If you're looking for an affordable way to get the best shared data plans, you'll find some great value deals with MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer the same network coverage as they're powered by the major US networks, but their plans can cut your cell phone bill in half.
A shared data plan can be cheaper on a multi-line plan if you don't use much data, as you and everyone on your plan will have access to a prepaid pool of data.
We've broken down the best shared data plans from low-cost carriers below to help you find the perfect deal for you.
| Best cheap plan | Tello |
| Best prepaid plan | US Mobile |
| Best unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
| Best 5G plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Best 2 line plan | Twigby |
| Best 3 line plan | Good2Go Mobile |
Best cheap shared data phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
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 prepaid shared data phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
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 unlimited shared data phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
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 5G shared data phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $15/mo** 20% Off First Month
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $15 per month. Ultra Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review
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 shared data plan for 2 lines
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months
Twigby 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review
Pros
5G & 4G LTE coverage on Verizon network
No hotspot charges
International calling and texting
30 day money back guarantee
Great new customer discounts
Cons
Limited cell phone selection
Benefits
Runs on the Verizon 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 shared data plan for 3 lines
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $10/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Good2Go Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Good2Go Mobile review
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
Shared data plans in 2022
Shared data 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 shared data plans on T-Mobile
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 4GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| Mint Mobile 10GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| Mint Mobile 15GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
T-Mobile family plans comparison
| 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 |
Best T-Mobile family plans alternative carriers: US Mobile, Tello, and Ting.
Best shared data plans on Verizon
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB | $5 | $10$5/line | $15$5/line | $20$5/line |
| US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | $8 | $16$8/line | $24$8/line | $32$8/line |
| US Mobile 2GB | $12 | $24$12/line | $36$12/line | $48$12/line |
| US Mobile 5GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| US Mobile 15GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
Verizon family plans comparison
| 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 |
Best Verizon family plans alternative carriers: Ting, Red Pocket, and Twigby.
Best shared data plans on AT&T
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good2Go Mobile 3GB | $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 6GB | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
| Good2Go Mobile 1GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| Good2Go Mobile 10GB | $35 | $70$35/line | $105$35/line | $140$35/line |
AT&T family plans comparison
| 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 |
Best AT&T family plans alternative carriers: Red Pocket and Unreal Mobile.
Shared data 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.
Cheapest shared data phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB plan | 500MB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $5* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service |
Carrier network coverage
| 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
Cell phone carriers list
Shared data plans FAQs
How do shared data plans work?
When on a family or multi-line plan you can opt for a data allowance that is shared between everyone on that plan, this can have pros and cons. It can be a hassle to keep checking everyone's data use, but by opting for a shared data plan it could save you money.
Can I share my data plan with another phone?
If you have a personal hotspot on your device you can allow another phone to use your data allowance.
Recap
When you, friends, or family don't use a lot of data, it can be cheaper to purchase a plan with a pool of data that everyone can share.
With MVNOs you can get the best multi-line phone plans at low prices. With individual lines already at a low-cost, most MVNOs provide an additional discount for each extra line added.
These plans could save you up to $600 a year per line.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Best cheap plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Best prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Best 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $19/mo |
 Twigby | Best 2 line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $20/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Best 3 line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
