Simple Mobile Cell Phone Plans Review

Simple Mobile gives you unlimited data plans for cheap. Just be prepared for slower data speeds.

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If you’re looking for a prepaid plan with unlimited https://jiji.ng/ data, you’re in luck, because that’s all Simple Mobile offers. Simple Mobile offers up five different unlimited plans ranging from $25 a month to $60 a month. Our advice: aim for the $40 unlimited plan or cheaper. If you’re paying more than that, you might as well opt for a better unlimited provider.

Simple Mobile unlimited plans

What we like

Simple Mobile data plans make the most sense as a budget option. Stick with the $40 Unlimited Plan or cheaper, and you’ll walk away with a decent plan and no contract to tie you down.

Cheap unlimited plans

Even with the data throttling, it’s tough to beat an unlimited data plan for $25 a month. Yes, your data will slow down once you pass 3 GB of data, but on the bright side, you won’t get charged for using too much data.

The rule of thumb with data is every hour of HD streaming takes up about a gig of data. In other words, you could watch 3–4 episodes of your favorite show on Netflix before your data starts slowing down.

So if you can live with your data inevitably slowing down every month, you can get an unlimited plan from Simple Mobile for super cheap. Remember, use Wi-Fi wherever you can and stretch out your high-speed data even further.

How do Simple Mobile plans compare?

Let’s compare Simple Mobile’s cheapest unlimited plan with other providers offering similar rates. Here’s how it all breaks down:

Not only is Simple Mobile cheaper than the big boys at Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, it also offers unlimited data where comparable plans offer limited data. The catch, of course, is that your data will be slower with Simple Mobile than it would be with Verizon, for example.

As long as you have the patience to wait a few extra seconds (or more) for streaming YouTube videos to buffer and Instagram feeds to refresh, you can save some money with a Simple Mobile unlimited plan.

If you were to opt for a Simple Mobile data plan that exceeds $35 a month, you would officially be paying more than you would for an unlimited plan with Sprint. At that point, you’d be better off going with a bigger provider like Sprint and all the perks that come with it.

No contracts

Simple Mobile operates as a prepaid mobile option, which means you don’t have to sign a long-term contract. You just make your payment at the beginning of the month, and you’ll have unlimited data locked and loaded.

Having no contract means you can bounce over to another provider whenever you want. You never know when a big wireless provider might run some outrageous deal that you need to hop on.

What we don’t like

Data throttling

Depending on which plan you choose, your data speeds will start to slow down after a certain point. Here’s how the data throttling thresholds work for each plan:

$25 Unlimited Plan

$30 Unlimited Plan

$40 Unlimited Plan

$50 Unlimited Plan

$60 Unlimited Plan

The more money you pay each month, the higher your data threshold becomes. It’s always better when you can rely on consistent data speeds, but Simple Mobile users should expect their data speeds to eventually slow down every month unless you opt for the $50 or $60 Unlimited Plans.

You get what you pay for with Simple Mobile, and in this case, the cheap data price comes with a catch: data speeds slowing down. Simple Mobile isn’t the best unlimited plan for folks who plan on using a lot of data.

Along with the high-speed data, you also get 10 GB of hotspot data with the $50 and $60 Unlimited Plans. Hotspot data allows you to essentially create your own Wi-Fi wherever you are. It certainly comes in handy when you need to pull out your laptop in an area without Wi-Fi.

Simple Mobile family plans

Simple Mobile, once again, undercuts the big boys of mobile and serves up unlimited data for a cheaper price.

Before you get too excited, remember that your data will most likely be slower with Simple Mobile. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but hey, $65 a month for a family plan with unlimited data is still a killer deal, even with the slower data. Your teen can go buck-wild on data and you won’t ever have to spend an extra penny.

Every line you add to your family plan also increases your data threshold. Points to Simple Mobile for not expecting a family to maintain a 3 GB budget for the month.

Simple Mobile coverage

The bigger the city, the better the coverage

Simple Mobile operates as an MVNO wireless provider, which means it piggybacks on another provider’s network. In this case, on T-Mobile’s, which covers 94% of the country.1

But that doesn’t mean Simple Mobile has the exact same coverage as T-Mobile. If you look at its coverage map, Simple Mobile’s coverage is pretty patchy. Simple Mobile users will be deprioritized over T-Mobile users, which means your coverage and speeds may be less reliable.

You’ll probably be fine in most metro areas, but you definitely can’t head out of town for a camping trip and still expect good service and speeds.

It’s hard to say exactly what data speeds to expect on Simple Mobile because of deprioritization, but T-Mobile does have the fastest current download speeds in the wireless world at 21.1 Mbps.1 You should expect quick 4G speeds on T-Mobile’s network until you hit your data cap.

Simple Mobile international coverage

If you have a lot of friends or family in other countries, Simple Mobile makes it pretty easy to keep in touch with them. All its plans come with unlimited international texting from the US, so you can message your cousin in Costa Rica every morning if you feel like it and never worry about extra charges.

Simple Mobile also offers unlimited international talk, but for only 60 countries. If you want to call your dad in Mexico, you’ll still have to pay roaming charges. But you can get an international add-on plan for $10 per month if you know in advance you’ll be making a lot of international calls.

