T-Mobile has been the carrier to 'shake-up' the cellular industry in the past few years. Their April 2020 merger with Sprint has given them greater coverage and spectrum ownership.
Plan Information
T-Mobile Postpaid currently offers a variety of smartphone-based unlimited plans, tiered plans, and data-only plans for hotspots, tablets, and wearables.
**TOP PICKS**
Top Pick Notes: T-Mobile direct offers a few plans that we consider top picks that are worth focusing your research on. Here are the highlights of the plans we recommend and why we consider them top picks:
Mobile Internet
- Device: Hotspots, Routers
- Data: 100GB Hotspot
- Price: $50/mo
- Top Pick Notes: Can be used with most data only devices - routers and hotspots. 100GB option only available via postpaid consumer & business - for a limited time. Currently the most legit amount of hotspot data for hotspots & routers on the market for the cheapest price. When T-Mobile retires the plan at the end of their promo, those who have it should be grandfathered in long term.. get it while you can!
- More Info: View the 'Data Only Plans' Tab On this Page
Magenta MAX & Magenta Global Plus 15GB
- Device: Smartphones, Tablets
- Data: Unlimited On Device
- Magenta MAX: No network management, 40GB high speed hotspot data with data add-ons up to 100GB/mo available
- Magenta Global Plus 15GB: 50-100GB network management, unlimited high speed domestic high speed data
- Price:
- Magenta MAX: $85/month
- Magenta Global Plus 15GB: $120/month
- Top Pick Notes: Magenta MAX and Global Plus 15GB options offer two different perks depending on your needs - no network management or no high speed hotspot caps.
- More Info: View the 'Smartphones Plans' Tab On this Page
Tablet Add-On
- Device: Tablets
- Data: Unlimited On Device, Unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds
- Price: $20/month when added to Magenta or Magenta MAX plan ($15 for Essentials)
- Top Pick Notes: Add-on pricing is available when tablet is added as an additional line to a smartphone plan. Tablets can also be added a single line for $75/month on Magenta MAX, or $60/month on Magenta or Essentials.
- More Info: View the 'Smartphones Plans' Tab On this Page
For more plans that provide lots of data: Top Pick Data Plans Guide
Data Only Plans
Data Only Plans
In December 2020 T-Mobile launched new data-only plans for hotspots and routers that they refer to as 'Mobile Internet' plans. However, even as of spring 2021, these plans are not posted to their website - but you can get a rep to bring them up by calling, engaging online chat or going to a store. Our MIA Members can follow this thread in our forums with members sharing experiences of getting this plan for various hotspots & routers: Questions/Feedback/Experiences about the T-Mobile Mobile Internet Data Plans (100 GB Hotspot Plan)
Mobile Internet for Hotspots & Routers
- 100GB - $50/month **TOP PICK** (Limited time offer)
- 30GB - $40/month
- 10GB - $30/month
- 5GB - $20/month
Pricing above is with autopay discount, and no additional taxes charged (TI). There's also a version of the plans available (TE) where taxes are extra.
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Data Only
- Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Routers
- Unlimited: No
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: Yes, data caps according to plan
- Throttling: After allotment of high-speed data is used, speeds are reduced to 2G
- Network Management: Always subject during times of congestion; addition reduction if using more than 100GB/month
- Video Streaming Resolution: 480p
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device
- eSIM: No
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: Monthly
- International Roaming: 5GB in Canada and Mexico; Unlimited data at up to 128kbps in 210+ countries
- Domestic Roaming: 200MB/month
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: Not specified
- Extras:
The fine print in the initial information provided for the 100GB plan stated there will be an additional charge of "up to $40 more per line/month without a qualifying voice line." However we have multiple reports of the $40 surcharge not being charged.
Tablets **TOP PICK**
Tablets can be activated as stand-alone devices for $75/month on a Magenta MAX plan, or $60/month for an Essentials or Magenta plan (prices reflect auto-pay discount). If you already have a phone line with T-Mobile, tables can also be added to a Magenta or Magenta MAX plan for $20/line, or to an Essentials plan for $15/line.
The specifications for having a tablet-only line are the same as if a phone were activated on the line. For Magenta MAX, you have unlimited premium high-speed data, and 40GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data (then 3G speeds after 40GB).
For a Magenta line, you have 100GB of premium high speed data, and 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. For an Essentials line, you have 50GB of premium high speed data, then unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds.
Data add-ons are available for Magenta lines, just like their smartphone plans.
