The best T-Mobile switch deals in 2024

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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We've all been there. That amazing deal that attracted you to your current wireless carrier just isn't working for you anymore.

Maybe your bills have gone up over time or another provider is offering better features at a lower price.

Have you considered the T-Mobile network? No, I'm not talking about signing up with "The Uncarrier" itself. I'm talking about taking advantage of its nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage without paying T-Mobile rates.

We're going to let you in on a little industry secret - MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Read on to find out what these are and how they can give you quality, cheaper cell phone service.

Best prepaid T-Mobile switch deal

Tello 1GB plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
1GB
data
$9/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$792 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile switch deal for 5G

Mint Mobile 5GB plan

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

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$720 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile switch deal for families

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 T-Mobile switch deal for unlimited

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile
  • T-Mobile 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 T-Mobile switch deal for two

Mint Mobile 20GB plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
20GB
data
$15/mo*
$25/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$630 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile switch deal for kids

US Mobile 10GB plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
10GB
data
$20/mo*
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$660 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile switch deal for BYOP

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

Best T-Mobile switch deal for talk & text

Tello unlimited talk & text plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
$8/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$804 in annual savings

Switch to T-Mobile deals

MVNOs are companies like U.S. Mobile, Mint Mobile, and TPO Mobile. These alternative mobile service providers rent space on the major carriers' towers and resell it to you at a lower cost than what you're paying the big guys.

These companies offer several major advantages over the big three carriers.

  • Better prices: T-Mobile MVNOs don't have the same massive overhead and marketing costs as the major carriers, so they can sell you a similar service at much lower prices.
  • Customised plans: the vast majority of smartphone users don't need unlimited data, yet they pay for it. That's like paying for 100 channels when you're only going to watch 20 of them. MVNOs let you decide what kinds of services - and how much - you need, so you're only paying for what you actually use.
  • No contracts: all low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. If you're unhappy you can leave at any time you want.
  • BYOP: Bringing your own phone to a T-Mobile MVNO you can pocket the extra money you'd put into a costly device payment plan. And don't worry, you can keep your number too.

Now that you know how switching to the T-Mobile network by way of an alternative carrier can save you money, let's look at the details of how to do so.

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

Cheapest T-Mobile plans

Carrier Data Monthly Price Annual Price Savings
Tello 1GB $9/mo $108/yr $792/yr See at Tello
Mint Mobile 5GB $15/mo* $180/yr $720/yr See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
Mint Mobile 15GB $15/mo*$20/mo $225/yr $675/yr See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
Boost Mobile Unlimited $25/mo* $300/yr $600/yr See at Boost Mobile
*$25/mo forever!
Mint Mobile 20GB $15/mo*$25/mo $270/yr $630/yr See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months

T-Mobile vs Tello 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
Tello T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $300/yr
Savings $50/mo $600/yr

T-Mobile plan features

  • 4G LTE and 5G data speeds: Since T-Mobile MVNOs are all powered by the T-Mobile network, you'll pay less without sacrificing speed.
  • Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
  • International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
  • Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
  • Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
  • Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
  • HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.

How to switch to T-Mobile

Some aspects of changing your mobile service are the same regardless of your current provider or device. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Choose a carrier. Some alternative cell carriers are best for heavy data users, some are geared toward light users like senior citizens. You'll want to choose a service that offers the best rates on the features you need. You'll find a list of T-Mobile MVNOs later in this guide.
  2. Choose a plan. The average smartphone user only goes through about 3GB of data per month. Yet you're likely paying the better part of $80 per month for unlimited data you'll never use. MVNOs give you customization options so that you only pay for what you'll use.
  3. Get your phone unlocked. If you're bringing a compatible phone to your new carrier you'll need to request an unlock code from your current mobile provider. This will allow you to use your phone on any carrier.

Switch to T-Mobile from Verizon

In order to switch to a T-Mobile MVNO from Verizon, you'll need to make sure your device is compatible. Verizon uses CDMA technology in their phones, which may or may not be compatible with T-Mobile's GSM network. You may be able to bring your LTE device or newer iPhone as some do work on both types of technology. If your existing device won't carry over to your new provider, it is very affordable to buy a pre-owned or refurbished phone.

The nice thing about switching from Verizon is that their devices are not carrier locked. This means that if you do bring your own device, you shouldn't have to deal with asking Verizon to unlock it for use with your new carrier.


Switch to T-Mobile from AT&T

If you're shopping around for a bring your own phone plan, it doesn't get much easier than the switch to the T-Mobile network from AT&T. Both carriers operate on GSM, making it simple to change over in most cases.

Take note, however, AT&T devices are typically carrier locked, which means you'll need to submit a request for them to unlock your phone if you plan to bring it with you.


Switch to T-Mobile phone deals

Recap

With the rise of these low-cost carriers, there's no longer any reason to pay high rates for data and services you'll never use.

AT&T MVNOs offer the basics you expect, like unlimited talk, text, and data, and even international calling options.

As intimidating as it can feel to change your cell service, an alternative mobile provider is a solid choice that will put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

T-Mobile phone plan guides

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