Best phone plans for 3 lines in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 09, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Are you ready to escape the big three's grip of hefty rates and baffling bills?

As they revel in their escalating profits and brace for another hike in charges, they've neglected to consider one thing: your keen consumer insight.

Armed with a decade's worth of expertise in the telecom realm, I've examined 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans to ease your burden.

To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:

• Only offer unlimited data plans
• Only advertise multi-line prices
• Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
• Lure customers with "free" phones
• Constantly try to upsell additional lines
• Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
• Need loads of small print to explain their offers
• Want you to go to a store
• Need a commission-based salesperson
• Reward customer loyalty with increased prices

Surprisingly, many of these affordable options provide access to the same dependable networks you know and love.

Whether you're a minimal data user or a voracious internet consumer, I've selected the best value plans for 3 lines across all networks, highlighting the one offering unmatched value.

Reclaim your choice and take your power back from big wireless.

Best plans for 3 lines on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Tello 2GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$10/line

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/line*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/line

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Best plans for 3 lines on Verizon

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$5/line*

$15/mo

See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4

Read our Twigby Mobile review

$750 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/line

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$20/line*

$25/mo

See at Visible

*$5 Off for 24 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best plans for 3 lines on AT&T

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.

Cheap AT&T plan

Red Pocket 1GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

1GB

data

$10/line

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/line

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$30/line

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$540 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value plan for 3 lines

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/line

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

The average phone bill is $155 per month. And even though 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government has cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is assisting 22 million low-income families with affordable internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder payouts while announcing further price hikes in the same breath.

Therefore, big wireless continues to raise prices and reap the rewards. The government's response is to drop assistance to those most in need - it just doesn't add up.

Reclaim your power by using alternative carriers that are powered by the same networks at a fraction of the cost.

Take back control of your phone bill

A big wireless unlimited plan will cost you $1,600 extra over the next 3 years compared to getting the same service from an MVNO.

A big wireless unlimited data plan will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would cost only $900.

So, buying directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T is now 3 times more expensive for the same coverage. This does not include fees and taxes or future price hikes.

Why is it so much more expensive to buy the same service directly?

Telecom giants fund multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople on your dime. They pass these extra expenses on to you to maximize their profits and increase dividend payouts.

However, the next generation of MVNOs allows you to switch instantly online and just pay for phone service.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

These low-cost carriers offer a great alternative with transparent pricing, a range of customizable data plans to fit your needs, and higher-rated customer service.

You can keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

Even better, it's quick and easy. You can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

So, now is the time to reevaluate your options and take back control of your phone bill. Free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest 3-line cell phone plans

Check out our 3-person cell phone comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best carrier for 3 people

• Which network supports your group's daily life? From the dynamic suburbs to the peaceful countryside, consistent and reliable network coverage is a must. Luckily, budget-conscious carriers provide the same extensive 5G and 4G LTE networks you'd expect from industry behemoths. T-Mobile is celebrated for its 5G coverage in the Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), so choosing an MVNO on your preferred network ensures you don't sacrifice quality.
• Ever ponder actual data usage? Amidst a sea of unlimited data propositions, many multi-line users find their actual data consumption much lower than expected, with most people averaging about 10GB of data usage monthly. Cost-sensitive carriers offer plans that truly fit your family's usage, challenging the notion that unlimited data is a necessity.
• Is a hotspot feature critical for you? From online learning en route to entertainment during travel, the ability to share your phone's internet is invaluable. Rest assured, most plans include hotspot capability, although the specifics can vary, keeping your family connected on all fronts.
• Concerned about the monthly bill? Traditional multi-line plans can quickly add up, but knowledgeable groups can discover MVNO options that range from $5-35 per line, ensuring savings without sacrificing connectivity.
• Debating the number of lines required? Major carriers often promote only 4+ line prices, but MVNOs offer the flexibility of single-line pricing with the advantage of multi-line discounts, ensuring affordable connectivity for everyone.
• Contemplating device options? We understand the need to prioritize savings. With MVNOs, you can bring your own device, escaping the cycle of upgrades. For those considering a new device, there are affordable choices available with no-interest financing.
• In search of clear-cut deals or promotions? Steer clear of the intricate offers from big carriers, which often have hidden strings attached. MVNOs keep it simple with straightforward promotions, guaranteeing transparency so you know exactly what you're getting.
• Considering perks or additional features? Be wary of big carriers' enticing 'free' services, which might seem too good to be true for good reason. Choose perks that truly meet your needs to avoid extraneous costs.
• Looking for international communication options? Staying connected with loved ones around the world is more a necessity than a luxury. Numerous MVNOs feature free international calls to several countries, ensuring your family doesn't overpay to stay in touch.
• Needing parental controls? If your multi-line plan has kids attached, rest assured many MVNOs allow parents to oversee their children's phone usage and data consumption. Establish data allowances, limit access, or monitor your child's whereabouts.

Find the best phone service in your area

3-line phone plans FAQs

Recap: What are the best 3-line phone plans?

Amidst the big three's steadfast price surges - a tactic that seems less about serving the consumer and more about padding their own pockets - the financial strain grows, making savings in any area, including cell phone bills, vital.

The good news? You can curb your costs with a cheap phone plan for 3 lines without compromising the quality of service everyone deserves. By carefully selecting your carrier, you could slash up to $600 from your annual expenses for every line on your plan.

For families on the hunt for a cost-effective change, the decision is paramount. I highly recommend our in-depth cell phone plan comparison tool, designed with your interests at heart. I want to raise awareness and guide you through the myriad of options to ensure you secure not just a great deal but the perfect plan that aligns with your family's unique requirements and fiscal outlook.

Family plan guides

• Best Family Cell Phone Plans
• Best Phone Plans for 2 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 3 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 4 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 5 Lines
• Best Multi Line Phone Plans
• Best Shared Data Plans
• The Cheapest Prepaid Family Phone Plans
• Best Family Plans on Verizon
• Best Family Plans on AT&T
• Best Family Plans on T-Mobile

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.