Latest news with #prepaid
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Jiminy! Cricket has new a new unlimited plan that includes 2 free phones (certain conditions apply)
AT&T subsidiary Cricket Wireless is offering a new pre-paid plan for new customers called the $40 Simply Unlimited Plan. This plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $40 per month for one line. Two people can sign up for the plan and pay only $65 per month. Even better, if you and someone else sign up for two lines, both of you will receive a Samsung Galaxy A15 5G phones for the low price of $0 although you'll have to pay $25 per line for activation inside the store. You'll need to port your current number over to Cricket to subscribe to this plan. The $40 Simply Unlimited Plan offers AT&T 's Nationwide 5G which uses the low-band 850MHz frequency. This will result in download data speeds in the range of 50Mbps-150Mbps and upload speeds in the range of 10Mbps-30Mbps. Keep in mind that this plan doesn't support Hotspot usage, Mexico and Canada usage, and there is no option to sign up for international service. Also, this plan does not deliver the faster 5G speeds available from AT&T 's mid-band 5G+ service. If two consumers sign up for the Simply Unlimited Plan, they each get a Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. | Image credit-Cricket Wireless If you decide to sign up for the $40 Simply Unlimited Plan, during periods of heavy network traffic, AT&T could temporarily throttle your data speed. We should also point out that video on this plan streams at standard definition. This means you should expect a video resolution of 480p and a maximum speed of 1.5 to 2 Mbps. Shailendra Gujarati, chief marketing officer at Cricket Wireless, said, "We're making it easier for customers to save more money. Our approach is simple: no hidden fees or gimmicks — just straightforward, affordable plans that promise reliable connectivity." The $40 Simply Unlimited Plan is available at local Authorized Retail stores or online. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G that new customers will receive when two of them sign up for the $40 Simply Unlimited Plan comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2340 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by the 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6100 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. On the back is a 50MP primary camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The front-facing camera weighs in at 13MP. A 5000mAh battery keeps the lights on and Android 14 is pre-installed.
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
A subset of customers gives AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon renewed hope about growth
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon's unpopular pricing decisions are catching up to them. There are signs that many consumers are opting for alternatives such as cable companies and MVNOs. The Big Three are seeing growth in another area though. Light Reading reports that the US prepaid market has bounced back after a prolonged period of lull. AT&T , T-Mobile , and Verizon appear to be the biggest beneficiaries. Prepaid plans require you to pay for services in advance. Postpaid customers, on the other hand, pay for services at the end of a billing cycle. Prepaid plans give customers greater control over spending and unlike postpaid plans, they don't leave room for overspending. Generally, consumers who want to save money opt for prepaid plans, which is why they aren't considered as lucrative as postpaid US prepaid market returned to growth in the first quarter of the year for the first time since Q3 2022. Verizon gained 137,000 prepaid customers in Q1 and the company expects positive results in the second half of the year as well. Verizon can finally breathe a sigh of relief that it made the right call by purchasing prepaid provider TracFone in 2021. The acquisition earned the company a market share of 33 percent, making it the biggest player in prepaid. This was the first quarter when it saw robust growth. —Tony Skiadas, Verizon CFO, April 2025 AT&T and T-Mobile also witnessed prepaid growth, with the Big Three gaining a combined 47,000 prepaid customers in Q1 2025. This is a huge improvement over Q1 2024 when the three companies collectively lost 348,000 prepaid customers. —Hans Vestberg, Verizon CEO Overall, both postpaid and prepaid markets defied expectations in Q1. Analysts at New Street now expect the US wireless industry to gain 1.6 million new customers in analysts had previously forecasted a downturn in growth due to the new administration's immigration policies. However, those fears have so far not materialized. As for the revival of the prepaid market, MoffettNathanson analysts believe it comes down to two things. First, more new customers are opting for prepaid plans. Second, fewer people are switching from prepaid to postpaid and some are even migrating back. —MoffettNathanson analysts, May 2025 While data doesn't exist to back this theory up, T-Mobile did show a slowdown in the number of prepaid subscribers moving to postpaid plans, and this could very well be the case for AT&T and Verizon as can be linked to the current economic environment. People tend to go for postpaid when the economy is in good shape, while prepaid attracts more attention when the economic conditions are weak. Regardless, this is a bright spot for the Big Three, considering they have been experiencing a higher churn or cancellation rate as well as stalling growth. This is also yet another sign of the stranglehold of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon on the wireless market.
