Best prepaid T-Mobile SIM card in 2024

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Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

How to choose the best SIM card on T-Mobile

Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?

Operating on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless network, T-Mobile MVNOs offer the same great coverage, and according to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you're new to the T-Mobile network, whether you need coverage in rural areas or cities, you can use our coverage area checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

How much data do I need?

Do you really need a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? They want you to believe so. But in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. If you tend to use Wi-Fi at home or work, your cellular data usage is likely to be lower, so you could choose a lower data GB allowance that fits your needs with cheap T-Mobile cell phone plans. So the good news is if you use less, you can pay less.

Is mobile hotspot data included?

Many T-Mobile low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.

What's the monthly price?

While an unlimited data SIM card with T-Mobile costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers include these in the price and others.

How many lines do you need?

T-Mobile's low-advertised plans may seem a reasonable price, but it's only available if you buy four lines. But with a T-Mobile MVNO, the price you see is the price you pay, even for a single line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

T-Mobile loves keeping you locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, especially when there's a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. But with their MVNOs, you can bring your own phone to T-Mobile. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer 0% financing over 1-2 years.

Are there any promotions?

Promotions on a T-Mobile plan can seem a great choice at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and being stuck in 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs on T-Mobile's network offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.

What perks are included?

Many plans from T-Mobile come with complimentary TV subscriptions, like the Disney bundle, but these often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically billed after a few months. Some affordable carriers, like US Mobile, do provide plan choices with free subscription services. However, a good option is to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary things.

What international features are available?

Some T-Mobile MVNOs offer free international calls to a number of countries, including Canada and Mexico. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this, as some only offer unlimited calling within the United States. If you're a frequent traveler and are looking for SIM cards for international travel, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.

Do they offer parental controls?

With easy access to Google, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, YouTube, and Social Media, we understand the importance of internet safety. There are plenty of options for parental controls for monitoring phone usage and data limits. Some low-cost carriers on T-Mobile's network offer this with their plans, or it's available in the settings of your phone.

What SIM card size do I need?

The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.

Check out our comparison of the cheapest T-Mobile cell phone plans before you decide.

Find the best cell phone service in your area

If T-Mobile isn't giving you the best coverage, check out the best prepaid Verizon SIM cards and the best prepaid AT&T SIM cards.

Compare the cheapest prepaid T-Mobile phone plans

SIM cards for international travelers

In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.

Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.

However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.

A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.

T-Mobile prepaid SIM card FAQs

Recap: What is the best T-Mobile SIM card?

A prepaid SIM card with T-Mobile could save you up to $600 a year, and for even more savings, why not bring your own phone.

Prepaid SIMs don't require a contract, so with no commitment, you have the flexibility to change providers without the worry of early termination fees.

Prepaid SIM card guides

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How we choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.