Best Family Phone Plans

What separates the best family phone plans on this page?

Price per line and network quality split these six. T-Mobile scores 8.8 and runs $50 for one line, but four lines of Essentials Saver come to $100, and Experience plans keep postpaid priority. US Mobile scores 8.7 at $25, and its annual unlimited plan was the cheapest unlimited we tested; it is also the only carrier where you can move between Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. Google Fi Wireless scores 8.5 at $35, with data in 200+ destinations on Premium and four lines of Essentials for $25 each. Mint Mobile also scores 8.5 at $30, with $15 a month for 5 GB and family plans from two lines. Verizon scores 8.3 at $65, the priciest single line here, though four lines run $120 with autopay. Cricket Wireless scores 8.2 at $55, with four lines of unlimited for $100 and taxes included.

What should you check before buying a family plan?

Our scoring puts Value at 30 and Coverage & network at 25, so start there. Count the lines you actually need, then look at the multi-line price rather than the single-line one.

• Hotspot: T-Mobile's Essentials Saver hotspot is 3G speed, Google Fi's Essentials caps at 5 GB, and Verizon's Welcome and Cricket's base unlimited have no hotspot at all.
• Deprioritisation: US Mobile's Starter plan is deprioritised at rush hour on Verizon; T-Mobile's Experience plans avoid it.
• Upfront cost: Mint's best prices require paying a year in advance.
• Support: US Mobile is chat and email, 14 minutes to a person; Cricket has thousands of stores for in-person help.
• Coverage where you drive: Verizon never lost signal on either rural drive, while Mint trailed Verizon on our drives.

T-Mobile and Verizon

T-Mobile fits families who want the fastest network in our metro tests and phone deals on the higher plans. Verizon suits families who drive rurally and will use four lines for $120 with autopay.

US Mobile and Mint Mobile

US Mobile is for families who want to pick a network and switch between them, with multi-line discounts and a free network trial. Mint is for families who will pay a year up front for $15–$30 a month on T-Mobile's network.

Google Fi Wireless and Cricket Wireless

Google Fi is for families who leave the country, with data in 200+ destinations on Premium. Cricket is for families who want AT&T coverage, taxes included and a store nearby.

For four lines at the lowest monthly cost, US Mobile's annual unlimited plan and Cricket's four lines for $100 are the two to price first. T-Mobile suits families who want the fastest network in our metro tests, while Verizon suits anyone who drives rurally and will use four lines for $120 with autopay. Google Fi Wireless is the pick if you travel abroad, and Mint Mobile is for families happy to pay a year up front.