some of the features that are included on all of Tello’s plans:

  • T-Mobile’s fast high-speed 5G nationwide service and coverage
  • 4G LTE and 5G speeds available depending on your cell phone
  • Unlimited texting available on all plans
  • Free mobile hotspot included on all data plans
  • Can use minutes in over 60+ international countries
  • Plans automatically renew every thirty days
  • No contract prepaid plans
  • Can cancel at any time with no early termination fees
  • Can upgrade or downgrade plan at any time with no extra fees
  • Wi-Fi calling available
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Buy smartphone if needed through online store
  • Incredible customer service

No matter if you need a cell phone plan for just yourself, or need a family plan, Tello has what you want:

  • $10 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data
  • $14 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data
  • $19 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
  • $24 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $29 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

Cricket Wireless

Another great MVNO that uses AT&T’s incredibly fast service and coverage is Cricket Wireless. You can still get their incredibly fast 5G data coverage that spreads across the entire country, so no matter where you are, you’re guaranteed to be covered.

Cricket Wireless offers a bunch of features that are offered on all of their plans that include a little bit of everything:

  • Fast nationwide 5G coverage
  • High-speed data access
  • Unlimited talk, text, and picture messaging
  • HD voice and Wi-Fi calling
  • Cricket Call Defense to protect you from spam calls
  • Affordable Connectivity Program if you’re eligible
  • Mobile hotspot on most plans
  • HBO Max included in plan price
  • Cloud storage available
  • International calling to Canada and Mexico
  • International text to 37 countries
  • Save more money by adding more lines

There are also a few different types of plans that you can select through Cricket Wireless that include 5G set data allotment plans and unlimited ones too:

  • $30 per month for one-line, unlimited talk and text, and 5GB of high-speed data
  • $40 per month for one-line, unlimited talk and text, and 10GB of high-speed data
  • $55 per month for one-line, unlimited talk, text, and data
  • $60 per month for one-line, unlimited talk, text, and data, and 15GB of a mobile hotspot

It can be difficult to select the best cell phone plan, but think about the features you want and the price point that you wish to pay. No matter the carrier or what plan you get, getting a cell phone plan where you can enjoy 5G data and coverage is essential.

Consider checking you some of the best 5G cell phone plans and sign yourself up for one ASAP!

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now
Sara Nuss
Sara Nuss is a journalist from Pittsburgh, PA that specializes in wireless, dewi, phone plan advice & blockchain.
Select your area of interest
tags

your questions,
answered

Does this phone service work everywhere?

Yep, we offer premium wireless service on the T-Mobile® 5G Network, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in our dewi coverage areas, you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

Is there a contract?

Nope, it’s pay as you go.

Is this prepaid?

Yeah! You put your card on file and prepay each month so that you never experience any disruption.

Does my phone need to be unlocked?

Yep, but it’s super easy to unlock your device as long as it’s paid off. Chat with us and a real human can help you here.

What if I want a new phone?

We have some recommendations on what we think you should get, from iPhones to Droids. Check out our list here which includes affordable places online to get a good deal.

What does decentralized wireless (DeWi) mean?

It means we are building a phone network that is powered by the people. Your neighbors put small radios on their roof and help extend the phone network to cover deadzones™ and get even faster speeds. Right now our DeWi network is available in Austin, but we’ll be expanding to other cities REALLY soon. Learn more about DeWi here.

How many SIMs will I be installing?

Great question. If you’re in Austin, TX, you’ll install 2 new SIMs. The REALLY nationwide SIM as your first SIM, which will give you voice / text & data on the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network powered by T-Mobile®. Your 2nd SIM will give you access to the REALLY DeWi network in Austin, TX, which you’ll prioritize when available so that you get even faster speeds and better coverage. Depending on your device, you may be able to install eSIMs via a QR code.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yep, we are powered by T-Mobile®, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in Austin, TX you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

How much data do you get on the unlimited plan?

The plan is unlimited, but once you reach 20GB you may experience slower speeds depending on network usage.

How much hotspot data do you get on the unlimited plan?

You get 10GB of hotspot data per month, but can add more if you need to.

How do I add more data to my plan?

You can chat with us, text us, or login to your account to top off. It only takes a few seconds.

start building a new era of connectivity

join REALLY DeWi