T-Mobile is hoping to merge with Sprint, but the agreement still has several hurdles to clear. Until then, it’s business as usual for T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile’s network is fast and reliable in urban areas, but it lags behind other carriers in national and state-level network tests, according to an annual report by RootMetrics.
AT A Glance
- Plans start at $100 per month for two lines
- Notable: Netflix included with some plans; excellent international roaming perks
T-Mobile family cell phone plans
T-Mobile has three main unlimited plans, as well as specialty plans for seniors and members of the military. You can save $5 per month, per line on any unlimited plan if you opt for automatic payments.
Essentials: Video streams in standard definition. Unlimited mobile hot spot data is included, but at 3G speeds, which is slightly slower than the 4G data speed you get on your smartphone. International features include unlimited texting while outside of the United States, plus talk, text and 2G data (read: slow) in Mexico and Canada.
- Two lines: $100
- Three lines: $120
- Four lines: $140
- Five lines: $160
Magenta: Video streams in standard definition. This plan includes 3GB of high-speed (4G LTE) mobile hot spot data and a basic Netflix subscription. International features include talk, text and 5GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texting and data at 2G speeds (up to 128kbps) in more than 200 countries. Taxes and fees are included in the price of the plan.
- Two lines: $130
- Three lines: $155
- Four lines: $180
- Five lines: $205
Magenta Plus: Video streams in HD. This plan includes 20GB of high-speed mobile hot spot data and a standard Netflix subscription. International features include talk, text and 5GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texting and data with speeds up to 256kbps in more than 200 countries. That’s slightly faster than on the Magenta plan, but uploading photos and videos would still be a pain. Taxes and fees are included in the price of the plan.
- Two lines: $150
- Three lines: $185
- Four lines: $220
- Five lines: $255
MILITARY discounts
T-Mobile offers a discounted rate on the Magenta and Magenta Plus plans to military service members, veterans and their families. See the table below for the total monthly price depending on the number of lines you activate.
The prices listed include taxes and fees, but add-ons such as insurance or device payments are still assessed. You can save $5 per month, per line if you opt for automatic payments.
| # of lines | Magenta Military | Magenta Plus Military |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $60 | N/A |
| 2 | $90 | $110 |
| 3 | $105 | $135 |
| 4 | $120 | $160 |
| 5 | $135 | $185 |
UNLIMITED 55+
Customer’s age of 55 or older can get two lines of unlimited service for $80 per month; $70 if you opt for automatic payments.
» MORE: Best family cell phone plans
How T-Mobile’s family plan compares on prices
Prices listed are for the least expensive plan when more than one unlimited plan is available. The pricing doesn’t include taxes, fees or autopay discounts.
| Monthly price comparison | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Restricted LTE data download speeds. **Prices include taxes and/or fees. |
||||
| T-Mobile | $65 | $100 | $105 | $125 |
| AT&T | $75 | $140 | $165 | $180 |
| Verizon | $80 | $140 | $165 | $180 |
| U.S. Cellular | $60 | $115 | $130 | $140 |
| Boost** | $50 | $80 | $110 | $140 |
| Metro by T-Mobile | $50 | $80 | $110 | $140 |
| Cricket* ** | $55 | $80 | $90 | $100 |
