The best phone plans for 3 lines in 2025

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.

Tello offers the best plans with low data for 3 lines

Tello 2GB plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text with 2GB data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With 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.

Tello keeps costs low with flexible plans that let you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. A set data plan can help you save and manage usage.

All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing remains competitive.

Activation is quick and easy. With eSIM it takes just a few taps, or you can have a SIM card shipped directly to you.

Tello is one of the most affordable and flexible choices on T-Mobile's network, but I also weighed a few other options.

Ultra Mobile is a solid pick for international calling, but its plans are more expensive for the same amount of data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being owned by T-Mobile, comes with higher costs and often requires an in-store visit. While Boost Mobile has competitive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent customer service make it harder to recommend.

In the end, Tello's combination of affordability, customization, and hassle-free switching makes it the best choice.

• Build-your-own plan – Tello lets you customize your plan, so you only pay for the data, minutes, and texts you actually need-no wasted money on extras.
• Affordable, contract-free pricing – Tello keeps costs low with transparent pricing and no long-term commitments, making it easy to switch or adjust your plan anytime.
• Quick and simple activation – With eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If you prefer a physical SIM, Tello ships it for a small fee.

Visible offers the best unlimited data plan for 3 lines

Visible unlimited plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible keeps things easy with two affordable unlimited plans on Verizon's network. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.

With unlimited talk, text, and data starting at just $25/month, plus mobile hotspot included, you get great value without surprises. The Visible+ plan offers 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

Visible keeps it simple with two unlimited plans that have no contracts, hidden fees, or surprise costs. Both plans come with mobile hotspot access at 5–10 Mbps speeds.

The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to 200+ destinations. eSIM activation allows for instant setup, eliminating the wait for a SIM card.

While there are no multi-line discounts, the affordable pricing makes it ideal for individuals. However, customer support is only available online.

If you want a budget-friendly carrier on Verizon's network, Visible is the best option for unlimited data without extra fees-but I also reviewed a few others.

Tracfone offers low-cost prepaid plans, but speed restrictions make it less appealing for heavy data users. Xfinity Mobile has competitive pricing, but it's limited to Xfinity internet customers. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable alternative, but you need Spectrum home internet to sign up.

Thanks to its transparent pricing and unlimited data, Visible remains the best overall pick.

• Straightforward unlimited plans – No contracts, hidden fees, or surprise charges-just simple, all-inclusive pricing.
• Built-in extras at no extra cost – Get mobile hotspot access on all plans, plus international calling and texting perks with Visible+.
• Fast and easy setup – eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes without needing to wait for a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best plan with Verizon coverage for 3 lines

Total Wireless unlimited plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless keeps things simple with no contracts, no hidden fees, and affordable plans on Verizon's network.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot included. Plus, international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico make staying connected easier than ever.

Get Verizon's reliable coverage without the high cost with Total Wireless. Plans include unlimited talk and text, plus up to 15GB of hotspot data.

International calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico are included with select plans. There are no contracts, and you can manage everything online for easy switching.

I've explored other low-cost carriers on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, but many have limitations.

Tracfone keeps costs low with its pay-as-you-go model, but it offers limited high-speed data and fewer perks. Xfinity Mobile stands out with competitive pricing, but only those with Xfinity internet can sign up. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable choice, but again it's restricted to Spectrum home internet customers.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Enjoy top-tier coverage without the premium pricing.
• Great extras for everyday use – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming benefits on select plans.
• No commitments, full control – Contract-free plans with easy online management for seamless plan adjustments.

Tello offers the best plan with T-Mobile coverage for 3 lines

Tello unlimited plan for $25/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With 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.

Tello offers flexible, budget-friendly plans, allowing you to pick exactly how much data, talk, and text you need.

All Tello plans support mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans limited to 5GB, but they don't offer multi-line discounts-each line is billed separately. However, their low rates make individual plans a great deal.

Since Tello is online-only, activation is seamless-eSIM setup is near-instant, or you can get a SIM card by mail.

Tello is among the best budget-friendly carriers on T-Mobile's network, but I compared a few others as well.

Ultra Mobile works well for international calls, but its plans cost more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being part of T-Mobile, is pricier and often requires an in-store sign-up. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but its extra fees and spotty customer service make it less reliable.

Thanks to its unmatched affordability, customizable plans, and easy switching process, Tello remains the best pick.

• Personalized plan options – Tello allows you to pick and choose your plan features, so you only pay for what you actually use.
• One of the cheapest carriers available – Tello provides unbeatable value with low-cost plans and no contracts, giving you total flexibility.
• Fast online activation – eSIM lets you activate your plan in minutes, or you can request a free SIM card to be delivered to your door.

Red Pocket offers the best plans with AT&T coverage for 3 lines

Red Pocket unlimited plan for $30/mo

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

The Red Pocket Mobile unlimited plan is powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, they are one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.

You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With Red Pocket Mobile, you get unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Adding extra lines saves you money with multi-line discounts, although there's a setup fee for each line.

They also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee on eSIM plans and free international calling to 80+ countries, plus free roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Many low-cost carriers provide service on AT&T's 5G and 4G LTE networks, and I've reviewed many of them. Cricket Wireless, AT&T's own prepaid brand, tends to be more expensive than its competitors. H2O Wireless includes international calling, but its plans don't offer the same value. While Good2Go Mobile has competitive pricing but lacks variety in its plan options and isn't as well known.

With its ideal blend of affordability, strong features, and flexibility, Red Pocket is my top recommendation for AT&T customers.

• Multi-line discounts – Add extra lines and get a discount off each one, making it easy to save on family plans.
• International perks at no extra cost – Free calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada add extra value.
• No hidden fees & risk-free sign-up – Simple, transparent pricing and a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee let you try the service worry-free.

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

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

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
• 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.