T-Mobile’s cell phone plans cost between $60 and $85 per month for a single line of service, but you can get access to the same network for a lower price.
There are a variety of smaller carriers known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that partner with T-Mobile to use its towers. Using an MVNO is a great way to get a cheap cell phone plan with all of the benefits of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
Over the past few years, our team has tested a handful of low-cost T-Mobile alternatives. In this article, I’ll take a close look at the best and cheapest choices.
- Unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data
- Cheapest pre-built plan available
- 40GB data cap before reduced speeds
- Prepay three months in advance when you sign up
- 30GB of mobile hotspot data
- Highest allotment of high-speed hotspot data with the best price for a single line
Save on Your Cell Phone Bill With a T-Mobile MVNO
T-Mobile is a major cell phone provider that offers reliable coverage across the nation. If you know that T-Mobile offers good service in your area, you can access the same towers without having to pay full price for a T-Mobile phone plan.
Unlimited data plans from T-Mobile cost $60-$85 per month for a single line. Fortunately, there are several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that run within T-Mobile’s network by using T-Mobile towers but charge only a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can find phone plans as low as $10 per month for 1GB with Tello Mobile. If you’re looking for a bigger data plan, be sure to check out Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile.
These are the T-Mobile MVNOs we cover in this review:
- Tello
- Mint Mobile
- Boost Mobile
- Republic Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Consumer Cellular
- Straight Talk
- Red Pocket
Below, you’ll find more information on these MVNOs including links to their coverage maps and our picks for the best phone plan from each.
Tello
Cheapest Cell Phone Plan
|
Price:
$10/month (plus taxes)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
1GB
|
Tello is the cheapest T-Mobile MVNO available with pre-built plans from as low as $10 per month. For this price, you can get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. After you use your high-speed data allotment, you’ll have access to unlimited 2G speeds.
Additional plans from Tello Mobile include 2GB of high-speed data for $14 per month and 5GB of high-speed data for $19 per month. If you’re switching to this plan, you may be able to bring your own phone with you to save additional money. You can check your phone’s eligibility online.
Before you decide to switch to Tello Mobile, be sure to check its coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. To learn more about Tello before switching, read our full Tello Mobile review here.
Mint Mobile
Cheapest Unlimited Phone Plan
|
Price:
$30/month (plus taxes & fees)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
10GB
Data Cap Overage:
Slower speeds after 40GB
|
Mint Mobile is another great MVNO that runs on T-Mobile’s network. With this provider, you’ll find the cheapest unlimited plan. For $30 per month, Mint Mobile offers unlimited talk, text and data. The plan also includes an additional 5GB of mobile hotspot data. Data speeds reduce after 35GB, but you can still continue using unlimited data. To get this price, you’ll have to prepay for three months at a time ($90 total).
You can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile to save even more. Check your phone’s compatibility here before switching. Be sure to check Mint Mobile’s coverage map before switching. You can also read our full review here.
Boost Mobile
Best Hotspot Plan
|
Price:
$60 (taxes & fees included)
Multiline Discounts:
$40/line (Check family plans for 3+ lines.)
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
30GB
Data Cap Overage:
Speeds reduced to 2G after 35GB
|
Boost Mobile offers plans starting as low as $15 per month for 2GB of data including mobile hotspot data. Boost also offers two unlimited plans. For $50 per month, you can get unlimited talk and text, 35GB of high-speed data and 12GB of mobile hotspot data. For $60 per month, you can increase the mobile hotspot data to 30GB.
If you’re thinking about switching to Boost Mobile, be sure to check its coverage map online. You may also be able to bring your own phone to save even more. Check your phone’s compatibility here before switching.
To learn more about Boost Mobile before you make the decision to switch, read our full review here.
Republic Wireless
|
Price:
$19.99 (plus taxes and fees)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
1GB
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
None
|
Republic Wireless is another T-Mobile MVNO that runs on the major network’s towers. However, Republic Wireless is only available to Dish customers.
