Highlights

• Unlimited talk, text, and data starting at $50/month
• Robust 4G LTE and 5G networks
• ActiveArmorSM mobile security, free with every prepaid plan
• Prepaid plans automatically rollover unused data
• Customizable family plans: mix and match features for every line

Services and Features

Coverage and Service

• Unlimited talk and text for every plan
• Nationwide 4G LTE coverage
• 5G coverage available in most major US cities
• Extremely customizable family plans
• Multiple plan options for both Wireless and Prepaid customers
• Call access to Mexico and Canada
• Free ActiveArmorSM mobile security: block fraud calling, identity monitoring, public Wi-Fi protection, and more
• Mobile hotspot access
• Standard-definition streaming for Prepaid customers

Customer Service

• Call and text support available 24/7

Compatibility

• Option to bring your own phone or buy from an AT&T store

Discounts

• Prepaid Unlimited: Get Prepaid Unlimited for $25/month when you pay for a year in advance
• Student Prepaid: Students save $10/month on Prepaid plans
• Prepaid Bring Your Own Phone: Free AT&T plan activation and SIM card when you bring your own phone
• Unlimited Wireless Plan: Activate your current plan on an AT&T Wireless plan and get $250 in bill credits
• Family Wireless Plan: Get 4 Wireless lines for $35/month per line

Store

• Online Store: 24/7 online smartphone store, including brands such as Apple, Google, Motorola, Samsung, and Sonim
• In-Person Stores: 1,000s of brick-and-mortar locations throughout the United States

Pros and Cons

• Data Prioritization: AT&T owns its own 4G LTE and 5G networks, which is great for customers who like to be first in line. If you’re calling, texting, or streaming in the US as an AT&T customer, you take priority over other carriers that lease network access, meaning your speeds shouldn’t slow down, even during peak times.
• Family Discounts: AT&T Wireless customers save big when they bundle multiple lines. Families of 4 can get unlimited talk, text, and data for each line for $35/month per line.

• Higher Costs: Since AT&T owns and operates its own 4G LTE and 5G networks, AT&T’s plans tend to cost more than other mobile providers who simply lease their networks’ space. One Prepaid line costs $50/month, which is about $15–$20 higher than other providers on our list.
• Prepaid Drawbacks: AT&T Prepaid customers miss out on a few perks that AT&T Wireless customers get automatically, such as free talk, text, and data streaming in Mexico and Canada.

Plans and Pricing

AT&T mobile plans are divided into two main categories: Prepaid and Wireless.

With Prepaid plans, customers pay for their mobile service before they get to access the network. Prepaid plans tend to be cheaper for solo users, but don’t have quite the same level of perks as Wireless plans.

Wireless customers access the network immediately and pay for their service at the end of the billing cycle (billing cycles typically work on a month-to-month basis). Although Wireless plans tend to be more expensive for individual lines, customers who bundle multiple lines under one account can access huge discounts. Additionally, Wireless plans tend to have better perks, such as increased access to international texting, calling, and data streaming.

AT&T Prepaid Plans

Note: Taxes and fees are not included in the following prices.

• 12-Month Unlimited - $25/month with 1 year of prepay*
• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• Access to 5G¹
• Unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries
• AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security²
• Standard definition streaming
• Unlimited - - $50/month with AutoPay**
• Access to 5G¹
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in and between Mexico and Canada*
• Unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries
• AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security²
• 5GB mobile hotspot
• Standard-definition streaming

• 5GB Data - $30/month***
• Unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of high-speed data
• Access to 5G¹
• Unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security²
• Mobile hotspot
• Standard-definition streaming
• Rollover Data

• AT&T Prepaid^SM 15GB - $40/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of high-speed data^†
• Access to 5G
• Mobile hotspot
• Unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries
• AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security²
• Standard-definition streaming
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in and between Mexico and Canada
• Rollover Data

• AT&T Prepaid^SM 8GB 3 Month - $33/month with 3 months of prepay
• Unlimited talk, text, and 8GB of high-speed data^††
• Access to 5G
• Unlimited text from the US to 230+ countries
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security²
• HD streaming
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in and between Mexico and Canada
• Mobile hotspot
• Rollover Data

*After 16GB, speeds slowed to max 1.5Mbps for the month. Req's new single line and $300 prepayment. Taxes extra. Terms & restr's apply. Find additional details on AT&T’s website.

