The Best Cell Phone Plans With Smartwatch Connectivity – Technologist

If you’re shopping for a data plan for your smartwatch, you’ll most likely want to activate it with your cell phone service provider to be able to receive texts, calls and other notifications. Unfortunately, not all cell phone service providers offer smartwatch plans. Even among those that do, some only support one or two types of smartwatches (Apple, Samsung or Google for example). 

I’ve included a list of providers that offer smartwatch plans later in this article. If you’d like to see if your current provider offers smartwatch support, jump ahead to this section. Alternatively, if you’re shopping for a standalone smartwatch plan that isn’t connected to your cell phone number, check out these plans.

If you are willing to switch service providers for the best deal, you’ll need to consider the cost of the cell phone plan as well as the smartwatch plan. Fortunately, there are a few affordable unlimited plans that include free smartwatch connectivity.

I’ve analyzed over 200 cell phone plans and over 20 smartwatch plans to determine where you’ll find the most affordable bundles overall as well as the absolute best prices on unlimited service for all of your devices.

Cheapest Overall Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Apple Watches

US Mobile Light Plan

Network
AT&T (Dark Star), T-Mobile (Light Speed) or Verizon (Warp)

Price
$10 monthly (taxes & fees included); $96 for 12 months ($8/month)

Highlights

  • Cell phone plan with 2GB of premium data for $10/month or $96/year ($8/month)
  • Add Apple Watch Companion Plan with unlimited talk, text and data for $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month)
  • Warp Network (Verizon) required for companion plans


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Cheapest Overall Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Android Smartwatches

Google Fi Wireless Flexible

Network
T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular

Price
$20/month + $10/GB

Highlights

  • Cell phone plan for $20/month plus $10/GB with smartwatch connectivity included
  • Supports Samsung and Google smartwatches


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Best “Unlimited Everything” Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan

Verizon Unlimited Plus

Network
Verizon

Price
$80/month (plus taxes & fees; autopay required to get the best rate)

Highlights

  • Truly unlimited cell phone plan for $80/month for one line (multiline discounts available)
  • 50% off one smartwatch data plan ($7.50/month)
  • Smartwatch data plan includes unlimited talk, text and 5G/4G LTE data as well as roaming in Canada and Mexico


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Cheapest Unlimited Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Apple Watches

US Mobile Unlimited Premium

Network
AT&T (Dark Star), T-Mobile (Light Speed) or Verizon (Warp)

Price
$50 monthly (taxes & fees included); $450 for 12 months ($37.50/month)

Highlights

  • Unlimited cell phone plan with 100GB of premium data for $44/month or $390/year ($32.50/month)
  • Apple Watch Companion Plan with unlimited talk, text and data included for free
  • Warp network (Verizon) required


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Cheapest Unlimited Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Android Smartwatches

Google Fi Wireless Simply Unlimited

Network
T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular

Price
$50 (plus taxes & fees)

Highlights

  • Unlimited cell phone plan with 35GB of high-speed data for $50/month
  • Full smartwatch connectivity for Android smartwatches included
  • Multiline discounts bring the price to $100 for four lines; each line includes full smartwatch connectivity


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Best International Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan

T-Mobile Go5G

Network
T-Mobile

Price
$75 per month (taxes & fees included)

Highlights

  • Unlimited cell phone plan with 100GB of high-speed data for $75/month for one line with autopay (multiline discounts available)
  • Add a smartwatch data plan for $12-$15/month
  • $15 smartwatch data plan includes up to 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico as well as up to 5GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations


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In the next section, I’ll take a closer look at each of these cell phone plans and providers as well as how you can add a smartwatch data plan for the best possible price.


The Best Cheap and Unlimited Cell Phone and Smartwatch Plans

When I first started researching smartwatch data plans, I saw mixed opinions on whether or not you need a separate plan for your smartwatch. You can save the most money by opting for a smartwatch that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and avoiding a smartwatch data plan altogether. However, you won’t be able to connect to the internet or receive call/text notifications on your smartwatch when you’re away from your smartphone. 

