Looking to keep your whole family connected without breaking the bank? Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offer a range of affordable shared plans tailored for families. These smaller carriers operate on the same major networks (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) but often provide better deals, flexible options, and no long-term contracts.
In this post, we’ll break down the best MVNOs for families and highlight the features that make each one stand out.
1. Visible by Verizon
Best for: Unlimited everything at a fixed price
- Network: Verizon
- Plan: $25/line per month with Party Pay (now legacy), or $45/mo for unlimited
- Data: Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Perks: Hotspot included, no throttling on the base plan
Visible’s family-style savings come through simple, per-line pricing. While they phased out their Party Pay feature, their new plans still offer solid value, especially for smaller families that want unlimited everything with no surprise charges.
✅ Great Verizon coverage and no hidden fees.
2. Mint Mobile
Best for: Budget-savvy families who like to pay upfront
- Network: T-Mobile
- Plan: $15–$30/mo per line (3–12 month plans)
- Data: 5GB–40GB per month, depending on plan
- Perks: Free calls to Mexico/Canada, multi-line discounts
Mint’s family plan allows users to manage multiple lines under one account while enjoying discounted rates. You get flexibility with data options and strong T-Mobile coverage at low prices—especially if you’re willing to prepay for multiple months.
✅ Perfect for families who want to customize plans per user.
3. Tello Mobile
Best for: Customizing each family member’s plan
- Network: T-Mobile
- Plan: Custom plans starting as low as $5/mo
- Data: 1GB–Unlimited
- Perks: Free tethering, no contracts
Tello Family Plans allow you to build personalized packages for each line. Maybe the kids only need 2GB while the parents need unlimited—Tello makes that easy to manage in one account.
✅ Highly customizable and super affordable.
4. Consumer Cellular
Best for: Families with seniors or light data users
- Network: AT&T and T-Mobile
- Plan: $20–$50/mo shared plans
- Data: 1GB to unlimited (throttled after threshold)
- Perks: AARP discounts, excellent customer service
Consumer Cellular’s family plans are ideal for older adults and light users. You can add extra lines for $15/mo, and the shared pool of data keeps things simple.
✅ Easy to use, with helpful support and multi-line discounts.
5. US Mobile
Best for: Total control with premium options
- Network: Verizon and T-Mobile
- Plan: Custom or unlimited plans (starting at $10/line)
- Data: 2GB–Unlimited
- Perks: Add perks like Netflix or Disney+ on premium plans
US Mobile’s unlimited family plan allows you to mix and match based on your needs. Add lines, assign data, and even get streaming perks with 3+ lines on their premium plan.
✅ Modern features and flexibility make it great for growing families.
Things to Watch Out For
- Hotspot Restrictions: Not all unlimited plans include full-speed hotspot data.
- Video Streaming Quality: Some plans cap streaming at 480p.
- Prepaid Commitments: Carriers like Mint Mobile offer better pricing, but only with 3–12-month prepaid plans.
Final Thoughts
Family phone plans don’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking for full-speed unlimited data or just want affordable talk and text for the kids, there’s an MVNO plan to match your budget and usage.
Our top pick for most families? Mint Mobile for affordability, Tello for flexibility, and Visible for unlimited simplicity.
💡 Need help picking the right plan for your family? Check out all our reviews!