The 5 best prepaid family phone plans for 2023
We compared cheap prepaid family plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks. Here are our top picks to save you money and keep your wireless coverage.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
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Top plans list
- US Mobile Unlimited: Best prepaid family plan with free trial
- Tello 1GB: Best prepaid family plan for 2 lines
- Mint Mobile 5GB: Best prepaid family plan for 3 lines
- Mint Mobile 15GB: Best prepaid family phone plan for 4 lines
- Boost Mobile Unlimited: Best unlimited family plan
- Ultra Mobile 3GB: Cheap prepaid family plan
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: Cheap T-Mobile family plan
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Cheap AT&T family plan
- Twigby 5GB: Cheap Verizon family plan
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Cheap prepaid eSIM plan
Table of contents
- Prepaid family plans reviewed & rated in December
- How to choose the best prepaid family plan
- What network coverage do you prefer?
- How much data do you need?
- Is hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly cost?
- What if I need multiple lines?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- What promotions do they offer?
- Are there any additional perks?
- What international features are available?
- Do they have parental controls?
- Find the best phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest prepaid family cell phone plans
- Prepaid family phone plans FAQs
- Who has the best prepaid family phone plan?
- What is the cheapest family phone plan?
- Recap: What is the best prepaid phone plan for families?
- Family plan guides
- MoneySavingPro methodology
1. Best prepaid family plan with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited


- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $650 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
FREE*
$25/mo*50 Day FREE Trial
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 the best free eSIM service.
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.
2. Best prepaid family plan for 2 lines: Tello 1GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
- $792 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Tello 1GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$9/line
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 the 5 best prepaid 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
- 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.
3. Best prepaid family plan for 3 lines: Mint Mobile 5GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $765 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$7.50/line*
$15/mo*50% Off: $45 for 6 Mths
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 bring your own phone plans.
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.
4. Best prepaid family phone plan for 4 lines: Mint Mobile 15GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
- $720 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 15GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/line*
$20/mo*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
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 10 cheap family cell phone plans.
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
5. Best unlimited family plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited


- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $612.50 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$12.50/line*
$25/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
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 10 cheap 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
- 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.
6. Cheap prepaid family plan: Ultra Mobile 3GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $699 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 3GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/line*
$19/mo*$30 for 3 Mths Service
With multi-line discounts, the more lines you add, the more you save with Ultra Mobile family plans. Operating on the T-Mobile network, you'll get the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage at half the price.
Providing a range of data allowances from 2GB up to 40GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, whether you're a heavy video streamer or an occasional browser, there's something for everyone. Check out our review about 10 cheap prepaid family phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Mobile hotspot access included
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
- Ultra Mobile offers a variety of plan options, so you can pick a plan that suits each individual family member.
- With free international calls to 90+ countries to speak to family abroad.
- Multi-line discounts are available, which is a great choice to help cut the costs on a family plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available with a limit of 10GB on unlimited plans.
- While your plan won't include international roaming, you can add credit to the UpRoam add-on, which allows you to access roaming at a reduced rate when you're traveling abroad.
7. Cheap T-Mobile family plan: Mint Mobile Unlimited


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $630 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/line*
$30/mo*50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths
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 the best T-Mobile prepaid family plans.
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
8. Cheap AT&T family plan: Boost Infinite Unlimited


- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/line*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using T-Mobile and AT&T's network, Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. At $25 a month, you'll get 5G and 4G LTE coverage on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about the best AT&T prepaid family plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- Although Boost Infinite doesn't offer a typical family plan or multi-line discounts, you can get an unlimited plan for each family member at $25 per month per line, with unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- There are no surprise charges or hidden fees, only taxes, and you can switch anytime, as even though they're postpaid plans, there's no contract.
- Boost Infinite offers roaming in Mexico and Canada (1GB cap), unlimited international calls to 80+ countries, and texts to 200+ countries for an additional cost.
- Mobile hotspot is available at an additional cost of $10 a month for up to 30GB, with the allowance coming out of your monthly data.
9. Cheap Verizon family plan: Twigby 5GB


- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $690 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/line*
$20/mo* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months
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 the best Verizon prepaid family plans.
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.
10. Cheap prepaid eSIM plan: Boost Mobile 5GB


- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/line*
$15/mo*$15 for 3 Mths Service
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 the 5 best eSIM 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
Prepaid family plans reviewed & rated in December
There are plenty of options available when it comes to prepaid family phone plans. However many lines you're looking for, we're here to help you find your perfect family package.
At MoneySavingPro, we believe in saving you money and the importance of transparency when it comes to your cell phone plan. Some MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators, have been around for a number of years, but it's now become a growing industry with more options.
These low-cost carriers are powered by the three major networks, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, so you won't have to sacrifice the coverage. But with plans at half the price of the big 3, you have the potential to save up to $600 a year per line on your cell phone bill.
We've broken it down further for you below.

