T-Mobile has been the carrier to 'shake-up' the cellular industry in the past few years. Their April 2020 merger with Sprint gave 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 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/Pricing:
- 100GB for 5G Devices for $50/mo
- LTE hotspots & routers: 50GB for $50/mo
- Top Pick Notes: 50GB plan can be used with most data-only devices including routers and hotspots. 100GB plan can only be used with 5G hotspot devices.
- More Info: View the 'Data Only Plans' tab on this page
Go5G Plus
- Device: Smartphones, Tablets
- Data: Unlimited On Device. No network management deprioritization, 50GB high-speed hotspot data.
- Price: $90/month
- Top Pick Notes: Go5G Plus is T-Mobile's current top-tier smartphone plan with no deprioritization and 50GB of hotspot data. The "Plus up" addon for $10 adds another 10GB of hotspot data, and the $35 "Max Up" addon provides a total of 100GB of hotspot data.
- More Info: View this page's 'Smartphones Plans' tab for these plans.
Magenta Plus Tablet Add-On
- Device: Tablets
- Data: Unlimited On Device, 10GB Hotspot, 1080p video, 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico
- Price: $30/month when added to an existing phone line ($70 if purchased as a standalone plan)
- Top Pick Notes: There are also three Plus add-on options that include more high-speed hotspot data, and Magenta options for lower cost without hotspot data and 480p video.
- More Info: View the 'Data Only Plans' tab on this Page
Business Internet
- Device: Routers and Hotspots
- Data: Unlimited
- Price: $60/month
- Top Pick Notes: These plans are eligible for BYOD, including most mobile routers. These plans are intended for fixed business use, but T-Mobile advertises them as options for remote and "popup" locations. T-Mobile has not enforced any geo-location restrictions. The Unlimited plan is available only in limited areas, but capped data plans are also available in other locations. Often confused with the Home/Small Business Internet plans.
- More Info: Business Plans by T-Mobile
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 data-only plans for hotspots and routers called 'Mobile Internet' plans, including a 100GB option.
The 100GB option has had varying device compatibility since it launched (May 2021, June 2021, August 2021). The currently offered 100GB plan can only be used in T-Mobile branded 5G hotspot devices, however it can not be used with RedCap (reduced capability) devices such as the TCL Linkport IK511. Members can check the Retired Plans section below for more on this history.
Mobile Internet for Hotspots & Routers
- 100GB for T-Mobile 5G Hotspot Devices - $50/month **TOP PICK**
- All Hotspots & Routers
- 50GB - $50/month **TOP PICK**
- 10GB - $30/month
- 5GB - $20/month
- 30GB - $10/month - This plan is not advertised and may be a temporary promotion. It works in hotspots, routers, connected laptops, and Chromebooks. Does not include any international roaming.
The pricing above includes an autopay discount of $5/month, and no additional taxes charged (TI). However, the fine print states that 'up to a $50/month' charge may apply if you don't have other lines of service, and taxes and fees are extra if you don't have a tax-inclusive voice line on the account. We have not received a single report of any additional charges being applied for a stand-alone Mobile Internet line on an account, but the terms are there.
These plans cannot be activated BYOD online, you need to contact T-Mobile via phone/chat or go to a T-Mobile store. If you purchase a compatible device from T-Mobile, they can be activated online.
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Data Only
- Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Routers, Tablets
- 100GB Plan can be used with 5G hotspot devices only
- 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 (128 kbps)
- Network Management: None
- Video Streaming Resolution: 480p
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device
- eSIM: No
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: Monthly
- International Roaming:
- Most plans include 5GB in Canada and Mexico and 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: T-Mobile Tuesdays; Google One Storage Plans,
Tablets
Tablets can be activated as stand-alone devices on Essentials or Magenta plans, or as an add-on to an account with an existing phone line.
Currently Available Plans
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 20GB Hotspot Data - $75 standalone / $35 when added to a voice line
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 10GB Hotspot Data - $70 standalone / $30 when added to a voice line **TOP PICK**
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data - $60 standalone / $20 when added to a voice line
- Unlimited Essentials Tablet with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data - $60 standalone
Pricing reflects auto pay discount. Data add-ons are for high-speed mobile hotspot data - after the data cap is exceeded, speeds are reduced to 3G speeds for hotspot data.
While there is some information on tablet plans on T-Mobile's website, we have found that not all options are available online. We confirmed with a T-Mobile employee that the above pricing is what is currently available as of May 2021. We recommend ordering these plans in a store rather than online, as the online options do not reflect everything that is available.
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Data Only
- Device Types Permitted: Tablets
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use:
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 30GB Hotspot Data: 30GB high speed, then 600 Kbps
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 20GB Hotspot Data: 20GB high speed, then 600 Kbps
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 10GB Hotspot Data: 10GB high speed, then 600 Kbps
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: Unlimited, capped at 600 Kbps
- Unlimited Essentials Tablet with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: Unlimited, capped at 600 Kbps
- Throttling: Yes, on hotspot data after high-speed caps are met
- Network Management: Deprioritized after 50GB
- Video Streaming Resolution:
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 30, 20, and 10GB Hotspot Data: 1080p (once activated on the T-Mobile App or account website)
- Unlimited Magenta and Essentials with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: 480p
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device
- eSIM: No
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: Monthly
- International Roaming:
- Canda/Mexico:
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 30, 20, and 10GB Hotspot Data: 5GB high speed, then 256 Kbps
- Unlimited Magenta with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: 5GB high speed, then 128 Kbps
- Unlimited Essentials with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: Unlimited at 128 Kbps
- International:
- Unlimited Magenta Tablet with 30, 20, and 10GB Hotspot Data: Unlimited at 256 Kbps
- Unlimited Magenta with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: Unlimited at 128 Kbps
- Unlimited Essentials with Unlimited 3G Hotspot Data: None
- Canda/Mexico:
- Domestic Roaming: 200MB/month on all plans
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: Not specified
- Extras: Google One Storage Plans
Tablet usage is prioritized over tethering usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on the tablet.
