Cheap prepaid family plans for 2025: Save big without losing coverage

Keeping the whole family connected shouldn't mean handing over half your pay check to the big 3. But if you've signed up for one of their "family deals," you've probably already noticed that the savings aren't as great as they make it sound. Between hidden fees, rising rates after a few months, and extras you don't even need, family plans with the big 3 can cost more than you expect.

The good news is, low-cost carriers offer prepaid family plans with the same coverage for a lot less - all with no contracts, credit checks, or surprise fees. This guide breaks down the cheapest prepaid family plans for 2025, covering the best options for T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T networks.

Drawing on my extensive experience of over a decade in the wireless sector, I've explored more than 30 alternative carriers and over 100 plans to present you with the most wallet-friendly prepaid options for your family.

Tello offers the cheapest prepaid family phone plans for low data

Tello 2GB plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text with 2GB data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With 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.

Tello keeps costs low with flexible plans that let you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. A set data plan can help you save and manage usage.

All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing remains competitive.

Activation is quick and easy. With eSIM it takes just a few taps, or you can have a SIM card shipped directly to you.

Tello is one of the most affordable and flexible choices on T-Mobile's network, but I also weighed a few other options.

Ultra Mobile is a solid pick for international calling, but its plans are more expensive for the same amount of data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being owned by T-Mobile, comes with higher costs and often requires an in-store visit. While Boost Mobile has competitive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent customer service make it harder to recommend.

In the end, Tello's combination of affordability, customization, and hassle-free switching makes it the best choice.

• Build-your-own plan – Tello lets you customize your plan, so you only pay for the data, minutes, and texts you actually need-no wasted money on extras.
• Affordable, contract-free pricing – Tello keeps costs low with transparent pricing and no long-term commitments, making it easy to switch or adjust your plan anytime.
• Quick and simple activation – With eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If you prefer a physical SIM, Tello ships it for a small fee.

Visible offers the cheapest prepaid family unlimited data plan

Visible unlimited plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible keeps things easy with two affordable unlimited plans on Verizon's network. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.

With unlimited talk, text, and data starting at just $25/month, plus mobile hotspot included, you get great value without surprises. The Visible+ plan offers 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

Visible keeps it simple with two unlimited plans that have no contracts, hidden fees, or surprise costs. Both plans come with mobile hotspot access at 5–10 Mbps speeds.

The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to 200+ destinations. eSIM activation allows for instant setup, eliminating the wait for a SIM card.

While there are no multi-line discounts, the affordable pricing makes it ideal for individuals. However, customer support is only available online.

If you want a budget-friendly carrier on Verizon's network, Visible is the best option for unlimited data without extra fees-but I also reviewed a few others.

Tracfone offers low-cost prepaid plans, but speed restrictions make it less appealing for heavy data users. Xfinity Mobile has competitive pricing, but it's limited to Xfinity internet customers. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable alternative, but you need Spectrum home internet to sign up.

Thanks to its transparent pricing and unlimited data, Visible remains the best overall pick.

• Straightforward unlimited plans – No contracts, hidden fees, or surprise charges-just simple, all-inclusive pricing.
• Built-in extras at no extra cost – Get mobile hotspot access on all plans, plus international calling and texting perks with Visible+.
• Fast and easy setup – eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes without needing to wait for a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the cheapest prepaid family phone plans with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless keeps things simple with no contracts, no hidden fees, and affordable plans on Verizon's network.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot included. Plus, international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico make staying connected easier than ever.

Get Verizon's reliable coverage without the high cost with Total Wireless. Plans include unlimited talk and text, plus up to 15GB of hotspot data.

International calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico are included with select plans. There are no contracts, and you can manage everything online for easy switching.

I've explored other low-cost carriers on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, but many have limitations.

Tracfone keeps costs low with its pay-as-you-go model, but it offers limited high-speed data and fewer perks. Xfinity Mobile stands out with competitive pricing, but only those with Xfinity internet can sign up. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable choice, but again it's restricted to Spectrum home internet customers.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Enjoy top-tier coverage without the premium pricing.
• Great extras for everyday use – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming benefits on select plans.
• No commitments, full control – Contract-free plans with easy online management for seamless plan adjustments.

Tello offers the cheapest prepaid family phone plan with T-Mobile coverage

Tello unlimited plan for $25/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With 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.

Tello offers flexible, budget-friendly plans, allowing you to pick exactly how much data, talk, and text you need.

