The cheapest phone plans for 2 lines

Starting at $10/line

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 10, 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 complex and expensive family cell phone plans from the big three? You're not alone.

They seem to have overlooked the needs of those of us seeking budget-friendly options while continuing to celebrate their profits and hike prices amidst our own rising household costs.

With over a decade of experience in the wireless industry, I've delved into more than 30 alternative carriers and over 100 plans to find the most cost-effective solutions for two lines.

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

You'll find a wide selection of affordable carriers offering access to the same reliable 5G & 4G LTE networks you know and love but at a much lower cost.

No matter if you and your partner use a small amount of data or consume it heavily, and regardless of your network preference, I've compared the cheapest phone plans for two lines across all major networks, tailored to fit your specific needs.

The choice is ultimately up to you, but be assured, finding a way to reduce your cell phone expenses for two lines has never been more straightforward.

Cheapest plans for 2 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

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

Cheapest plans for 2 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

2GB

data

$5/line*

$15/mo

See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

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

Cheapest plans for 2 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

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 2 line plan

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 most 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, and 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 lines

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

How to choose the best value carrier for two lines

What network coverage do you prefer?

As a couple looking for two lines, network reliability is important, whether you're in the city or a rural area. Thankfully, low-cost carriers offer access to the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big three. If you have a preferred network, selecting an MVNO that uses it can ensure you stay connected.

How much data do you need?

Before jumping on an unlimited data plan, consider your actual usage. On average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB, so you may find your data consumption well below the "unlimited" threshold. Especially with regular Wi-Fi access. MVNOs offer set data plans that can save you money.

Is hotspot data included?

Hotspot functionality is a must for sharing internet access, but note that carriers often limit tethering data. The specifics vary by plan and carrier, with some offering dedicated data-only plans for devices like tablets and mobile hotspots, ensuring you're always connected.

What's the monthly price?

Forget the hefty fees of big wireless unlimited plans. The best MVNOs offer two-line plans starting from $5-35 per line without compromising coverage or speed. Be wary of hidden fees and taxes, as some carriers are more transparent than others.

How many lines do you need?

Unlike the big three, where discounts are tied to multiple lines, MVNOs offer straightforward pricing, even for just two lines. This makes it easier for couples to find discounts without needing to buy more lines than necessary.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

Moving away from the endless upgrade cycle, MVNOs allow you to bring your own device, giving you control over when to upgrade. For those looking to buy new, many MVNOs offer affordable options with flexible financing.

Are there any deals or promotions?

While big wireless promotions may seem appealing, they often come with strings attached. In contrast, MVNOs offer clear, straightforward promotional pricing for new customers, making it easier to understand and access savings.

What perks or add ons can I expect?

Be cautious of "free" subscription perks from big carriers, as these can lead to unexpected costs. Some affordable carriers do offer free subscription services, but it's usually best to keep these separate to avoid unwanted charges.

Is international calling included?

Free international calling can be a significant perk, with many MVNOs including this feature, so choose a carrier that keeps you connected globally without extra fees.

Check out our cheap cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.

Find the best cell phone service in your area

2 line family plans FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest family plan for 2 lines?

Big wireless continues to signal their intention to escalate prices, a strategy seemingly more about boosting their bottom line in a crowded market than addressing inflation, all at the cost of their devoted customers.

As household expenses climb, with little relief in sight for essentials, there's a silver lining when it comes to your cell phone service.

For couples seeking plans for two lines, it's now possible to access the same quality service at a reduced cost, potentially saving up to $600 a year per line.

Before settling on your next cell phone provider, it's worth checking out our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you navigate the options and secure the best deal for you both.

Verizon family plan guides

• Best Family Plans on Verizon
• Best 2 Line Plans on Verizon
• Best 3 Line Plans on Verizon
• Best 4 Line Plans on Verizon
• Best 5 Line Plans on Verizon
• 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:

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.