In an era where communication is synonymous with connectivity, family phone plans have evolved into indispensable tools for keeping our loved ones close, sharing our stories, and organizing our lives. However, finding a plan that doesn’t break the bank while providing top-tier smartphones can often feel like a treasure hunt. Look no further; we’re here to uncover the ultimate solutions. Welcome to our guide on the best family phone plans with free phones, where free smartphones are a central part of the package. Wave goodbye to overpriced bills and say hello to affordable, family-centric communication services that redefine how you stay connected with your nearest and dearest.
Family Phone Plans vs. Individual Phone Plans: Making the Right Call
Family phone plans and individual phone plans are two distinct options for mobile phone service, each catering to different needs and preferences. Let’s explore what family phone plans are and how they stack up against their individual counterparts.
Family Phone Plans: A Unified Solution
Family phone plans are designed to provide mobile phone service for multiple people within a single household. Instead of each family member having an individual plan, family plans consolidate services and billings, offering several key advantages:
- Cost savings: One of the most significant benefits of a family plan is cost efficiency. Typically, family plans offer substantial savings compared to individual plans. This is because the cost of shared data, talk, and text allowances is distributed among family members, reducing the overall expense per line.
- Shared data: Family plans often come with a shared data pool that family members can tap into. This allows for better data management and allocation, ensuring that everyone has access to data without the risk of overages.
- Unlimited talk and text: Many family plans offer unlimited talk and text, ensuring that family members can communicate freely without worrying about running out of minutes or text messages.
- Device discounts: Family plans may provide discounts on new smartphones when adding lines or upgrading devices. This can be a significant advantage for families looking to equip everyone with the latest gadgets.
- Convenient billing: With a family plan, you receive a single monthly bill, making it easier to manage expenses and track usage for all family members. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple individual bills.
- Add-on features: Family plans often offer add-on features, such as parental controls, shared app subscriptions, and the ability to locate family members’ devices. These features enhance the overall family experience.
Individual Phone Plans: Tailored Independence
On the other hand, individual phone plans are designed for solo users who prefer complete control and independence over their mobile service. Here’s how they compare to family plans:
- Personalization: Individual plans allow users to customize their service based on their specific needs. You choose the data, talk, and text allowances that suit your usage patterns.
- No shared costs: With an individual plan, you’re responsible for the entire cost, which can be higher per line compared to a family plan.
- Singular responsibility: Managing your plan and bills is straightforward, as you don’t have to coordinate with other users or share expenses.
- Privacy: Individual plans offer enhanced privacy, as you’re not sharing data or usage details with family members.
Choosing the Right Plan
The choice between a family phone plan and an individual phone plan depends on your unique circumstances. Families seeking cost-effective solutions and shared resources often benefit from family plans, while individuals who prioritize personalization and independence may opt for individual plans. Ultimately, the right choice hinges on your communication needs, budget, and preferences.
About Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones
Many (if not most) families search for the perfect family phone plans and are willing to spend many hours researching the topic online in order to find a cost-effective option. As most carriers and wireless phone companies are aware of the popularity of family phone plans, many of them offer quite affordable and attractive family deals. However, some companies tend to spice up such deals by adding a free phone, and such are considered the best family phone plans. After all, they come with the most benefits.
The best family phone plans with free phones tend to offer unlimited talk minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited data, data roaming, access to a nationwide network, a free phone, and the option to customize plans between family members. Such plans may also include some other benefits, depending on which company and deal you choose.
Currently the Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones 2024
As most carriers and MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) offer a variety of family phone plans, it can be difficult to figure out which one among the many may be the very best family phone plan for you. Since not many offer free phones, this radically reduces the amount of options. Still, we continued to dig deeper, and here is the list of the top best family phone plans with free phones currently available:
Cricket Wireless Family Plans
Cricket Wireless Family Plans Overview: Cricket Wireless offers flexible family plans designed to cater to varying needs and budgets. Whether you need unlimited data, fixed data, or something in between, Cricket has a plan for you. With a reliable nationwide network covering over 99% of Americans, Cricket ensures connectivity wherever you go.
Cricket More Unlimited Plan: For those seeking an all-inclusive plan, the Cricket More Unlimited Plan delivers nationwide 5G access, premium unlimited data, and 15 GB Mobile Hotspot per line per month. Priced at $60 a month for one line, the savings multiply with each additional line, offering significant discounts of up to $140 monthly for five lines.
Cricket Core Plan: Families prioritizing unlimited calling minutes and texts can opt for the Cricket Core Plan. Each member enjoys separate data usage, ensuring peace of mind. Starting at $55 a month for one line, savings grow with each additional line, providing up to $150 in monthly savings for five lines.
Cricket Fixed Data Plan: If unlimited data isn’t necessary, Cricket’s Fixed Data Plan offers 10 GB of high-speed data per line per month at a budget-friendly rate of $40. Multi-line discounts further sweeten the deal, with savings of up to $70 monthly for five lines.
