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Exhausted by the big three's limited options, cryptic charges, and deep dives into your wallet?
While the wireless giants bask in their record-breaking profits and gear up for yet another round of hikes, they've overlooked a key player: you, the informed and proactive shopper.
Drawing on a decade of insight from the heart of the wireless industry, I've witnessed firsthand the widening chasm between prices and simplicity in switching, which has never been more straightforward. I've analyzed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans to spare you the headache.
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
What might catch you off guard is the abundance of carriers in the game offering services on those very same networks you've come to rely on.
The optimal plan for you boils down to network preference and how much data your family really needs. I've mapped out the best value multi-line plans for every type of user (low, medium, and unlimited) across the major networks.
And I've highlighted what I consider the ultimate value plan, though the final choice rests with you!
Best multi line plans 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 families.
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 multi line plans 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 families.
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 multi line plans 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 families.
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 multi-line plan
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 cell phone 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
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 wireless 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 use your overpayments for the same service to fund multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople. They pass along these extra expenses to you to maximize their profits and increase dividend payouts.
However, the next generation of MVNOs allows you to switch instantly online and simply pay for phone service without the extra costs.
Cut your phone bill, not your coverage
These low-cost carriers offer an unbeatable 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.
Now is the time to raise awareness and reevaluate your options. Take back control of your phone bill and free yourself from price hikes forever!
Compare the cheapest multi 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 multi line cell phone comparison to find the best deal.
How to choose the best multi line phone plans
- Network: Whether you're urban or rural, reliability in coverage is key. Rest assured, cost-conscious carriers utilize the same expansive 5G & 4G LTE networks that the major players do. The latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023) showcases T-Mobile's impressive 5G spread, but opting for an MVNO ensures your chosen network doesn't fall short on performance.
- Data usage: Amidst the barrage of unlimited data promotions, your group's real usage likely falls below expectations, thanks to residential Wi-Fi and public networks. Data usage averages around 10GB or less per month for each line, leaving plenty of room for savings. Low-cost providers design plans that reflect your actual usage, debunking the myth that more data automatically equals better.
- Hotspot: From completing schoolwork or sending work emails to streaming entertainment on road trips, mobile hotspot access is necessary for some. Each carrier and plan has different details, but it tends to be included, ensuring your family remains connected no matter where you are.
- Cost: While mainstream family plans can reach upwards of $75-90 per line, savvy households can find MVNO offerings between $5-35 per line, enabling substantial savings without sacrificing quality.
- Number of lines: Sidestep the rigid, multi line packages pushed by major carriers. MVNOs offer flexible, per-line pricing with discounts for additional lines, making it simple to connect everyone to an affordable plan.
- Device: Bring your existing devices, escaping the frequent upgrade trap of big wireless. And if it's time for a new device, there are cost-effective choices with 0% interest payment plans.
- Deals: Bypass the complex offers filled with hidden clauses from the major networks. MVNOs stand out by offering clear, direct promotions upfront, letting you know exactly what you're getting into without any surprises.
- Perks: The draw of "free" subscriptions from major brands might seem appealing, but it's essential to consider whether these extras truly add value or just become another added cost. Opt for perks that align with your family's actual needs to avoid going over budget.
- International: Maintaining connections with loved ones abroad is essential. Many MVNOs include complimentary international calling to several countries, a vital feature for families with global connections.
- Parental controls: Manage children's phone usage and data consumption. You can establish data allowances, limit access to certain apps or websites, and even monitor locations. Some MVNOs include these features as part of their plans, or you can set up controls in your cell phone's settings.
Find the best phone service in your area
Multi line phone plans FAQs
If you're looking for more than one line, a family plan can save you money, as most carriers offer a discount for each additional line added. And with MVNOs like Red Pocket Mobile, their prices are already low to start with.
The best family plan will be different for everyone. Most MVNOs let you customize a package so you can base a plan on each family member's wants and needs.
Recap: What are the best multi line phone plans?
Major providers forge ahead with their consistent price increases while all families, regardless of size or station, are stretching to cover the rising cost of living. To me, this strategy seems less about catering to the needs of the market and more about enlarging their profit margins.
There's still a ray of hope for mitigating your family's cell phone bills. Selecting the best multi line cell phone plan can enable your household to maintain the quality of service it values, yet at a far more manageable cost. Envision the impact of saving as much as $600 annually on each line of your plan.
For families in search of a change that aligns with both their needs and their wallets, the decision is significant. We have developed our detailed cell phone plan comparison tool specifically for you. It's structured to assist you in sorting through the plethora of available plans and is tailored to meet the distinct needs and budget of your family.
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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