There are tons of great benefits to family cell phone plans.
Some carriers offer multiline discounts and others offer discounted rates on individual plans that you manage from one convenient account.
Stick around and we'll show you how to get the benefits of big network coverage without paying big prices.
| Cheap family plan | Tello |
| Prepaid family plan | US Mobile |
| Unlimited family plan | Mint Mobile |
| 5G family plan | Ultra Mobile |
| 3 line family plan | Good2Go Mobile |
| 4 line family plan | Red Pocket |
Cheapest family 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
Cheapest prepaid family 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
Cheapest unlimited family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $15 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
Cheapest 5G family phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 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
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 250MB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
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
Cheapest family 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
Cheapest family plan for 4 lines
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 500MB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500MB plan includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, 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 Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 500MB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
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
Cheap family cell phone plans in 2022
Family cell phone plans comparison chart
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $10 |
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10** $10 Off First 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $29 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
Cheap family plan benefits
Outfitting the whole family with wireless service can get insanely expensive. We help you find the cheapest cell phone plans for 2 lines or more on the big name networks, at an affordable price.
The best family phone plans available today are with MVNOs. These are smaller carriers that operate on the very same nationwide networks as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
There are plenty of reasons to go with one of these alternative providers:
- 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.
Cheapest family phone plans on T-Mobile
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 15GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Mint Mobile 10GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| Mint Mobile 4GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/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 |
Compare: cheap T-Mobile family plans
Cheapest family phone plans on Verizon
| 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 | $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 12GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| US Mobile 18GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/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 |
Compare: cheap Verizon family plans
Cheapest family phone 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 |
Compare: cheap AT&T family plans
Cheap family 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.
Cheap carrier coverage
Choosing the best family phone plan isn't just about features and data. Those things are only helpful if you choose the network with the best coverage in your area.
T-Mobile boasts the most expansive coverage nationwide, covering about 99% of the population. T-Mobile also has the largest 5G network so far. Where it suffers a little bit is in rural areas.
AT&T also provides wireless service to roughly 99% of the US but its 5G coverage is the least widespread.
Verizon Wireless serves about 98% of the country and has a pretty good balance of urban and rural coverage.
Network performance ratings
| 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
Cheap carrier customer service
We know that getting good customer support is important to you. As you'll see in the comparison chart below most MVNOs rate well above their corporate counterparts.
| 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 |
Cheap family plan types
The term "family plan" is typically used by big companies to advertise their lowest rates.
When you're shopping smaller carriers you may not see their family plan offerings called by that name. It's just that their prices are already so low that it's easy to find cheap cell phone plans for all the lines on your account.
That actually makes it even easier to get what you all need. You can mix and match your plans so everyone gets a perfect fit.
- Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Save money on those data hungry users by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
- Basic plans: Set up the light users in the family with a simply prepaid plan. They'll get a basic allowance for talk minutes and text messages, with data capped typically around 2GB, all at a great price. Data speeds usually slow after your allotment is used up but it's easy to add more.
- Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are perfect for families looking for affordable wireless service. As long as you all have compatible devices you can switch carriers with no hassle.
- Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
- Tablet plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
- Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
- Senior plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors so it's just right for them.
Cheap family plans pros & cons
Pros
- No contracts: No commitment necessary with a prepaid family plan. Pay month to month and if your needs change you can amend your plan or leave at any time, without worrying about early termination charges. However, if you choose to there are plans you can sign up for in increments of three, six, or 12 months to get a better discount.
- Plans to fit the whole family: Customize each person's line to suit their needs. Pick different data amounts and features for everyone.
- Cheaper plans: Saving money feels good and MVNOs make that possible. Their cheap cell phone plans give you all the features you need, plus network coverage from one of the three major carriers. They don't have the overhead costs associated with physical stores and they pass these savings on to you.
Cons
- Deprioritization: Because MVNOs run on the major telecom networks your data speed could be slowed during busy times to avoid congestion. Keep in mind this can happen when you buy directly through the main carrier as well.
Switch to a cheap 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.
Bring your own phone & save
You need simple in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy, even if you're buying plans for 3 lines or more.
You need unlocked phones (meaning your carrier has released them for use on another network). Once you've checked with your new provider about phone compatibility the rest is a breeze.
Most low cost carriers simply provide you with prepaid SIM cards. You pop them into your mobile phones and follow the provider's instructions. Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone numbers over to the new carrier.
Cheap phone companies list
Cheap family phone plans FAQs
Who has the best prepaid family plan?
It depends on the features you and your family need. The best value prepaid family plans can be found with MVNOs like Tello who run on the main provider networks while offering cheaper plans.
What is a family phone plan?
A family plan allows you to add more than one line to your plan. Most carriers offer a discount on each additional line added to your plan while some like Mint Mobile offer it as one place to look after all family members phone plans in one place.
Is it cheaper to have a family plan?
It can depend on how many lines you're looking for. Many carriers offer cheaper prices the more lines you have.
Recap
The wireless market has undergone drastic changes in recent years. It's simpler than ever to slash your plan costs by hundreds each year.
Compare family cell phone plans from low cost carriers and only pay for the data you use. Save up to $600 per line without sacrificing your reliable network. Bring your own phones when you switch and save even more.
Choose a phone plan that fits your family's needs instead of your carrier's bottom line.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
- We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice, and customer experience.
- We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
- We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Cheap family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Prepaid family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | 5G family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | 3 line family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | 4 line family plan | 500 | 500 | 500MB | $10/mo |