Android Authority
23-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Here's why I no longer recommend postpaid phone service in US
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Last summer, I wrote about how I feel that for many, prepaid is a better choice over postpaid, at least once you get past some of the biggest prepaid myths many average users still believe are true in the US. To be fair, at the time, I did admit there were still several reasons to consider signing up for postpaid over prepaid, including better options for device protection, payment plans, and more. A year later, I've changed my mind, and I can no longer in good conscience recommend postpaid for new users. The main reason for my change in tune is that several big prepaid carriers have risen up and shrunk the gap between prepaid and postpaid. Meanwhile, the big postpaid carriers have made a few pretty big changes over the last year or so that have further diminished their value. Is postpaid service still worth it over prepaid? 0 votes Yes, I still prefer postpaid NaN % No, but the convenience keeps me here NaN % No, I'm ready to switch NaN % I'm already on prepaid! NaN % Continued fees, price increases, and shaky promises Over the last several years, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have increased prices across the board. They've raised costs on legacy plans, inflated recovery fees, and in some cases, even reduced the autopay discounts. While some of these changes date back to around 2016–2018, the trend has only accelerated in the past year. And these aren't the only negative shifts: Verizon and AT&T have scaled back their streaming perks, though Verizon still offers some discounted partner bundles. All three have made cuts to customer support. T-Mobile has been especially aggressive — requiring customers to use their own devices in-store to manage plans, buy phones, and more. T-Mobile Tuesdays has lost much of its charm, and their price guarantee is now little more than a marketing ploy. AT&T and Verizon have moved to three-year financing terms to lock customers in longer. T-Mobile remains on two-year terms, for now. Postpaid has been slowly declining in overall value for about a decade. Meanwhile, prepaid has gone in the opposite direction. Prepaid has nearly closed the gap in many ways In the early days, the US prepaid market mostly served teens and those with poor credit or limited financial means. Over the last ten years — and especially since the pandemic — prepaid has grown up. Today, we're seeing prepaid services that can match or even exceed postpaid offerings in some areas. And while not all prepaid plans are created equal, several premium options now provide flagship devices, unlimited data, in-store support, insurance, and more. Let's take a look at the best prepaid carriers that give the big three postpaid providers a serious run for their money. Keep in mind, the focus here is on unlimited plans. Google Fi Wireless Joe Maring / Android Authority Once a standout for its flexible pricing and travel perks, Google Fi stalled for a bit, but its latest refresh puts it back on top for those who want a near-postpaid experience on T-Mobile's network. Pricing : $35-$65 per month, or as low as $23-$40 per line for four or more. : $35-$65 per month, or as low as $23-$40 per line for four or more. Data priority : Same priority as T-Mobile Experience plans. : Same priority as T-Mobile Experience plans. Unlimited cap : 30-100GB of high-speed data, 256Kbps after. : 30-100GB of high-speed data, 256Kbps after. Physical support stores : None. : None. Phone selection and promos : No iPhones, but excellent deals on flagship and mid-range Pixel and Galaxy devices that are hard to beat. : No iPhones, but excellent deals on flagship and mid-range Pixel and Galaxy devices that are hard to beat. Customer service : Marginally slower or less responsive customer service compared to postpaid. : Marginally slower or less responsive customer service compared to postpaid. Device payment plans and insurance : Google Fi Wireless has no insurance options, but there are payment plans. : Google Fi Wireless has no insurance options, but there are payment plans. How it stands out: Google Fi is best known for its outstanding international data plans, which at the highest-end outperform all postpaid alternatives while costing less. Metro by T-Mobile Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Metro offers a similar experience to its parent company, with perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays and a price lock, but at lower network priority and with more of a budget slant. Pricing : $40-$60 per month, or as low as $25-$35 per line for four. : $40-$60 per month, or as low as $25-$35 per line for four. Data priority : Lower priority data than all postpaid T-Mobile plans. : Lower priority data than all postpaid T-Mobile plans. Unlimited cap : 35GB full speed, then unlimited deprioritized data : 35GB full speed, then unlimited deprioritized data Physical support stores : Over 6,000 locations. : Over 6,000 locations. Phone selection and promos : Free or cheap phone promos on popular budget or older flagship devices. : Free or cheap phone promos on popular budget or