Best multi line phone plans 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.

Exhausted by the big three's limited options, cryptic charges, and deep dives into your wallet?

While the wireless giants bask in their record-breaking profits and gear up for yet another round of hikes, they've overlooked a key player: you, the informed and proactive shopper.

Drawing on a decade of insight from the heart of the wireless industry, I've witnessed firsthand the widening chasm between prices and simplicity in switching, which has never been more straightforward. I've analyzed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans to spare you the headache.

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

What might catch you off guard is the abundance of carriers in the game offering services on those very same networks you've come to rely on.

The optimal plan for you boils down to network preference and how much data your family really needs. I've mapped out the best value multi-line plans for every type of user (low, medium, and unlimited) across the major networks.

And I've highlighted what I consider the ultimate value plan, though the final choice rests with you!

Best multi line 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 multi line 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

$10/line*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 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 25 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best multi line 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

$10/line*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 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

$15/line*

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$555 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value multi-line 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

With 38 million Americans living in poverty and the average phone bill hovering around $155 per month, the digital divide continues to widen. Despite pending price hikes from big wireless companies across the board, the government has cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP is currently aiding 22 million low-income families in obtaining affordable internet and cell phone service.

Simultaneously, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder payouts.

It just confirms big wireless corporations' commitment to continue raising prices and reaping the rewards. All while the government drops assistance to those most in need.

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 use your overpayments for the same service to fund multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople. They pass along these extra expenses to you to maximize their profits and increase dividend payouts.

However, the next generation of MVNOs allows you to switch instantly online and simply pay for phone service without the extra costs.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

These low-cost carriers offer an unbeatable 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.

Now is the time to raise awareness and reevaluate your options. Take back control of your phone bill and free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest multi line cell phone plans

Check out our multi line cell phone comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best multi line phone plans

• Network: Whether you're urban or rural, reliability in coverage is key. Rest assured, cost-conscious carriers utilize the same expansive 5G & 4G LTE networks that the major players do. The latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023) showcases T-Mobile's impressive 5G spread, but opting for an MVNO ensures your chosen network doesn't fall short on performance.
• Data usage: Amidst the barrage of unlimited data promotions, your group's real usage likely falls below expectations, thanks to residential Wi-Fi and public networks. Data usage averages around 10GB or less per month for each line, leaving plenty of room for savings. Low-cost providers design plans that reflect your actual usage, debunking the myth that more data automatically equals better.
• Hotspot: From completing schoolwork or sending work emails to streaming entertainment on road trips, mobile hotspot access is necessary for some. Each carrier and plan has different details, but it tends to be included, ensuring your family remains connected no matter where you are.
• Cost: While mainstream family plans can reach upwards of $75-90 per line, savvy households can find MVNO offerings between $5-35 per line, enabling substantial savings without sacrificing quality.
• Number of lines: Sidestep the rigid, multi line packages pushed by major carriers. MVNOs offer flexible, per-line pricing with discounts for additional lines, making it simple to connect everyone to an affordable plan.
• Device: Bring your existing devices, escaping the frequent upgrade trap of big wireless. And if it's time for a new device, there are cost-effective choices with 0% interest payment plans.
• Deals: Bypass the complex offers filled with hidden clauses from the major networks. MVNOs stand out by offering clear, direct promotions upfront, letting you know exactly what you're getting into without any surprises.
• Perks: The draw of "free" subscriptions from major brands might seem appealing, but it's essential to consider whether these extras truly add value or just become another added cost. Opt for perks that align with your family's actual needs to avoid going over budget.
• International: Maintaining connections with loved ones abroad is essential. Many MVNOs include complimentary international calling to several countries, a vital feature for families with global connections.
• Parental controls: Manage children's phone usage and data consumption. You can establish data allowances, limit access to certain apps or websites, and even monitor locations. Some MVNOs include these features as part of their plans, or you can set up controls in your cell phone's settings.

Find the best phone service in your area

Multi line phone plans FAQs

Recap: What are the best multi line phone plans?

Major providers forge ahead with their consistent price increases while all families, regardless of size or station, are stretching to cover the rising cost of living. To me, this strategy seems less about catering to the needs of the market and more about enlarging their profit margins.

There's still a ray of hope for mitigating your family's cell phone bills. Selecting the best multi line cell phone plan can enable your household to maintain the quality of service it values, yet at a far more manageable cost. Envision the impact of saving as much as $600 annually on each line of your plan.

For families in search of a change that aligns with both their needs and their wallets, the decision is significant. We have developed our detailed cell phone plan comparison tool specifically for you. It's structured to assist you in sorting through the plethora of available plans and is tailored to meet the distinct needs and budget of your family.

Family plan guides

• Best Family Cell Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Family 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 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.