The cheapest phone plans for 3 lines

Starting at $10/line

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 04, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Frustrated with the intricate and pricey family cell phone plans pushed by big wireless?

They've evidently overlooked the needs of families on a budget. Instead, they're continuing to boast about their earnings and ramp up prices amidst our escalating household costs.

Drawing from my extensive experience of over a decade in the wireless industry, I've reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 plans to uncover the most budget-friendly options for families needing three or more 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

There's an impressive array of affordable carriers out there, providing access to the same dependable 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks you're accustomed to, but without the hefty price tag.

No matter the amount of data your family requires or your preferred network, I've found the cheapest phone plans for three lines across all major networks designed to cater to your particular needs.

The choice ultimately lies with you, but be assured, discovering ways to cut down on your family's cell phone expenses has never been more straightforward.

Cheapest plans for 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 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 three lines

Check out our cell phone comparison for 3 lines to help find the best deal.

How to choose the best value carrier for 3 lines

What network coverage do you prefer?

When looking for three lines for your family, reliable network coverage is paramount, especially in less urbanized areas. Fortunately, many MVNOs provide the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big three. If you have a specific network in mind, choosing an MVNO that operates on that network is wise.

How much data do you need?

Contrary to the push for unlimited data plans by big wireless, the actual data needs of a family might be less, particularly if you often connect to Wi-Fi at home, school, or work. Low-cost carriers offer a variety of set data plans, as on average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB so you can save money by choosing a plan that fits your true data needs. However, if opting for unlimited data, be mindful of the high-speed data cap.

Is hotspot data included?

While most plans include hotspot usage, the data available for tethering varies by plan and carrier. Some also offer data-only plans, ensuring connectivity for your devices even without Wi-Fi.

What's the monthly price?

The cost of unlimited plans from the big three can be steep, ranging around $75-90 per month. In contrast, the best MVNOs offer more budget-friendly family plans, with prices ranging from $5-35 per line without compromising on coverage or features. Be aware of hidden fees and taxes, as they can vary significantly between carriers.

How many lines do you need?

Big wireless often advertises low prices that only apply when purchasing multiple lines. MVNOs, however, offer transparent pricing, even for individual lines. Many provide additional discounts for families needing three lines, making it easier to manage your budget and customize a plan for each family member's needs.

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

You can break the cycle of continuous upgrades. MVNOs allow you to bring your own phone, offering flexibility so you can upgrade on your terms. For those looking to purchase new devices, there are affordable options with 0% financing available with a selection of low-cost carriers.

Are there any deals or promotions?

While promotions from big carriers may appear attractive, they often come with hidden conditions that can lead to unnecessary expenses or long-term commitments. Conversely, many MVNOs offer straightforward, short-term promotional pricing for new customers with more transparent terms.

What perks or add ons can I expect?

Big wireless plans often include "free" subscriptions to streaming services, which may seem beneficial initially but can lead to unexpected charges later. Some cost-effective carriers do offer free subscription services with certain plans, but it's generally advisable to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid unwanted costs.

Is international calling included?

International connectivity can be vital for families with loved ones abroad. Thankfully, most MVNOs include free international calling to several countries, allowing you to stay in touch without extra charges. Ensure your chosen carrier offers this feature if it's important to your family.

Are there parental controls?

Parental controls are increasingly important for families to monitor and manage their children's phone use. Many MVNOs provide features that enable parents to set data usage limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and track locations, offering peace of mind and enhanced safety for your family.

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

Find the best cell phone service in your area

3 line family plans FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest family plan for 3 lines?

The leading wireless corporations are unmistakably on a path to hike their prices further, a move that appears less about adjusting for inflation and more about padding their profits in an already crowded market, all at the expense of their faithful customers.

In an era where the costs of household necessities continue to rise, with little control over the prices of essentials like gas and groceries, there's a beacon of hope for cell phone service.

For families in need of plans for three lines, the opportunity to access the same level of cell phone service at a substantially lower cost now exists, offering potential savings of up to $600 annually for each line.

Before you commit to a new cell phone provider for your family, I recommend exploring our cell phone plan comparison. to ensure you land the best deal that suits the unique needs of your family.

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.