Best Family Cell Phone Plans

Compare the Best Family Cell Phone Plans

The cell phone plans in this rating offer multiple lines for households and provide adequate coverage in most populated areas of the U.S. They’re also all in the Best Cell Phone Plans rating.

When choosing a family cell phone plan, “look into the entire package, not just cost per line,” Kristin McGrath, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot, explains in an email. “Some plans come with extra perks (like streaming service bundle offers and special leasing offers for new phones and, sometimes, trade-in deals to upgrade old phones.)”

Best Family Cell Phone Plans in Detail

Plan Types and Lines: With Tello, you can get prepaid plans with up to four lines, and each of these can be tailored to each family member’s needs. If you choose one of its packaged plans, you’ll get either unlimited talk and text or limited minutes and texting as well as calls to more than 60 countries. The data options in the family plans range from 1 GB (gigabyte) of data to unlimited data, and you can upgrade or downgrade a plan for more data at any time. With customizable plans, you can choose from no data up to unlimited data as well as no minutes up to unlimited minutes.

Data and Hotspot: If some of your family members need data, you can select an amount for them based on how they will use it. Unlimited data plans include 35 GB of high-speed data, and after reaching that limit you’ll receive slower speeds. There is a hotspot allowance included as part of the overall data amount, but the unlimited plan includes 5 GB of hotspot data allowance.

Network and Coverage: Tello is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means it uses another carrier’s network, in this case, T-Mobile’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. You’ll have nationwide coverage, though speeds could be slower during busy network times, as T-Mobile will prioritize its own customers over any MVNO customers using the network.

Extras and Discounts: You can change your plan at any time without extra costs. There are no contracts, so you’ll have some flexibility if your needs change. Tello also partners with Student Beans to offer discounts to students and recent graduates, so if you have teens or young adults sharing your plan, you may be able to get a discount this way.

Customer Service: If you need help, you can use the 24/7 live chat option, look on the app or website for the information you need, or call or email the customer service department.

Tello’s customer service generally gets positive customer reviews, with customers saying the service is reasonable and affordable, and the customer service representatives helpful in resolving issues.

Read more in our Tello review.

Plan Types and Lines: You can get up to five lines with the family plan, each with unlimited talk and text. You’ll be able to choose the level of data you want for each line, and there’s no data sharing. The price is in the middle compared to others in this rating. While Mint Mobile doesn’t require long-term contracts, it does require at least a three-month commitment. This bulk-buying method is what Mint Mobile says allows it to offer such low prices.

Data and Hotspot: For each line, you can choose a data amount ranging from 5 GB to unlimited data per month, although the data is slowed once you reach 40 GB on the Unlimited plan. You’ll have a hotspot as well, though the data allowed for it is included in the data amount for the month for all but the Unlimited plan, which has 10 GB hotspot data. Mint Mobile will monitor your usage and let you know if a different plan might be a better fit. The customization for each member of the family plan is a nice perk, as one cell phone plan most likely will not fit all.

Network and Coverage: As an MVNO, Mint Mobile runs on the T-Mobile network, and you’ll get 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage. However, T-Mobile’s customers will be prioritized when the network is busy.

Extras and Discounts: Mint Mobile offers discounts if you pay for more months at a time, such as buying a plan for six months or a year. You can also add data to a plan if needed. Mint Mobile runs promotions throughout the year and often includes a cheaper price for its plans for the first three months. Be sure to check the website to see what Mint is currently offering. Mint Mobile also offers a seven-day free trial.

Customer Service: There are no retail locations for customer service, though you can chat online 24/7 to get help or call during business hours. Some customers say there’s limited support and network speeds are too slow, but Mint Mobile generally gets above-average customer review ratings for its service.

Read more in our Mint Mobile review.

Plan Types and Lines: You’ll be able to get up to five lines if you order online, or you can call for up to 12 lines, if needed, with T-Mobile. Each plan comes with unlimited talk and text, and you can add on features like video streaming, though the plan pricing is high compared to others in the rating. T-Mobile offers mostly postpaid plans, but also some prepaid plans that can be used with families that offer up to six lines per account. T-Mobile also has the largest number of plan options, so you should be able to find one that suits your family’s needs and budget.

Data and Hotspot: Though you can opt for an unlimited data plan, there could be slowdowns after you use a certain amount of data every month, such as 50 GB or 100 GB. If you need a hotspot, you could get unlimited data for that as well; however, speeds will slow after a certain allowance has been used up for the month. For families that are heavy streamers, T-Mobile’s higher-tier plans accommodate ultra-high-definition (HD) video resolution.

Network and Coverage: T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the country, covering more than 330 million people with its 5G network, so you’ll have 5G and 4G LTE coverage in most areas of the U.S.

Extras and Discounts: Signing up for autopay will get you a discount for every line, and you can also get reduced rates if you’re a member of the military, a veteran, a first responder, or an older adult. T-Mobile also frequently offers the option to pay off an existing phone purchased from another provider up to $800. In addition, its free trial with its Network Pass stands out among companies in this rating because of its length, which is three months long.

