The best T-Mobile phone plans for students in 2023
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About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
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About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison
Last updated on November 14th, 2023
We compared the best phone plans for students on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks: Save up to $600/yr.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills
Top plans list
- US Mobile Unlimited: Best T-Mobile plan for students with free trial
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Best prepaid T-Mobile plan for students
- Lycamobile 5GB: Best T-Mobile eSIM plan for students
- Mint Mobile 15GB: Best T-Mobile family plan for students
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Best T-Mobile unlimited plan for students
Table of contents
- T-Mobile student plans reviewed & rated in December
- Compare T-Mobile unlimited data plans
- How to pick the best student plan on T-Mobile
- Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?
- How much data do you need?
- Is mobile hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly price?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any deals or promotions?
- What perks are included?
- What international features are available?
- Find the best cell phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest T-Mobile student phone plans
- T-Mobile student phone plans FAQs
- What is the best T-Mobile phone plan for students?
- What is the cheapest T-Mobile unlimited plan for students?
- Recap: What is the best student phone plan on T-Mobile?
- T-Mobile phone plan guides
- MoneySavingPro methodology
1. Best T-Mobile plan for students with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US 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
- $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* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. 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
- US Mobile stands out with its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support by phone or online chat.
- Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
- Mobile hotspot data allowance is dependent on the unlimited plan you choose. You'll get either 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB.
- With their family plans, you can save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill by adding multiple lines. The more lines you add, the more discount you receive.
- For extra perks, US Mobile offers streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more, with an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines.
- Available to new and existing US Mobile customers with an unlimited plan and at least three additional lines. 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.
- They may not be the best option for frequent travelers seeking reliable international coverage. Their add-on packages for roaming can be expensive, and their international calling features may not be as competitive as other carriers.
2. Best prepaid T-Mobile plan for students: Boost Mobile 5GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost 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
- $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/mo*
$15/mo* $15 for 3 months service
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the best T-Mobile prepaid cell phone 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 of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
3. Best T-Mobile eSIM plan for students: Lycamobile 5GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Lycamobile 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
- $780 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Lycamobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo
Lycamobile phone plans are the perfect choice for customers looking to enjoy quality mobile service without paying through the roof, along with great customer support. Powered by T-Mobile, you'll get unlimited talk & text and plenty of data options, up to 40GB of high-speed data, along with free international calling. Check out our review about the 5 best T-Mobile eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 75+ countries
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Extra cost for international roaming
- Doesn’t support eSIM
Whether you're an avid social media user or love talking for hours to family abroad, there are plenty of options with Lycamobile. International calls are free to 75+ countries around the world.
A couple of drawbacks are that there are no international roaming deals. This is disappointing as Lycamobile is available in a large number of countries. Plus, Lycamobile doesn't currently provide eSIMs for their plans.
4. Best T-Mobile family plan for students: 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/mo*
$20/mo* 50% Off - $60 for 6 Mths Service
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about the best T-Mobile family 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 offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, 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 cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
5. Best T-Mobile unlimited plan for students: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite 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
- $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/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about the best T-Mobile unlimited data 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
- For only $25 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- You won't have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees, just taxes.
- With no contract, you can switch at any time if it's not working for you anymore.
- For an additional cost, you can roam in Mexico and Canada (although it's capped at 1GB), along with having unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
- We can't dismiss the low-cost plan that Boost Infinite offers. But if you're looking to get your whole family in on the action, don't expect any additional discounts. The cost stays at $25 per person, per line.
- 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 allotment.
T-Mobile student plans reviewed & rated in December
If your little one is due to fly the nest soon, it could be beneficial to look into the best student cell phone plan. Now, more than ever, you'll need help saving wherever you can with the rising cost of student expenses.
The great news is that you now choose a T-Mobile MVNO to get an affordable and flexible cell phone plan for students with the T-Mobile coverage you've grown to trust.
We'll show you how to find the best T-Mobile prepaid phone plans, including how to save up to $600 per year!
Compare T-Mobile unlimited data 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 $612 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 | $288/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $612/yr | ||
How to pick the best student 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, college, or work 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.
Check out our cheapest T-Mobile MVNO plans to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
If T-Mobile isn't giving you the coverage you need as a student, check out the best AT&T student phone plans and Verizon student phone plans.
Compare the cheapest T-Mobile student phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $0/mo $25/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $6/mo $10/mo |
| Boost Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $5/mo $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $10/mo $20/mo |
| Boost Infinite unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
T-Mobile student phone plans FAQs
Although T-Mobile offers a multi-line discount, T-Mobile MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile provide cheaper cell phone service on the same network with monthly plans ranging from just $5-$35.
Boost Mobile offers the cheapest unlimited data plan on the T-Mobile wireless network for just $25 per month.
Recap: What is the best student phone plan on T-Mobile?
Cheap T-Mobile MVNOs provide an affordable way to get access to the popular network at a fraction of the cost.
As most MVNOs are online, they don't have physical stores, sales staff, or expensive advertising so that they can pass on the savings to their customers.
Using the same T-Mobile network with all the same features available, including unlimited data and mobile hotspot access, cheap T-Mobile plans don't have to mean surrendering good coverage or your favorite features.
T-Mobile phone plan guides
- The Best T-Mobile Cell Phone Plans
- The Best T-Mobile Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
- The Best T-Mobile Unlimited Data Plans
- T-Mobile MVNOs: Best Carriers on the T-Mobile Network
- The Best T-Mobile Phone Plans for One Person
- Best T-Mobile Switch Deals
- The Best T-Mobile Phone Plans for Kids
- The Best T-Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors
- The Best T-Mobile Phone Plans for Students
- The Best T-Mobile Bring Your Own Phone Plans
- The Best T-Mobile 5G Phone Plans
MoneySavingPro methodology
At MoneySavingPro, we're all about finding and sharing affordable cell phone plans that offer the best value for money. We put a lot of care into looking at all the options out there, focusing on what's best for you, the consumer. Our goal is to help you save money by showing you cheaper alternatives to the expensive plans from the big wireless companies.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we intentionally don't recommend plans from the big wireless networks in our reviews. This is because of how they handle their pricing and fees and their lack of transparency.
T-Mobile MVNOs operate on the same T-Mobile network, and we research each T-Mobile low-cost carrier with the features and benefits it offers. This includes coverage, easy activation, eSIM compatibility, multiline discounts, and special discounts for specific demographics such as military, students, seniors, and more.
We also examine additional perks like pay-as-you-go options, unlimited plans, kids plans, senior plans, and smartwatch plans, evaluating them for their individual benefits and overall value.
We did consider these other T-Mobile alternatives: Straight Talk, Metro by T-Mobile, 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 every 3 months. To make sure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
