T-Mobile switch deals starting at $10
Switching to a cheap T-Mobile carrier
MVNOs are companies like U.S. Mobile, Mint Mobile, and TPO Mobile. These alternative mobile service providers rent space on the major carriers' towers and resell it to you at a lower cost than what you're paying the big guys.
These companies offer several major advantages over the big four carriers.
- Better prices: T-Mobile MVNOs don't have the same massive overhead and marketing costs as the major carriers, so they can sell you a similar service at much lower prices.
- Customised plans: the vast majority of smartphone users don't need unlimited data, yet they pay for it. That's like paying for 100 channels when you're only going to watch 20 of them. MVNOs let you decide what kinds of services - and how much - you need, so you're only paying for what you actually use.
- No contracts: all low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. If you're unhappy you can leave at any time you want.
- BYOP: Bringing your own phone to a T-Mobile MVNO you can pocket the extra money you'd put into a costly device payment plan. And don't worry, you can keep your number too.
Now that you know how switching to the T-Mobile network by way of an alternative carrier can save you money, let's look at the details of how to do so.
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 Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Cheap T-Mobile plan features
- 4G LTE data speeds: Since T-Mobile MVNOs are all powered by the T-Mobile network, you'll pay less without sacrificing speed.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Compare cheap T-Mobile plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $10 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $11** Extra 20% Off with code: MSP20 |
How to switch to a cheap T-Mobile deal
Some aspects of changing your mobile service are the same regardless of your current provider or device. Here are the basic steps:
- Choose a carrier. Some alternative cell carriers are best for heavy data users, some are geared toward light users like senior citizens. You'll want to choose a service that offers the best rates on the features you need. You'll find a list of T-Mobile MVNOs later in this guide.
- Choose a plan. The average smartphone user only goes through about 3GB of data per month. Yet you're likely paying the better part of $80 per month for unlimited data you'll never use. MVNOs give you customization options so that you only pay for what you'll use.
- Get your phone unlocked. If you're bringing a compatible phone to your new carrier you'll need to request an unlock code from your current mobile provider. This will allow you to use your phone on any carrier.
Switching from Verizon
In order to switch to a T-Mobile MVNO from Verizon, you'll need to make sure your device is compatible. Verizon uses CDMA technology in their phones, which may or may not be compatible with T-Mobile's GSM network. You may be able to bring your LTE device or newer iPhone as some do work on both types of technology. If your existing device won't carry over to your new provider, it is very affordable to buy a pre-owned or refurbished phone.
The nice thing about switching from Verizon is that their devices are not carrier locked. This means that if you do bring your own device, you shouldn't have to deal with asking Verizon to unlock it for use with your new carrier.
Switching from AT&T
If you're shopping around for a bring your own phone plan, it doesn't get much easier than the switch to the T-Mobile network from AT&T. Both carriers operate on GSM, making it simple to change over in most cases.
Take note, however, AT&T devices are typically carrier locked, which means you'll need to submit a request for them to unlock your phone if you plan to bring it with you.
T-Mobile cell phone deals
Buying a new phone is a huge investment, with prices running as high as $1000 for flagship devices. You have a better option - buying a used or refurbished smartphone.
The market is teeming with incredible values on phones in great condition, unlocked and ready for use on your chosen carrier.
Compare T-Mobile phone deals
| Device | Network | Carrier | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $399 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $629 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $699 |
| Apple iPhone 12 | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 13 | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $829 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $949 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Verizon, T-Mobile | US Mobile | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $1,099 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | $1,249 |
T-Mobile prepaid phone benefits
- Buying a prepaid T-Mobile phone makes switching carriers a breeze.
- Compare phone prices and save up to 25% on popular devices, like the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.
- Save even more by choosing a refurbished phone.
T-Mobile prepaid carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile |
| FreeUP Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Republic Wireless | T-Mobile |
| Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Tello | T-Mobile |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Gen Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Hello Mobile | T-Mobile |
| GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Lycamobile | T-Mobile |
| Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Speedtalk Mobile | T-Mobile |
Switch to T-Mobile FAQs
How Do You Activate a T-Mobile MVNO SIM Card?
Once you order your SIM card you will follow the simple instructions provided by your chosen carrier.
Can I bring my own phone to T-Mobile?
Yes, you can keep your phone when you switch to a cheap AT&T carrier.
Can I transfer my phone number to T-Mobile?
Yes, you can keep your phone number when you switch carrier. The important thing to remember is not to cancel your current service until the transfer is complete. If you cancel your current cell phone service before the new provider brings your phone number over, your number will no longer be available.
Does T-Mobile have coverage in my area?
T-Mobile MVNOs enjoy the same national 4G LTE coverage as T-Mobile directly. However, if you live in a particularly remote area check the company's coverage map to be sure you can get service in your location.
Recap
With the rise of these low-cost carriers, there's no longer any reason to pay high rates for data and services you'll never use.
AT&T MVNOs offer the basics you expect like unlimited talk, text and data, even international calling options.
As intimidating as it can feel to change your cell service, an alternative mobile provider is a solid choice that will put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Best prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ting | Best family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $25/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best BYOP plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 US Mobile | Best data only plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
