Best cell phone plans for two in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 19, 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 limited options, baffling bills, and steep costs of big wireless?

As these industry giants revel in their soaring profits and roll out yet another wave of price increases, it's clear they've underestimated today's consumers, like couples looking for affordable, straightforward plans for two.

With over a decade of experience in the wireless sector, I've seen the price disparity grow increasingly wide. Yet, the process of switching to a more budget-friendly carrier has become remarkably easy.

I've thoroughly examined 30 alternative carriers and analyzed over 100 prepaid plans to save you the hassle.

The revelation? A surprising number of cost-effective carriers are still in the game, offering the same reliable networks you're accustomed to, but at a fraction of the cost.

Recognizing that every couple's mobile needs are unique, The best plans will depend on network preference and cell phone usage. So, I've compared the best value plans for two across all three major networks, catering to low, medium, and high data users alike.

Empowering you and your partner to choose the most suitable option for your shared connectivity needs.

Best plans for two 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 plans for two 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

View Plans

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 plans for two 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 plan for Two

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 data plans to customize to your needs, and more highly 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 cell phone plans for two

Check out our cell phone comparison for two lines to help find the best deal.

How to choose the best phone plans for two

• What network coverage do you prefer? Consistent network coverage is essential, whether the two of you are in the city or tucked away in a rural area. Many low-cost carriers offer access to the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks, with T-Mobile leading in 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). Selecting an MVNO on your preferred network ensures you both stay connected seamlessly.
• How much data do you need? Unlimited data plans might seem necessary, but how much do you both actually use? Due to the extensive access to Wi-Fi these days, the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB. Low-cost carriers allow you to tailor your plan to your exact needs, potentially lowering your costs if your data usage is modest. For those eyeing unlimited plans, remember that there's usually a cap on high-speed data.
• Is hotspot data included? Hotspot functionality is a common feature, though the data allowance varies by plan. If you or your partner need internet access on other devices when away from Wi-Fi, some carriers offer specific data-only plans, ensuring you're always connected.
• What's the monthly price? Forget the hefty $75-90 monthly fees of big wireless plans. The best MVNOs have you covered with plans ranging from $5-35 per month, ensuring you don't compromise on coverage or speed. Stay vigilant for hidden fees and taxes, as carrier policies differ.
• How many lines do you need? Big wireless often markets their best prices for bundles of four lines. However, MVNOs offer transparent, straightforward pricing, even for just two lines. Look out for multi-line discounts, perfect for couples looking to save without sacrificing quality.
• Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device? If you're tired of being pushed into the latest upgrade MVNOs allow you to bring your existing phones, offering freedom from the upgrade cycle. If you're in the market for new devices, many MVNOs provide affordable options with 0% financing.
• Are there any deals or promotions? While initial offers from the big three may appear tempting, they often entail unwanted commitments. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer straightforward, transparent promotions for new customers, making it easier to grasp what you're actually getting.
• What perks or add ons can I expect? Beware of "free" subscriptions included in big wireless plans, which often become paid additions later on. Some budget-friendly carriers offer free services with certain plans, but it's wise to assess whether these perks are something you really want.
• Is international calling included? Staying in touch with friends and family abroad without extra costs is crucial for many. Fortunately, most MVNOs provide free international calling to numerous countries, ensuring you can keep those important connections without the added expense.
• Are there parental controls? While parental controls might not be a primary concern for couples, it's worth noting that some MVNOs offer features to manage usage and access. These tools can be useful for monitoring data consumption or restricting access to certain content, ensuring your mobile usage aligns with your lifestyle.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you and your partner find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Find the best phone service in your area

2 line phone plans FAQs

Recap - What is the best cell phone plan for two?

Big wireless is signaling its plans to continue escalating prices, a move that seems more about boosting its bottom lines in a crowded market than addressing any real economic pressures.

In an era where household expenses are on the rise, with little relief in sight for costs like fuel or groceries, there's a silver lining for couples looking for cell phone plans.

You now have the opportunity to access the same quality cell phone service but at a significantly reduced cost, potentially saving you and your partner up to $600 a year per line.

Before you commit to your next cell phone plan, I recommend checking out our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you and your partner find the perfect plan and ensure you're not overpaying for the services you need.

Phone plan guides

• Best Cell Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans
• Best Unlimited Data Plans
• The 10 Best MVNOs
• Best Phone Plans for One
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Two
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
• Best Cell Phone Plans for Students
• Best Bring Your Own Phone Plans
• Best 5G Cell Phone Plans
• Best Talk & Text Plans

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.