How to choose the best prepaid family plan
What network coverage do you prefer?
MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big 3 wireless networks. Among the various carriers, T-Mobile obtained the top position in this J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study in terms of 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a particular network, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Or, to identify the best cell phone service in your area, you can use our coverage checker tool.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big 3 may try to persuade you otherwise, but the reality is that the majority of people only consume approximately 10GB of cellular data each month. Furthermore, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your consumption of cellular data will probably be even lower. With cheap cell phone providers, you can choose a data plan that fits your requirements and pay a reduced amount if your data usage is lower.
Is hotspot data included?
Most carriers allow the usage of hotspot data; however, there are limitations on the quantity of data that can be used via tethering. The actual limit depends on the prepaid plan you choose and the carrier. Moreover, certain carriers offer prepaid mobile hotspot plans specifically tailored for use on mobile hotspot devices, iPads, and tablets.
What's the monthly cost?
While the big 3 usually charge between $75-90 per month for unlimited plans, the best MVNOs offer inexpensive plans that range from $5-35 per month. Despite their affordability, these options still offer dependable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It's crucial to be mindful of extra fees and taxes, as some carriers include them in their pricing while others, such as AT&T and Verizon, do not.
What if I need multiple lines?
When it comes to the big wireless networks, the price advertised is only valid if you buy four lines. While with MVNOs, the price displayed is the price you pay, even if you only have one line. Furthermore, plenty of affordable carriers currently offer further reductions for additional lines with prepaid family plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
Despite the big 3's love of keeping their customers locked into a constant cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate the choice of bringing your own phone. This gives you the power to stay in control and only switch phones when it suits you. If you do choose to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer the opportunity of 0% financing for 1-2 years.
What promotions do they offer?
The big wireless promotions may appear appealing at first, but with further scrutiny of the fine print, you'll find they frequently include unnecessary items and the commitment to a lengthy 3-year phone contract. On the other hand, many Mobile Virtual Network Operators provide special discounts to new customers and offer no contract phone plans and clearer pricing structures.
Are there any additional perks?
A lot of the plans from the major networks include "free" TV subscriptions, but these eventually turn into paid subscriptions and are automatically added to your bill if you forget to cancel them after a few months. However, there are some prepaid carriers, like US Mobile, that offer free subscription services. But in our opinion, it's better to keep these subscriptions separate so that you have better control over them.
What international features are available?
If you travel often, it's recommended that you check whether your prepaid carrier offers these services. International calling and roaming are distinct features, and several MVNOs provide free international calls; however, the countries available may vary depending on the carrier. Roaming is typically offered as an optional feature, with the cost differing depending on the country you are traveling to.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNOs offer parental control features that enable parents to supervise their children's phone usage and data consumption. With these controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to particular apps or websites, and even track your child's location. These capabilities are available either as part of plans or can be configured in your cell phone's settings.
Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.
Find the best phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest prepaid family cell phone plans
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|
US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $0/line $25/line |
Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $9/line |
Mint Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $7.50/line $15/line |
Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $10/line $20/line |
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/line $25/line |
Prepaid family phone plans FAQs
You'll find the best value prepaid family phone plans are available from low-cost carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Operating on the major wireless networks with plans from $5-30 per line.
MVNOs like Boost Mobile offer cheap family plans starting at $5 per month per line.
Recap: What is the best prepaid phone plan for families?
MVNOs offer a low-cost option to purchase multiple lines, so you can save even more money by finding a cheap family phone plan.
Each low-cost carrier provides different benefits, so the best is personal to you and your family's needs. Some allow you to customize each individual line specific to every family member, and others offer an app to make it easy to keep track of everyone's use.
Family plan guides
- The 5 Best Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- The 5 Best Phone Plans for 2 Lines
- The 5 Best Phone Plans for 3 Lines
- The 5 Best Phone Plans for 4 Lines
- The 5 Best Phone Plans for 5 Lines
- The 5 Best Multi Line Phone Plans
- The 5 Best Shared Data Plans
- 10 Cheap Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- The Best Verizon Family Phone Plans
- The Best AT&T Family Phone Plans
- The Best T-Mobile Family Phone Plans
MoneySavingPro methodology
MoneySavingPro is dedicated to analyzing and comparing hundreds of cell phone plans from over 30 carriers to help you find the best value plan based on your individual needs without sacrificing service coverage.
Contrary to what the big 3 wireless companies would like you to believe - one size certainly does not fit all. Our goal is to help you save money by providing affordable alternatives to the expensive unlimited plans from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
With over 15 years of experience working within the telecommunications industry, we believe that big wireless plans offer limited choice with pricing and fees that lack transparency, often resulting in ever-increasing phone bills and long phone contracts for many of their customers. This is why you won't find recommendations for any of the big 3 wireless companies on MoneySavingPro - even though this actually costs us money.
The carriers we do recommend have been researched and evaluated based on price, coverage, data limits, customer service, and additional features. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive view that balances cost and value, helping you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
We did consider these other alternatives: Cricket Wireless, Total by Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.
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.