10 best pay as you go plans on T-MobileSame coverage 3x cheaper!

Same coverage: Cut your bill by $600 per year

Verizon
$75
/mo
Unlimited data
$900/yr
vs
Tello on T-Mobile
Tello logo on phone
$10
/mo
2GB data
$120/yr
See at Tello
Mint Mobile on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile logo on phone
$20
/mo
15GB data
Tello on T-Mobile
Tello logo on phone
$25
/mo
Unlimited data
$300/yr
See at Tello
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If you love your T-Mobile service but not the size of your monthly bill, you have more options than you may think.

T-Mobile MVNOs offer the best way to regain control of your cell phone plan and budget. In fact, you could save $600 per year per line by switching to a pay as you go plan with a low-cost carrier on the T-Mobile network.

Essentially, MVNOs are affordable wireless providers powered by one or more big networks. For example, Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile MVNOs offer the same great service at significantly lower prices.

Switching to the best pay as you go phone plan from a low-cost carrier is easier than ever. No more nasty cell phone bill surprises at the end of the month.

Best pay as you go plans on T-Mobile

Top 3 most affordable plans 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/mo
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/mo*
$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/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$600 in annual savings

T-Mobile vs Verizon phone plans

Top 3 most affordable plans with Verizon coverage to consider.

Cheap Verizon plan

Twigby Mobile 2GB plan

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

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4 Read our Twigby Mobile review
$750 in annual savings

Best family plan on Verizon

US Mobile 10GB plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
10GB
data
$18/mo*
See at US Mobile

*$210 for 12 Mths

5 Read our US Mobile review
$684 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/mo*
$25/mo
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$630 in annual savings

T-Mobile vs AT&T phone plans

Top 3 most affordable plans 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/mo
4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$780 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
$25/mo*
See at Boost Mobile

*$25/mo forever

4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$600 in annual savings

Best overall pay as you go plan

Tello unlimited data plan

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

Compare T-Mobile unlimited plans

Plan Data Monthly Price Annual Cost
T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited $65 $780
T-Mobile Magenta Unlimited $75 $900
T-Mobile Go5G Unlimited $80 $960
T-Mobile Magenta MAX Unlimited $90 $1,080
T-Mobile Go5G Plus Unlimited $95 $1,140

T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
T-Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $300/yr
Savings $50/mo $600/yr

How to pick the best PAYG plan on T-Mobile

Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?

Low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. For example, Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network. In an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage. So, if you prefer the T-Mobile network, opt for one of the many T-Mobile MVNOs. Use our coverage map to find the best cell phone service in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you truly need a T-Mobile unlimited data plan? T-Mobile will try to convince you that it's necessary, but the truth is most people's average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you're usually at home or work like me and on Wi-Fi, your cellular data usage will likely be much lower. With cheap T-Mobile MVNO plans, you have options when it comes to data plans, meaning you can pay less if you use less.

Is mobile hotspot data included?

While most T-Mobile providers allow mobile hotspot use, they can limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. Every carrier and plan is different, so be sure to check. Some T-Mobile MNVO carriers also offer T-Mobile data only plans specifically designed for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots, ideal for browsing the internet or video streaming.

What's the monthly price?

Instead of spending $60-$100 per month on T-Mobile's unlimited premium data plans, the best way to get a T-Mobile unlimited data plan is with their MVNOs. With plans starting around $15 per month with the same wireless coverage and fast speeds you're used to. Keep your eyes open for any hidden fees & taxes, but this is really an old trick of all the big networks. T-Mobile MVNOs have transparent, straightforward pricing.

How many lines do you need?

Often, with T-Mobile, the advertised discount only applies if you buy three or more lines. With T-Mobile MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers also now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

While T-Mobile loves keeping its customers trapped in a never-ending cycle of phone upgrades ("New in Two"), T-Mobile MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone to T-Mobile. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it's convenient for you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many T-Mobile MVNOs offer great financing options or low-cost refurbished phone alternatives.

Are there any deals or promotions?

At first glance, T-Mobile wireless promotions may appear attractive. However, upon closer examination of the fine print, they often result in purchasing unnecessary items and being tied to long-term phone contracts lasting three years. In contrast, many T-Mobile MVNOS provide introductory discounts for new customers with no commitments and greater transparency in their pricing.

What perks are included?

Many of T-Mobile's plans come with offers like "free" Netflix basic and Apple TV subscriptions, but these often convert to paid subscriptions that are automatically charged to your bill after a few months. While some affordable carriers like US Mobile do provide plan options with free subscription services, we advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid unnecessary expenses.

What international features are available?

If having free international calls to various countries is a priority for you, it is essential to select a T-Mobile MVNO carrier that provides this service. If you travel regularly, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to make sure you have the right travel benefits so there are no unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.

Do they offer parental controls?

Many MVNO carriers provide parental controls that empower parents to oversee their children's phone usage and data consumption. Through parental controls, you have the ability to monitor data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even track your child's whereabouts. Certain T-Mobile MVNOs include these in their plans, or you'll be able to access this in your phone's settings.

Check out our cheapest T-Mobile MVNO plans to ensure you find the best deal.


Find the best cell phone service in your area

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If T-Mobile isn't giving you the coverage you've come to expect, check out the best AT&T pay as you go plans and Verizon pay as you go plans.

Compare the cheapest T-Mobile PAYG plans

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

T-Mobile pay as you go phone plan FAQs


Recap: What is the best pay as you go T-Mobile phone plan?

When you switch to a pay as you go plan from an MVNO, you don't sacrifice a thing. You'll get more control over your cell phone plan, paying each month for the features you need.

Whether you're looking for 5G coverage, unlimited data, or just basic phone functionality from a basic plan, there's something to match your needs.

Finding the cheapest pay as you go plan has never been easier. Low-cost carriers make it simple for you to bring your own phone, so you don't have to pay for a new device when you switch.

T-Mobile prepaid 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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