Walmart Family Mobile is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator - a smaller carrier that rents space on one of the big four networks and resells it).
WFM delivers discounted cell phone service on the nationwide T-Mobile network. Formerly owned by T-Mobile itself, the service was bought out by TracFone in 2016.
As you might expect, Walmart Family Mobile has a reputation for offering some of the cheapest cell phone plans available. With mobile hotspot capability and international add-ons, this prepaid, no-contract carrier offers a decent combination of flexibility and price.
Walmart Family Mobile does have its pros and cons, of course, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know to decide if it's the right carrier for you.
Walmart Family Mobile Review
Walmart Family Mobile Highlights
- Coverage on the nationwide T-Mobile network
- Prepaid service - no credit check or contract
- Bring your own phone or buy one online or in-store
- Keep your phone number
- International calling card for service to Canada, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic
- International calling card for roaming in Canada, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic
- Customer support by phone from 8am to 11:45pm EST 7 days a week
Walmart Family Mobile Prepaid Plans
| Plan | Mins/Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Family Mobile - 2GB Data | Unltd/Unltd | 2GB | $25 |
| Walmart Family Mobile - 4GB Data | Unltd/Unltd | 4GB | $30 |
| Walmart Family Mobile - 14GB Data | Unltd/Unltd | 14GB | $40 |
| Walmart Family Mobile - Unlimited Data | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $50 |
One of the biggest advantages of Walmart Family Mobile plans is that they span all levels of data usage, from 2GB a month to unlimited high-speed data. All plans include unlimited 2G data after your allotment is used up, plus mobile hotspot usage. You also get unlimited talk and text.
WFM also offers affordable family cell phone plans, with additional lines charged at a flat rate no matter which plan you're on. Other features include data add-ons in 1GB increments and international calling cards. Video streaming is limited to DVD speed - no HD streaming.
What Walmart Family Mobile doesn't offer is a plan for people who use little to no data. If you're looking for something a little lighter on the data side, we make it easy for you to compare cell phone plans from other carriers.
Walmart Family Mobile Savings
T-Mobile vs Walmart Family Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $360 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 14GB | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $30/mo | $360/yr | |
Walmart Family Mobile Coverage
Walmart Family Mobile provides nationwide coverage on the T-Mobile network. That's nothing to sneeze at - according to OpenSignal T-Mobile gives top network Verizon a run for its money in both speed and 4G availability.
Where T-Mobile struggles a little is in rural areas. If you live in a remote location be sure to check our Walmart Family Mobile coverage map to make sure they provide service in your area. You'll also be able to verify this when you sign up for service, either online or in the store.
There is also limited international roaming coverage available. You can use your phone while traveling in Canada, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic. Those calls will be billed at separate rates so you will need an international calling balance in your account while traveling.
Walmart Family Mobile Cell Phone Plans
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 8AM - 11:45PM EST, 7 days/week |
| International Calls | Yes |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 8AM - 11:45PM EST, 7 days/week |
| International Calls | Yes |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 8AM - 11:45PM EST, 7 days/week |
| International Calls | Yes |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
Walmart Family Mobile Phone Deals
You've got a couple of choices with Walmart mobile service when it comes to your device. The carrier sells a decent range of top smartphones. Choose from older, more affordable models like the iPhone 6s, or splurge on the Samsung Galaxy S9. They do not offer device financing, however.
You can also bring your own phone. T-Mobile is a GSM network, so if you have a T-Mobile phone it should work with WFM. AT&T is also GSM, meaning you may be able to bring your AT&T phone to Walmart Family Mobile. You can check compatibility before you purchase your plan.
Don't have a compatible smartphone? Shop great deals on cell phones compatible with Walmart Family Mobile.
Key Considerations
Still not sure if you should choose Walmart Family Mobile? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Does the T-Mobile network provide service in your area?
- Are you interested in a family plan?
- Do you need an unlimited data plan?
- Do you plan to bring your own phone or will you buy a new or refurbished device?
Recap
Walmart Family Mobile is a solid choice for those who want a good deal on a decent amount of data. Multiple plan options and the ability to add lines at a discount make this carrier flexible and affordable.
On the downside, Walmart mobile has suffered a bad reputation for its customer service, in part due to inheriting TracFone's poor customer support record. But, the pricing may just be worth the hassle.
Regardless of which carrier you choose, save more money on your next device when you compare refurbished smartphones using our handy tool!
