If you value the freedom of owning your phone outrightly so you can use it anywhere you like, a SIM-Only plan is what you need from your carrier. Whether it is. AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, or any of the smaller carriers (MVNOs), you can bring your own device and get a SIM or eSIM for text, calls and data.
Even if you purchased your phone from a carrier, as long as you have unlocked it, you can use it with a SIM-Only plan from any of the other carrier.
As the name indicates, a SIM-Only plan means that all you are getting from a carrier is a mobile line; it does not include a phone. So, a SIM-Only plan from T-Mobile, for example, means you are getting a line from the carrier for use in a phone you already own or intend to buy from elsewhere.
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SIM-Only vs BYOD
This is why the phrase, SIM-Only plan, is used interchangeably with the term, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). You have to bring your own device in order to use a SIM-Only plan. Everywhere you see the term, BYOD, in this article, it refers to the same thing – a plan where you purchase a SIM card or mobile line only.
eSIMs on SIM-only plans
Note that some SIM-only plans support eSIMs, so if your iPhone, Samsung or Pixel smartphone supports eSIM, you are not left stranded. Be sure to ask your carrier.
Top SIM-Only Plans with Unlimited Data
Let’s explore some of the best BYOD/SIM-Only plans that include unlimited data from various carriers in the US:
Mint Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile’s network. For just $15 monthly, it offers you unlimited data. The catch this is a 3-month plan, so you have to pay in batches of $45 to cover 3 months of usage. Another clause is that there is a 40GB fixed user policy (FUP), meaning that the speed is throttled after you use 40GB in each month. You can order it from Amazon.
Visible runs on Verizon’s 4G and 5G networks. This MVNO offers unlimited data for $20 per month. This BYOD plan includes unlimited text and calls not just in the US but also to to Canada and Mexico. The plan has Mobile Hotspot included so you can share your mobile data with other phones, laptops, etc.
Boost Mobile rides on the infrastructures of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish, giving you a certain amount of redundancy. You can get a BYOD plan that includes unlimited data for $25 per month. It is the most expensive of the unlimited data BYOD, but then again, riding on three networks means that the chances of you running out of coverage are slim. Plus, the first month is at a discount.
Best SIM-only Plans with Metered Data
Twigby, which uses Verizon’s infrastructure, has a BYOD plan that includes 2GB data and unlimited calls, and texta for only $5 per month for the first three months and $10 per month thereafter.
After you have exhausted your 2GB allocation, you can still use the Internet, though, but only at 2G speeds. I’m not sure how much you can get done on 2G speeds, considering we are talking about 384 kbps (kilobits per second) theoretical maximum speed, but as low as 64 to 128 kbps in real life scenarios. Still.. Order your Twigby SIM from Amazon.
Tello, which relies on T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G networks, offers 5GB data monthly for $13/month. This SIM-Only plan includes unlimited text and 500 call minutes. They will also ship the SIM to you for free.
MobileX, an MVNO riding on Verizon’s back, offers 10GB data for about $15 monthly. The speed is throttled after you have used up your 10GB allocation. You do have to spend an initial $9.98 for the SIM kit which gives you a limited time 10-day FREE Trial with unlimited talk, text and data. In addition, after the trial period, new users who choose to continue to use MobileX will receive up to $10 credit towards future services.
Psst: Did you know that the founder of MobileX, Peter Adderton, is the same person thated the team that created Boost Mobile?
How to use your BYOD plan
Using a BYOD or SIM-Only plan is pretty easy. Simply extract the SIM card from the starter pack and insert it into your smartphone and you are good to go. You can extract your SIM card at any time and use it in any unlocked device.
Where both the carrier and your smartphone supports eSIM, your carrier will walk you through how to set eSIM up on your phone. If you belong to the Apple ecosystem, we have an easy tutorial on how to set up eSIM on your iPhone.