To stay connected when you’re away from your phone, you’ll need to add a smartwatch data plan. If you’re willing to switch cell phone service providers to get the best deal on a cell phone plan and smartwatch plan, consider these affordable options:

Here, I’ll share the details of each plan including how much you’ll pay in total for cell phone and smartwatch service as well as what you’ll get for the price.

Later in this article, I’ve also included a list of the best standalone plans for smartwatches that aren’t connected to your phone number as well as a list of available smartwatch plans by network.


US Mobile Light Plan

Cheapest Overall Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Apple Watches

US Mobile offers one of the cheapest cell phone plans available. The Light Plan costs $10/month or $96/year ($8/month) for unlimited talk, text and 2GB of high-speed data per month for one line. 

Recently, US Mobile announced a new lineup of Apple Watch plans that you can pair with any cell phone plan for $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month). However, customers must be on the Warp network (Verizon) to pair their Apple Watch. The plan includes unlimited talk, text and data as well as instant eSIM activation, 24/7 customer support and enabled WiFi calling. 

With US Mobile’s Light Plan and Apple Watch plan, you can get cell phone and smartwatch services for as low as $14.50/month by prepaying annually for both plans. The monthly versions of the Light Plan and Apple Watch plans cost $19.50 in total for one line.

You can learn more about US Mobile’s Apple Watch plans here. Before you switch to US Mobile, be sure to read our full US Mobile review.


Google Fi Wireless Flexible

Cheapest Overall Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Android Smartwatches

While US Mobile currently only supports Apple smartwatches, you can find affordable cell phone plans that include free Samsung and Google smartwatch connectivity with Google Fi Wireless.

Google Fi Wireless offers three cell phone plans, and each includes full connectivity for select smartwatches. The most affordable plan is “Flexible” for $20/month plus $10 per GB. If you don’t need any high-speed data, or if you’re a light data user, this plan could be perfect for you. It includes unlimited talk and text. Plus, it works the same internationally as it does in the U.S. without any additional roaming fees for your cell phone or smartwatch.

Google Fi Wireless uses T-Mobile’s network to provide service to its customers. You can learn more about Google Fi Wireless’ smartwatch plan here. Before you switch to Google Fi Wireless, be sure to read our full review here.


US Mobile Unlimited Premium Annual Plan

Cheapest Unlimited Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Apple Watches

The first two plans I highlighted offer the most affordable options for cell phone and smartwatch plan bundles. Of course, both of those plans come with several limitations, specifically for your cell phone plan regarding mobile data. If you’re shopping instead for an unlimited phone plan with Apple Watch connectivity, US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium plan is hard to beat. With discounted annual pricing, it becomes even more competitive.

US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium plan costs $44/month for one line or $390 for 12 months ($32.50/month). Customers on US Mobile’s Warp network (Verizon) are eligible for free Apple Watch connectivity with Unlimited Premium. Here’s what you’ll get with US Mobile’s top-tier plan: 

  • Unlimited talk, text and data (100GB premium data)
  • 50GB hotspot data
  • International calls and texts from the U.S.
  • Data, calls and texts in. Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico
  • Free teleports (switch between three networks; Apple Watch companion plan is only available on Warp network)
  • Unlimited talk text and data for your smartwatch

You can learn more about US Mobile’s Apple Watch plans here. Before you switch to US Mobile, be sure to read our full US Mobile review.


Google Fi Wireless Simply Unlimited

Cheapest Unlimited Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan for Android Smartwatches

In addition to one of the most affordable options, Google Fi Wireless also offers great prices on unlimited cell phone plans that include Samsung or Google smartwatch connectivity for free. The Simply Unlimited plan costs $50/month for one line and includes unlimited talk, text and data (35GB high-speed) in addition to full smartwatch connectivity.

Additionally, Google Fi Wireless’ Simply Unlimited plan is perfect for families with smartwatches. For four lines, the same plan costs $100/month total ($25/line). Plus, full connectivity for select smartwatches is included for each line.

You can learn more about Google Fi Wireless’ smartwatch plan here. Before you switch to Google Fi Wireless, be sure to read our full review here.