older flagship devices. Customer service : Should be similar to T-Mobile and other postpaid providers. : Should be similar to T-Mobile and other postpaid providers. Device payment plans and insurance : Metro offers both payment plans and insurance options. : Metro offers both payment plans and insurance options. How it stands out: Metro is basically the closest thing to T-Mobile's postpaid service in terms of user experience, despite lower network prioritization. Cricket (AT&T) Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Cricket is more than just a budget brand — it arguably beats AT&T in perks, thanks to free Max streaming on premium plans. It also had decent upgrade plans, in-store support, and more. Pricing : $55-$60 per month, or as low as $25-$32 per line for five. : $55-$60 per month, or as low as $25-$32 per line for five. Data priority : The Highest unlimited plan offers the same priority as mid-range or higher AT&T postpaid plans, while the cheaper plan has lower priority, like AT&T's entry-level plans. : The Highest unlimited plan offers the same priority as mid-range or higher AT&T postpaid plans, while the cheaper plan has lower priority, like AT&T's entry-level plans. Unlimited cap : Truly unlimited, though it may see lower priority in times of congestion. : Truly unlimited, though it may see lower priority in times of congestion. Physical support stores : Over 4,000 locations. : Over 4,000 locations. Phone selection and promos : Free phone upgrades are typically mid-range or lower, but there are some higher-end promos where you'll pay notably less than standard retail, such as the Moto Razr 2024 for just $99. : Free phone upgrades are typically mid-range or lower, but there are some higher-end promos where you'll pay notably less than standard retail, such as the Moto Razr 2024 for just $99. Customer service : Very similar to AT&T and other postpaid providers. : Very similar to AT&T and other postpaid providers. Device payment plans and insurance : Cricket offers both payment plans and insurance options. : Cricket offers both payment plans and insurance options. How it stands out: You'll get a similar experience to AT&T for less, while also getting extras you wouldn't find on AT&T postpaid, like Max streaming on the high-end plan. Total Wireless (Verizon) Total has evolved into Verizon's answer to Cricket and Metro, offering solid family pricing and optional perks, but with less storefront presence. Pricing : $40-$60 per month, or as low as $23-$27 per line for five. : $40-$60 per month, or as low as $23-$27 per line for five. Data priority : base plan has Verizon's lowest priority data, while Total plans have unlimited higher priority data that matches mid-range or higher Verizon postpaid plans. : base plan has Verizon's lowest priority data, while Total plans have unlimited higher priority data that matches mid-range or higher Verizon postpaid plans. Unlimited cap : Truly unlimited, though it may see lower priority in times of congestion. : Truly unlimited, though it may see lower priority in times of congestion. Physical support stores : Over 800 locations. : Over 800 locations. Phone selection and promos : Free or cheap phone promos on popular budget or older flagship devices. : Free or cheap phone promos on popular budget or older flagship devices. Customer service : Considered a bit lower than Verizon proper, though it's probably the closest thing to Verizon postpaid. : Considered a bit lower than Verizon proper, though it's probably the closest thing to Verizon postpaid. Device payment plans and insurance : Total doesn't offer payment plans, but it does have optional insurance. : Total doesn't offer payment plans, but it does have optional insurance. How it stands out: Total is best for families as the discounts are substantial. It also offers Disney Plus Premium with select plans, so that's a nice extra too. Visible (Verizon) Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Visible trades frills for simplicity. It's online-only, no stores, but it gives you a surprisingly premium network experience at a low price. Pricing : $25-$45 per month. : $25-$45 per month. Data priority : base plan has Verizon's lowest priority data, while the rest have Verizon's highest priority. : base plan has Verizon's lowest priority data, while the rest have Verizon's highest priority. Unlimited cap : Truly unlimited. : Truly unlimited. Physical support stores : None. : None. Phone selection and promos : Free and discounted pricing on many mid-range plans. : Free and discounted pricing on many mid-range plans. Customer service : Visible only offers online-based customer service. : Visible only offers online-based customer service. Device payment plans and insurance : Visible offers both device financing and insurance options. : Visible offers both device financing and insurance options. How it stands out: Google Fi is best known for its outstanding international data plans, which at the highest-end outperform all postpaid alternatives while costing less. Prepaid has a lot to offer, including big savings In 2025, the differences between prepaid and postpaid aren't as large as you might think. Premium prepaid carriers now offer device financing, insurance, in-store