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In recent years, the landscape of mobile data plans in the United States has shifted significantly from limited to increasingly popular unlimited options. However, not every unlimited plan is equal in terms of performance. Many carriers impose restrictions on high-speed data, often reducing speeds after a certain threshold is reached or limiting streaming quality to standard definition (SD, 480p).
For consumers seeking better options, there are indeed mobile plans in the US that provide higher quality streaming without throttling. Both postpaid and prepaid segments of the market feature plans that allow for enhanced streaming capabilities.
The Major Carriers and Their Streaming Options
While major carriers often default to SD quality for many of their unlimited plans, they do have higher-tier options that stand out:
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate allows for up to 4K resolution when using its 5G UW network, but limits streaming to HD (1080p) on LTE or standard 5G connections.
Verizon Unlimited Plus provides HD (720p) streaming by default, with the possibility of reaching 4K on 5G UW.
AT&T Unlimited Premium PL offers completely unthrottled streaming across both 4G LTE and 5G networks.
T-Mobile Go5G Plus and Go5G Next both support 4K UHD streaming without limits.
T-Mobile Go5G starts with SD quality, though users can opt for HD (720p) through media settings.
Prepaid Plans Offering Enhanced Streaming Quality
In the prepaid category, while many providers restrict streaming to SD, several exceptions exist:
AT&T Prepaid Max and Unlimited Plus Max allow users to completely disable video throttling, enabling 4K streaming capabilities.
Metro by T-Mobile offers an HD video upgrade for an additional $10 monthly fee across many plans, including all of its unlimited options.
Cricket lets users turn off video management for enhanced streaming, though the default setting is 480p until adjusted.
Xfinity Mobile Unlimited Plus supports HD streaming as a standard feature.
Visible has a limit of 2.1Mbps for video streaming, which is adequate for 720p playback.
All T-Mobile Prepaid plans offer speeds capped at no less than 2.5Mbps, sufficient for 720p streaming.
While other providers like MobileX also present options for streaming above SD, most are associated with limited data plans, which can quickly exhaust data allowances when streaming high-quality video.
Exploring the VPN Option for Streaming
If your mobile carrier does not accommodate higher streaming rates, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) could be a viable alternative. A VPN can enhance your online privacy and may help bypass carrier-imposed streaming limits by altering the apparent location of your device.
However, utilizing a VPN resides within a gray area regarding your carrier’s terms of service. Not all VPNs exhibit equal efficacy, and some may encounter compatibility issues with specific streaming platforms. Furthermore, VPN usage can result in slower internet speeds, potentially hindering smooth video playback. Generally, it is advisable to explore the carrier-supported options mentioned above prior to resorting to a VPN, as these will likely offer a more reliable viewing experience.
If you do choose to pursue a VPN, ExpressVPN is a top recommendation, with NordVPN serving as another strong alternative.
Personal Recommendations for Streaming Plans
Choosing the best network for streaming can depend heavily on your locale and personal preferences. Based on my analysis, here are my recommendations for the major carriers:
Verizon: If you prefer Verizon’s network, plans like Verizon Unlimited Plus or Ultimate provide up to 4K streaming on 5G UW, although the HD and SD options apply when using 4G. For a more budget-friendly choice, Visible (Basic or Plus) permits video streaming at up to 720p but is restricted to 2.1Mbps.
AT&T: Budget-conscious users can opt for AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Max, where video throttling can be entirely disabled, allowing for optimal streaming quality and sufficient data. For postpaid customers, AT&T Unlimited Premium PL stands out as the only plan with unrestricted higher-resolution streaming options.
T-Mobile: Consumers seeking quality streaming will benefit from both prepaid and postpaid options directly from T-Mobile. Plans such as T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited and Unlimited Plus offer the ability to access 720p HD. In contrast, various postpaid plans permit users to enjoy 4K streaming, with Go5G allowing transitions to 720p in-app, and Go5G Plus and Go5G Next facilitating UHD streaming capabilities.
Source
www.androidauthority.com