Best AT&T Plans: How to Choose and Which Ones to Pick in July 2024 (2024)

Eli Blumenthal

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Hands-on Product Reviewers

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Network AT&T

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$51 a month for one line, $124 a month for four lines

Best AT&T plan for most people: Value Plus VL

AT&T has two largely similar base plans, the Unlimited Starter SL and Value Plus VL. Both include unlimited talk, text and data and lack an allotment of high-speed data so in either scenario you could find yourself slowed down in busy areas (think packed stadiums or arenas). You can tap into AT&T's 5G network, and both plans also include unlimited talk, text and data in Canada and Mexico.

The biggest differences are that Starter SL includes 5GB of hotspot data per line and Value Plus VL needs everyone on your account to be on the same plan. Most people don't need the hotspot data and, in that case, will probably be fine with Value Plus VL and are better off saving the money.

Rounding up, one line of Value Plus VL is $51 while a single line of Starter SL is $66 (both factoring in automatic payments and paper-free billing). Spending an extra $15 a month for 5GB of hotspot data seems excessive. The difference at four lines is $20 a month ($124 for Value Plus VL versus $144 for Starter SL). At least in this case, getting Starter SL will allow you to put other people on your plan who need more features, like international roaming in Latin America or more high-speed or hotspot data, to be on pricier AT&T plans like Extra EL or Premium PL while those who don't need such options stay on the cheaper Starter SL.

It is also worth noting that Value Plus VL may not qualify for AT&T's upgrade deals, so those looking for new devices may need to look at Starter SL instead.

AT&T doesn't push the Value Plus VL and hides it behind a "more plans" section on its plans page.

Network AT&T

High-speed data 75GB

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The upgrade pick for those who want faster data or hotspot

AT&T Unlimited Extra EL

Unlike T-Mobile and Verizon, AT&T no longer offers perks like bundled streaming services. It used to offer HBO (now Max) with its older top plans, but today its pricier options largely differentiate themselves with how much hotspot or high-speed data it offers domestically and in 20 Latin American countries.

For people looking for a step up from AT&T's base plans, and aren't regular travelers to Latin America, our pick is the company's Unlimited Extra EL. With this plan, you get 75GB of high-speed data and 30GB of hotspot capability.

A single line of Extra runs $76 a month (assuming automatic payments and paperless billing), while if you had four lines it would be around $164 monthly ($41 per line). Like Starter SL and Premium PL, AT&T allows those with this plan to "mix and match" lines on a family account so if only one person needs extra data or hotspot they can be on this plan while others are on the cheaper Starter SL.

AT&T's top plan, Premium PL, is $10 more per line, per month than Extra EL. For that price you do get unlimited high-speed data with no limits, 60GB of hotspot data per month, the ability to stream content on your phone in 4K and unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries. For most people, we think you'd be better off saving the money and getting the step-down plan (and potentially upgrading to this option for a month if you're traveling or need more data).