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Ready to break free from the big three's maze of high costs and complex bills?
While they toast to soaring profits and gear up for yet another round of price increases, they've overlooked one critical thing: you, the savvy consumer, are now more empowered than ever.
With over a decade in the trenches of the wireless world, I've dissected and reviewed 30 alternative carriers and sifted through 100+ phone plans, all to save you the hassle.
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
The real shocker? Many of these budget-friendly alternatives ride the same high-quality networks you've grown to trust.
Whether you're a light browser, a data devourer, or fall somewhere in the middle, I've pinpointed best value phone plans for families with every type of user on each network. Plus, I've spotlighted the plan that delivers unbeatable value, hands down.
The power of choice is back in your hands.
Best family plans on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Build your own plan with Tello family plans and keep things simple with no hidden fees or no contracts.
Although Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your monthly plan thanks to the affordable nature of their single line plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network, and the Mint Mobile family plan provides the same great service at a lower cost. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, one of which is an unlimited plan offering a 40GB high-speed data cap and unlimited talk and text.
Their messaging emphasizes transparency and highlights the potential for increased savings with longer commitments.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$60 for 3 Months | *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $10/line | $20/line* | $15/line* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $630/yr |
Best family plans on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Though Twigby Mobile phone plans don't offer a typical family phone plan, and there is no multi-line discount, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your bill by opting for an individual line while accessing Verizon's network.
Twigby Mobile allows you to customize your plan so you only pay for what you need.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile family plans offer attractive options with multi-line discounts of $20 savings on each additional line.
Moreover, they provide the perk of free international calls to 80 countries, making it convenient to connect with family and friends around the globe.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $5/line* | $20/line | $25/line |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best family plans on AT&T
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $10/line | $20/line | $30/line |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value
The average phone bill is $155 per month, and while 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.
At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes.
So, big wireless continues to raise prices, and the government drops assistance to those in need. However, you do have options, so the power is in your hands.
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?
With big wireless, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these expenses get passed onto you to maximize profits and dividend payouts.
With this next generation of MVNOs, you switch 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 re-evaluate your options, take back control of your phone bill, and free yourself from price hikes forever!
Compare the cheapest family cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/line | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20/line* | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$60 for 3 Months |
| Tello | Unlimited | $15/line* | $270/yr | $630/yr | See at Tello *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/line* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/line | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/line | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/line | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/line | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/line | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Check out our family cell phone comparison to find the best deal.
How to choose the best value carrier for families
- What network do you trust for your family's adventures? Whether in the sprawling suburbs or tucked away in cozy rural communities, reliable coverage is non-negotiable. Fortunately, cost-effective carriers use the same expansive 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big names. The latest Opensignal 5G Experience report from 2023 places T-Mobile at the forefront of 5G reach, but don't worry - choosing an MVNO on your preferred network means smaller bills with no compromise on connectivity.
- How much data does your family actually use? While the market floods with unlimited data offers, you might be surprised to find your family's real consumption is well below the cap, thanks to home Wi-Fi and public hotspots. In fact, the average monthly cellular data usage is 10GB. Affordable carriers tailor plans to your genuine needs, acknowledging that the average family's data usage might not be as high as you think.
- Need hotspot capabilities? Whether it's for homework on the go or keeping entertained on long drives, tethering is a must for families. Thankfully, hotspot functionality is a given, though specifics vary by plan and provider, ensuring you're always just a click away from the information highway.
- Concerned about the price? While traditional family plans can spiral to $75-90 per line, informed families can snag MVNO deals from $5-35 per line, offering substantial savings without skimping on service quality.
- How many lines do you need? Forget the one-size-fits-all approach of major carriers, which favor 4-line bundles. MVNOs champion flexible, affordable pricing, often so low for a single line no extra line discounts are needed. Yet, some still deliver discounts for adding lines - ideal for keeping everyone, from kids to teens and even grandparents, connected under one budget-friendly plan.
- Thinking about devices? We get it - families need to economize. MVNOs empower you to bring your own device, dodging the incessant upgrade cycle. And if you're eyeing a new phone, there are pocket-friendly options available with 0% financing plans.
- Looking for deals or promotions? Skip the big carriers' convoluted offers, which often entail hidden costs. MVNOs prefer to keep it simple with transparent promotions, so you know exactly what you're getting - no surprises.
- What about perks or add-ons? While the allure of "free" streaming services or subscription trials from big brands is tempting, consider if these extras truly benefit your family or if they'll just be another line on your bill. Choose what matches your family's lifestyle to sidestep unnecessary expenses.
- Is international calling on your list? Keeping in touch with loved ones abroad shouldn't be a luxury. Many MVNOs include free international calling to various countries, which is crucial for families with roots or hearts stretched across the globe.
- Keeping tabs on the kiddos? Most low-cost carriers provide tools to manage your child's phone use effectively.
Check out our family phone plan comparison to help find the best deal.
Find the best phone service in your area
Family phone plans FAQs
MVNOs, such as Mint Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile, have cheap cell phone plans ideal for families on any budget ranging from $10-30 per line.
Tello and US Mobile offer cheap family phone plans starting at just $10 per line.
Recap: What is the ultimate family cell phone plan?
The big three continue on their unwavering path of price hikes, a strategy seemingly less about responding to market needs and more about padding their profits at their customers' expense. Meanwhile, families today face escalating living costs, from groceries to utilities, and every penny counts.
Yet, there's a glimmer of hope for your family's cell phone expenses. By selecting the right carrier, your family can still access the high-quality service you've come to expect, but at a much more affordable rate. Imagine a cheap family phone plan that saves you up to $600 per year for each line.
For families looking to make a savvy switch, the decision is crucial. We've tailored our comprehensive cell phone plan comparison tool with your family in mind. It's crafted to find the perfect match for your family's unique needs and budget.
Family plan guides
- Best Family Cell Phone Plans
- The best prepaid family phone plans for 2025
- Best Phone Plans for 2 Lines
- Best Phone Plans for 3 Lines
- Best Phone Plans for 4 Lines
- Best Phone Plans for 5 Lines
- Cheap prepaid family plans for 2025
How I choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, I evaluated over 30 different carriers.
I rate carriers in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. I then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: I 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.
- Coverage: I look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. I use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: I 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.
- Transparency: I assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. I examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: I 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.
I regularly update the content so that we're always recommending the latest and best value plans and do my best to ensure the information is accurate.
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-280.html
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