**New activations only. AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy. Taxes & fees extra. Find additional details on AT&T’s website.

† After high-speed data is used, speed slowed to a max of 128 Kbps for rest of term. Taxes & fees extra.

†† After high-speed data is used, speed slowed to a max of 128 Kbps for rest of term. Taxes & fees extra.

1 Req’s compatible plan & device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.

2 Req’s compatible device/service. Data charges may apply to app download/usage. Other terms and req’s apply. Visit att.com/activearmorapp to learn more.

AT&T Wireless Plans

Note: The following prices reflect the per-month cost of one user paying for one line. Per-month, per-line prices tend to drop when accounts add users and lines. Taxes and fees are not included in the following prices.¹

• AT&T Unlimited Premium^SM Plan - $85/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and data that never slows down, no matter how much you use
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security
• 50GB data hotspot
• Unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries
• 4K Ultra-High-Definition streaming available

• AT&T Unlimited Extra® Plan - $75/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and data with 50 GB of Premium Data**
• AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security
• 15GB of mobile hotspot data
• Standard-definition streaming

• AT&T Unlimited Starter® Plan - $65/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and data***
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security
• 3GB of mobile hotspot data
• Standard-definition streaming

• AT&T Value Plus Plan - $50/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• 5G access included
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in and between the US, Canada, and Mexico^†
• Unlimited texting from the US to 200+ countries
• Standard-definition streaming

• AT&T 4GB Plan - $50/month
• Unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data per line in the US, Canada, and Mexico^††
• Mobile Hotspot
• AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security
• Standard-definition streaming
• Unlimited texting from the US to 200+ countries

1Prices below after AutoPay and paperless billing discount. Discounts start within 2 bills. Taxes and fees extra. Credit card may be req'd (except MA, PA, ND). Add'l charges, usage, speed & other restr's apply. Find additional details on AT&T’s website.

*Limit 25GB in Canada, 5G in U.S. only.

**After 50GB, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.

***AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.

† 2G off net data speeds may apply.

†† Roaming may be at 2G speeds.

Pricing Summary

Prepaid

Wireless

Add-Ons

• AT&T 4GB Plan - $50/month

Coverage, Performance, and Customer Reviews

Network Coverage

AT&T operates three different networks: 5G+, Wireless, and Prepaid.

• 5G+: AT&T’s 5G+ network is available in most major US cities, including: Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Portland. Customers living in the suburbs and rural areas outside these cities may not be able to access AT&T’s 5G+ networks.
• Wireless: The AT&T Wireless network—accessible only to Wireless customers—is available where most of the US population tends to live. Folks living in less populated areas may not be able to get coverage, such as certain regions of Appalachia, Maine, Idaho, Montana, and California. Additionally, AT&T Wireless covers much of southern Canada and the majority of Mexico.
• Prepaid: AT&T Prepaid customers have a similar coverage experience to AT&T Wireless customers: if you are in a semi-populated area, you’ll probably find coverage. International coverage works a little differently. AT&T Prepaid customers can access southern Canada and much of Mexico, but these networks are operated by partner phone companies and not by AT&T itself.

Call and Text Performance

According to a 2018 study by RootMetrics, AT&T’s overall network performance is at pace with Verizon and far ahead of T-Mobile. In text performance, AT&T and Verizon are tied as the best mobile providers in the United States. For reliability, speed, calling, and data streaming, AT&T matches Verizon’s scores step-for-step.

In our opinion, AT&T customers get to call, text, and stream along one of the best networks in the United States.

