In a Nutshell
pros
- No data overage fees
- 5G data plans starting from $20 per month
- Keep your existing phone number
cons
- Deprioritization when AT&T’s network is busy
- Mostly Apple and Samsung phones available
.20210729050538.png){kind=icon}
PureTalk at a Glance
Best for: Affordable data plans
Price: $20–$55 per month
Plan: Unlimited talk and text; 5G data from 2 GB to unlimited
Network: AT&T
Phone purchase required: No
What Services and Features Does PureTalk Offer?
PureTalk is an affordable cellular carrier that operates over AT&T’s national network. With PureTalk, you’ll get cellular coverage over 99% of the US and 5G in most major cities. If you want to know more about PureTalk’s network, the company has a map showing coverage levels across the country.
PureTalk allows you to bring your own phone to your plan, or you can get a discounted Apple or Samsung phone when you purchase a new plan. Either way, you have the option to keep your existing phone number.
Perhaps the best thing about PureTalk is that there are no contracts and no data overage charges. If you use more data than your plan includes, PureTalk will simply drop your maximum speed from 5G to 128 Kbps, which is just a little slower than 3G.
Prices, Plans, and Value for Money
PureTalk plans start at $20 per month, and there are no contracts on service. So, you can cancel or change your plan at any time. In addition, you can try out PureTalk for 30 days and get your money refunded if you’re not happy with the service.
All plans include unlimited talk and text, so the main difference lies in how much 5G data they offer. Note that if you exceed your data limit, PureTalk won’t cut off your data entirely. Rather, you’ll experience throttled download speeds that hover just below that which you’d expect from 3G coverage.
If you need multiple lines—whether for yourself or a family member—PureTalk offers multi-line discounts. You’ll receive 10% off your bill if you have two lines, 15% for three lines, and 20% off for four lines.
Activation Process
PureTalk allows you to use your current phone with the service, and you can check compatibility on the company’s website. If you opt to stick with your phone, all you need to switch to PureTalk is a $3 SIM starter kit. The SIM card comes with free 2-day shipping, so you can have your card in just a few days.
To activate your SIM card and start using PureTalk’s network, you just need to insert the card into your phone and call an activation hotline. There are no fees or bonuses when you activate.
Selection of Phones Available
If you don’t already have a phone or want to upgrade, PureTalk has a selection of hundreds of different phones. Most models are from Samsung and Apple, but you can also find Nokia, ZTE, and One Plus smartphones.
If you sign up for a $45 or $55 per month data plan, PureTalk offers phones for either $50 or $250 off. You can also choose a financing plan from Affirm to pay for your phone over several months.
PureTalk Call and Text Performance
PureTalk operates over AT&T’s nationwide network, covering 99% of the US and offering 5G data coverage in most major cities.
On the whole, PureTalk has an excellent reputation for coverage and performance. However, as with any non-network carrier, you’re subject to deprioritization when the network is busy. This means that in city centers or at busy locations like malls, you could find that AT&T’s network has temporarily dropped your phone, and you won’t be able to get a call or text out.
PureTalk Data Speeds
PureTalk offers data speeds of up to 5G, although most areas of the US still only have 4G coverage. The company says that typical speeds range from 4–35 Mbps for downloads, although there are no performance guarantees.
If you exceed your monthly data allowance, PureTalk throttles your download speed to 128 Kbps. For reference, that’s a little slower than typical 3G speeds.
PureTalk Customer Service
PureTalk offers customer support by phone or email. The support team is available from 8 am–11 pm (ET), Monday to Friday, 10 am–9 pm Saturdays, and 12 pm–9 pm Sundays. Unfortunately, PureTalk doesn’t have an online knowledge base, so the only way to troubleshoot problems is to contact customer support.
What People Say About PureTalk
“Customer Service is phenomenal! It's refreshing to talk to someone so quickly when calling about a technical glitch, which they handled quickly and with grace. So so glad we made the switch. Thank you!” - Tracy
“I am thrilled with my PureTalk phone. For the first time in years, I can use my cell phone in my home. Calls were constantly being dropped when using my cell phone at home with service from other carriers. Consequently, I just did not use my cell phone at home. Now, I can.” - Thomas
“We have been satisfied with our PureTalk experience. Coverage has been good as our previous company. We save around $100 a month getting more data. Customer service is always great as well!” - Darin
Bottom Line
PureTalk is an affordable cellular carrier that offers unlimited talk and text with every plan. Data plans start at just $20 per month, and you won’t face overage charges if you exceed your plan’s data limit. PureTalk lets you bring your own phone and keep your existing number, or you can get a discount on a new phone from Samsung or Apple. PureTalk operates on AT&T’s national network, so you’ll get coverage across 99% of the US and 5G data speeds in most major cities.
.20210331083136.png){kind=small}
.20210413135735.png){kind=small}
