Comprehensive Guide to the Best Family Mobile Plans in 2018
This comprehensive guide explores the top family mobile plans of 2018, detailing features, prices, and benefits from leading carriers like T-Mobile, Sprint, Cricket, Verizon, and more. It helps families choose affordable, reliable, and feature-rich plans suited to their specific needs, highlighting unlimited data, international options, and device upgrade programs. Whether on a budget or seeking premium perks, families can find the perfect plan to stay connected, save money, and enjoy seamless communication across the country and abroad. Essential reading for any household planning their mobile services.
Comprehensive Guide to the Best Family Mobile Plans in 2018
Choosing the right mobile plan for your family can significantly impact your monthly expenses and connectivity experience. In 2018, numerous carriers offered compelling family-oriented mobile plans designed to cater to the diverse needs of households, whether it’s unlimited data, international coverage, or budget-friendly options. This in-depth review explores the top family mobile plans available in 2018, examining their features, pricing, and unique benefits, helping families make informed decisions to stay connected while saving costs.
Family mobile plans are tailored for groups, often including relatives, friends, or multiple users seeking shared data pools, voice calls, and messaging services. The growth of mobile technology and increased competition among service providers led to a broad spectrum of options, with each carrier striving to provide attractive deals, additional perks, and flexible plans. Whether you’re a large family or a small household, there's a plan designed to fit your usage patterns and budget.
Here, we will review some of the most popular family mobile plans of 2018, highlighting what makes each one unique, along with pricing details and special benefits that can help you maximize your value from your mobile provider.
T-Mobile One
Regarded as one of the best options for family plans in 2018, T-Mobile One offers a comprehensive package that combines unlimited data, international benefits, and additional perks. The standard cost is around $140 per month for four lines, which translates to approximately $35 per line — a competitive rate for unlimited data and advanced features. For smaller families with three lines, the cost typically rises to about $47 per line. This plan includes unlimited HD streaming, access to the fastest 4G LTE network, and optional inclusion of a Netflix subscription at no extra charge, adding significant entertainment value.
Subscribers also benefit from free in-flight texting and international travel perks, making ita great choice for families with frequent travelers. T-Mobile One has streamlined billing with no hidden taxes or additional fees, offering peace of mind for budget-conscious families. Additionally, special discounts are available on Tuesdays through the One plan app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, providing savings opportunities exclusively for plan members.
Unlimited HD streaming and 4G LTE connectivity
International travel and in-flight texting included
No hidden fees or taxes
Optional Netflix subscription included
Exclusive Tuesday discounts via app
Sprint Unlimited Freedom
Another highly recommended family plan in 2018 was Sprint's Unlimited Freedom offering. This plan is designed for unlimited calling, texting, and data usage, ideal for families needing comprehensive connectivity. The first two lines cost approximately $60 and $40 per month respectively, with additional lines costing around $30 each. This structure makes it flexible for growing families or households with multiple users.
One of the key benefits of Sprint Unlimited Freedom is its generous hotspot data allotment of 10 GB per line, perfect for streaming or working remotely. The plan also includes free access to Hulu's commercial-free plan, giving families access to a vast selection of streaming content without extra charges. Sprint’s strategic partnerships with Apple and Samsung, known as iPhone Forever and Galaxy Forever, respectively, ensure that users can upgrade to the latest devices without additional costs, offering excellent value for device upgrades.
Furthermore, 1080p video streaming at no additional cost enhances entertainment experiences on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. This plan is especially attractive to tech-savvy families who prioritize entertainment and device flexibility.
Unlimited calls, texts, and data
10 GB hotspot data per line
Free Hulu commercial-free Plan
Device upgrade programs with iPhone Forever and Galaxy Forever
Supports 1080p HD streaming
Cricket Wireless Unlimited 2 Plan
For families on a budget, Cricket Wireless offers an appealing option with its Unlimited 2 Plan, priced at approximately $100 per month for unlimited data, talk, and text. This plan has no hidden fees or extra charges, making it simple and straightforward — ideal for those seeking reliable service at an affordable price. While internet speeds may not match those of higher-tier plans, they can be enhanced through add-on packs if necessary. This flexibility allows families to customize their internet experience depending on their needs.
Cricket Wireless's reputation for affordability and transparent billing makes it a popular choice among budget-conscious households. Its expansive nationwide coverage ensures connectivity wherever family members are, whether at home or traveling.
Unlimited calls, texts, and data at affordable rates
No hidden fees or charges
Speed can be increased via add-on packs
Reliable nationwide coverage
MetroPCS
MetroPCS, a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile, operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, requiring users to pay upfront for plans. This model provides predictable expenses and flexibility, making it attractive for families wanting to control their monthly budget. Two lines typically cost around $60, while four lines come to approximately $100, with all plans including unlimited data coverage. Since payments are made upfront, families avoid unexpected bill shocks and can plan their expenses more effectively.
Prepaid plans with predictable costs
Unlimited data for multiple lines
Flexible and no-contract options
Verizon Wireless Go Unlimited
As one of the largest and most established networks in the U.S., Verizon Wireless offers the Go Unlimited plan renowned for its extensive coverage and reliable service. Each line costs about $40 and includes support for 480p video streaming, suitable for most smartphone and tablet users. While the speed might be limited compared to premium plans, Verizon’s nationwide LTE network coverage compensates, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in remote areas. This plan is an excellent choice for families prioritizing network reliability and broad coverage across the country.
Extensive nationwide coverage
Reliable network performance
Support for 480p video streaming
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile provides a simple and affordable plan for families, offering a package for two users at approximately $60 per month. This includes calls, texts, 20 GB hotspot data, and no extra taxes or fees, making it easy to budget without surprises. Boost Mobile operates on the Sprint network, providing decent coverage and performance suitable for everyday communication and media streaming needs.
Affordable family plan with hotspot data
No extra taxes or hidden fees
Coverage on Sprint network
Ting
Ting offers highly customizable plans that allow families to allocate their spending according to individual usage. If some family members require more data or calling minute, users can tailor their plans accordingly, optimizing costs and features based on needs. Ting's flexible approach appeals to households with varying usage patterns, helping them maximize value and avoid paying for unused services.
Customizable plans for specific needs
Pay only for what you use
Great for households with diverse usage patterns
Project Fi
Sponsored by Google, Project Fi is a suitable plan for families who often travel internationally. It offers affordable international calls and data roaming options, making it ideal for globetrotters. Users benefit from transparent billing, no hidden fees, and flexible plans that adapt to international usage. Project Fi uses multiple networks and Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure excellent coverage, especially when traveling abroad.
In conclusion, selecting the best family plan in 2018 depends on individual needs, budget, and usage habits. From unlimited international travel to customizable plans, there are plenty of options available. Families should consider coverage, pricing, perks, and flexibility to choose the plan that best supports their connectivity needs while offering optimal value.
