The cheapest prepaid family phone plans

Starting at $10/line

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 01, 2024

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

Are you fed up with the intricate and expensive web of family cell phone plans spun by the major carriers?

They've clearly overlooked the needs of families, watching their budgets closely and continuing to boast about profits and jack up prices amidst our rising household costs.

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.

There's a broad selection of affordable carriers out there, offering access to the same 5G & 4G LTE networks you trust, but without the hefty price tag.

No matter how much data your family needs or which network you prefer, I've compared the cheapest prepaid family phone plans across all major networks.

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

Cheapest prepaid family plans 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 prepaid family plans 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 prepaid family plans 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 prepaid family 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 prepaid family phone plans

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

How to choose the best value prepaid family phone plan

• Network preference: The best coverage for your family is important, especially if you live in a rural area. Thankfully, MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big three. With T-Mobile leading in 5G coverage, according to this Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), the best network for you will depend on where you live.
• Data allowance: Do you really need an unlimited data plan? Despite what big wireless might suggest, many families find their actual data usage is well below the unlimited threshold, especially with frequent Wi-Fi access at home, work, or school. Prepaid plans with a low-cost carrier offer a range of data options, allowing you to choose (and pay for) only what you need.
• Hotspot data: Hotspot functionality can be a must for families on the go, allowing internet access from tablets, laptops, and other devices via your phone's data connection. While most prepaid plans include hotspot data, the available amount varies by plan and carrier. Some even offer dedicated data-only plans for devices like tablets and mobile hotspots, ensuring you're always connected, even without Wi-Fi.
• Monthly price: Forget the hefty $75-90 monthly fees of big wireless unlimited plans. The best family prepaid plans from MVNOs range from $5-35 per line without compromising on coverage or features. Be mindful of hidden fees and taxes, as some carriers include these in the advertised price while others do not.
• Amount of lines: Unlike the big carriers, where discounted rates often require purchasing multiple lines, MVNOs offer straightforward, affordable pricing for even a single line. This transparency extends to multi-line family plans, where additional lines often come with even greater savings, making it easier to manage your family's cell phone budget.
• Bringing your own phone: Stepping away from the endless upgrade cycle pushed by the big three, most MVNOs welcome you to bring your own device. This approach not only saves money but also puts upgrade decisions firmly in your hands.
• Promotions: While promotions from major networks can appear attractive, they often come with strings attached, such as unnecessary upgrades or long-term contracts. In contrast, many MVNOs offer clear, straightforward promotional pricing for new customers, making it easier to understand and access savings.
• Perks: Beware of "free" subscription perks included in big wireless plans, as these often evolve into paid subscriptions added to your bill. Some prepaid carriers do offer free subscription services with certain plans, but it's usually best to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid unwanted charges.
• International calling: Most MVNOs offer free international calling to a wide selection of countries, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones abroad without extra costs.
• Parental controls: Many MVNOs offer features that allow you to set data usage limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and track your child's location, providing peace of mind and keeping your family safe.

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

Find the best cell phone service in your area

Prepaid family plans FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest prepaid phone service for families?

The leading wireless providers continue to hike their prices, a strategy seemingly aimed more at boosting their profits in a crowded market than at adjusting for inflation. This is happening at the expense of families who have remained loyal customers for years.

In an era of rising household expenses, with little relief in sight for costs like fuel and groceries, there's good news when it comes to your family's cell phone service.

Opting for prepaid plans with a low-cost carrier can offer the same quality of service you're accustomed to but at a significantly reduced cost. This could potentially save your family up to $600 annually for each line.

Before you commit to a new carrier, it's worth checking out our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you sift through the options and find the most suitable and cost-effective prepaid plan for your family's needs.

Family plan guides

• Best Family Cell Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Family Phone Plans
• Best Phone Plans for 2 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 3 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 4 Lines
• Best Phone Plans for 5 Lines
• Best Multi Line Phone Plans
• Best Shared Data Plans
• The Cheapest Prepaid Family Phone Plans
• Best Family Plans on AT&T
• Best Family Plans on T-Mobile

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.