Metro by T-Mobile cell phone plans review
Pros
Good value for heavier users
Taxes and fees included in upfront pricing
Amazon Prime membership included in unlimited plan
Family plan option
Retail stores available nationwide
Cons
Plans not as flexible as some MVNOs
No option to sign up online
Metro by T-Mobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that runs on the T-Mobile network.
Formerly known as MetroPCS, they offer low-cost prepaid cell phone plans. They're not the cheapest MVNO, but there are no hidden costs, taxes and fees are included and there's no activation fee.
Keep reading for our full Metro by T-Mobile review to find out what they have to offer and if they're the right carrier for you.
Metro by T-Mobile plans & pricing
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile 2GB | 2GB | $30 |
| Metro by T-Mobile 10GB | 10GB | $40 |
| Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Data | Unltd | $50 |
As a low-cost carrier Metro by T-Mobile has no annual contracts. There are also no activation fees and taxes and fees are included in the price.
If you're looking for a family plan, they've got plenty of options. With discounts the more lines you add.
You'll get access to T-Mobile's 5G network where it's available and its nationwide 4G LTE coverage.
Each of the plans includes different benefits including mobile hotspot allowance and extra storage with Google one. You'll even get Amazon Prime included with their top plan.
Savings comparison
T-Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $240 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $50/mo | $600/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $20/mo | $240/yr | |
Metro by T-Mobile benefits
- No upfront costs: there are no activation fees or hidden charges.
- Same quality coverage: powered by major US networks you'll get the same coverage you already trust at half the cost.
- Bring your own phone: no need to upgrade to the latest handset. To save money you can bring your own phone and number.
- Simple switch: once you've received your SIM, simply pop into your phone and follow the activation instructions.
- Big savings: save up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill with a low-cost carrier plan.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Although coming third behind Verizon and AT&T for their 4G LTE coverage, T-Mobile comes top with its rollout of 5G coverage.
What network does Metro by T-Mobile use?
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network which comes third in its 4G LTE coverage, only slightly behind Verizon and AT&T. Its 3G coverage can be lacking if you're in rural areas, however, with the roll out of 5G, T-Mobile is above both other major networks in terms of their 5G network coverage.
Network coverage ratings
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Metro by T-Mobile data speeds
T-Mobile's 4G LTE data speeds give you a speed 10x faster than broadband, but it can be intermittent in rural areas. However, you'll have access to their 5G network where it's available.
Metro by T-Mobile data plans
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
10GB
4G/5G data
$40/mo
$4 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited
4G/5G data
$50/mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile features
No contracts
With Metro by T-Mobile if you're not happy you can cancel at any time. No contracts, no activation fees, and no hidden costs.
Multi-line discounts
If you're looking for more than one line, Metro by T-Mobile offers great discounts the more lines you add.
International calling
If you're looking for international calling options there's a choice of add on's depending on which and how many countries you're looking for.
Wi-Fi calling
If your cell signal is weak, with Wi-Fi calling you can use the nearest Wi-Fi connection to make and receive calls and texts.
Mobile hotspot
On the unlimited data plans, a mobile hotspot allowance is included.
Metro by T-Mobile Family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile 2GB | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
| Metro by T-Mobile 10GB | $40 | $80$40/line | $120$40/line | $160$40/line |
| Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited Data | $50 | $100$50/line | $150$50/line | $200$50/line |
Metro by T-Mobile phone deals
If it's compatible you can bring your own phone with a hassle-free switch over and you get to keep your number. If you're looking for a new phone you can pick from one of the many handsets offered on Metro by T-Mobile's website, including the latest smartphones.
Compare iPhone prices
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone SE | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $432 | Apple iPhone 11 | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 24 mths | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 24 mths | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 36 mths | $1,080 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 36 mths | $1,080 | Apple iPhone 13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $31/mo for 36 mths | $1,099 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 |
|---|
Metro by T-Mobile customer service
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile | 3.1 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Find out what real money-savers are saying with Metro by T-Mobile user reviews.
Most low-cost carriers are only accessible online, but with Metro, you can visit a store, as well as contacting customer support by phone or online chat.
Metro by T-Mobile customer support phone number: 888-863-8768 (or *611 from your Metro by T-Mobile phone)
How do Metro by T-Mobile plans compare
| Carrier | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Twigby 10GB data plan | 10GB | $20** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello unlimited data plan | Unltd | $29 |
Switching to Metro by T-Mobile
Move to Metro by T-Mobile in a few simple steps.
1. Order your Metro by T-Mobile SIM card starter kit online.
2. When it arrives, pop in your new SIM card and follow the activation instructions.
3. Enjoy your new monthly savings.
Metro by T-Mobile FAQs
What does it mean when it says Metro by T-Mobile?
Metro is a low-cost carrier owned and powered by T-Mobile's network.
What is the difference between T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile?
One of the big differences between T-Mobile and Metro is with T-Mobile you're likely to have a long contract, not the case with Metro. Metro plans are also cheaper than those offered by T-Mobile, but service is prioritized for T-Mobile customers.
Does MetroPCS finance T-Mobile phones?
Finance-only options are available with Metro, a low-cost carrier owned and powered by T-Mobile.
Recap
Metro is a low-cost carrier operating on the T-Mobile network helping to save you money on your cell phone bill. They have a small selection of plans, and although not the cheapest if you're looking for unlimited data their plans can still save you money.
Looking for a flashy new phone to go with your plan? Metro by T-Mobile offers a range of handsets including the latest Apple iPhones. But you can also save more money by bringing your own phone. Whichever you choose, the switching process is simple.
With no contract, if you're not happy with your plan or your needs change you can cancel without worrying about an early termination fee.
