MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
If you love your T-Mobile service but not the size of your monthly bill, you have more options than you may think.
T-Mobile MVNOs offer the best way to regain control of your cell phone plan and budget. In fact, you could save $600 per year per line by switching to a pay as you go plan with a low-cost carrier on the T-Mobile network.
Essentially, MVNOs are affordable wireless providers powered by one or more big networks. For example, Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile MVNOs offer the same great service at significantly lower prices.
Switching to the best pay as you go phone plan from a low-cost carrier is easier than ever. No more nasty cell phone bill surprises at the end of the month.
Best pay as you go plans on T-Mobile
Top 3 most affordable plans with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about best cell phone 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
- Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. Therefore, if you're considering getting a plan for another family member, each line will be billed individually at the full price. But you can still save money with their affordable individual plans.
- Being an online-based service provider means that activating an eSIM prepaid plan requires just a few clicks, or you can choose to have a SIM card delivered to your address.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Choose from a variety of Mint Mobile prepaid plans to build your unique family plan. Powered by the T-Mobile network, it provides the same great quality service at half the price.
Choose from a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text. Mint Mobile has clear messaging sharing how you can save more money the longer you commit. 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
- 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.
- You can bring your own phone or choose from various smartphone options like a new iPhone or Samsung with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- Manage usage and multiple line plans through the Mint Mobile app.
- International roaming comes at an additional cost but calls to Canada and Mexico are included, while other international calls incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. 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 $600 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 | |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
T-Mobile vs Verizon phone plans
Top 3 most affordable plans with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Customize Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans and only pay for what you really need. With a variety of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
With unlimited calling and texts, you can choose as much data as you want from a range of data allowances. Check out our review about best pay as you go 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
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- You can conveniently purchase your plan online and have the SIM card delivered by 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 those requiring more than one line.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. 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 T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | How do T-Mobile plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
T-Mobile vs AT&T phone plans
Top 3 most affordable plans 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 prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about best pay as you go 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 prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. 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 prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. 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 T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | How do T-Mobile plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Best overall pay as you go plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about the cheapest pay as you go phone plans.
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
Compare T-Mobile unlimited plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| T-Mobile Go5G | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| T-Mobile Magenta MAX | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
| T-Mobile Go5G Plus | Unlimited | $95 | $1,140 |
T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
How to pick the best PAYG plan on T-Mobile
Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?
Low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. For example, Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network. In an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage. So, if you prefer the T-Mobile network, opt for one of the many T-Mobile MVNOs. Use our coverage map to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you truly need a T-Mobile unlimited data plan? T-Mobile will try to convince you that it's necessary, but the truth is most people's average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you're usually at home or work like me and on Wi-Fi, your cellular data usage will likely be much lower. With cheap T-Mobile MVNO plans, you have options when it comes to data plans, meaning you can pay less if you use less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
While most T-Mobile providers allow mobile hotspot use, they can limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. Every carrier and plan is different, so be sure to check. Some T-Mobile MNVO carriers also offer T-Mobile data only plans specifically designed for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots, ideal for browsing the internet or video streaming.
What's the monthly price?
Instead of spending $60-$100 per month on T-Mobile's unlimited premium data plans, the best way to get a T-Mobile unlimited data plan is with their MVNOs. With plans starting around $15 per month with the same wireless coverage and fast speeds you're used to. Keep your eyes open for any hidden fees & taxes, but this is really an old trick of all the big networks. T-Mobile MVNOs have transparent, straightforward pricing.
How many lines do you need?
Often, with T-Mobile, the advertised discount only applies if you buy three or more lines. With T-Mobile MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers also now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While T-Mobile loves keeping its customers trapped in a never-ending cycle of phone upgrades ("New in Two"), T-Mobile MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone to T-Mobile. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it's convenient for you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many T-Mobile MVNOs offer great financing options or low-cost refurbished phone alternatives.
Are there any deals or promotions?
At first glance, T-Mobile wireless promotions may appear attractive. However, upon closer examination of the fine print, they often result in purchasing unnecessary items and being tied to long-term phone contracts lasting three years. In contrast, many T-Mobile MVNOS provide introductory discounts for new customers with no commitments and greater transparency in their pricing.
What perks are included?
Many of T-Mobile's plans come with offers like "free" Netflix basic and Apple TV subscriptions, but these often convert to paid subscriptions that are automatically charged to your bill after a few months. While some affordable carriers like US Mobile do provide plan options with free subscription services, we advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid unnecessary expenses.
What international features are available?
If having free international calls to various countries is a priority for you, it is essential to select a T-Mobile MVNO carrier that provides this service. If you travel regularly, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to make sure you have the right travel benefits so there are no unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.
Do they offer parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers provide parental controls that empower parents to oversee their children's phone usage and data consumption. Through parental controls, you have the ability to monitor data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even track your child's whereabouts. Certain T-Mobile MVNOs include these in their plans, or you'll be able to access this in your phone's settings.
Check out our cheapest T-Mobile MVNO plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
If T-Mobile isn't giving you the coverage you've come to expect, check out the best AT&T pay as you go plans and Verizon pay as you go plans.
Compare the cheapest T-Mobile PAYG plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* | $225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$45 for 3 Months |
| Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
T-Mobile pay as you go phone plan FAQs
T-Mobile MVNOs, like Tello and Mint Mobile, offer significantly lower prices (starting around $10) than T-Mobile's phone plans. MVNO carriers operate on the same T-Mobile network for half the price.
T-Mobile MVNOs, including US Mobile and Reach Mobile, provide low-cost pay as you go phone plans with T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE wireless coverage. They start as low as $5 per month, whereas T-Mobile prepaid plans are triple the price for the same service.
Recap: What is the best pay as you go T-Mobile phone plan?
When you switch to a pay as you go plan from an MVNO, you don't sacrifice a thing. You'll get more control over your cell phone plan, paying each month for the features you need.
Whether you're looking for 5G coverage, unlimited data, or just basic phone functionality from a basic plan, there's something to match your needs.
Finding the cheapest pay as you go plan has never been easier. Low-cost carriers make it simple for you to bring your own phone, so you don't have to pay for a new device when you switch.
T-Mobile prepaid plan guides
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Prepaid Unlimited Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Prepaid Family Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Pay As You Go Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Phone Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Talk & Text Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Flip Phone Plans on T-Mobile
- Best T-Mobile MVNO Plans
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
- Best Prepaid Family Phone 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:
- 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.
Related Content
Phone plans guides
