If it's been a while since you shopped prepaid cell phone plans you're in a treat. This sector of the mobile service market has undergone huge changes in recent years.
Rather than just pay-as-you-go minutes, you can now choose from flexible - and affordable - plans designed to meet your needs.
In this guide, we'll show you how to find the best T-Mobile prepaid phone plans, including how to save 50% on your plan and your device.
Whether you're looking for the best T-Mobile family plans or want to compare the best T-Mobile hotspot plans, we've got you covered.
You may not be aware of all the options so if want to save hundreds on your service, keep reading!
The Best T-Mobile Prepaid Plans of January 2020
- Best Cheap Plan: Red Pocket 0.5GB - $10/mo
- Best Light Data: Ultra Mobile 3GB - $11/mo
- Best Average Data: Mint Mobile 8GB - $20/mo
- Best Unlimited Data: Ultra Mobile Unlmited - $49/mo
- Best Overall Plan: Mint Mobile 8GB - $20/mo
Love the T-Mobile Network But Hate Postpaid Plan Prices?
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one in five Americans see their smartphone as a financial burden. We don't think it should be that way.
Following decades of limited options for cell phone customers, competition is finally heating up. You now have the choice of keeping your great network performance without being trapped in expensive postpaid plans.
This competition is thanks to MVNOs - or Mobile Virtual Network Operators. MVNOs are smaller carriers that rent space on the big four networks. MVNOs can sell you this service at a cheaper price than the major carriers due to their lower operating costs.
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Price 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 | Unlimited* | $70/mo | $840/yr | |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 8GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | |
| *Don't wast money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
Benefits of Choosing a T-Mobile Prepaid MVNO
Cheap cell phone plans may be the reason you come to a prepaid carrier but there are plenty of other benefits as well:
- Service on the same reliable 4G LTE network you love.
- 50% or more off your monthly plan.
- Flexible custom plans.
- No contracts or overage charges with prepaid service.
- Bring your own phone and number.
- Great customer service.
- Easy to switch by ordering a new SIM card online.
Best Cheap T-Mobile Prepaid Plan
Red Pocket 0.5GB - $10/mo
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verzion, Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 70 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 14 days |
Best T-Mobile Light Data Prepaid Plan
Ultra Mobile 3GB - $11/mo
| 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 | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
Best T-Mobile Average Data Prepaid Plan
Mint Mobile 8GB - $20/mo
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - 3 mths prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days |
Best T-Mobile Unlimited Data Prepaid Plan
Ultra Mobile Unlmited - $49/mo
| 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 | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
T-Mobile National 4G LTE Coverage Without T-Mobile Prices
Best Overall T-Mobile Prepaid Plan: Mint Mobile
Pros
- Simple, affordable plans
- Free text and talk with all plans
- Unlimited 2G data
- Free SIM card kit
Cons
- Only GSM or global phones compatible
- Only sold in lots of 3, 6, or 12 months
- No unlimited data plan
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - 3 mths prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days |
Do You Really Need Unlimited Data?
Even though the big four carriers make it sound like a necessity, unlimited data may be costing you way more than you need to pay.
When we looked at the numbers we found that T-Mobile unlimited plan customers use an average of just 6 GB of data per month. You wouldn't pay for a whole tank of gas then only pump a gallon, would you? It's like throwing money away!
A smarter strategy is to figure out how much data you actually do need, then buy a plan that fits your usage. We make it easy to get the real scoop with our data usage calculator.
Switch in 3 Simple Steps
The thought of switching wireless carriers is intimidating, right? Don't worry, in reality, it's as easy as 1-2-3.
Once you check the T-Mobile network coverage map to make sure you'll get service, just follow these simple steps:
- Choose a T-Mobile MVNO. Pick a carrier with the features you want, like international calling or mobile hotspot usage.
- Pick a prepaid plan. Now that you know how much data you actually need, choosing a plan without overpaying should be a snap.
- Check phone compatibility. T-Mobile - like the AT&T network - uses GSM devices (Sprint and Verizon use CDMA). You'll need to check your new carrier's website to see if your phone will work on their service.
Once you've got everything in order, simply follow the activation instructions provided by your new carrier!
Don't have a T-Mobile phone? Up next - save 50% or more on a compatible device.
Save Even More - Buy a Refurbished T-Mobile Phone
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.
Benefits of Buying a Used or Refurbished T-Mobile Phone
- Save up to 50% or more off retail prices.
- Avoid device payments that tie you to your carrier - you're free to take your paid-off phone anywhere.
- Choose from several highly reliable seller sites that offer things like warranties and free shipping.
- Easily get your phone fixed at local phone repair shops.
- Recycling electronic devices is environmentally responsible.
Refurbished phones are repaired and restored before they're put on the market. Used phones, on the other hand, are sold as-is, typically directly by the owner and at a lower cost than refurbs.
Our phone comparison tool makes it easy and fast for you to see the best T-Mobile refurbished phone deals as well as cheap used T-Mobile cell phones.
Recap
The prepaid revolution continues to grow steadily. In fact, the number of prepaid users is expected to reach almost 94 million by 2019, representing almost a quarter of all mobile service customers.
Bottom line:
- T-Mobile MVNO prepaid plans are affordable and flexible.
- Owning your device means you can switch carriers whenever you wish.
- A refurbished phone adds hundreds to your savings.
