⚡ Quick Answer
- Best overall: US Mobile Starter — $25/mo, unlimited data, 10GB hotspot, any network, taxes included
- Best Verizon pick: Visible — $25/mo, unlimited data, unlimited hotspot (speed-capped at 5 Mbps), taxes included
- Best hotspot: Mint Unlimited — $30/mo effective rate, 20GB hotspot, T-Mobile, 12-month prepay, taxes extra
- Best T-Mobile with taxes included: Metro $30 — 10GB hotspot, no annual contract, taxes included
- The $5 question: Mint at $30 doubles USM's hotspot (20GB vs 10GB) and removes Visible's 5 Mbps cap — but adds prepay and taxes extra
What the $30 ceiling adds
If you've read the under-$25 guide, you already know US Mobile Starter and Visible are the top picks at $25. The $30 ceiling adds one meaningful new option: Mint Mobile Unlimited — 20GB of full-speed hotspot on T-Mobile for $30/mo.
The upgrade depends on which $25 plan you're comparing against. vs. US Mobile Starter: you get double the hotspot data (20GB vs 10GB) for $5 more. vs. Visible: Visible's hotspot is technically unlimited, but speed-capped at 5 Mbps — fine for basic browsing but not video calls or streaming. Mint removes that speed cap entirely. If hotspot quality matters, $30 can justify itself quickly.
The top picks under $30
Unlimited Starter
Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T · no contract · taxes included
$25/mo
US Mobile Unlimited Starter remains the top pick even within the $30 ceiling — because it delivers exceptional value at $25, well under the ceiling. Unlimited data, 10GB hotspot (20GB on AT&T), taxes included, and your choice of Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. The ability to switch networks for $2 if coverage is weak is a feature no other plan at this price offers.
Best for
Most people — especially if you want network flexibility or aren't certain which carrier covers your area best.
Visible
Verizon network · no contract · taxes included
$25/mo
Visible is Verizon's own MVNO — unlimited data on Verizon's towers for $25/mo with taxes included and unlimited hotspot (speed-capped at 5 Mbps). If Verizon has the best coverage where you live and work, Visible is the cleanest $25 plan available. The 5 Mbps hotspot cap is fine for basic laptop browsing and email — not ideal for video calls or large downloads.
Best for
Verizon-coverage areas — the simplest unlimited plan at $25 with taxes included.
Unlimited Plan
T-Mobile network · 12-month prepay · taxes extra
$30/mo
paid annually
Mint Mobile Unlimited is the new entrant at $30. It earns its place here with one differentiator: 20GB of full-speed mobile hotspot — double USM's 10GB, and no speed cap like Visible's 5 Mbps limit. If you regularly tether your laptop, stream to a TV, or use your phone as a router while traveling, 20GB of uncapped hotspot is a meaningful upgrade.
The prepay caveat: Mint's Unlimited plan at $30/mo requires a 12-month commitment — $360 upfront, plus Mint's Recovery Fee (~$25) and state taxes at checkout. In Los Angeles, the real total is $387. High-tax states like Illinois or New York can push the total closer to $400. If annual commitments don't work for you, US Mobile Starter at $25/mo gives you no prepay and no surprise fees at checkout.
Also worth knowing: Mint's Unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data — after that, speeds may slow during network congestion but data doesn't stop.
Best for
Hotspot-heavy users on T-Mobile who are comfortable paying annually for the best rate.
Also in this range: Metro by T-Mobile $25 and $30
Metro's $25 plan (no hotspot, 5-year price lock) and $30 Unlimited plan (10GB hotspot, taxes included) are solid T-Mobile options with no prepay. If you want T-Mobile coverage with taxes already in the price and no annual commitment, Metro is worth comparing. The $30 plan adds 10GB hotspot over the $25 tier.
Side-by-side comparison
Prices shown are effective monthly rates for a single line. Mint's $30/mo is based on a $360 annual prepay. Taxes included where noted; Mint taxes are extra at checkout.
| Plan | Price | Network | Hotspot | Taxes | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile Starter | $25/mo | VZW/TMO/ATT | 10GB | Incl. | None |
| Visible | $25/mo | Verizon | Unltd (5 Mbps) | Incl. | None |
| Mint Unlimited | $30/mo | T-Mobile | 20GB | Extra | 12-mo |
| Metro $30 | $30/mo | T-Mobile | 10GB | Incl. | None |
| Metro $25 | $25/mo | T-Mobile | None | Incl. | None |
Prices are standard advertised rates per line with autopay where applicable. Mint Unlimited at $30/mo requires a 12-month upfront purchase ($360); a Recovery Fee (~$25) plus state/local taxes are added at checkout — verified $387.37 total for a Los Angeles zip code in April 2026. High-tax states may be higher. Mint's Unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data before potential deprioritization. US Mobile, Visible, and Metro taxes are included in the advertised price. Verify current pricing directly with each carrier before signing up.