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Between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile's unlimited starter phone plans, T-Mobile's Essential plan offers premium data, extended 5G range, and ultra capacity 5G.
For an unlimited plan direct with one of the three major carriers, it's one of the better deals, but do you want a deal that saves you money without any sacrifices?
T-Mobile MVNOs (also known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are low-cost carriers offering affordable phone plans while operating on the same T-Mobile network.
Curious as to the unlimited phone plans T-Mobile MVNOs offer? We've put together the best T-Mobile MVNO plans below with carriers including Mint Mobile, Tello, and Ting. Comparing them against T-Mobile's direct plans so you can choose the best deal for you.

What is T-Mobile Essentials?
T-Mobile Essentials features
Extended range & ultra capacity 5G
Unlimited talk & text
5G & 4G LTE data speeds
50GB premium data
Unlimited mobile hotspot data at 3G speeds
Compare T-Mobile unlimited data plans
Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
T-Mobile Magenta Max | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
T-Mobile vs Tello comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $492 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$70/mo |
$840/yr |
Tello |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G |
Unlimited |
$29/mo |
$348/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$41/mo |
$492/yr |
T-Mobile Essential alternatives
Cheapest T-Mobile phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$12/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 5GB |
$15/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
Compare T-Mobile family plans
Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Unlimited Extra | $75 | $130$65/line | $150$50/line | $160$40/line |
AT&T Unlimited Elite | $85 | $150$75/line | $180$60/line | $200$50/line |
Mint Mobile family plans
Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 20GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
Mint Mobile 15GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
Mint Mobile 5GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
T-Mobile Essentials FAQs
Is the T-Mobile Essentials plan really unlimited?
Unlimited isn't actually unlimited. There's typically a data cap at which your download speeds will slow to 2G data or 3G speeds. So be sure to read the terms and conditions.
How much is the T-Mobile Essentials plan?
The T-Mobile Essentials plan costs $60 per month directly through the carrier. The cheapest option is with a low-cost carrier on the T-Mobile network, such as Mint Mobile and Tello, with unlimited data plans priced at around $30.
Recap: Is the T-Mobile Essentials plan worth it?
If having unlimited calls, texts, and data is important, you can save hundreds of dollars with an unlimited plan from T-Mobile MVNOs like US Mobile.
With these low-cost carriers, you'll find the same T-Mobile coverage as they operate on their main network, but being online-based means MVNOs don't have the expensive overheads of physical stores, sales staff, or advertising, so they can pass on the savings to their customers.
Do you really need unlimited data with your plan? Because of the prevalence of Wi-Fi, on average most people only use between 3GB and 5GB of data.