With the international add-on plan, your balance rolls over every month, which is nice. You’re still paying for international calls, though—you’re just giving yourself $10 per month to do it.

Best Streaming Devices 2022

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A streaming device allows you to get all your TV shows, movies, apps, and games in one place and you’ll save money on your cable bill. If you’re new to the streaming world, allow us to help with our guide on how to stream TV.

There are so many options to choose from, so we’re going to help you decide which one is best for you and your family.

Roku Streaming Stick+

4K Ultra HD + HDR

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

Chromecast with Google TV

Apple TV 4K

Amazon Fire TV Cube

4K Ultra HD + HDR10+

Expandable USB storage

NVIDIA SHIELD

*Data effective 4/27/2022. Amazon.com List Prices (as of 4/27/2022 11:00 AM MST)

It comes down to the number of pixels per square inch of your screen. The more pixels, the better your image quality—so 1080p is good, but 4K has more pixels, so it’s a crisper image.

HDR means “High Dynamic Range,” which means you get more contrast between brights and darks. Basically, things stand out better.

You can talk to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant for voice control, or use your smartphone or tablet as a remote controller and screen with these streaming devices. Apple will integrate your iStuff easily, Amazon Prime Members can get Prime Video with the Fire TV, and so on.

We’ve highlighted who we think each pick is best for based on connectivity, picture quality, and voice control.

Roku Streaming Stick+ is the best option for most

Tech specs

• 4K HDR
• 256 MB storage
• HDR10 support
• Voice remote with TV power and volume buttons
• USB powered
• HDMI
• Wi-Fi antenna in power cable

Roku has most of the streaming apps you need

Roku is known for having lots of apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and The Roku Channel.

And you can use your voice remote to get what you want quicker. Just say "Philo" or "STARZ" and the app will open up on your screen.

You’ll get a smooth interface and easy searchability

Roku doesn’t connect with Google, Amazon, or Apple, so Roku’s interface makes searching content across all platforms easier.

With some of our other picks, you’re likely to get frustrated finding workarounds or transporting stuff you’ve already purchased from other companies. Plus, you can see prices for every platform where Jumanji: The Next Level is available.

Great for wall-mounted TVs and portability

Since Roku Streaming Stick plugs into a USB port on your TV or computer, it doesn’t require plugging in a power adapter or HDMI cable, so you avoid cable clutter or cleanup.

You can also take your Streaming Stick with you on vacation for when you’re relaxing in the hotel at the end of the day.

What we don’t like: Lack of iTunes migration

Roku does support the Apple TV app, but unfortunately, your iTunes movies and music aren’t coming with you—at least not without workarounds that don’t seem entirely legit.

Apple fans will have to dish out a bit more for the Apple TV 4K than for the Roku, but the Apple TV will sync up with your stuff easier and result in a more connected home.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is best for Amazon users

Tech specs

• 4K Ultra HD (up to 60 fps)
• Easy integration with Amazon products
• 8 GB storage
• Dolby Atmos surround sound
• HDR and HDR10+
• Alexa voice remote
• Wi-Fi dual-band (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
• USB
• HDMI 2.0a

You’ll have the perfect Amazon-connected home

If you want to keep things simple, and you’re a Prime member, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick will work well with your other Amazon/Alexa products for a more connected home.

The Fire TV Stick also comes with an Alexa voice remote to request a streaming service, like Prime Video, or a song through Spotify, and can seamlessly integrate a VPN to your streaming experience.

You’ll get loads of entertainment with the Fire TV Stick

One awesome perk with this streaming device: 500,000 movies and TV shows are available to you to watch without a subscription.

Then you can also download apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, AppleTV+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Showtime, IMDb TV, and Pluto TV.

This streaming device also makes it easy for cord-cutters who are leaning toward a live TV streaming service, like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Sling TV (check out our best live TV streaming services review to find the best one for you).

And then you can also listen to Nicki Minaj or Harry Styles with Amazon Music, Pandora, Apple Music, Pandora, and iHeartRadio.

What we don’t like: The search function is geared towards Amazon

Ya know how we highlighted the convenient Roku feature of searching across all platforms on your device? Yeah, well, the Fire Stick TV doesn’t do that.

Yes, the voice remote will pull up any streaming service you ask it ("Turn on HBO Max"), but if you ask the Fire TV Stick to find The Undoing, it will instead search for the show through Amazon.

Then you’ll have to resort to using the unfriendly way of typing with the little remote.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro has the most features for your streaming experience

Tech specs

• 4K HDR
• Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound
• Fast processor with 3 GB RAM
• 16 GB storage
• Built-in Google Assistant
• Amazon Echo compatible
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Two USB 3.0 ports
• HDMI

A connected home makes for a simpler life

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro has a built-in Chromecast 4K, includes Google Assistant, and is compatible with Alexa. With this streaming device, you can connect it to your other devices, like the Amazon Echo.

Then the possibilities are endless (and hands-free). Just tell Alexa "Turn on Disney+" or "Hulu."