Customer Service: There are many ways to get help with T-Mobile, including using the app, calling a representative, chatting online, or visiting a retail location for specific issues. Customer service representatives are available seven days a week during specified hours, which are on the website.

T-Mobile’s customer service has a low rating on customer review sites like Trustpilot, with more than 5,000 reviews. Some complaints on these types of sites center around customer support taking too long and issues not being resolved satisfactorily.

Read more in our T-Mobile review.

Plan Types and Lines: Consumer Cellular offers up to six lines per household with its prepaid plans, and you can get unlimited talk and text with all of them. You’ll be able to choose how much data you need, ranging from 1 GB to unlimited. While this provider isn’t the cheapest compared to others in this rating, you could get a discount if you’re a senior and the account holder.

Data and Hotspot: You can opt for unlimited data and a hotspot if you’ll use it every month, though there is a threshold of 50 GB for high-speed data. After you reach that threshold, speeds will be reduced until the following month. Other plans include limited data, with the hotspot feature pulling data from the monthly allotment.

Network and Coverage: You’ll get 4G LTE and 5G coverage through Consumer Cellular, which uses T-Mobile’s and other providers’ networks. Speeds could be slower during busy network times.

Extras and Discounts: You’ll also get discounts for adding phone lines or being an AARP member. There are also reduced rates for autopay and paperless billing. Consumer Cellular offers a risk-free guarantee period for 30 days or 45 days for AARP members.

Customer Service: Help is available online with video tutorials and downloadable phone manuals. You can also reach out through the app, online chat, or by calling.

Consumer Cellular has mixed customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, with some customers not satisfied with their overall experience, other customers liking the service, and others complaining about long service wait times.

Read more in our Consumer Cellular review.

Plan Types and Lines: You’ll be able to get up to six lines with a Google Fi family plan, as well as unlimited calls and texts. There are options for data and hotspot, and travel features like data in Canada, Mexico, and more than 200 destinations. Everyone on a family plan has to be on the same plan and only the account holder can switch plans.

Data and Hotspot: You can pay for data as you go or get unlimited data with Google Fi’s prepaid plans. There are soft data caps after a certain threshold for unlimited plans, and your speed could be slower after 15 GB, 35 GB, or 50 GB of data is used for the month, depending on the plan. Hotspot tethering is an option for up to 5 GB or unlimited.

Network and Coverage: Google Fi offers 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the nation and you won’t be subject to slower speeds on the networks, even as you travel. It primarily uses the T-Mobile network, and while it’s an MVNO, it says its customers aren’t deprioritized on the network when it’s busy.

Extras and Discounts: When you get more lines for your family, there are deep discounts available. You can also choose a plan with entertainment like YouTube Premium and travel benefits. The more features in a plan, the more it will cost, though. You can also take advantage of Google Fi’s seven-day free trial, which works on your own phone while you’re still on your current carrier’s plan.

Customer Service: Google Fi has an online community that offers support, and you can also look through the frequently asked questions or contact the provider for specific issues via a link on the website.

Consumer review sites show mixed takes on Google Fi’s customer service. Some customers have been unhappy with the service, saying customer support takes too long to resolve issues and isn’t very helpful or responsive, while other reviewers said they received good customer support from company representatives.

Read more in our Google Fi review.

Plan Types and Lines: You’ll be able to choose up to five lines with any of AT&T’s wireless plans, which include both postpaid and prepaid options. You can also get unlimited talk and text, along with unlimited data, in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, plus unlimited texting to more than 200 countries. AT&T’s family plan is cheaper than some others in the Best Family Cell Phone Plans rating.

Data and Hotspot: There is high-speed data and mobile hotspot data available with a family plan, though you’ll want to check for monthly data thresholds. Some plans allow up to 75 GB of fast connection and then your speed will slow if the network is congested. For a mobile hotspot, you might have between 5 GB and 60 GB of data a month.

Network and Coverage: AT&T’s 5G network reaches about 295 million people in the U.S., and it offers its 4G LTE network where 5G isn’t available. If you live in rural areas in the West or Alaska, coverage could be spotty. You can check AT&T’s coverage tool on its website to see the coverage available in your area.

Extras and Discounts: Families can expect discounts for multiple lines and enrolling in automatic payments, as well as reduced rates for teachers, health-care workers, military members, veterans, first responders, union members, or AARP members.

Customer Service: You can go online for support or call customer service, which is available by phone or live chat seven days a week. The website also provides access to a community forum for help with a wide range of issues.

AT&T’s customer service doesn’t get high marks from many customers. The Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and other review websites include reviews saying AT&T customer service professionals weren’t knowledgeable or helpful when it came to resolving issues.

Read more in our AT&T review.

Plan Types and Lines: If you need up to five lines, you can get them through Boost Mobile’s prepaid plans and can also have unlimited talk and text with any plan. If you travel to Mexico, you could have calls and data roaming during your stay. Texting is also available to more than 200 countries, and all plans also include 5G coverage where available.

