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Best cell phone plans for two in 2024

The key to finding the best value 2-line phone plan is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without hidden fees and price hikes. Here are the most affordable providers to consider.

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Exhausted by the limited options, baffling bills, and steep costs of big wireless?

As these industry giants revel in their soaring profits and roll out yet another wave of price increases, it's clear they've underestimated today's consumers, like couples looking for affordable, straightforward plans for two.

With over a decade of experience in the wireless sector, I've seen the price disparity grow increasingly wide. Yet, the process of switching to a more budget-friendly carrier has become remarkably easy.

I've thoroughly examined 30 alternative carriers and analyzed over 100 prepaid plans to save 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

The revelation? A surprising number of cost-effective carriers are still in the game, offering the same reliable networks you're accustomed to, but at a fraction of the cost.

Recognizing that every couple's mobile needs are unique, The best plans will depend on network preference and cell phone usage. So I've compared the best value plans for two across all three major networks, catering to low, medium, and high data users alike.

Empowering you and your partner to choose the most suitable option for your shared connectivity needs.

Best plans for two 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

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$10/line
5 Read our Tello review
$780 in annual savings

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
15GB
data
$15/line*
$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$675 in annual savings

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/line
5 Read our Tello review
$600 in annual savings

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
See at Tello See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
See at Tello
T-Mobile 4G & 5GT-Mobile 4G & 5GT-Mobile 4G & 5G
Unlimited data
*not unlimited
Unlimited dataUnlimited dataUnlimited data
$75/line$10/line$15/line*$20/mo$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 two on Verizon

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby 2GB plan

Image of cell phone with Twigby
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$5/line*
$15/mo
See at Twigby

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4 Read our Twigby review
$750 in annual savings

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 20GB plan

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
20GB
data
$20/line*
$25/mo
See at Red Pocket

*$240 for 12 Mths

4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$660 in annual savings

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

US Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/line*
$29/mo
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$594 in annual savings

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
See at Twigby
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
See at Red Pocket
*$240 for 12 Mths
See at US Mobile
*30 Day FREE Trial
Verizon 4G & 5GAT&T & Verizon 4G & 5GVerizon & T-Mobile 4G & 5G
Unlimited data
*not unlimited
Unlimited dataUnlimited dataUnlimited data
$75/line$5/line*$15/mo$20/line*$25/mo$15/line*$29/mo
$900/yr$150/yr$240/yr$306/yr
1.2 on Trustpilot
4.4 on Trustpilot
4.4 on Trustpilot
4.7 on Trustpilot
Annual savings$750/yr$660/yr$594/yr

Best plans for two 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

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • AT&T coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
1GB
data
$10/line
4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$780 in annual savings

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 20GB plan

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • AT&T coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
20GB
data
$20/line*
$25/mo
See at Red Pocket

*$240 for 12 Mths

4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$660 in annual savings

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile
  • AT&T coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$12.50/line*
$25/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*50% Off 1st Mth

4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$612.50 in annual savings

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
See at Red Pocket See at Red Pocket
*$240 for 12 Mths
See at Boost Mobile
*50% Off 1st Mth
AT&T & Verizon 4G & 5GAT&T & Verizon 4G & 5GAT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G
Unlimited data
*not unlimited
Unlimited dataUnlimited dataUnlimited data
$75/line$10/line$20/line*$25/mo$12.50/line*$25/mo
$900/yr$120/yr$240/yr$287.50/yr
1.3 on Trustpilot
4.4 on Trustpilot
4.4 on Trustpilot
1.3 on Trustpilot
Annual savings$780/yr$660/yr$612.50/yr

Best overall value plan for Two

Tello unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/line
5 Read our Tello review
$600 in annual savings

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

The average phone bill is $155 per month, and while 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes.

So, big wireless continues to raise prices, and the government drops assistance to those in need. However, you do have options, so the power is in your hands.

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?

With big wireless, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these expenses get passed onto you to maximize profits and dividend payouts.

With this next generation of MVNOs, you switch 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 data plans to customize to your needs, and more highly 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 re-evaluate your options, take back control of your phone bill, and free yourself from price hikes forever!


Compare the cheapest cell phone plans for two

Carrier Data Monthly Price Annual Price Savings
Tello 2GB $10/line $120/yr $780/yr See at Tello
Mint Mobile 15GB $15/line*$20/mo $225/yr $675/yr See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
Tello Unlimited $25/line $300/yr $600/yr See at Tello

Check out our cell phone comparison for two lines to help find the best deal.


How to choose the best phone plans for two

  • What network coverage do you prefer? Consistent network coverage is essential, whether the two of you are in the city or tucked away in a rural area. Many low-cost carriers offer access to the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks, with T-Mobile leading in 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). Selecting an MVNO on your preferred network ensures you both stay connected seamlessly.
  • How much data do you need? Unlimited data plans might seem necessary, but how much do you both actually use? Due to the extensive access to Wi-Fi these days, the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB. Low-cost carriers allow you to tailor your plan to your exact needs, potentially lowering your costs if your data usage is modest. For those eyeing unlimited plans, remember that there's usually a cap on high-speed data.
  • Is hotspot data included? Hotspot functionality is a common feature, though the data allowance varies by plan. If you or your partner need internet access on other devices when away from Wi-Fi, some carriers offer specific data-only plans, ensuring you're always connected.
  • What's the monthly price? Forget the hefty $75-90 monthly fees of big wireless plans. The best MVNOs have you covered with plans ranging from $5-35 per month, ensuring you don't compromise on coverage or speed. Stay vigilant for hidden fees and taxes, as carrier policies differ.
  • How many lines do you need? Big wireless often markets their best prices for bundles of four lines. However, MVNOs offer transparent, straightforward pricing, even for just two lines. Look out for multi-line discounts, perfect for couples looking to save without sacrificing quality.
  • Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device? If you're tired of being pushed into the latest upgrade MVNOs allow you to bring your existing phones, offering freedom from the upgrade cycle. If you're in the market for new devices, many MVNOs provide affordable options with 0% financing.
  • Are there any deals or promotions? While initial offers from the big three may appear tempting, they often entail unwanted commitments. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer straightforward, transparent promotions for new customers, making it easier to grasp what you're actually getting.
  • What perks or add ons can I expect? Beware of "free" subscriptions included in big wireless plans, which often become paid additions later on. Some budget-friendly carriers offer free services with certain plans, but it's wise to assess whether these perks are something you really want.
  • Is international calling included? Staying in touch with friends and family abroad without extra costs is crucial for many. Fortunately, most MVNOs provide free international calling to numerous countries, ensuring you can keep those important connections without the added expense.
  • Are there parental controls? While parental controls might not be a primary concern for couples, it's worth noting that some MVNOs offer features to manage usage and access. These tools can be useful for monitoring data consumption or restricting access to certain content, ensuring your mobile usage aligns with your lifestyle.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you and your partner find the best fit for your needs and budget.


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2 line phone plans FAQs


Recap - What is the best cell phone plan for two?

Big wireless is signaling its plans to continue escalating prices, a move that seems more about boosting its bottom lines in a crowded market than addressing any real economic pressures.

In an era where household expenses are on the rise, with little relief in sight for costs like fuel or groceries, there's a silver lining for couples looking for cell phone plans.

You now have the opportunity to access the same quality cell phone service but at a significantly reduced cost, potentially saving you and your partner up to $600 a year per line.

Before you commit to your next cell phone plan, I recommend checking out our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you and your partner find the perfect plan and ensure you're not overpaying for the services you need.

Phone plan guides

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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