At a Glance
- T-Mobile’s Essentials plan gives 50 GB of high-speed 5G data and a free third line.
- Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome delivers unlimited 5G (no Ultra-Wideband) with optional hotspot add-on.
- Both carriers let families add lines at lower per-line rates, but perks and speed limits differ.
Why it matters: Families can save money and choose the right mix of data, perks, and speed for their needs.
In 2025, T-Mobile and Verizon refreshed their family plans, offering different data limits, hotspot options, and price guarantees. Choosing the right plan means balancing cost, speed, and extras like streaming services.
T-Mobile Family Plans
T-Mobile’s Essentials plan is the most cost-effective for three or more lines, giving 50 GB of premium 5G data and a free third line, but it lacks the five-year price guarantee and higher-tier perks. The Essentials Saver offers the same data but limits accounts to three lines and is cheaper for one or two lines.
- 50 GB of high-speed 5G data (then 3G speeds)
- Unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds
- 2G speeds in Canada and Mexico
- Unlimited calls, texts, and data in Canada and Mexico
- No five-year price guarantee
Verizon Unlimited Welcome
Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome is a bare-bones plan that keeps all lines on the same plan but lets each line pick its own perks, like adding 100 GB of hotspot data for $10. It uses low-band 5G, so it cannot access Verizon’s fastest Ultra-Wideband speeds.
- Unlimited 5G (no Ultra-Wideband)
- Optional 100 GB hotspot add-on for $10
- 2 GB high-speed data in Canada and Mexico (then 3G)
- Unlimited calls and texts in Canada and Mexico
- Three-year price guarantee
Feature Comparison
| Plan | Cost per line (AutoPay) | 4 lines (AutoPay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price guarantee | Max lines | Streaming resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials | $60 | $105 | 50 GB | Unlimited (3G) | None | 6 | 480 p (SD) |
| T-Mobile Experience More | $85 | $170 | Unlimited | 60 GB | 5 years | 4 | 4K |
| Verizon Unlimited Welcome | $55 | $100 | Unlimited | None (100 GB add-on) | 3 years | 4 | 480 p (SD) |
Key Takeaways
- T-Mobile Essentials is best for families of three or more, offering free third line and 50 GB of high-speed data.
- Verizon Unlimited Welcome gives the lowest base price and lets each line add optional hotspot data for $10.
- Neither plan gives access to Verizon’s Ultra-Wideband 5G or T-Mobile’s higher-tier perks unless you upgrade.
In choosing a family plan, weigh the balance of data, speed, and perks to match your household’s usage patterns.