Magenta and Magenta MAX tablet plans include 5GB of LTE data in Mexico and Canada followed by 2G speeds (128kbps) and unlimited data at 2G speeds in other countries where T-Mobile has roaming agreements. On Essential tablet plans, all data in Mexico and Canada is capped at 2G speeds.
On Magenta MAX you can activate up to 4K UHD streaming. On Essentials and Magenta, video streams are at DVD quality (480p), but you can add HD streaming for $3/day.
Tablet usage is prioritized over tethering usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on the tablet.
Wearables
Wearables can be activated as stand-alone devices for $25/month, or can be added to any existing unlimited plan account for $10/line.
Smartphone Plans
Smartphone Plans
Currently Available Plans:
- Essentials - $60/month
- Magenta - $70/month
- Magenta MAX - $85/month **TOP PICK**
- Global Plus 15GB - $120/month **TOP PICK**
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Phone (unlimited talk/text), Tablet
- Device Types Permitted: Phone, Tablets, Wearables
- Tablets can be added for $20/line/month ($15 for Essentials) and receive unlimited on-device data and unlimited 3G speed hotspot use. **TOP PICK**
- Tablets can be added as a singular device on a Magenta MAX plan (no other phone devices on the plan) for $75/month, or to an Essentials or Magenta plan for $60/month.
- Wearables can be added to any plan for $10/line/month.
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use:
- Essentials: None at high speed (unlimited at 3G speeds - 600kbps)
- Magenta: 5GB high-speed, then unlimited at 3G (600kbps)
- Magenta MAX: 40GB high-speed, then unlimited at 3G (600kbps)
- Magenta with Global Plus 15GB - Unlimited high-speed domestic hotspot
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Add-ons - The mobile hotspot cap on Magenta and Magenta MAX smartphone lines can be increased for a monthly fee
- Magenta:
- 40GB high-speed cap (adding 35GB) for $15/month
- 50GB high-speed cap (adding 45GB) for $25/month
- 100GB high-speed cap (adding 95GB) for $50/month
- Magenta MAX:
- 50GB high-speed cap (adding 10GB) for $10/month
- 100GB high-speed cap (adding 60GB) for $35/month
- Magenta:
- Throttling: None on device
- Network Management:
- Essential Plan: 50GB
- Magenta: 100GB
- Magenta MAX: None
- Global Plus 15GB: 50GB
- When T-Mobile announced their new Magenta plans in February 2021, it's unknown if these Global Plus 15GB plan will inherit the 100GB network management cap.
- Video Streaming Resolution:
- Essentials: 480p video resolution (1.5Mbps video throttle). Can add an HD (1080p) day pass for $3.
- Magenta: 480p video resolution (1.5Mbps video throttle). Can add an HD (1080p) day pass for $3.
- Magenta MAX: Allows for full 4K UHD resolution video streaming.
- Canada & Mexico: While usage is still unlimited in these countries, video will be throttled down to 480p.
- Global Plus 15GB includes 1080p video streaming around the world.
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device and in an area where 5G service is available
- eSIM: Yes
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: Monthly
- International Roaming:
- Plans come with the following international roaming fine print:
- "Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming."
- Global Plus 15GB - 15GB high-speed data on device while roaming in a Simple Global country (only 5GB in Canada/Mexico) and 5GB of high-speed tethering usage in Simple Global countries. Additional features include unlimited HD video streaming around the world, and unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi.
- Mobile Without Borders - Canada & Mexico: All T-Mobile Magenta plans can be used anywhere in Mexico & Canada just as if you were at home, including tethering. However, data usage has the following restrictions:
- Essentials: Unlimited 2G (128kbps) tethering data
- Magenta: 5GB high-speed data per month followed by unlimited 2G (128kbps).
- Magenta MAX: 5GB high-speed data per month followed by unlimited 2x 2G (256kbps).
- Simple Global - Rest of the World: T-Mobile Magenta plans include free unlimited international text messaging, reasonable rates for voice, and slow, but unlimited, data in over 210 countries depending on your plan:
- Essentials: No international data (except Canada/Mexico)
- Magenta: Unlimited 2G (128kbps) data.
- Magenta MAX: Unlimited 2x 2G (256kbps) data.
- Day Passes: T-Mobile offers day passes for buckets of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G speed data for 24-hours, 10 days, or 30 day periods in their international roaming countries. A max of 2 day passes per 24-hour period may be purchased.