Benefits of Multi-Line Plans: Sharing a Cricket account with family and friends brings various advantages, including:
- Cost savings with Multi-Line Discounts on eligible plans
- Individual data allocation to prevent one person from exhausting all the data
- Flexibility to include friends in the savings on up to five lines
Why Choose Cricket?
Cricket stands out for its:
- Robust nationwide network coverage
- No annual contracts, credit checks, or overage charges
- Compatibility with unlocked phones
- Inclusive monthly plan prices covering taxes
- Online activation without an activation fee
Managing Multi-Line Accounts:
As the primary account holder, you can:
- Set up a username and password for account access
- Exercise caution in sharing login credentials to prevent unauthorized changes
- Enable multiple individuals to make payments using Quick Pay
Switching to Cricket Multi-Line Plan:
Switching is seamless with Cricket’s user-friendly online process:
- Choose a Cricket phone or bring your own device
- Select a suitable cell phone plan
- Add optional features
- Opt to keep your current number or get a new one
- Repeat the process to add up to five lines in one online order, maximizing savings with ease.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile Family Plans Overview: Metro by T-Mobile offers flexible family plans suitable for up to five members, with an add-a-line rate of $30 per line. These plans come with features associated with the primary line’s $40, $50, or $60 plan.
Choose Your Phone Plan: Metro by T-Mobile provides a range of unlimited plans, all featuring unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data, access to the T-Mobile 5G network, and T-Mobile Tuesdays perks. Prices start at $40 per month, with additional benefits such as hotspot data and Google One memberships included in higher-tier plans.
Best Metro Family Plan Options:
- UNLIMITED $60/mo. with AutoPay:
- Includes 25GB of hotspot data and unlimited texting to 210+ countries.
- Offers a 100GB Google One membership and a one-year VIX Premium subscription at no extra cost.
- UNLIMITED $50/mo. with AutoPay:
- Comes with 8GB of hotspot data and a 100GB Google One membership.
- Includes a one-year VIX Premium subscription as a bonus.
- UNLIMITED $40/mo. Promotion:
- Offers a one-year subscription to VIX Premium at a discounted rate.
- Unlimited 5G: 4 lines for $100/mo. plus 4 FREE Samsung Galaxy 5G smartphones:
- Includes unlimited 5G data and a one-year subscription to VIX Premium.
- Features Samsung Galaxy 5G smartphones for all four lines.
Benefits of Metro Family Plans:
- Save money with Multi-Line Discounts and shareable features.
- Each line enjoys separate data usage, preventing one person from consuming all the data.
- Savings are available for up to five lines, making it ideal for families and groups.
Why Choose Metro:
- Strong nationwide network coverage powered by T-Mobile.
- No annual contracts, credit checks, or overage charges.
- Compatibility with unlocked phones.
- Monthly plan prices include taxes for transparent billing.
- Easy activation process with no activation fees for online purchases.
Switching to Metro Multi-Line Plan:
- Choose a plan and shop for phones online or in-store.
- Bring your existing phone numbers and IDs for in-store activation.
- Enjoy instant rebates and zero activation fees for online purchases.
Metro by T-Mobile offers a variety of affordable plans and phone deals suitable for families of all sizes. With reliable network coverage and enticing perks, Metro ensures a seamless and cost-effective wireless experience for everyone.
Verizon Wireless Unlimited Plans
Verizon Wireless Family Plans Overview: Verizon Wireless offers a range of Unlimited data plans tailored for families, ensuring simplicity and ease of use. With diverse options and customizable features, Verizon’s family plans cater to varying needs and preferences. Whether you’re switching from a single-line plan or adding new members to your existing account, Verizon makes the process straightforward and convenient.
Adding Lines to Your Family Plan: Adding a line to your family mobile plan is quick and hassle-free with Verizon’s myPlan offer. Simply sign in to your account or use the My Verizon app to explore available plans and select the one that best suits your family’s requirements. Whether you need a new device or have an eligible one, Verizon offers seamless options to accommodate your preferences.
Customizing Plans for Individual Family Members: Verizon’s myPlan Unlimited family mobile plans are highly adaptable, allowing you to customize features and perks for each family member. With a focus on flexibility, these plans enable you to tailor your subscription to match the unique needs and preferences of your loved ones. Compare Verizon’s Unlimited options to determine the best fit for your family and make adjustments as needed.
Managing Your Family Plan: Transferring lines or making changes to your family plan is simple with Verizon. Whether you’re transferring a line to a separate billing account or utilizing a prepaid family plan, Verizon provides user-friendly options to manage your account effortlessly. With up to 10 lines available on a prepaid family account, each member enjoys individual data allowances without sharing between lines.