Verizon Unlimited Plus

Best “Unlimited Everything” Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan

If you’re shopping for a truly unlimited cell phone plan from a major carrier that you can partner with a smartwatch data plan, consider Verizon Wireless’ Unlimited Plus.

Unlimited Plus costs $80/month for one line with autopay, but multiline discounts are available. Plus, customers with this phone plan are eligible for up to 50% off one device plan. Verizon’s smartwatch data plan typically costs $15/month for Apple & Android watches, but customers with the Unlimited Plus plan can add smartwatch connectivity for $7.50. The smartwatch plan includes unlimited talk, text and 5G / 4G LTE data as well as roaming in Canada and Mexico.

Here’s what you’ll get with Verizon’s Unlimited Plus plan: 

  • Unlimited talk, text and premium data with access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network
  • 30GB hotspot data
  • Up to 50% off one device plan (including the smartwatch data plan)
  • Verizon Family (location sharing and safety features)
  • Unlimited talk, text and data (2GB/day high-speed) in Mexico and Canada
  • Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
  • Unlimited texts to over 200 countries from the U.S.
  • Device savings: eligible for new phone offers
  • Up to $360 promo credit when you bring your own device 

For even more perks, including 50% off two device plans, check out Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan for $90/month for one line with autopay.

You can learn more about Verizon’s smartwatch plan here. Additionally, you can see how Verizon’s unlimited phone plans compare to T-Mobile and AT&T here.


T-Mobile Go5G

Best International Cell Phone & Smartwatch Plan

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may be shopping for a cell phone and smartwatch plan that can you can use internationally. T-Mobile’s Go5G phone plan ($75/month for one line with autopay) paired with a smartwatch plan ($12-$15/month) offers the best, most affordable solution for international smartwatch use.

For Apple and Android smartwatches, T-Mobile offers two different data plans: 

  • $12/month Watch Line includes cellular connection without your phone, unlimited talk and text, 50GB of high-speed data in the U.S. and up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 Central European countries.
  • $15/month Watch Line includes all the same perks with extended international benefits: Up to 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico as well as up to 5GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations outside of the U.S.

    The Go5G phone plan includes 100GB of premium data and 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot followed by unlimited data at slower speeds. It also includes unlimited talk, text and up to 10GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico as well as up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 countries and unlimited data at 256Kbps in 215+ international countries and destinations.

    T-Mobile also offers a Watch Line for $5/month to customers on the Go5G Next plan ($100/month for one line with autopay). Additional unlimited cell phone plans from T-Mobile begin at $50/month for one line with autopay for the Essentials Saver plan.

    You can learn more about T-Mobile’s smartwatch data plans here. Additionally, you can see how T-Mobile’s unlimited phone plans compare to AT&T and Verizon here.


    Best Standalone Plans for Smartwatches

    If you aren’t looking to connect your cell phone number to your smartwatch, there are a variety of “standalone” smartwatch plans to choose from. 

    These plans will assign a unique phone number directly to a smartwatch without needing a separate cell phone plan for a smartphone. A standalone watch plan can be perfect for kids or seniors who want to stay connected without having to keep up with a phone at all.

    Below, you’ll see our top picks for the best and most affordable standalone smartwatch plans. Note that some providers may offer smartwatch plan discounts or additional plan perks and features when partnered with an eligible cell phone plan. The following plans and prices are for standalone smartwatch plans only:

    Service Provider Supported Smartwatches Plan Price Plan Details
    Tello Mobile (Review) Android Starting at $8/month Unlimited talk & text

    Add high-speed data starting at $9/month for 1GB

    US Mobile (Review) Apple $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month) Unlimited talk, text and data
    Verizon Prepaid (Review) Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (15GB high-speed)
    US Cellular Apple $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data
    RedPocket Mobile (Review) Apple & Android Starting at $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (starting at 1GB high-speed with the $10 plan)
    Verizon Wireless (Review) Apple & Android $15/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Roaming in Canada and Mexico

    T-Mobile (Review) Apple $22/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    International perks aren’t available with standalone smartwatch plans


    Smartwatch Plans by Network

    If you’re happy with your current cell phone service and aren’t looking to switch providers, you may still be able to add smartwatch connectivity to your phone plan. In this section, I’ll share a full list of the best smartwatch plans I’ve found while researching various service providers. 

