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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
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 3 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 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
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 3 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 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
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 3 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 3 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 3 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
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
| 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 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
With an MVNO like US Mobile or Red Pocket Mobile, a family plan with 3 lines is likely to be under $100 a month depending on the carrier, specific plan, and any additional features or services included. Compared to a family plan with 3 lines from the big 3 networks, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $150 a month.
Most MVNOs offer multi-line discounts, so the more lines you add, the more you can save. However, these low-cost carriers can cut your costs with their affordable stand-alone prices without a discount.
It's a personal choice, depending on your needs. The main thing is flexibility, especially in managing everyone's usage separately. Prepaid can be great if you're on a tighter budget.
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 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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