Plan Comparison
$60 Essentials vs $45 Unlimited Comparison
A side-by-side look at price, data, network, and features to help you pick the right plan.
VS
At a glance
Where they differ
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
Monthly price
$60/mo
$45/mo
High-speed data
50GB
22GB
Only the dimensions that differ between these plans are shown. Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Plan details
Feature comparison
Data
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
High-speed data
50GB
22GB
5G access
Included
Included
Calls & Texts
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
Calling
Unlimited
Unlimited
Texting
Unlimited
Unlimited
Hotspot
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
Hotspot data
Not included
Not included
Speed cap
Full speed — no cap
Full speed — no cap
Max connected devices
No limit
No limit
Data pool
Separate from phone data
Separate from phone data
Connected Devices
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
Watch line
Not available
Not available
Tablet line
Not available
Not available
Plan Details
$60 Essentials
$45 Unlimited
Billing period
Monthly
Monthly
Plan type
Individual
Family / Shared
Business plan
No
No
Affinity discounts
Not eligible
Not eligible
Contract
No contract · 2-year term
No contract
Common questions
$60 Essentials vs $45 Unlimited — FAQ
Which plan is cheaper after taxes, the $60 Essentials or $45 Unlimited?
The $45 Unlimited is the cheaper of the two at $45 per month versus $60, and because both add taxes and fees on top the gap holds after tax. Multi-line and autopay discounts can still shift the math, so check each plan's pricing for your situation. The cost breakdown on each plan page estimates the all-in total for your state.
Which plan gives you more data, the $60 Essentials or $45 Unlimited?
The $60 Essentials offers more high-speed data, with the $60 Essentials at 50GB and the $45 Unlimited at 22GB. More headroom matters most if you stream, tether, or travel without WiFi; lighter users may never reach either cap. Check the deprioritization and post-cap speed rows in the feature table, since those shape real-world speeds once the network is busy.
Do the $60 Essentials and $45 Unlimited run on the same network?
Yes, both plans run on the LTE, 5G network, so coverage and tower access are effectively identical between them. Where they can still differ is data prioritization: a carrier's own plan often gets premium priority while an MVNO riding the same towers may be deprioritized during congestion. Compare the priority and deprioritization rows to see how each is treated at peak times.
Can I keep my number when switching between the $60 Essentials and $45 Unlimited?
Yes. US carriers are required to support number portability, so you can transfer your existing number to either plan when you switch. Start the move from the new carrier and keep the old line active until the port completes, which usually takes from a few minutes to a couple of hours. You will typically need your account number and a transfer PIN from your current provider to authorize the switch.
Plan details are sourced from carriers and may change without notice. Suggest a correction →