Home Internet
There are mobile friendly plans, home internet backup plans, and other plans from $20 to $160/month, which must be used with the provided T-Mobile Home Internet Gateway Device.
For more information, see our Gear Center: Unlimited Home and Business Data Plan and Gateways by T-Mobile
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
Plan Specifications:
- Plan Names:
- Go5G Next
- Go5G Plus **TOP PICK**
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Phone (unlimited talk/text), Tablet
- Device Types Permitted: Phone
- Tablet Add-on: $15-$35/month depending on plan.
- Wearables: $10/month.
- Unlimited: Yes
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: 50GB high-speed, then unlimited at 3G (600 kbps)
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Add-ons - The mobile hotspot cap can be increased for a monthly fee
- 50GB - $10/month
- 100GB - $35/month
- Throttling: None on device
- Network Management: None
- Video Streaming Resolution: 4K UHD
- Canada & Mexico: 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:
- 15GB high-speed data in Canada/Mexico per month followed by unlimited 256 kbps.
- 5GB high-speed data per month followed by unlimited 256 kbps data in 215+ countries.
- International Day Passes can be added.
- Domestic Roaming: 200MB
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: 5 lines, but can contact T-Mobile for more lines
- 55+ Plans:
- Go5G Next 55: $85/month
- Go5G Plus 55: $75/month
- Extras:
- Magenta Status: A collection of add-ons including discounts at Hilton hotels and LiveNation concerts, ReFuel on Us with Hertz/Dollar, and more.
- Apple TV+: Free for as long as the line is active
- Netflix: Netflix Standard with Ads
- Hulu: Hulu with Ads (Go4G Next only)
- Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi: Unlimited texting and Wi-Fi.
- T-Mobile Tuesdays
- Go5G Next can upgrade device once a year; Go5G Plus can upgrade every two years.
- Price:
- Go5G Next - $100/month
- Go5G Plus - $90/month
We only track smartphone plans that meet our criteria for mobile internet, which is having at least 50GB of mobile hotspot data. Other smartphone plans may be available from the carrier other than those listed here.
If you want information on other available smartphone plans, our friend Stetson Doggett manages the website Best Phone Plans, which provides comprehensive information on all plans provided by each carrier.
Pricing Grid Comparison
Business Plans
Business Plans
See our Business Plans by T-Mobile Gear Center for information on T-Mobile Business Plans.
Test Drive
Test Drive
T-Mobile offers potential customers a way to test out their service before purchasing: T-Mobile Test Drive. Those interested in trying T-Mobile for the first time can access 30 days or 30GB of T-Mobile data on either a (free) mobile hotspot device provided by T-Mobile or an iPhone XS or higher - for free.
For those who choose to go the hotspot device route, after you have utilized your free 30GB or 30 days (whichever comes first), you are welcome to keep the mobile hotspot.
Hotspotting of data is permitted if the plan is activated via a qualifying iPhone.
For those using the plan via an iPhone:
Those with the primary plan supported through eSIM should be a bit cautious if signing up for T-Mobile Test Drive on an iPhone via the app. When using Test Drive through your iPhone, any plan you have active on your eSIM will be temporarily disabled, and you will instead be able to place calls & TXT over your temporary T-Mobile number. This can be awkward if your eSIM is in use for your primary plan since you will not be able to receive calls and text messages on that number without switching off the T-Mobile plan.
If you have your primary plan on a physical SIM, you will continue to receive texts and calls on your native carrier's network if available. You can use T-Mobile's data for the test plan period instead of the data of your physical SIM plan by selecting T-Mobile as the cellular data source in Settings.
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: T-Mobile
- Carrier Relationship: Direct
- Plan Types Available: Hotspot or iPhone XS+
- Device Types Permitted: T-Mobile provided hotspot or iPhone XS+
- Unlimited: No - 30GB
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: 30GB
- Throttling: None
- Network Management: None
- Video Streaming Resolution: Unknown
- 5G Access: Yes, with a compatible device and in an area where 5G service is available
- eSIM: Yes - required for iPhone, no for hotspot device
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: 30 days
- International Roaming: None
- Domestic Roaming: 200MB
- Data Roll Over: No
- Overage Charges: None
- Lines permitted per account: 1
- Extras: Free! And you get to keep the mobile hotspot device.
News, Videos & Status
Video Stories
News Stories
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Other Ways to Support Our Work At MIRC
Member Content
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
- Plan Policies
- Discounts Available
- Retired Plan Archives
- Global Plus 15GB Info & History
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
Purchasing Note: T-Mobile's Mobile Internet & Global Plus 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.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
-
Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
-
Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
-
Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
-
Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
-
Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 