T-Mobile Family Plans

T-Mobile has the second-most nationwide coverage falling behind Verizon Wireless and just barely beating out AT&T. For their significant coast-to-coast coverage, T-Mobile family plans have fairly competitive pricing making them a great choice for your family.

compared to other carriers T-Mobile has the least amount of family plan variation

One downside to their family plans is that you can ONLY choose unlimited data plans or no data plans—compared to their major competitors, T-Mobile doesn’t have as many choices and aren’t as flexible as other carriers. This guide will help you decide if T-Mobile is right for your family.

What are Family Plans and Why Should I Get a Family Plan?

T-Mobile family plans allow you to put multiple lines on one account, which helps with organization and makes it easier to pay bills. You should get a family plan because T-Mobile discounts them which instantly saves you money. For instance, if the unlimited “Essentials” plan costs $60/month for an individual plan, four plans would cost $240/month. On the other hand, with the “Essentials” family plan, you will save more than $100 per month with four lines.

Postpaid T-Mobile Family Plans

All T-Mobile family plans are postpaid, meaning you pay for your service after you use it. Compared to its major competitors, T-Mobile family plans don’t have as many choices and aren’t as flexible as other carriers. T-Mobile offers two types of family plans: unlimited data or no data. There are a few plans to choose from if you want unlimited data, but unlike some other carriers, you can’t mix and match family plans on T-Mobile.

If you don’t want unlimited data for your family plan, the only other option you have is no data. This plan also doesn’t allow you to add on data at a later time.

A “talk and text only” plan is best for those who don’t ever use data

Prepaid T-Mobile Family Plans

T-Mobile doesn’t offer any prepaid family plans, however, smaller carriers that operate on their network offer prepaid plans that are generally cheaper than other T-Mobile family plans.

Other Family Plans on T-Mobiles Network (MVNOs)

About 15 smaller carriers run on T-Mobile’s network, also known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). They offer the same coverage as T-Mobile for generally lower prices. MVNOs typically only offer prepaid plans, so you will pay for your service before you use it.

Let’s Talk Tip: There isn’t much of a difference between prepaid and postpaid besides when you pay your bills; however, MVNO plans are often cheaper than T-Mobile’s saving you more money.

T-Mobile Coverage

Before you pull the trigger and choose a T-Mobile family plan, make sure they have coverage in your area. With service that covers nearly 60% of the United States, chances are you won’t have to worry. Nevertheless, there are some dead spots in their coverage in Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada. To see if T-Mobile covers the areas you frequent use our coverage checker. Just type your address in the search bar and press “Enter”. Look in the upper right-hand corner and click the map—this will show you if there’s coverage in your area and if it’s 3G or 4G.

Let’s Talk Take: What T-Mobile Family Plan Should I Get?

Because T-Mobile has competitive prices but not very many options, the family plan you get will depend on your budget and your data usage.

• If you don’t want or use data, the family plan with no data is perfect for you
• For families that want to stream, post, and scroll through news and social media any of the unlimited plans would be great—you just need to decide which unlimited plan and perks you want
• If you want T-Mobile’s network but want other options, check out MVNOs that run on their network—you’ll find dozens of prepaid options that may work better for your lifestyle