You’ll have access to thousands of apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. Oh, and guess what? This device doubles as a game console.

It’s an excellent streaming device for gamers (and non-gamers, of course)

You can connect your game controller to the NVIDIA SHIELD to play games like Fortnite and GeForce Now in 4K.

Not only will you get to bring your games to life, but your movies will look realistic with the Dolby Vision HDR for vivid picture quality. And the Dolby Atmos surround sound will immerse you into your game or your movie like no other.

Now, we don’t know about you, but the price tag for this streaming device/ game console doesn’t look so bad anymore.

What we don’t like: The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is on the expensive side

If you just wanna Netflix and chill, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is two or three times more expensive than the average streaming device. Granted, you get a lot for that price, but it’s worth it for those who appreciate the features.

Google Chromecast Ultra is known for a great user experience

Tech specs

• Compatible with Google Assistant
• Your mobile device or tablet is your remote
• Voice control
• HDR 10
• USB powered
• HDMI

The Chromecast Ultra provides simplicity at its finest

First of all, the setup is easy. Just plug the tiny Chromecast Ultra into your TV, and voilà!

Secondly, you control the little guy with your smartphone or tablet. You know it’s easier to navigate your smartphone than it is to learn the ins and outs of a brand new device.

You can play, pause, rewind, and control the volume with your smartphone, or connect the Ultra to your Google Home so you can easily tell your streaming device to "Play Stranger Things."

Enjoy 2,000 apps for your entertainment

With the Ultra, you’ll have access to 2,000 apps to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, videos, sports, listen to music, and play games. Some apps you and your family can use are Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV, Pandora, Prime Video, and HBO Max.

What we don’t like: Using your smartphone to control your TV isn’t the most practical

This is for the phone lovers who can’t seem to put it down (you know who you are). If you don’t want to use your phone for the Chromecast Ultra because you rather be on Twitter checking the sports updates (understandable), then you can also use your laptop to control this streaming device.

Apple TV 4K is best for Apple users

Tech specs

• Siri voice control
• 32 GB–64 GB
• Dolby Vision and Atmos
• HDR10
• Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
• A10X Fusion chip
• iTunes integration
• HDMI 2.0a

The Apple TV is perfect if you’re part of Apple ecosystem

If you’re already bought into the iWorld of things, it makes perfect sense to go for the classic appeal of Apple: sleek design, intuitive user interface, and easy syncing between devices.

Plus, if you have a ton of movies and music on iTunes, this is the only streaming device that makes it effortless to integrate.

If you want to make the switch from DVDs or Blu-Ray and go digital, the Apple TV keeps your purchased movies in a neat library that’s organized by genres.

You get some free perks when you buy an Apple TV

When you set up your Apple TV 4K, you’ll get free access to Apple Music and Apple News+ for four months and AppleTV+ for one year.

Other than AppleTV+, you’ll get 1,000 other apps on your new streaming device like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, and ESPN+.

What we don’t like: The Apple TV is pretty pricey

While Apple fans might be used to a higher price tag, the Apple TV is expensive. It costs two or three times as much as some of our other picks.

But honestly, from our experience (as an Apple fan), the Apple TV makes for a smooth streaming experience with all of your streaming apps and purchased movies in one place.

Siri requires the remote

Part of the appeal of Alexa integration is that you can have any Amazon speaker product nearby and use voice control, but with Apple’s voice system, you need to keep your remote in hand.

Recap: What is the best streaming device?

You can find a plethora of ways to get your streaming services up on the big screen, but depending on your needs and budget, finding the perfect one should be easy with a few considerations.

• Roku Streaming Stick+: For $43.99, you get all of the popular streaming apps on a smooth and easy-to-use interface. The search function is also really nice when you want to figure out which streaming service has The Other Guys.
• Amazon Fire TV Stick: Perfect for Amazon/ Alexa users, you’ll have a connected home. The Fire TV Stick ($40) also has loads of apps for on-demand streaming, live TV, and music.
• NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro: If you’re a Google Chromecast/ Android user or a gamer, get the SHIELD ($200). The Dolby Vision and Atmos will give your games and movies a vivid picture and surreal surround sound.
• Google Chromecast Ultra: Most known for its simplicity, you can plug your Ultra ($50) into your TV in seconds. You’ll also control your Ultra through your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and won’t have to worry about losing your remote.
• Apple TV 4K: The Apple TV is a bit pricey for what it is, but if you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it just makes sense. It’ll be worth the money to have your streaming services and movies on one device the whole family can enjoy.

Enhance your streaming device of choice with one of our choices for the best VPN for streaming.

What’s your favorite streaming device? What would you like to see more of in the streaming world? Let us know in the comments!

YouTube review: Best devices under $50

Chantel is all about finding the best tv or streaming service to watch as many football games as possible to keep her Fantasy Football team in check. Prior to being a TV and Streaming Tech Reporter for Reviews.org, she worked for NFL Network and The Alliance of American Football. Before that, she received a B.A. of Communication at the University of Utah and an M.S. in Sports Journalism at USC. Go Utes and Fight On. Contact her at chantel@reviews.org

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.