Exploring Your Options: As family dynamics evolve, Verizon offers new Unlimited plans to accommodate changing needs. Explore Verizon’s range of plans and device options to ensure your family stays connected with the network performance you need. Additionally, Verizon makes it easy to trade in devices when you’re ready for an upgrade, ensuring you always have access to the latest technology.
Benefits of Verizon Family Plans: Verizon’s family plans offer simplicity, customization, and individualized data allowances, making it easy for families to manage their accounts. With seamless line additions, convenient management tools, and flexible payment options, Verizon ensures a hassle-free experience for families.
Why Choose Verizon: Verizon stands out for its nationwide coverage, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. With industry-leading customer service, flexible plans, and exclusive benefits, Verizon provides a superior wireless experience for individuals and families alike.
Switching to Verizon Multi-Line Plan: Switching to a Verizon multi-line plan is straightforward. Explore plan options, sign up online or in-store, add lines as needed, transfer existing lines, and enjoy exclusive benefits. With Verizon, upgrading to a multi-line plan is quick, easy, and rewarding.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile Family Plans Overview: Boost Mobile offers flexible family plans suitable for up to five members, with an add-a-line rate of $30 per line. These plans come with features associated with the primary line’s $60 Unlimited Plan, including unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as a 30 GB mobile hotspot. With nationwide coverage, no annual contracts, and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Boost Mobile ensures families stay connected affordably and reliably.
Benefits of Boost Family Plans: Boost Mobile’s family plans provide exceptional value, allowing customers to add up to four additional lines to their account. With discounted pricing on additional lines, families can enjoy significant savings per line compared to individual plans. Plus, Boost Mobile’s multi-line plans include unlimited talk, text, and generous data allowances, ensuring everyone stays connected without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Boost: Boost Mobile offers reliable nationwide coverage, affordable rates, and no annual contracts, making it an appealing choice for families. With participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), customers can benefit from discounts on monthly plans. Additionally, Boost Mobile frequently offers enticing deals on free phones, providing further value to its customers.
Switching to Boost Multi-Line Plan: New Boost Mobile customers can easily add up to four additional lines to their account on any available rate plan. Activation can be done online, through the BoostOne app, or by visiting a Boost Mobile store. With discounted pricing on additional lines, families can enjoy lower costs per line and the convenience of managing multiple lines under one account.
T-Mobile Magenta
Overview: T-Mobile’s Magenta family plans offer unlimited data, international perks, and in-flight texting. Starting at $140 for three lines, they feature unlimited 5G/4G LTE data, 100GB premium data, and a 5GB mobile hotspot. T-Mobile Tuesdays provide exclusive rewards, and there are frequent deals on devices like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and Motorola Razr+.
Reasons to Buy:
- Unlimited 5G/4G LTE data with 100GB premium data.
- Access to Netflix on one screen and in-flight texting.
- Frequent deals on phones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G.
- No additional taxes and fees for transparent billing.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Prices may be relatively high compared to other carriers.
Why Choose T-Mobile:
- Unmatched perks like Netflix subscriptions and international data.
- Transparent billing with no additional taxes and fees.
- Reliable nationwide coverage with unlimited data.
- Access to exclusive deals and discounts on devices.
Switching to T-Mobile Family Plan:
- Choose from various plans like Magenta or Magenta Max.
- Shop for phones online or in-store.
- Enjoy instant rebates and transparent billing.
- Benefit from exclusive perks like Netflix subscriptions and international data options.
Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones Comparison
So, let’s compare our top five best family phone plans with free phones based on the following main features:
- Contract: Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Metro have no annual service contract, while Cricket will require you to pay a 3-year contract.
- Data: All providers offer unlimited data, while Boost Mobile’s data plans vary.
- Plan price:
- Cricket Wireless:
- 5GB plan: $30 a month per line, $60 for 2 lines, $90 for 3 lines, $120 for 4 lines, and $150 for 5 lines.
- 10GB plan: $40 a month per line, $70 for 2 lines, $90 for 3 lines, $110 for 4 lines, and $130 for 5 lines.
- Unlimited plan: $55 a month per line, $80 for 2 lines, $90 for 3 lines, $100 for 4 lines, and $125 for 5 lines.
- Unlimited + 15GB mobile hotspot plan (with Cloud storage and Max with ads): $60 a month per line, $90 for 2 lines, $110 for 3 lines, $130 for 4 lines, and 160 for 5 lines.
- Metro by T-Mobile:
- Unlimited $40/line: $80 for 2 lines, $90 for 3 lines, $100 for 4 lines, and $125 for 5 lines.
- Unlimited $50/line: $80 for 2 lines, $110 for 3 lines, $140 for 4 lines, and $170 for 5 lines.
- Unlimited $60/line: $90 for 2 lines, $120 for 3 lines, $150 for 4 lines, and $180 for 5 lines.
