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Best overall prepaid family plan
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 prepaid family 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
- 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.
Compare T-Mobile family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials | $65 | $100 $50/line | $120 $40/line | $140 $35/line |
| T-Mobile Magenta | $75 | $130 $65/line | $156 $52/line | $180 $45/line |
| T-Mobile Go5G | $80 | $140 $70/line | $171 $57/line | $200 $50/line |
| T-Mobile Magenta MAX | $90 | $150 $75/line | $186 $62/line | $220 $55/line |
| T-Mobile Go5G Plus | $95 | $160 $80/line | $201 $67/line | $240 $60/line |
T-Mobile MVNO family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB | $15 | $30 $15/line | $45 $15/line | $60 $15/line |
| Mint Mobile 15GB | $20 | $40 $20/line | $60 $20/line | $80 $20/line |
| Mint Mobile 20GB | $25 | $50 $25/line | $75 $25/line | $100 $25/line |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited | $30 | $60 $30/line | $90 $30/line | $120 $30/line |
How to pick the best prepaid family 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 and your family the best coverage, check out our reviews of the best AT&T family plans and the best Verizon family plans to keep your family better connected.
Compare the cheapest T-Mobile prepaid family plans
Prepaid T-Mobile family plans FAQs
T-Mobile MVNOs like Mint Mobile and US Mobile offer a low-cost option for family plans starting at $5 per line while still offering the same nationwide wireless coverage on T-Mobile's network.
T-Mobile MVNOs, such as Tello and Boost Mobile, offer the cheapest prepaid family plans starting at $5 per line. While giving you access to T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE wireless coverage.
Recap: What is the best prepaid T-Mobile family plan?
With a wide variety of prepaid family phone plans, T-Mobile MVNOs save you money with the same nationwide coverage on the T-Mobile network.
Most alternative carriers offer a multi-line discount, so the more lines you add, the more discount you get. Some T-Mobile low-carriers allow you to customize each plan to the family member's needs.
You could be looking at savings of about $600 per year for each line if you decide to switch plans for you and your family.
T-Mobile family plan guides
- Best Family Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Prepaid Family Plans on T-Mobile
- Best 2 Line Plans on T-Mobile
- Best 4 Line Plans on T-Mobile
- Best 5 Line Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Family Cell Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for 2 Lines
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for 3 Lines
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for 4 Lines
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for 5 Lines
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.
