Family phone plans are a great way to save money, with most carriers offering multi-line discounts for each additional line added.
You'll find the best value family phone plans with MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). They're powered by the three major US networks, but with single line plans starting from around $10 per month their family plans could save you up to $600 per year per line.
Check out the selection of plans below, including benefits and features, to help you choose the right plan for you and your family.
- Tello: Best cheap plan
- Mint Mobile: Best unlimited plan
- US Mobile: Best prepaid plan
- Ultra Mobile: Best 5G plan
- Twigby: Best 2 line plan
- Good2Go Mobile: Best 3 line plan
- Red Pocket: Best 4 line plan
Best family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $7.50/mo** 25% Off for 6 Months
Tello 1GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $7.50 per month. Tello prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $7.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $10.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $14.25* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $18* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $21.75* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $29.25* * 25% Off for 6 Months |
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Best unlimited family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** $90 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile unlimited data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best prepaid family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5 GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 5GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best 5G family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2 GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB data - 12 mths includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0.25GB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Best family plan for 2 lines
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $10/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 3GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $10* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $9.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $12.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $17.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months |
Pros
No hotspot/tethering charges
International calling and texting
4G LTE coverage
Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
Cons
Limited handset selection
Not for the data hungry
Benefits
Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Best family plan for 3 lines
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $12.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $12.50 per month. Good2Go Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $12.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $17.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $50 |
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Best family plan for 4 lines
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 0.50 GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500MB data includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 500 | 0.50GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $50 |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
The best family cell phone plans in January
Family phone plan benefits
- Same nationwide coverage: MVNOs run on the three major networks. That means that carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello give you the same nationwide coverage and 4G LTE data you're used to.
- Much lower prices: Most smaller carriers operate solely online. This allows them to give you better rates without sacrificing your favorite network.
- Same great phone service: Don't give up your mobile essentials just to stay on budget. Low cost plans include all the most popular feature options. Compare cheap family plans with unlimited talk text and data, or choose one with mobile hotspot use.
- No contracts: Most MVNOs only sell no contract cell phone plans. You won't have to make any commitments. Switch carriers at any time if you find a better deal.
- Bring your own phones: Not ready to commit to $30 a month in device payments for each family member? No problem. Compare BYOP plans and keep your phones and your phone numbers.
- Customize your plans: One of the best things about smaller carriers is that you can mix and match plans to fit each person. Get unlimited data plans for the heavy users and basic phone plans for everyone else.
- Great customer service: Stop being an anonymous number in the hordes of customers. Low cost carriers are known for providing high quality customer support. Read our carrier user reviews to help you pick a provider.
Best T-Mobile family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Magenta | $70 | $120$60/line | $120$40/line | $140$35/line |
| T-Mobile Magenta Max | $85 | $140$70/line | $141$47/line | $172$43/line |
Mint Mobile multi-line plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 4GB Data | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| Mint Mobile 10GB Data | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| Mint Mobile 15GB Data | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
Best cheap T-Mobile family plans alternative carriers: US Mobile, Tello, and Ting.
Best Verizon family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | $80 | $140$70/line | $165$55/line | $180$45/line |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | $80 | $140$70/line | $165$55/line | $180$45/line |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | $90 | $160$80/line | $195$65/line | $220$55/line |
US Mobile multi-line plan pricing
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | $8 | $16$8/line | $24$8/line | $32$8/line |
| US Mobile 1GB Data | $12 | $24$12/line | $36$12/line | $48$12/line |
| US Mobile 5GB Data | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| US Mobile 12GB Data | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| US Mobile 18GB Data | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
Best cheap Verizon family plans alternative carriers: Ting, Red Pocket, and Twigby.
Best AT&T 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 |
Good2Go Mobile multi-line plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good2Go Mobile 1GB Data | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| Good2Go Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | $10 | $20$10/line | $30$10/line | $40$10/line |
| Good2Go Mobile 3GB Data | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Good2Go Mobile 6GB Data | $35 | $70$35/line | $105$35/line | $140$35/line |
| Good2Go Mobile 10GB Data | $40 | $80$40/line | $120$40/line | $160$40/line |
Best cheap AT&T family plans alternative carriers: Red Pocket and Unreal Mobile.
Family phone plan features
- 4G LTE and 5G data speeds: Get the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage as your chosen network. Plus most smaller carriers include 5G coverage at no extra cost.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: No need to sacrifice your must have features. Most smaller carriers give you unlimited calling and texting. You then add the necessary data amounts for each person.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: Need international calling? Compare the best international phone plans. You can find free international texting and talk to places like Canada and Mexico. Plus you'll get great rates to other countries.
- Multiline discounts: Smaller carriers offer the cheapest family cell phone plans. Manage multiple lines on your account from one place.
- Wi-Fi calling: Make calls over the internet when you're out of cellular range.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans. Carriers like Mint Mobile let you share your phone data. Others, such as US Mobile, also sell separate hotspot data.
- HD video streaming: Get HD video streaming with subcarriers like Boost Mobile.
Compare cheap family cell phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10.50** 25% Off for 6 Months |
| 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 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** $90 for 3 Months Service |
Carrier coverage comparison
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Carrier customer service comparison
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | 4.9 |
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
How to switch to a cheaper family phone plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plans. Choose a carrier with options to fit everyone in your family.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phones are unlocked. If you're getting new devices it's easy to transfer everything from the old ones to the new ones. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plans. Keep everyone's accounts open until your phone numbers are ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you bought cell phones with your family plan they should be ready to go when they arrive. If you're bringing your own phones then you'll need to follow the instructions that come with the new SIM card kits.
Cheap cell phone companies list
Family phone plans FAQs
What's the most affordable cell phone plan for families?
MVNOs have affordable family plans for any budget. With already low prices, most low cost carriers also offer a discount for each additional line added.
Who has the best prepaid family plan?
Tello is one of the most popular prepaid family phone plans, with Mint Mobile offering a great unlimited option.
Is it cheaper to be on a family phone plan?
If you're looking for more than one line, getting a multi line or family plan can save you money. Most low cost carriers offer multi line discounts so the more lines you add the more you can save. Which is much cheaper than purchasing 2 or more individual lines.
Recap
With MVNOs already low prices, getting a family plan with multi-line discounts from these low cost carriers is a no-brainer.
Saving you up to $600 per year per line, and with no contracts you can amend your plan if you or any other family member's cell phone needs change or cancel without the worry of an early termination fee.
With many of the carriers offering customizable options to suit individual needs, there's something for everyone.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Best cheap plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 US Mobile | Best prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Best 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
 Twigby | Best 2 line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Best 3 line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $25/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best 4 line plan | 500 | 500 | 0.50GB | $10/mo |
