The cheapest phone plans for 5 lines

Starting at $10/line

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 26, 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 daunting and expensive task of finding family cell phone plans from the big three?

It's evident they've not considered the budget-minded families. Instead, they continue to boast about their profits and raise prices amidst our growing household expenses.

Drawing on over a decade of experience in the wireless industry, I've reviewed more than 30 alternative carriers and over 100 plans to present you with the most wallet-friendly options for families needing five 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 a rich selection of affordable carriers out there, offering the same reliable 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks you're used to, but at a significantly reduced cost.

No matter the volume of data your family consumes or your preferred network, I've compared the cheapest phone plans for five lines across all major networks.

Making the right choice is up to you, but be assured, finding a way to lower your family's cell phone expenses has never been more straightforward.

Cheapest plans for 5 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 5 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

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

Cheapest plans for 5 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 5 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. 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 five lines

Check out our cell phone comparison for 5 lines to help find the best deal.

How to choose the best value carrier for 5 lines

• What's your preferred network? Seamless network coverage is a top priority for your family, especially in less urbanized or rural areas. The good news is that MVNOs use the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big three. If your family has a preferred network, choosing an MVNO that operates on that network can ensure you stay connected wherever you are.
• How much data do you need? Before automatically opting for an unlimited data plan, consider your family's actual data usage. On average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB due to being connected to Wi-Fi regularly. So, despite what big wireless suggests, many families find their data needs are significantly lower. However, if you decide on an unlimited data plan, be mindful of the cap on high-speed data.
• Is hotspot data included? Hotspot functionality can be essential for families, enabling internet access on devices like tablets and laptops through your phone's data connection. While most plans include hotspot usage, the amount of data available for tethering varies by plan and carrier. Some also offer data-only plans, ensuring your devices remain connected even without Wi-Fi.
• What's the monthly price? The cost of unlimited plans from the big three can be steep, often around $75-90 per month. Conversely, the best MVNOs offer more budget-friendly family plans, with prices ranging from $5-35 per line without compromising on coverage. Always be aware of hidden fees and taxes, as they can significantly affect the overall cost.
• How many lines do you need? Unlike major carriers, where discounted rates typically require purchasing multiple lines, MVNOs offer transparent pricing for any number of lines. This is beneficial when you're seeking five lines for your family, as many MVNOs offer low prices for a single line and provide even further discounts for multiple lines.
• Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device? Moving away from the constant upgrade cycle promoted by the big three, most MVNOs allow you to bring your own device. This flexibility lets you decide when it's time for a new phone. For those looking to purchase new devices, many MVNOs offer affordable options with flexible financing terms.
• Are there any deals or promotions? While promotions from big wireless may seem appealing at first glance, they often come with hidden conditions that lead to unnecessary expenses or long-term commitments. On the other hand, many MVNOs offer straightforward, short-term promotional pricing for new customers with more transparent terms.
• What perks or add ons can I expect? Be cautious of "free" subscription perks included in plans from big carriers, as these can lead to unexpected charges later on. Some cost-effective carriers do offer free subscription services with certain plans, but it's generally best to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for services you don't need.
• Is international calling included? Most MVNOs offer free international calling to several countries, allowing you to stay connected without additional charges. If this feature is important to your family, make sure your chosen carrier offers it.
• Are there parental controls? Parental controls are increasingly important for monitoring and managing your children's phone use. Many MVNOs offer 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

5 line family plans FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest family plan for 5 lines?

The big three are signaling their plans to continue raising prices, a strategy that seems more focused on boosting their profit margins in a competitive market rather than addressing inflation, all at the expense of their dedicated customers.

As families grapple with rising costs in nearly every aspect of daily life, there's a glimmer of hope when it comes to cell phone service.

For those needing plans for five lines, it's now possible to access the same quality of service at a significantly reduced cost, potentially saving up to $600 per year per line.

Before you choose your family's next cell phone provider, I recommend using our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you navigate through the various options and ensure you secure the best deal that aligns with your family's specific requirements.

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.