- Verizon:
- Unlimited Welcome (with Walmart + membership): $35 per line per month for 4 lines with AutoPay.
- Unlimited Plus (with Disney bundle): $40 per line per month for 4 lines with AutoPay.
- Unlimited Ultimate (with Apple One): $50 per line per month for 4 lines with AutoPay.
- Boost Mobile:
- See Boost Mobile’s plans and prices at boostmobile.com/shop/buy.
- T-Mobile:
- Essentials: $90 a month for 3 lines and get a 3rd line for free.
- Go5G Plus: $150 a month for 3 lines and get a 3rd line for free.
- Go5G Next: $180 a month for 3 lines and get a discounted 3rd line.
- See other T-Mobile plans at t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans.
- Cricket Wireless:
- Phones: See the list of currently available free phones above or a potentially already updated version at the following links:
- Cricket Wireless: cricketwireless.com/current-phone-and-plan-deals
- Metro by T-Mobile: metrobyt-mobile.com/deals?INTNAV=tNav%3ADeals%3ASeealldeals
- Verizon: verizon.com/shop/online/free-cell-phones
- Boost Mobile: boostmobile.com/phones and boostmobile.com/stores/offers
- T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/switch/free-cell-phone-with-plan
Other Providers That Offer Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones
In addition to the companies listed above, the following may also sometimes offer valuable family plans and free phones:
- Mint Mobile
- AT&T
- Xfinity Mobile
- US Mobile
- Simple Mobile
How to Select the Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones?
Selecting the best family phone plan with free phones involves considering factors like the number of lines needed, budget, data requirements, and network coverage. Here’s a concise guide:
- Determine your needs: Assess how many lines you need and the data requirements for each family member.
- Set a budget: Establish a budget that suits your financial constraints. Family plans often offer cost savings compared to individual plans.
- Compare plans: Research different carriers and their family plan offerings. Look for promotions that include free phones.
- Consider coverage: Ensure the carrier provides reliable coverage in your area and the areas you frequent.
- Check data limits: Pay attention to data limits and any restrictions on data speeds.
- Examine extras: Look for additional perks like international calling, mobile hotspot data, or streaming services.
- Read reviews: Seek feedback from other users to understand the carrier’s performance and customer service.
- Check phone compatibility: If you have existing phones, confirm they are compatible with the chosen carrier.
- Visit carrier stores: If possible, visit carrier stores to discuss options with their representatives.
- Review terms: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the plan, including contract length and any early termination fees.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and select the best family phone plan that suits your needs and budget, complete with free phones.
Best Family Phone Plans With Free Phones Through Government Assistance
Certain wireless phone companies also participate in a government assistance program (either Lifeline or ACP/Affordable Connectivity Program). Such companies offer additional discounts on both plans and free phones. Moreover, many Lifeline/ACP companies offer smartphones and plans completely free of charge. Unfortunately, though, both Lifeline and ACP are only available for one person per eligible household. As such, you can only get one free phone and one free or discounted line per household. Other lines must be purchased elsewhere at full price. Still, as receiving a phone and plan completely free of charge is a great offer that shouldn’t be overlooked, here is how you can receive the Lifeline or ACP benefit.
Note that the ACP program ceased accepting fresh applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024, and is set to terminate in May 2024 due to insufficient funding. Those households already enrolled by the time of the suspension will maintain their enrollment until April 2024 without mandatory de-enrollment. However, households subject to de-enrollment won’t have the opportunity to reapply or re-enroll during this period of enrollment suspension.
- You must see whether or not you qualify.
- To qualify for Lifeline, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or you must participate in another qualifying government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension, or a Tribal program.
- To qualify for ACP, your annual household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or you must participate in another qualifying government assistance program, such as Lifeline, any of the Lifeline programs listed above, WIC, Free School Lunch/Breakfast Program, or Federal Pell Grant.
- Additionally, both programs require you to be at least 18 years old or emancipated and you can only apply through a provider that operates in your area.
- You must provide documents as proof. To successfully apply for either Lifeline or ACP, you must prove the following with copies of these documents:
- Your identity and age: with your ID, passport, birth certificate, etc.
- Your address: with your ID, driver’s license, utility bill, etc.
- Your income: with paycheck stubs, tax returns, etc.
- Your program participation: with an approval letter, statement of benefits, etc.
- You must apply for Lifeline and/or ACP.
- To apply for Lifeline through the National Verifier, follow the instructions at lifelinesupport.org/get-started.
- To apply for ACP through the National Verifier, follow the instructions at affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply. As mentioned above, the ACP program currently accepts no new applications.
- You may also be able to apply directly through the provider. In this case, find a suitable provider among the companies listed above or at cnm.universalservice.org. Then, visit its website, locate its application form, and complete it by providing all the required information and documentation. Submit the application and if approved, you will be notified and you will soon receive a free phone and plan.