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Exhausted by the big three's cycle of exorbitant prices and intricate billing?
As they bask in their ever-growing profits and prepare for another round of rate increases, they've overlooked an essential factor: power in numbers.
With a decade of experience navigating the complexities of the mobile industry, I've analyzed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans to spare you the hassle.
To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:
- Only offer unlimited data plans
- Only advertise multi-line prices
- Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
- Lure customers with "free" phones
- Constantly try to upsell additional lines
- Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
- Need loads of small print to explain their offers
- Want you to go to a store
- Need a commission-based salesperson
- Reward customer loyalty with increased prices
Interestingly, these budget-conscious alternatives operate on the very same high-caliber networks. I've carefully selected the best value plans for 4 lines for every usage level across each network, spotlighting the ultimate value plan.
The power to choose is yours!
Best plans for 4 lines 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
Build your own plan with Tello family plans and keep things simple with no hidden fees or no contracts.
Although Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your monthly plan thanks to the affordable nature of their single line plans. Check out our review about best value T-Mobile plans for 4 lines.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- It's worth checking each family member's usage, as you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts each person needs, as a set data plan could cut your monthly rate and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- You'll also get additional features like free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. However, you can still save money with their affordable individual plan prices.
- Being online-based means that if everyone's phone supports eSIM, your family plans will be live in just a few clicks, or you can have the SIM cards mailed to you.
Best family plan on T-Moble
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network, and the Mint Mobile family plan provides the same great service at a lower cost. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, one of which is an unlimited plan offering a 40GB high-speed data cap and unlimited talk and text.
Their messaging emphasizes transparency and highlights the potential for increased savings with longer commitments. Check out our review about best value T-Mobile plans for families.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile knows family is who you make it, so their family plan is all about helping you save money in bulk. Starting at two lines, you can use the Mint Mobile app to easily keep track of everyone's usage.
- Mobile hotspot access is available with all plans, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means more savings. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- To save money, you can bring your own phone; however, if you prefer a new smartphone, they offer various options, including iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models such as Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- One drawback is that international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Build your own plan with Tello family plans and keep things simple with no hidden fees or no contracts.
Although Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your monthly plan thanks to the affordable nature of their single line plans. Check out our review about best value T-Mobile unlimited data plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How T-Mobile compares
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
*$45 for 3 Months
|
|
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $10/line | $15/line* | $25/line |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 2.9 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best plans for 4 lines on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Though Twigby phone plans don't offer a typical family phone plan, and there is no multi-line discount, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your bill by opting for an individual line while accessing Verizon's network.
Twigby allows you to customize your plan so you only pay for what you need. Check out our review about best value Verizon plans for 4 lines.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- With a range of data options available, Twigby plans can be customized for each family member.
- Twigby provides free international calling to 80 different countries, which is ideal if you have family abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cost-effective for family plans.
- If you like to roam while on family holidays, Twigby doesn't provide international roaming, so using your phone abroad could end with an expensive bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
US Mobile 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Powered by the T-Mobile and Verizon networks, US Mobile family plans provide access to the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks, so you don't have to sacrifice quality.
US Mobile doesn't lock you into any long-term contracts, and you can customize each of your family members' plans to suit individual needs. Check out our review about best value Verizon plans for families.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- They consistently receive top ratings for customer service due to their 24/7 availability for support via phone or online chat.
- Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
- Mobile hotspot data allowance is dependent on the plan you choose. There are sharable data options or a cap of 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB with unlimited plans.
- They offer discounts for additional lines, perfect when you're looking for plans for the whole family.
- If you want extra family perks, with an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines, there's the option to choose streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
- Streaming services are available to new and existing US Mobile customers. You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months for a maximum of 12 months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay.
- If you travel abroad on a family holiday, US Mobile may not be the best option for international coverage. Plus, their add-on packages for roaming can be expensive, and their international calling options are not as accessible as other MVNOs.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Powered by the T-Mobile and Verizon networks, US Mobile family plans provide access to the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks, so you don't have to sacrifice quality.
US Mobile doesn't lock you into any long-term contracts, and you can customize each of your family members' plans to suit individual needs. Check out our review about best value Verizon unlimited data plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
How Verizon compares
The table below demonstrates that choosing the US Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $594 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
*$180 for 12 Mths Service
|
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $5/line* | $15/line* | $15/line* |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $180/yr | $306/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $720/yr | $594/yr |
Best plans for 4 lines 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
Red Pocket Mobile family plans offer attractive options with multi-line discounts of $20 savings on each additional line.
Moreover, they provide the perk of free international calls to 80 countries, making it convenient to connect with family and friends around the globe. Check out our review about best value AT&T plans for 4 lines.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees, and include features like unlimited talk and text.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, which is ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best family plan on AT&T
Boost Mobile 5GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, Boost Mobile family plans provide the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of plans to choose from, there's something for the light to heavy data users in the family; plus, they have a multi-line discount, so you save on additional lines. Check out our review about best value AT&T plans for families.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All prepaid family plans come with unlimited talk and text.
- Unlimited family plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- The amount of data allocated for the hotspot varies depending on the plan, with a maximum limit of 30GB. This usage will be deducted from your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, which can help cut the costs of your family plan.
- When it comes to devices, you have the option to either bring your own phone or purchase a new one. If the latter is preferred, Boost Mobile provides a variety of the latest models from Samsung and Apple. With 0% financing options available over a period of 1-2 years.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. International roaming options are limited, and making international calls requires the purchase of an add-on, resulting in additional charges for calls made to friends and family overseas.