Data and Hotspot: With Boost Mobile, you’ll have high-speed data available and hotspot data up to a certain threshold, except one plan doesn’t offer any hotspot. With the unlimited plans, there is 35 GB of 5G/4G data available, and after that, you can expect slower speeds until the next month. Hotspot data is included in the data allowance for each cycle for plans that include hotspot except the Unlimited $40/mo. plan, which has a hotspot threshold of 12 GB.

Network and Coverage: As an MVNO, Boost Mobile runs on the networks of Dish Wireless, which owns Boost, as well as T-Mobile and AT&T. You’ll get 5G and 4G LTE coverage from coast to coast, although your speeds won’t be prioritized.

Extras and Discounts: When you add lines, you’ll be able to get a discount, and the same is true if you choose to pay in advance for your family plan. Automatic payment is required for some plans.

Customer Service: While Boost Mobile isn’t a major carrier, customers can still find help by calling to talk to a representative or going online to have problems resolved.

Like reviews of some other wireless service providers, Boost Mobile's service is not rated very highly, with complaints including issues with the level of customer support to resolve issues and customer service representatives not being knowledgeable about how to fix problems.

Read more in our Boost Mobile review.

Plan Types and Lines: You can get up to 10 lines for your family with unlimited talk, text, and data. International calling to Canada and Mexico, as well as more than 210 destinations, depending on the plan, is also offered. Verizon has other features as well that include entertainment and home internet service, and its wireless plans are cheaper than some others in this rating.

Data and Hotspot: Depending on your plan, you could have unlimited premium data as well as hotspot data. Read the fine print before getting a plan to find out how data is capped and whether it’s a hard or soft cap. For instance, you might have up to 30 GB or 60 GB of monthly hotspot data, and after that you’ll have slower speeds.

Network and Coverage: Verizon has nationwide coverage with 4G LTE and 5G speeds, reaching most populated areas. If you live in the West, coverage could be spotty, so check your area’s coverage. Verizon service reaches more than 230 million people with its 5G network in the U.S.

Extras and Discounts: You’ll get discounts for adding more lines and signing up for autopay and paper-free billing. There are additional savings for certain groups like nurses, veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Teachers and students are also eligible for discounts on multiple lines. Verizon also offers a 30-day free trial.

Customer Service: You can call or chat to get help, or you can look online to find answers to your questions. There could be delays when contacting customer service, however. Verizon's customer service reviews are largely negative, with complaints including customers seeing unexpected fees and long wait times to speak to a customer representative.

Read more in our Verizon review.

How Much Does a Family Cell Phone Plan Cost?

A family cell phone plan consists of a single account with multiple lines and services that can include unlimited talk and text. You may be able to customize the lines and choose how much data each member needs. There are different costs for family phone plans, depending on the provider you choose and the number of lines you need.

In this rating, family phone plans start around $25 a month per line, while others are $60 a month per line or more. If you choose a family plan on a major network, you could pay higher prices, but you’ll have priority for faster speeds. Some providers operate as subcarriers on major networks and have lower costs since they don’t have to pay for the infrastructure. These lower rates are passed on to customers, but you could also have your speeds deprioritized.

Who has the cheapest family cell phone plan?

In the Best Family Cell Phone Plans rating, AT&T has the lowest price, coming in with a starting cost of about $35 a month per line for four lines. However, for some providers, you need to call and get a price quote if you want multiple lines. Also, check for extra fees and taxes, so you’ll know the exact cost.

How can I save money on a family cell phone plan?

There are different ways you can save when getting a family cell phone plan, including the following:

Purchase refurbished phones rather than new models
“You can reduce your bill by purchasing a gently used refurbished phone for less separately,” says budget expert Andrea Woroch, who offers money-saving advice at andreaworoch.com, in an email.

Look for discounts
Some providers give you money off every month if you sign up for automatic payments or e-billing rather than a mailed bill.

Check your data needs
If you can frequently connect to Wi-Fi networks, you might not need as much data.

“Don’t assume you need unlimited data,” Woroch adds. "Look at what your family is currently using and compare rates for unlimited vs. tiered data plans to see if you can save by going with another option."

Consider an MVNO
These providers don’t have the same costs as a major carrier, and they can pass those savings on to customers.

How To Choose the Right Family Cell Phone Plan for You

To find a good fit for your household, consider the following as you look at family cell phone plans.

Evaluate your data usage

“If you want to save on the monthly line cost and know [that] some plan members will use very little data, you can opt for a data-allowance plan,” says RetailMeNot’s McGrath.

Know how many lines you want

Some providers offer up to four lines under one account, while others have up to 12 lines available for larger households.

List the extras

If you’d like features such as streaming services or international calling and texting, you’ll need to find which plans offer them.

Think about travel needs

“If some members on your plan travel a lot, check into the ease and cost of them using their phones abroad, whether it’s based on data usage or on a capped daily fee,” McGrath says.

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