Best family cell phone plans in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 03, 2024

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

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.

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.

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 family plans 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

$25/line

See at Visible

3.4

Read our Visible review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best family plans 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 family plan

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 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

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

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
• 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.

https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-280.html