All Tello plans support mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans limited to 5GB, but they don't offer multi-line discounts-each line is billed separately. However, their low rates make individual plans a great deal.

Since Tello is online-only, activation is seamless-eSIM setup is near-instant, or you can get a SIM card by mail.

Tello is among the best budget-friendly carriers on T-Mobile's network, but I compared a few others as well.

Ultra Mobile works well for international calls, but its plans cost more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being part of T-Mobile, is pricier and often requires an in-store sign-up. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but its extra fees and spotty customer service make it less reliable.

Thanks to its unmatched affordability, customizable plans, and easy switching process, Tello remains the best pick.

• Personalized plan options – Tello allows you to pick and choose your plan features, so you only pay for what you actually use.
• One of the cheapest carriers available – Tello provides unbeatable value with low-cost plans and no contracts, giving you total flexibility.
• Fast online activation – eSIM lets you activate your plan in minutes, or you can request a free SIM card to be delivered to your door.

Red Pocket offers the cheapest prepaid family phone plans with AT&T coverage

Red Pocket unlimited plan for $30/mo

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

The Red Pocket Mobile unlimited plan is powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, they are one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.

You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With Red Pocket Mobile, you get unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Adding extra lines saves you money with multi-line discounts, although there's a setup fee for each line.

They also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee on eSIM plans and free international calling to 80+ countries, plus free roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Many low-cost carriers provide service on AT&T's 5G and 4G LTE networks, and I've reviewed many of them. Cricket Wireless, AT&T's own prepaid brand, tends to be more expensive than its competitors. H2O Wireless includes international calling, but its plans don't offer the same value. While Good2Go Mobile has competitive pricing but lacks variety in its plan options and isn't as well known.

With its ideal blend of affordability, strong features, and flexibility, Red Pocket is my top recommendation for AT&T customers.

• Multi-line discounts – Add extra lines and get a discount off each one, making it easy to save on family plans.
• International perks at no extra cost – Free calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada add extra value.
• No hidden fees & risk-free sign-up – Simple, transparent pricing and a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee let you try the service worry-free.

How prepaid family plans save you more

Prepaid family plans work the same way individual prepaid plans do - you pay upfront each month, you know exactly what your bill will be, and you can leave anytime. That means:

• No contracts or hidden "line access" fees
• No sudden price hikes when promotions end
• Full control over each line's data allowance - so light users don't overpay for data they don't need

Low-cost carriers lease coverage directly from the big 3, so you're getting the same network coverage at a much lower price.

Why prepaid family plans cost less - and still keep everyone connected

Family plans shouldn't come with overpriced extras and hidden fees, but that's exactly what happens when you stick with big wireless.

Here's why big wireless family plans cost so much more than they need to:

• Retail store overhead: Every time you see a big wireless store, remember - part of your family bill is paying to keep it open.
• "Free" phones that aren't really free: That shiny new phone for each family member locks you all into inflated plan prices for years.
• Unlimited data for everyone - whether they need it or not: Why pay for unlimited data on every line if some family members only need a few GB?
• Extras no one asked for: From streaming bundles to "perks" you never use, those add-ons quietly inflate your bill.
• Expensive ad campaigns: All those family-friendly commercials? You're helping fund them every month.

Prepaid family plans from low-cost carriers skip the waste, giving your family the same reliable coverage for every line - without the contracts, surprise fees, or unnecessary extras.

Compare the cheapest prepaid family phone plans

Check out our prepaid family cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.

Find the best cell phone service in your area

Prepaid family plans FAQs

Final thoughts

Prepaid family plans make it easy to keep your whole family connected for less - without the contracts, hidden fees, or frustrating customer service that comes with big wireless. Whether your family needs unlimited data or just basic service, low-cost carriers give you the same coverage at half the price.

Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping families cut their phone bills in both the UK and US, and for the last 8 years, I've been running MoneySavingPro - helping thousands of families switch to low-cost prepaid plans without losing coverage.

I've personally tested family plans and compared plan pricing from a range of low-cost carriers to see which options actually deliver savings - and which ones just sound cheap but hide extra fees.

If there's a better way to keep your family connected for less, you'll hear about it here first.

Family plan guides

• Best Family Cell Phone Plans
• The best prepaid family phone plans for 2025
• Best Phone Plans for 2 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 3 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 4 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 5 Lines
• Cheap prepaid family plans for 2025