In a Nutshell
pros
- Discounted 2 and 4-line family plans
- Unlimited calls to over 70 countries
- Operates on AT&T’s national network
cons
- Limited data speeds
- No unlimited LTE data family plans
H2O Wireless at a Glance
Best for: Couples and families
Price: $20–$60 per line
Plan: 2–60 GB LTE data
Network: AT&T
Phone purchase required: No
What Services and Features Does H2O Wireless Offer
H2O Wireless is an affordable cellular plan provider that operates on AT&T’s network. With H2O Wireless, you get unlimited talk and text anywhere in the US. You also get unlimited calls to more than 70 countries and unlimited texting around the world. Just keep in mind that you’ll pay extra for roaming if you initiate calls or texts from outside the US (including in Canada or Mexico).
All H2O Wireless plans include at least 2 GB per month of LTE data. However, if you go over your data limit, you won’t be charged. Instead, H2O Wireless gives you unlimited data at reduced speeds of 128 Kbps.
There are no contracts with H2O Wireless, so you’re free to upgrade or downgrade your data plan at any time. You can also bring your current phone with you to H2O Wireless and keep your number. If you want to upgrade your device, the company has a selection of Apple and Nokia smartphones to choose from.
Prices, Plans, and Value for Money
H2O Wireless offers single-line cellular plans starting at $20 per month. All plans include unlimited talk and text, plus unlimited data at a maximum download speed of 128 Kbps. So, the main difference between plans is how much LTE data you get each month. If you need more than one line, H2O Wireless offers 2 and 4-line family plans that include 6 GB of LTE data per line per month.
One thing to note is that only the Unlimited XL plan allows you to share your data via a hotspot. So, if you plan on using cellular data to get on the internet with your laptop, you’ll need this high-end plan.
There’s no free trial with H2O Wireless, but all plans are paid month-to-month. So, if you’re not happy or need more data, you can switch after 30 days. If you sign up for autopay, H2O Wireless offers a 10% discount on your plan.
Activation Process
H2O Wireless lets you bring your own phone to the service and keep your existing number if you want. All you need is a SIM card, which is free with your plan and comes with 2-day shipping. Once the SIM card arrives, just pop it into your phone and call the number on the card to activate your new plan.
As a bonus for activating, H2O Wireless offers $5 in rewards points that can be applied towards your second month’s bill.
Selection of Phones Available
If you’re in need of a new phone, H2O Wireless has several dozen models from Apple and Nokia available. Most models are discounted by $250 when you sign up for the Unlimited XL plan. However, there aren’t many discounts to be found if you choose a cheaper cellular plan. If you want to pay for your phone in monthly installments, you can do so thanks to H2O Wireless’s partnership with Affirm.
H2O Wireless Call and Text Performance
H2O Wireless operates on AT&T’s network, which provides coverage across 99% of the US and is widely considered one of the best cellular networks in the country. For the most part, you can expect strong call quality.
The only exception is when you’re in a busy area like a mall or concert venue. In that case, your phone can be kicked off the network to free up bandwidth for AT&T customers. This issue is true for all mobile carriers that piggyback on a major network, not just H2O Wireless, but it’s worth noting.
Data Speeds
One major catch to using H2O Wireless is that data speeds are consistently throttled. Whereas AT&T’s network provides average LTE download speeds of around 30 Mbps, H2O Wireless limits users to a maximum download speed of just 8 Mbps. So, even when you’re staying within your plan’s data limits, you’re not getting the full benefit of AT&T’s cellular network.
There are some additional restrictions, too. For example, you can only stream videos at 480p quality, not in high-definition (720p or 1080p). Also, in areas where 5G coverage is available, H2O Wireless doesn’t currently provide 5G speeds. Finally, unless you purchase the Unlimited XL plan, you cannot use your phone as a WiFi hotspot.
H2O Wireless Customer Service
You can get in touch with H2O Wireless by phone, email, and live chat from 9 am–10 pm (ET), 7 days a week. On top of that, you can stop in at the hundreds of nationwide cellular stores that serve as resellers for the company’s plans.
What People Say About H2O Wireless
“I have been using H2O wireless for 5 years now. Like any other provider, there has been downtime, but their customer service has always been helpful and fair. Thank you, H2O!” - Rosie.
“I have had H2O monthly unlimited for a few years now. I use WiFi and data interchangeably and don't even think about it. My data is unlimited, and even if I stream videos or the news to my phone any time I want, I have never had it slow down.” - Lilo.
“I have been using the H2O prepaid service for more than 3 years. I get a good connection in the Midwest and other places I have visited in the US, with no dropped calls. I have contacted their customer service on a few occasions for recharge and switching plans, and they have been mostly helpful.” - Michael.
Bottom Line
H2O Wireless is a low-cost mobile carrier that offers unlimited talk and text with every plan. The company operates on AT&T’s nationwide network, so you can count on reliable coverage. H2O Wireless throttles LTE data speeds to 8 Mbps, but the company won’t cut off your data if you go over your plan limit and doesn’t charge overage fees. You can bring your own phone and number to H2O Wireless or upgrade to one of its available Apple and Nokia models.