    Some smartwatch plans may only be available to customers with a separate cell phone line or as a standalone plan that won’t pair to your phone. Additionally, some providers may only support select smartwatch manufacturers or models. For more information, visit each provider’s website.

    I’ve organized this section by network. Under each major provider below, you’ll also find a list of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) on the same network that offer smartwatch data plans. 


    AT&T

    AT&T offers a single smartwatch plan called “Unlimited for Wearable” that costs $10.99/month. The plan is available for both Apple and Android smartwatches, but at least one AT&T phone line is required. You can’t purchase the plan as a standalone option without a separate phone line.

    AT&T’s smartwatch plan includes unlimited talk, text and data with typical download speeds of 12-78Mbps on AT&T’s 4G LTE network. Unlimited phone plans begin at $65.99/month for one line with autopay and paperless billing discounts, and multiline discounts are available. 

    You can learn more about AT&T’s smartwatch plan here. Additionally, you can see how AT&T’s unlimited phone plans compare to T-Mobile and Verizon here.

    The following service providers also offer smartwatch plans with access to AT&T’s network.

    AT&T MVNOs with Smartwatch Data Plans

    Service Provider Supported Smartwatches Plan Price Plan Details
    Consumer Cellular (Review) Apple $5/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Cell phone plan required

    US Mobile (Review) Apple $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month) Unlimited talk, text and data

    Companion plans are only available to customers on the Warp network (Verizon)

    Standalone plans are available on the Dark Star network (AT&T)

    Cricket Wireless (Review) Apple $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Cell phone plan required

    US Cellular Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Companion plans are available for Samsung, Google and Apple smartwatches

    Standalone plan is only available on Apple Watches

    RedPocket Mobile (Review) Apple & Android Starting at $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (starting at 1GB high-speed with the $10 plan)

    Four plans to choose from with monthly and annual options

    Standalone plans only; no companion plans for pairing with your smartphone


    T-Mobile

    T-Mobile unlimited plan deal

    For Apple and Android smartwatches, T-Mobile offers two different data plans: 

    • $12/month Watch Line: Includes cellular connection without your phone, unlimited talk and text, 50GB of high-speed data in the U.S. and up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 Central European countries.
    • $15/month Watch Line: Includes all the same perks with extended international benefits: Up to 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico as well as up to 5GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations outside of the U.S.

    Both of these plans require at least one line on an eligible unlimited T-Mobile cell phone plan beginning at $50/month for one line with autopay. T-Mobile also offers a Watch Line for $5/month to customers on the Go5G Next plan, which costs $100/month for one line with autopay. Multiline discounts are available on all unlimited T-Mobile cell phone plans.

    If you’re shopping for a standalone smartwatch plan that isn’t connected to a separate cell phone line, T-Mobile offers a standalone Apple Watch plan for $22/month. However, this plan doesn’t include any international benefits. Standalone smartwatch plans for Android watches aren’t currently available from T-Mobile.

    You can learn more about T-Mobile’s smartwatch data plans here. Additionally, you can see how T-Mobile’s unlimited phone plans compare to AT&T and Verizon here.

    The following service providers also offer smartwatch plans with access to T-Mobile’s network.

    T-Mobile MVNOs with Smartwatch Data Plans

    Service Provider Supported Smartwatches Plan Price Plan Details
    Google Fi Wireless (Review) Android Included with all cell phone plans Unlimited talk, text and data

    Cell phone plan required

    Tello Mobile (Review) Android Starting at $8/month Unlimited talk & text

    Add high-speed data starting at $9/month for 1GB

    Standalone plans only; no companion plans for pairing with your smartphone

    US Mobile (Review) Apple $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month) Unlimited talk, text and data

    Companion plans are only available to customers on the Warp network (Verizon)

    Standalone plans are available on the Light Speed network (T-Mobile)

    Metro by T-Mobile (Review) Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Cell phone plan required

    US Cellular Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Companion plans are available for Samsung, Google and Apple smartwatches

    Standalone plan is only available on Apple Watches

    RedPocket Mobile (Review) Apple & Android Starting at $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (starting at 1GB high-speed with the $10 plan)

    Four plans to choose from with monthly and annual options

    Standalone plans only; no companion plans for pairing with your smartphone


    Verizon Wireless

    Verizon offers an unlimited smartwatch plan for Apple and Android watches that costs $15/month without any discounts. 

