Streamlining mobile data usage is kinda our thing. So we’re all on the same page, mobile data (also called cellular data) is any information sent or received by your smartphone over the internet through a cellular network. And that’s where we come in. Mint Mobile plans fit your lifestyle–not the other way around.
If you’re wondering which mobile data plans will be a good fit for you, you’re in the right place. In this article you’ll learn the most important questions to ask when choosing the best cell phone plan for you or your family, so you can pay for only the data you need.
Are you ready? (don’t answer that one–it’s rhetorical.)
What do I use mobile data for?
Whether you’re following questionable directions from Google Maps or streaming music, mobile data consumption is a daily activity for all of us. Understanding your needs is the first step in choosing the best data plan. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to track your usage, as most smartphones include in-depth, real-time statistics found in your Cellular Settings.
For reference, with just 1GB of data, you could upload or download 1,000 high-resolution photos, stream video for about 500 minutes, or download a little over 300 apps, games or songs. Clearly, a little data goes a long way. For more eye opening cellular facts, check out our blog on How Many MB are in a GB. Now that you’re fluent in Giga-nese, let’s move on to pricing.
What’s my mobile data budget?
Choosing the best data plan for your wallet shouldn’t be a headache. Let’s break it down.
Hot take: You probably don’t need unlimited. Most people are fine on smaller data plans if a stable Wi-Fi network is accessible, and you’ll be surprised to learn how little data you actually use in a given month–just ask our own employees. Of course, there is a place for unlimited if you stream on-the-go, but the economics of wireless show that many users are paying for more GBs than they can use. Unlike big wireless we don’t try to sway you into expensive plans with gimmicks you don’t need (another VR headset anyone?).
Every Mint Mobile plan is packed with the same essential wireless features, so all you need to decide on is your mobile data allowance. Don’t get hoodwinked into thinking unlimited plans are the one-size-fits-all solution. There’s always a sweet spot between affordability and data amount, so let’s find yours.
Which data plan size is right for me?
Everyone’s cellular needs are different, so use these categories as a starting point on your quest for the best data plan for one person:
The Wi-Fi Wizard : 5GB
A good chunk of us stay here. With remote work becoming more prevalent, many of us sweatpant-execs have access to a stable Wi-Fi network, and so do most students.
4GB/mo is enough to download one app, post a dozen photos, visit 40 web pages and send about 100 emails per day. See this plan.
The Spontaneous Searcher: 15GB
This one goes out to passenger seat co-pilots everywhere. 10GB is the perfect amount if you use mobile data for small things like getting directions or streaming the latest hits. With 10 GB/mo, you can download 10 apps, stream 10 minutes of video and 50 minutes of music, visit 80 web pages and send about 150 emails per day. See this plan.
The Social Guru: 20GB
Do you photograph your food before digging in? If uploading photos and video to your accounts is a must, 15G/mo will do the trick. You can download 12 apps, stream 10 minutes of video and 75 minutes of music, visit 165 web pages and send about 300 emails per day. See this plan.
The Streamin’ Machine: UNLIMITED
If streaming videos on Youtube and Netflix off Wi-Fi is a part of your day, then consider bulking up to an unlimited plan*. The extra data will have you covered, but keep an eye on your usage. Although the data is unlimited, throttled data speeds will vary depending on the rate of your consumption. See this plan.
What data plan size is right for my family?
If you’re looking at data plans for others, does it make sense to pay for unlimited when only one person needs that much? Of course not. On the flip side, you don’t want to share the data across multiple devices either (it burns bridges faster than UNO).
Before the accusations fly, know that Mint Mobile has flexible multi-line plans that tailor to everyone’s specific needs. Learn more about how to pick the Best Family Phone Plan, the Best Phone Plan for Kids or the Best Phone Plan for Seniors to cover all your cellular bases.
Why is flexible data important?
So you’ve tracked your data usage, selected a mobile data plan, and you’ve run out in the middle of week two. It happens to the best of us. With Mint Mobile you can purchase your data up front without being locked into a contract. That means you can dial up or dial down your data plan as needed. So if you find your plan didn’t work quite like you hoped in practice, you can always tailor your allotment to find that best fit. If you want to learn more about why having flexible data is important, study up on the attached article to use your Mint plan like a pro.
What is the best cell phone plan?
The best data plan balances lifestyle and budget. Be honest about your usage habits, considering your day-to-day Wi-Fi access and your essential cellular needs. You can get started with our free Plan Match Quiz to find a plan that’s Mint to be. You’ll save on wireless bills and stress with premium wireless plans starting at just $15 a month.
*New activation & upfront payment for 3-month plan req’d. Taxes & fees extra. Addt’l restrictions apply. Unlimited customers using >40GB/mo will experience lower speeds. Videos stream at ~480p. See terms.
