Getting the right cell phone plan for your family can be tricky. With different needs, budgets, and preferences to consider, finding a plan that checks all the boxes isn‘t always easy. However, the good news is that there are great options out there – you just need to know what to look for.
In this guide, we‘ll share our top picks for the best cell phone plans for families with 3 lines. We evaluated plans on criteria like price, network coverage and reliability, features, flexibility, and more to determine the standouts.
Whether you need unlimited data, international calling, or just want to save money on your monthly bill, we’re confident you’ll find a plan perfect for your family here.
Best Cell Phone Plans for 3 Lines
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is our top overall pick for families looking for an affordable and reliable cell phone plan. With prices starting at just $15 per month per line, it‘s one of the most budget-friendly options out there.
You have the choice of 4GB, 10GB, or unlimited data on Mint‘s plans, all of which run on T-Mobile‘s strong nationwide 5G network. Unlimited talk and text are included too. Bring your own phone or buy a new device.
We like Mint for families because of the flexibility it provides. You aren‘t tied to any long term contracts and can change plans from month-to-month if needed. Features like mobile hotspot, international calling, and more can be added on for reasonable rates too.
Key Details:
- Starts at $15/month per line
- Unlimited talk & text
- 4GB – Unlimited data options
- T-Mobile 5G network
- Hotspot available
- No contracts
Visible
If unlimited everything is what you need, Visible has a very compelling family plan. For just $25 per month per line when you sign up for 3 lines, you get uncapped data, talk, and text on Verizon‘s reliable 4G LTE and growing 5G networks.
Visible keeps things simple – there‘s only one plan, so no confusion over different data amounts or features. It also uses eSIM technology, allowing you to easily move your number over without physically swapping SIM cards.
While Visible limits mobile hotspot usage and doesn‘t offer much in the way of international calling, it‘s an unbeatable option if you need unlimited domestic service. Streaming is optimized too, so things like videos and music don‘t count against your data.
Key Details:
- $25/month per line with 3 lines
- Unlimited talk, text & data
- Verizon‘s 4G LTE & 5G networks
- eSIM technology
- Video/music streaming optimized
Republic Wireless
For families that don‘t need huge amounts of data each month, Republic Wireless has very wallet-friendly plan options starting as low as $15 per line. You can mix and match data amounts across your lines based on actual usage needs too.
Phone options through Republic Wireless run the latest iOS and Android devices, which is great for families with varying preferences. You can also take advantage of features like WiFi calling and texting to help conserve cell data usage.
While Republic uses T-Mobile‘s network for coverage, data speeds are capped at 1-3 Mbps, so it isn‘t ideal if you require faster throughput. But if light usage suits your family, the cost savings are tremendous. No contracts either.
Key Details:
- From $15/month per line
- Customizable data amounts
- iOS & Android device options
- WiFi calling & texting
- T-Mobile 4G LTE network
- No contracts
Tello
Similar to Republic Wireless above, Tello is another super flexible option perfect if you have light to mid-range data needs. With customizable data amounts per line, you can tailor plans based on actual usage.
Starting at just $10 per month for each line, you get unlimited nationwide talk & text coverage through Tello‘s partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint‘s networks. Bring your unlocked phone or buy a new device.
International calling options are robust on Tello too – great for families who make regular calls abroad. And with no contracts, you maintain freedom to switch carriers down the road if needed without early termination fees.
Key Details:
- From $10/month per line
- Customizable data amounts
- Unlimited nationwide talk & text
- International calling
- T-Mobile & Sprint networks
- No contracts
What‘s the Best Cell Phone Plan for 3 Lines?
So what cell phone plan comes out on top for families with 3 lines? While the "best" option depends on your specific needs, Mint Mobile is our top overall recommendation based on its combination of low pricing, reliable nationwide coverage, and plan flexibility.
However, heavier data users needing unlimited monthly data should consider Visible for its unthrottled Verizon LTE data. And if cell usage is lighter in your family, Republic Wireless or Tello allow you to save big through their customizable plans.
Below are some key questions to help you zero in on the right cell plan for your family‘s needs:
How much monthly data does each line need? Are light users around 1 – 4GB/month or heavy streamers needing unlimited? Customizable data line plans can save here.
Is unlimited data a must? If members stream lots of high definition video/music, unlimited data ensures no slowdowns or overages.
Will mobile hotspot access be necessary? Some plans include hotspot while others offer it as a $5 or so add-on. Know your needs.
What network has the best coverage for your area? Consult carrier coverage maps to confirm strength where you live, work, and travel.
Are international calling features important? Those with family/friends abroad should consider plans that offer discounted international rates.
Once you work through questions like these, one or two carrier plans will likely rise to the top as good matches. Weigh their pros and cons before signing up. And don‘t forget – there‘s no long term commitment with prepaid cell plans so you can always switch if needed!
Making the Switch to a New Family Cell Phone Plan
Switching your family‘s cell phone service to a new carrier is fairly straightforward these days. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
Do Some Research First: Before making any switches, read up on the new carrier‘s coverage quality and features. Consult user reviews and coverage maps.
Inform Your Current Carrier: Let your existing cell provider know you‘ll be porting out your numbers to avoid any account issues down the road.
Unlock Devices: For phones you‘ll bring to the new carrier, contact your current company to ensure unlocking so all features work properly after switching.
Transfer Phone Numbers: Your new cell provider will handle transferring existing numbers. This is part of the standard porting process.
Activate SIM Cards: Activate new SIM cards with your phone numbers so when the port completes, your device will connect to the new network.
Confirm Switch Completion: Test call, text, and data on the new carrier account once the port finishes, which typically takes anywhere from 5 minutes up to a few hours depending on your existing company.
By following this process, your family will maintain the same phone numbers while benefiting from features, pricing, and coverage improvements with your new cell plan. Just be patient as the port works through the system.
More Money Saving Tips for Families
Beyond finding the right phone plan, there are some other great ways families can save money on their wireless bills:
Use Connected Devices: For kids, wi-fi only tablets are much cheaper connectivity options than cell phones with recurring monthly plans.
Leverage Your Network: Take advantage of any employee or other group cell phone discounts you‘re eligible to receive. They can add up!
Avoid Unnecessary Services: Don‘t pay for features like roadside assistance or cloud storage if you won‘t use them. Stick to basics.
Minimize Extra Lines: If you have a teen driver for instance who may only need occasional access, consider a low-cost prepaid option instead of another monthly postpaid line.
Buy Refurbished: Consider gently used phones in great condition instead of brand new models to save big on device costs when possible.
Following strategies like these will help you keep more money in your pocket while keeping your family connected on a reliable cell phone plan.
Bottom Line
Finding the right family cell phone plan comes down to optimizing for data usage needs, coverage, pricing, and key features. Our top picks – Mint Mobile, Visible, Tello, and Republic Wireless – check those boxes beautifully.
Take some time to review plan options, coverage quality, and regular usage in your family. And don‘t overpay for unnecessary extras you won‘t use! Focus on the core talk, text, and data elements that suit your lifestyle and budget.
With a little research, we‘re confident you’ll discover a great cell phone plan fit at a reasonable monthly rate for your family. Saving money feels great and staying connected even better with the power of cell service on your side.