- Plans come with the following international roaming fine print:
- Domestic Roaming: After 200MB of domestic roaming data usage, T-Mobile cuts off roaming network usage until your next billing cycle, or until you're back in a native area on all plans.
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: 10
- 55+ Plans
- Special account pricing is available for those aged 55 or older. Up to 2 lines per account - no mixing and matching of line type under a single account. +20/tablet line on an account.
- Essentials 55 : $40/single line, $50/two lines
- Magenta 55: $50/single line, $70/two lines, $105/three lines, $140/four lines
- Magenta MAX 55: $90/two lines - a single-line option not available
- Special account pricing is available for those aged 55 or older. Up to 2 lines per account - no mixing and matching of line type under a single account. +20/tablet line on an account.
- Extras:
- Netflix-on-US can provide a free Netflix account depending on your plan:
- Essentials: Not available
- Magenta: Netflix basic account (1 SD screen) included with at 2+ lines
- Magenta MAX: Netflix Basic (1 SD screen) with 1 line on the account. With 2+ lines on the account, Netflix Standard (2 screens) with up to 4K UHD.
- Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi:
- Essentials: None
- Magenta: Unlimited texting and 1 hour per flight of free Gogo Wi-Fi access.
- Magenta Unlimited texting and Wi-Fi.
- T-Mobile Tuesdays
- T-Mobile MONEY
- Pandora. For any customer who is also eligible for T-Mobile Tuesdays.
- Netflix-on-US can provide a free Netflix account depending on your plan:
Pricing Grid Comparison
Business Plans
Business Plans
T-Mobile offers a line of plans for the business customer. In order to sign up for business plans you must have a "qualifying" business account and approved credit.
Currently Available Plans
- Magenta for Business - 2 line minimum, up to 12 lines. $30-60/month depending on the number of lines.
- Magenta MAX for Business - An additional $15/month/line over the Magenta for Business pricing.
- 13+ Plan - For customers who need 13 lines or more. $285/month for 13 lines, then $25/month for each additional line.
- Additional discounted plan pricing available for Enterprise Business Customers, and businesses owned by Active and Retired Military or First Responders
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Phone
- Device Types Permitted: Phone
- Can add a tablet line for $20/month or a wearable line for $10/month
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use:
- Magenta for Business: 5GB,
- Magenta MAX for Business: 40GB
- 13+ Plan: 3GB
- All hotspot data is prioritized behind smartphone data.
- Throttling: None on device
- Network Management:
- Magenta for Business: 100GB
- Magenta MAX for Business: None
- 13+ Plan: 50GB
- Video Streaming Resolution:
- Magenta for Business: 480p
- Magenta MAX for Business: Up to 4K UHD
- 13+ Plan: 480p
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device and in an area where 5G service is available
- eSIM: Yes
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: Monthly
- International Roaming: 5GB in Canada and Mexico
- Domestic Roaming: 200MB
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: Up to 12, except for 13+ Plan, which is unlimited.
- Extras:
- One Netflix or Microsoft 365 subscription per account
- Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi on Gogo-enabled flights to, from, and within the U.S.
- Magenta for Business: One hour free Wi-Fi
- Magenta MAX for Business: Unlimited Wi-Fi
- T-Mobile Tuesdays
- T-Mobile MONEY
- Additional discounts available for military and first responders
News, Videos & Status
Related News
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
Some of our TOP PICK Cellular Data Plans to also consider:
Learn More About Selecting Cellular Data Plans Explore Our Comparative Pricing Grid
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- Global Plus 15GB Info & History
Purchasing Options
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Note: T-Mobile's Mobile Internet & Global Pus 15GB plans are not easily found on T-Mobile's website or available for signup online. But if you contact them directly via chat, phone or in a store a representative should be able to find the plans for you to activate.
Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Understanding the different plan terms (like network management, throttling, hotspot data, video resolution) is key to determining if a plan will meet your needs or not. You also need plans that are suitable for use in the device you want to use them in - such as smartphone, mobile hotspot device or cellular embedded router.
To learn more about shopping for dataplans, check out these key guides:
As heavily as the carriers push their "Unlimited' data plans - you'll quickly discover that most have limits. Here's a video going over what you need to know about unlimited plans, including 3rd party resellers plans that you might find on the internet:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online - it's only one part of the equation. You also need the right gear and signal enhancing strategy.
For more education on assembling a cellular centric mobile internet setup, head on over to our collection of guides:
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