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Tired of navigating the big three's labyrinth of pricey plans and perplexing charges?
While they clink glasses over record earnings and plot further price jumps, they've missed something crucial: consumers are the ones with all the power.
Leaning on over ten years of industry insight, I've combed through and reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid options, all to streamline your search.
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
Astonishingly, many of these wallet-friendly choices utilize the same stellar networks you're accustomed to.
No matter your data needs, I've singled out the best value plans for 2 lines across each network and showcased the top pick for unparalleled value.
Take back control and explore the possibilities.
Best plans for 2 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
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. Check out our review about best 2 line plans on T-Mobile.
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
- It's worth checking each family member's usage, as you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts each person needs, as a set data plan could cut your monthly rate and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- You'll also get additional features like free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. However, you can still save money with their affordable individual plan prices.
- Being online-based means that if everyone's phone supports eSIM, your family plans will be live in just a few clicks, or you can have the SIM cards mailed to you.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
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. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
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
- Mint Mobile knows family is who you make it, so their family plan is all about helping you save money in bulk. Starting at two lines, you can use the Mint Mobile app to easily keep track of everyone's usage.
- Mobile hotspot access is available with all plans, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means more savings. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- To save money, you can bring your own phone; however, if you prefer a new smartphone, they offer various options, including iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models such as Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- One drawback is that international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data 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. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
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
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 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 | $15/line* | $15/line* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $630/yr |
Best plans for 2 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
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. Check out our review about best 2 line plans on Verizon.
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
- With a range of data options available, Twigby Mobile plans can be customized for each family member.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, which is ideal if you have family abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cost-effective for family plans.
- If you like to roam while on family holidays, Twigby Mobile doesn't provide international roaming, so using your phone abroad could end with an expensive bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
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. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
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
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees, and include features like unlimited talk and text.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, which is ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
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 plans for 2 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
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. Check out our review about best 2 line plans on AT&T.
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
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T 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. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
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
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T 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. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
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
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 |
Best overall value plan for 2 lines
Tello unlimited data 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. Check out our review about the cheapest phone plans for 2 lines.
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
Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value
Surprisingly (or not), the average phone bill is $155 per month. Likewise, 38 million Americans live in poverty, and the government has cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.
Meanwhile, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing further price hikes.
So, big wireless continues to raise prices and reap the rewards. The government responds by dropping assistance to those most in need - the math isn't mathing.
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?
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 2-line cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/line | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/line* | $225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$45 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 2-line phone plan comparison to help find the best deal.
How to choose the best value carrier for 2 people
- What's the cornerstone of connectivity? Seamless network access is key, whether you need 2 lines or more. The good news? Economical carriers tap into the same broad 5G & 4G LTE networks as the larger players. The Opensignal 5G Experience report from 2023 highlights T-Mobile for its extensive 5G coverage. But regardless, an MVNO means your preferred network still delivers stellar service.
- Wondering about your actual data needs? With the industry's push towards 'unlimited everything,' it's eye-opening to discover that your multiline data usage likely falls below the average, courtesy of your home Wi-Fi and public access points. The truth is that most people only use around 10GB of cellular data per month. Value-oriented providers craft plans that mirror your real-life usage, debunking the myth that more data equals better value.
- Is hotspot access a necessity? Whether on the go or commuting, a reliable tethering feature is indispensable. Fear not, as hotspot access is standard, though the details may differ by plan and carrier. It ensures your lines remain connected, no matter where you are.
- Budget concerns? While standard plans may reach heights of $75-90 per line, astute consumers can find MVNO deals ranging from $5-35 per line, allowing for considerable savings without a drop in service quality.
- How many lines do you need? Sidestep the rigid packages pushed by big carriers, which usually highlight 4-line deals. MVNOs shine with their versatile single and multiline pricing, which is perfect for keeping you connected at a minimal cost.
- Device decisions? Saving is crucial for everyone, and MVNOs are here to help by letting you bring your own device to avoid the relentless upgrade push. If it's time for a new gadget, cost-effective options with interest-free payment plans are available.
- Seeking special deals or promotions? Avoid the complex and sometimes deceptive promotions of major networks. MVNOs stand out for their straightforward deals, ensuring you understand exactly what you're signing up for - without any unwelcome surprises.
- Extras and add-ons? Major carriers may lure you with the promise of 'free' add-ons, but it's important to assess whether these perks genuinely benefit you or merely pad out your bill. Select add-ons that align with your actual needs, steering clear of unnecessary expenses.
- Need to make international calls? Keeping in touch with global friends and family is fundamental. Many MVNOs offer complimentary international calling to various countries, a vital feature for families looking to maintain those precious overseas connections.
- What about parental controls? Many MVNOs provide parental control options that allow parents to oversee their kid's phone usage and data consumption. You can establish data allowances, limit access, and even monitor their whereabouts. Some MVNOs include these features as part of their plans, or you set up controls in your cell phone's settings.
Find the best phone service in your area
Phone plans for 2 lines FAQs
MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators operating on the big three networks provide the best value cell phone plans. With low prices, carriers like US Mobile offer a discount for multiple lines.
Low-cost carriers such as Boost Mobile offer the best value for unlimited data plans. With plans starting as low as $25 per line, however, unlimited never really means unlimited.
MVNOs offer the cheapest cell phone plans while still offering access to the main wireless networks. Carriers like Tello have plans starting from around $10 per line.
Recap: What are the best phone plans for 2 lines?
The big three's trend of price increases doesn't seem to wane. They continue to lean more towards inflating their profit margins rather than catering to consumer demands. With the rising cost of living affecting everything from groceries to household bills, it's more important than ever for everyone to make every cent work harder.
There's still a silver lining for those looking for cheap phone plans for 2 lines without sacrificing service quality. Opting for the right mobile carrier can mean enjoying dependable service at a fraction of the cost, potentially saving you up to $600 per line each year.
The choice is significant for people eager to switch to a more economical option. I suggest using our comprehensive cell phone plan comparison tool, which is custom-built for you. It aims to help you navigate the vast array of choices and pinpoint the plan that best fits your distinct needs and financial situation.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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