support, unlimited data, streaming perks, and more. Even phone deals aren't exclusive to postpaid anymore. Google Fi often gives away phones like the Pixel 9a via 24 monthly credits. Total Wireless has also offered high-end devices like the Motorola Razr for free with only a three-month commitment. What are you really missing when you switch to prepaid in 2025? Ryan Haines / Android Authority As much as prepaid has improved, there are still trade-offs. Especially on the lower end, prepaid plans can't match everything postpaid offers. Here's where postpaid still has the edge: Device financing is often simpler . You'll typically find a wider range of devices, there's no use of a third-party like Affirm. You'll also find more trade-in offers in the postpaid world, though there are a few prepaid exceptions. . You'll typically find a wider range of devices, there's no use of a third-party like Affirm. You'll also find more trade-in offers in the postpaid world, though there are a few prepaid exceptions. Promo and credits are going to be better . Not only are there more trade-in options, but you'll find more free phone offers and other special promos on postpaid. . Not only are there more trade-in options, but you'll find more free phone offers and other special promos on postpaid. No Upgrade Early or similar features . While some high-end postpaid plans let you upgrade your phone early by trading it in for a new one, you won't find any programs that quite match this in the prepaid world. . While some high-end postpaid plans let you upgrade your phone early by trading it in for a new one, you won't find any programs that quite match this in the prepaid world. Network speed is better on postpaid, typically . There are now prepaid carriers that offer the same high priority level as postpaid, but the truth is that there are other network management factors beyond just QCI at play. Even these higher-priority prepaid plans will be slightly lower than mid-range or higher postpaid plans. . There are now prepaid carriers that offer the same high priority level as postpaid, but the truth is that there are other network management factors beyond just QCI at play. Even these higher-priority prepaid plans will be slightly lower than mid-range or higher postpaid plans. Domestic roaming is often better on postpaid . Although there are international options that rival or exceed postpaid, you'll often find that postpaid has better roaming agreements within the US. This isn't always true, though. . Although there are international options that rival or exceed postpaid, you'll often find that postpaid has better roaming agreements within the US. This isn't always true, though. Customer service is allegedly better. Let's be honest, in-store customer service and even online and phone-based options have gone downhill across the board. While postpaid might still have the edge here, it's a marginal one at best. There are likely a few other things, but those are the biggest advantages. The thing, though, is that there are workarounds for almost all these things: Financing may require using a third-party service like Affirm, and insurance might not be bundled, but they're still available. While promos are less frequent, you can still score great deals with the right timing or carrier. Early upgrades aren't built in, but prepaid savings often free up cash, and you can also resell and upgrade your phone manually. There's not as much you can do about the rest, but also keep in mind the gap here isn't that big either. Sure, Visible Plus or US Mobile might see slightly lower speeds and performance than mid-range or higher postpaid, even if they have the same higher priority data, but honestly, the difference is small enough you wouldn't notice it outside a speed test. Domestic roaming might not be as good, but you should do your homework as you'll likely find a prepaid carrier that covers you in most of the same locations, even if not quite as well. Some carriers like Google Fi do have limited roaming agreements with Verizon and others in select areas, even if these aren't well-advertised. There are also smaller roaming partners that can help with some of the rural gaps, too. Ultimately, postpaid is more convenient by a wide margin, while prepaid requires you to get a little creative or go through a few more steps to reap the rewards of major savings. Postpaid vs prepaid: Which should you choose? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority If you care about convenience enough to pay through the nose for it, postpaid is still the better choice. You're not going to find a 1:1 match in the prepaid world. Still, for most people, prepaid is more than 'good enough' —it's the smarter choice. The experience has improved so much that switching now feels like a logical step for most users outside of niche use cases, such as corporate accounts. Of course, legacy customers are an important exception. If you grandfathered into a decent postpaid plan and are still happy with it despite recent legacy plan price increases, there's no real reason to consider switching to prepaid. You'll likely still save money, but the gap between the service provided will be larger with many of these older plans.