Compatibility

Bring Your Own Phone - AT&T Prepaid

No hard decisions here—AT&T allows customers to sign up for a new AT&T Prepaid plan while using their old smartphone. Here’s how it works:

1. Ensure You’re Unlocked: Your phone can’t connect to a new network until it is “unlocked” from your old network. If your old phone is paid off, it should be able to be unlocked no problem. Simply call your old provider and ask for an unlock.
2. Buy a SIM Card: Lastly, click the link below to purchase an AT&T Prepaid SIM card. Once your SIM card is shipped and inserted into your phone, you’re nearly ready to call, text, and stream on AT&T’s network!

Buy a New Phone

Ready to upgrade to a new device? Every smartphone sold in an AT&T store (both online and in-person) will be compatible with the AT&T network. No hoops, and no jumping through them.

If you’d like to transfer your old phone number to AT&T, follow these three steps:

1. During checkout of your new AT&T phone plan, select “Keep My Number.”
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Wait for approval from AT&T. If you’re approved, your old number is ready for your new AT&T account!

Smartphone Stores

Looking to pair your new AT&T mobile service with a new phone? With both online and in-person stores, AT&T customers can shop for their new favorite device in any way they please.

Online Store

AT&T’s online store offers some of the nation’s most popular smartphones, including:

• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Google Pixel 7a
• Motorola razr+
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Sonim XP3plus

In addition to smartphones, AT&T’s online store offers other devices and accessories, such as:

• Tablets and Laptops
• iPad (9th Generation)
• Galaxy Chromebook

• Smartwatches
• Apple Watch Ultra 49mm
• Google Pixel Watch 41mm)

• Hotspots/Misc.
• Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro
• AT&T Global Modem USB800

• Accessories
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2
• 15W Magnetic Charging Pad

In-Person Store

Want to play around with potential smartphones before making a purchase? With 1,000s of brick-and-mortar AT&T stores scattered throughout the United States, you can take out the guesswork. Chat directly with staff members, get your hands on the newest devices, and walk out with whatever your heart desires, all in the same place.

Activation Process

You’re almost ready to jump onto AT&T’s network! After double-checking that your phone is compatible with the network, follow these final steps:

1. Purchase a Plan (Prepaid): If you’d like to get a Prepaid account, go to AT&T’s website (or an in-person store) and purchase your first month of network access.
2. Activate your SIM or eSIM: After purchase, follow the on-screen instructions to either download your eSIM or insert your physical SIM card. You’re officially chatting on the AT&T network!

Customer Service

Troubleshooting? No need to worry: AT&T customer service has your back with three online support networks.

• Call support: Speak to a helpful, live agent 24/7 with AT&T’s Wireless Support phone number: 800-331-0500.
• Video library: Browse AT&T’s online video library to find step-by-step guides to common issues and questions.
• FAQ: Check out AT&T’s website for a long list of detailed Frequently Asked Questions, which may have the answer you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time does AT&T close?

Hmm, that answer changes depending on what we’re talking about. Let’s start with customer support. AT&T customer support never closes: customers can access live customer support 24/7.

In-person AT&T store hours vary per location, but most stores are open from 10 AM–8 PM, but you should double-check with your local store before making the trip.

Who owns AT&T?

AT&T is owned b AT&T Inc., meaning the company owns itself. Fun fact: AT&T was founded, in part, by Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor famous for creating the first practical telephone.

What is the 1-800 number for AT&T wireless?

The AT&T wireless support number is 800-331-0500.

Final Thoughts

As an operator of its own network, AT&T can give its customers first-priority access to its blazing-fast 5G+ and 4G LTE networks. Customers can choose either AT&T Wireless or AT&T Prepaid plans, mixing and matching the right perks with the right prices. Great for families, Wireless customers save big with each line added to their plan.

Although it's not the cheapest mobile provider on our list, we recommend AT&T to customers who want first-priority access to one of the best networks in the United States.