    However, customers on Verizon’s Unlimited Plus can save 50% on one device plan. Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate customers can save 50% on two device plans. With these discounts, you could get a smartwatch data plan from Verizon for as low as $7.50/month.

    Verizon’s smartwatch plan includes unlimited talk, text and 5G and 4G LTE data as well as roaming in Canada and Mexico. Additionally, Verizon’s smartwatch data plan doesn’t require a Verizon phone line, which means you can purchase it as a standalone plan.

    You can learn more about Verizon’s smartwatch plan here. Additionally, you can see how Verizon’s unlimited phone plans compare to T-Mobile and AT&T here.

    The following service providers also offer smartwatch plans with access to Verizon’s network.

    Verizon MVNOs with Smartwatch Data Plans

    Service Provider Supported Smartwatches Plan Price Plan Details
    US Mobile (Review) Apple $9.50/month or $78/year ($6.50/month)

    Included for free with the Unlimited Premium plan

    Unlimited talk, text and data

    Companion plans are only available to customers on the Warp network (Verizon)

    Standalone plans are available

    Visible (Review) Apple $10/month with Visible

    Included with Visible+

    Unlimited talk, text and data

    Cell phone plan required

    Verizon Prepaid (Review) Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (15GB high-speed)

    Companion and standalone plans available

    Xfinity Mobile (Review) Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Xfinity Internet & Xfinity Mobile cell phone plan required

    Spectrum Mobile (Review) Apple & Android $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data

    Spectrum Internet & Spectrum Mobile cell phone plan required

    RedPocket Mobile (Review) Apple & Android Starting at $10/month Unlimited talk, text and data (starting at 1GB high-speed with the $10 plan)

    Four plans to choose from with monthly and annual options

    Standalone plans only; no companion plans for pairing with your smartphone


    Final Thoughts

    If you decide to buy a data plan for your smartwatch, it’s important to consider whether you need it to pair with your phone and if you’ll need to use it when you’re away from your smartphone. If you do decide to purchase a separate data plan for your smartwatch, find out what your current cell phone service provider offers.

    For the best overall price on a cell phone plan and smartwatch data plan, you may want to consider switching providers. For example, Apple Watch users will find a cheap cell phone plan and smartwatch plan from US Mobile for as low as $14.50/month by prepaying annually. US Mobile also offers an Unlimited Premium plan that includes 100GB of high-speed data for your phone and full connectivity for your smartwatch at no additional cost. However, customers must be on the Warp network (Verizon) to get an Apple Watch plan that pairs with their phone.

    Android smartwatch users with Samsung or Google watches will find the best overall price with Google Fi Wireless’ Flexible plan: $20/month plus $10/GB. Google Fi Wireless also offers Simply Unlimited for $50/month for one line with multiline discounts that bring the total price to as low as $25/month per line for four lines. Full smartwatch connectivity is included with all Google Fi Wireless plans. 

    If you’re looking for a deal from one of The Big Three, you’ll find better pricing and perks overall with T-Mobile and Verizon.

    For even more options, check out our new free Phone Plan Finder. From the Finder’s homepage, you can click on “More Options” to indicate that you need a smartwatch data plan. Then, you’ll be able to directly compare plans and prices that will meet your needs. Once you’ve decided on a new phone plan and you’re ready to make the switch, check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process.

    Did we miss a plan on our list or did you find a better deal? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!

    The post The Best Cell Phone Plans With Smartwatch Connectivity appeared first on Clark Howard.

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