Android Authority
19-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
I now recommend this carrier over T-Mobile for most users
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority For a long time, I have recommended T-Mobile as the go-to carrier if you want a postpaid plan without sky-high prices or the usual corporate nonsense. Unfortunately, over the last few years, it's become harder to stand by that advice. In terms of pricing and policies, T-Mobile no longer clearly stands apart from Verizon or even AT&T. With the introduction of its new Experience plans and the move away from tax and fee transparency, the writing's on the wall. The Uncarrier is officially just another big carrier. At this point, your choice mainly comes down to which network offers the best coverage in your area — Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. You'll get mostly the same games and questionable sales tactics regardless of where you sign up. Google Fi or T-Mobile: Which would you pick in 2025? 0 votes Google Fi NaN % T-Mobile NaN % I prefer Verizon or ATT NaN % I prefer another prepaid carrier (Tell us more in comments) NaN % Want T-Mobile on the cheap? There is a better way If you still like T-Mobile's network but hate the rising costs, there are more affordable alternatives. Plenty of prepaid carriers run on T-Mobile's infrastructure, and while many offer decent perks, nearly all of them come with a big compromise: lower data priority. That means during times of heavy traffic, these users get pushed to the back of the line. In areas with strong T-Mobile capacity, you might not notice. But in congested regions, these plans can become painfully slow during peak hours. If you're looking for a plan that gets you as close as possible to the postpaid experience without the postpaid price, there's really only one solid alternative: Google Fi Wireless. Why I recommend Google Fi Wireless over T-Mobile Joe Maring / Android Authority Google Fi Wireless has always been a solid alternative for those who want access to T-Mobile's network without all the postpaid baggage. But with the addition of its new Essentials plan and broader improvements across its lineup, Fi has become the best T-Mobile alternative — especially if you're aiming for that postpaid experience without the premium cost. Google Fi stands out for T-Mobile customers who are happy with their current coverage but are frustrated by rising prices and shifting policies. Let's take a closer look at how it compares across key areas. Lower pricing than T-Mobile postpaid across the board Pricing Essentials Saver Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $50 for one line $40 for two lines $33.33 for three lines Essentials Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $60 for one line $45 for two lines $30 for three lines $26.25 for four lines $24 for five lines $100/month for Essentials 4 Line Offer - better deal if you sign up for all four lines at once. Experience More Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $85 for one line $70 for two lines $42.50 for three lines $42.50 for four lines $40 for five lines Experience Beyond Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $100 for one line $85 for two lines $56.66 for three lines $53.75 for four lines $52 for five lines Google Fi Flexible Prices per line, plus taxes/fees (no data included): $20 for one line $18 for two lines $17 for three lines $16 for four to six lines - Data is priced at $10 per gig Google Fi Essentials Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $35 for one line $30 for two lines $27 for three lines $23 for four to six lines Google Fi Unlimited Standard Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $50 for one line $40 for two lines $30 for three lines $25 for four to six lines Google Fi Unlimited Premium Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $65 for one line $55 for two lines $45 for three lines $40 for four to six lines T-Mobile's postpaid plans range from $50 to $85 per line, or $25 to $53.75 per line for four users. In contrast, Google Fi's plans start as low as $20 for one line (on the Flexible plan) or $16 per line for four or more. That plan excludes data, so for a more direct comparison, let's look at the unlimited lineup. Google Fi's unlimited plans range from $35 to $65 for a single line, or $23 to $40 per line for four or more. In nearly every case, Google Fi is the cheaper option; In some situations, it even offers better data priority. High-priority data for less To understand data