With Republic Wireless, you can find plans as low as $19.99 per month for unlimited talk and text plus 1GB of data. You can add data by the gig for $5. For $29.99 per month, you can get unlimited talk, text and data. For $39.99, you can get an unlimited plan called “Everywhere You Go” that includes international features between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
To see if Republic Wireless offers service in your area, check out its coverage map online. If you’re thinking about switching to Republic Wireless, read our full review first for seven things to know before you sign up.
Metro by T-Mobile
|
Price:
$40 (taxes & fees included)
Multiline Discounts:
Save $10 on each additional line
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
No
Data Cap Overage:
10GB
|
Owned by T-Mobile, Metro offers unlimited plans beginning at $40 per month. For this price, you’ll get 10GB of high-speed data with access to T-Mobile’s 5G network. You’ll also get unlimited music streaming without using your high-speed data. Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t include a mobile hotspot. For $50 per month, you can get 35GB of high-speed data plus 5GB of mobile hotspot data. For $60 per month, you can increase the hotspot allotment to 15GB.
You can check the service in your area with Metro by T-Mobile’s coverage map and test your phone’s compatibility online to see if you can bring it with you when you switch.
If you’re thinking about switching to Metro by T-Mobile, here are a few things to know.
Consumer Cellular
|
Price:
$35/month (plus taxes & fees)
Multiline Discounts:
$50/month for 2, $65/month for 3
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
10GB
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
If you go over 10GB, you’ll be upgraded automatically to the next plan.
|
Consumer Cellular utilizes both T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks. For one line, Consumer Cellular offers plans beginning at $20 per month for 1GB of data. This plan also includes unlimited talk and text. However, for $25 per month, you can get a bit more data with 5GB. Additionally, AARP members are eligible for 5% off phone plans.
If you do switch to Consumer Cellular, you may be able to bring your own phone to save even more money. You can check your phone’s eligibility online. And be sure to check out Consumer Cellular’s coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area.
For more information about Consumer Cellular, read our full review here.
Straight Talk
|
Price:
$35/month (taxes & fees included)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
10GB
Data Cap Overage:
10GB
|
Straight Talk is owned by TracFone and partners with all of the major networks, not just T-Mobile. The prepaid carrier sells phones at Walmart and through its website. But if you want to bring your own device to Straight Talk, you can check its compatibility online before switching.
Straight Talk offers unlimited plans beginning at $35 per month for one line. With this plan, you’ll get 10GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds. You can also get 90 days of unlimited service with 25GB of high-speed data for $130, or 180 days for $225.
To see if you’ll have coverage in your area with Straight Talk, check out its coverage map online. Also, be sure to read our full review before making the decision to switch.
Red Pocket
|
Price:
$20 (taxes included)
Multiline Discounts:
No
Talk and Text:
Unlimited
Data:
Unlimited
Hotspot Data:
Free; pulls from monthly data
Data Cap Overage:
5GB
|
Red Pocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone and choose from any of the major networks including T-Mobile. Its monthly plans start at $20 a month for unlimited talk, text and 3GB of high-speed data.
Be sure to check out the current deals and promotions available on Red Pocket’s website. Also, be sure to view its coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area.
If you’re thinking about switching to Red Pocket, check your phone’s compatibility online to make sure it will work. Also, be sure to check out our full review before making the decision to switch.
Final Thoughts
T-Mobile is a great network that offers reliable coverage. Fortunately, MVNO customers don’t have to pay $60-$85 per month to access its towers. Below are Clark’s picks for the best T-Mobile MVNO carrier for different needs.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, I recommend checking out Tello. You’ll find the lowest price at $10 per month for 1GB of data plus unlimited talk and text.
If you need unlimited data, Mint Mobile offers the cheapest plan at $30 per month. For a good amount of cheap, high-speed hotspot data, be sure to check out Boost Mobile.
If you still aren’t sure about switching to an MVNO but know you want to stay with T-Mobile, consider T-Mobile Connect. This plan has fewer perks than T-Mobile’s postpaid service, but with plans starting as low as $15 monthly for unlimited talk, text and 2.5GB of high-speed data, the savings may be worth it to you.
For more options, be sure to read our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now. Once you’ve decided on a new phone plan and you’re ready to make the switch, check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process.
If T-Mobile’s network isn’t right for you, you can review all our best cheap phone plans from all the providers.
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