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, Boost Mobile family plans provide the same coverage at a fraction of the cost.
With a range of plans to choose from, there's something for the light to heavy data users in the family; plus, they have a multi-line discount, so you save on additional lines. Check out our review about best value AT&T unlimited data plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
How AT&T compares
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Boost Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $612.50 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
*50% Off 1st Mth
|
| AT&T & Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 5GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/line | $10/line | $15/line* | $12.50/line* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $180/yr | $287.50/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $720/yr | $612.50/yr |
Best overall value plan for 4 lines
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Build your own plan with Tello family plans and keep things simple with no hidden fees or no contracts.
Although Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines, you can still save hundreds of dollars on your monthly plan thanks to the affordable nature of their single line plans. Check out our review about the cheapest phone plans for 4 lines.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value
With 38 million Americans living in poverty and the average phone bill hovering around $155 per month, the digital divide continues to widen. Despite pending price hikes from big wireless companies across the board, the government has cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP is currently aiding 22 million low-income families in obtaining affordable internet and cell phone service.
Simultaneously, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder payouts.
It just confirms big telecom corporations' commitment to continue raising prices and reaping the rewards. All while the government drops assistance to those most in need.
Reclaim your power by using alternative carriers that are powered by the same networks at a fraction of the cost.
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?
Telecom giants fund multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople on your dime. They pass these extra expenses on to you to maximize their profits and increase dividend payouts.
However, the next generation of MVNOs allows you to switch instantly 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 customizable data plans to fit your needs, and higher-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 reevaluate your options and take back control of your phone bill. Free yourself from price hikes forever!
Compare the cheapest 4-line cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/line | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/line* |
$225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
| Tello | Unlimited | $25/line | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby | 2GB | $5/line* |
$150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
| US Mobile | 10GB | $15/line* | $180/yr | $720/yr | See at US Mobile
*$180 for 12 Mths Service
|
| US Mobile | Unlimited | $15/line* |
$306/yr | $594/yr | See at US Mobile
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/line | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Boost Mobile | 5GB | $15/line* | $180/yr | $720/yr | See at Boost Mobile |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $12.50/line* |
$287.50/yr | $612.50/yr | See at Boost Mobile
*50% Off 1st Mth
|
Check out our 4-person cell phone comparison to find the best deal.
How to choose the best carrier for 4 people
- What network do you trust? Whether you're in the sprawling suburbs or tucked away in cozy rural communities, reliable coverage is non-negotiable. Fortunately, cost-effective carriers leverage the same expansive 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big names. The latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023) places T-Mobile at the forefront of 5G reach, but don't worry - choosing an MVNO on any network means not compromising on connectivity.
- How much data do y'all actually use? While the market is flooded with unlimited data offers, you might be surprised to find your real consumption is well below the cap. In fact, most people only average about 10GB of data usage monthly, thanks to home Wi-Fi and public hotspots. Affordable carriers tailor plans to your genuine needs.
- Do you need hotspot capabilities? Tethering can be a must, whether for homework on the go or keeping entertained on long drives. Although details can vary by plan and provider, hotspot functionality ensures you're just a click away from the information highway.
- Concerned about the price? While traditional phone plans can spiral out of control up to $75-90 per line, you can snag MVNO deals from $5-35 per line, offering substantial savings without skimping on service quality.
- How many lines do you need? Forget the one-size-fits-all approach of major carriers. MVNOs champion flexible, affordable pricing. Most are priced so low that multi-line discounts are moot.
- Thinking about devices? MVNOs empower and encourage you to bring your own device, dodging the incessant upgrade cycle. And if you're eyeing a new phone, there are pocket-friendly options available with 0% financing plans.
- Looking for deals or promotions? Skip the big carriers' convoluted offers, which often entail hidden costs. MVNOs prefer to keep it simple with transparent promotions, so you know exactly what you're getting - no surprises.
- What about perks or add-ons? While the allure of "free" streaming services or subscription trials from big brands is tempting, consider whether these extras truly benefit your crew or will just add another line to your bill. Choose what matches your lifestyle to sidestep unnecessary expenses.
- Is international calling on your list? Keeping in touch with loved ones abroad shouldn't be a luxury. Many MVNOs include free international calling to various countries, which is crucial for global families and friends.
- Littles on your multi-line plan? Check your kid's phone usage and data consumption. Establish data limits, manage access to specific apps or websites, and even monitor their location. Some MVNOs include these features as part of their plans, or you set up controls in your cell phone's settings.
Find the best phone service in your area
4-line cell phone plans FAQs
Tello and US Mobile offer the best value phone plans with multi-line discounts and customizable plans ranging from just $10-30 per line.
Low-cost carriers such as US Mobile and Tello offer the cheapest cell phone plans, starting at $10 per line.
Recap: What are the best 4-line phone plans?
The Big Three seem more concerned with enhancing their earnings than with catering to consumers' real needs. Their continuous trajectory towards higher prices means people must call to task their tactics, especially considering rising living expenses.
There's a ray of hope for those looking for cheap phone plans for 4 without downgrading service quality. By choosing the right provider, families can enjoy the high-level service they expect at substantially lower costs, with potential savings of up to $600 per line each year.
The choice is critical for families or groups considering a more budget-friendly alternative. That's where our detailed cell phone plan comparison tool comes in. Designed with your priorities in mind, I highly suggest using it to help you save time and money.
Family plan guides
- Best Family Cell Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- 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 Value Verizon Plans for Families
- Best Value AT&T Plans for Families
- Best Value T-Mobile Plans for Families
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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