priority, we need to talk about QCI, or Quality of Service Identifiers. Carriers use these to manage congestion. The lower the QCI number, the higher your data priority. Here's how T-Mobile allocates QCI tiers: QCI 6: Used by T-Mobile's mid-tier and premium postpaid plans QCI 7: T-Mobile Essentials (for the first 50GB) QCI 8: Usually for hotspot data QCI 9: Used after the Essentials threshold and by most prepaid and partner brands (e.g., Mint, Metro, US Mobile) Most T-Mobile MVNOs sit at QCI 9, but Google Fi is the exception. You'll get QCI 6 priority on Fi — the same level as T-Mobile's top-tier plans — while still paying less than you would on Essentials (which only gets QCI 7 up to 50GB). T-Mobile only offers its fastest priority to its own direct customers, but Google Fi is the exception! There is one trade-off: Google Fi only gives you 30GB to 100GB of high-priority QCI 6 access (depending on the plan), after which speeds are heavily throttled. Meanwhile, T-Mobile Essentials users get 50GB of slightly slower QCI 7 data, followed by unlimited QCI 9 data, which, while lower priority, remains usable in most non-congested areas. If you're constantly using cellular data, T-Mobile Essentials might be better. But for those who primarily rely on Wi-Fi and want high-speed performance when it matters, Google Fi's limits shouldn't be a dealbreaker. International features T-Mobile offers solid international perks, especially at the higher end. Here's what each of its main plans includes: T-Mobile Essentials and Essentials Saver : Unlimited talk, text, and data at up to 128Kbps in Canada & Mexico, as well as unlimited texting in 215 plus countries and destinations. You'll also get unlimited international texting from within the US. : Unlimited talk, text, and data at up to 128Kbps in Canada & Mexico, as well as unlimited texting in 215 plus countries and destinations. You'll also get unlimited international texting from within the US. T-Mobile Experience More: Everything above plus 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico (unlimited 256kbps after), as well as 5GB of high-speed data (unlimited 256Kbps) in 215 plus countries and destinations. Free in-flight connections and T-Mobile Travel perks as well. Everything above plus 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico (unlimited 256kbps after), as well as 5GB of high-speed data (unlimited 256Kbps) in 215 plus countries and destinations. Free in-flight connections and T-Mobile Travel perks as well. T-Mobile Experience Beyond: Everything above plus an upgrade to 30GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, and 15GB in over 200 additional countries. These features are decent, but Google Fi's Unlimited Standard and Premium plans often outshine them: Google Fi Unlimited Standard : Data in Mexico and Canada, and free texts from the US to over 200 destinations. : Data in Mexico and Canada, and free texts from the US to over 200 destinations. Google Fi Unlimited Premium: Everything above, as well as 50GB of high-speed data in over 200 destinations (with unlimited 256Kbps after). Be aware that the Essentials plan on Google Fi doesn't include any international data at all. So, if you're comparing Google Fi Essentials to T-Mobile Essentials Saver, T-Mobile technically has the edge at the entry level. However, once you step up to Fi Standard, the balance tips. It matches or exceeds what you get from T-Mobile Essentials and starts at the same price. And at the top end, Fi Premium offers far more international data than even T-Mobile's best plans — all while still costing less. Carrier promotions and deals Ryan Haines / Android Authority There's a persistent myth that prepaid plans don't offer deals on devices, financing, or 'free' phones. That might be true for some MVNOs — but not for Google Fi. Current Google Fi promotions include: Pixel 9a free with 24 monthly bill credits $800 off Pixel 9 Pro with 24 monthly bill credits $600 off Galaxy S25+ with 24 monthly bill credits The catch? No iPhones. You'll need to bring your own if you're an Apple user, since Fi doesn't sell them directly. To be fair, T-Mobile's phone deals are more extensive, including promos for Apple, Samsung, and other major brands — especially for trade-ins and upgrades. But many of these 'free phones' end up costing more over time once you factor in the higher monthly rates. In contrast, Google Fi's lower base pricing makes its phone deals genuinely competitive. Are there any advantages to postpaid? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Despite all the benefits of Fi, I'll admit there are still some things that T-Mobile does better, or at least more conveniently. Here are just a few of the bigger ones: In-store support : T-Mobile has retail stores where you can get help in person. Google Fi is fully online or phone-based. : T-Mobile has retail stores where you can get help in person. Google Fi is fully online or phone-based. Streaming perks : T-Mobile offers Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, and Hulu (with ads) on select plans. Google Fi offers only a YouTube Premium trial and Google One access. : T-Mobile offers Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, and Hulu (with ads) on select plans. Google Fi offers only a YouTube Premium trial and Google One access. iPhone support : T-Mobile sells, promotes, and finances iPhones directly. Fi requires BYOD for Apple users. : T-Mobile sells, promotes, and finances iPhones directly. Fi requires BYOD for Apple users. Wider free phone promotions: It's not just Apple devices; you'll find T-Mobile has more free promotions in general. It's not just Apple devices; you'll find T-Mobile has more free promotions in general. Unlimited data: Fi plans slow drastically after 30–100GB, to the point you won't even be able to check emails very well via data. T-Mobile plans include unlimited data, even on the lower priority T-Mobile Essentials tier. It is also slowed in times of congestion, but should still typically be usable, unlike Google Fi. There are also a few shared traits that might not be immediately obvious that are worth mentioning: Taxes and fees . Neither carrier includes taxes and fees by default on newer plans. . Neither carrier includes taxes and fees by default on newer plans. Customer service is arguably on the decline . Both have received increasing criticism. T-Mobile is pushing more users toward its T Life app, while some Google Fi customers report long wait times and inconsistent support quality. . Both have received increasing criticism. T-Mobile is pushing more users toward its T Life app, while some Google Fi customers report long wait times and inconsistent support quality. You'll largely get the same network. Both run primarily on the T-Mobile network. However, Google Fi doesn't offer quite as extensive of domestic roaming options as T-Mobile, though this won't matter to users if you stick to areas where T-Mobile's network is strong. Are there any other T-Mobile alternatives worth considering? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority While I stand by the idea that Google Fi is the best T-Mobile alternative for those who want a near-postpaid experience, there are other strong options out there — especially if you're looking to save even more or don't need premium perks like high-priority data or international features. Here are three top contenders worth a look: Mint Mobile : Mint offers incredibly competitive pricing, especially when you pay annually. You'll get truly unlimited data (with a soft cap), and the service is great in areas with solid T-Mobile coverage. It doesn't include perks like international data or priority access, but the pricing can be hard to beat. : Mint offers incredibly competitive pricing, especially when you pay annually. You'll get truly unlimited data (with a soft cap), and the service is great in areas with solid T-Mobile coverage. It doesn't include perks like international data or priority access, but the pricing can be hard to beat. Metro by T-Mobile : Metro is technically T-Mobile's prepaid arm, so it offers a very similar experience to postpaid. You'll find solid phone deals (especially on budget and mid-range devices), in-store support, and decent plan variety. It's the closest in tone and feel to a traditional T-Mobile experience, just without the QCI 6 perks. : Metro is technically T-Mobile's prepaid arm, so it offers a very similar experience to postpaid. You'll find solid phone deals (especially on budget and mid-range devices), in-store support, and decent plan variety. It's the closest in tone and feel to a traditional T-Mobile experience, just without the QCI 6 perks. US Mobile: US Mobile lets you use the T-Mobile network, but also gives you the flexibility to switch to Verizon or AT&T depending on your device and SIM. You can even run dual-network plans. The pricing is solid, the flexibility is unmatched, and the app experience is far better than most MVNOs. That said, none of these match Google Fi in high-priority data access or international perks. Metro comes closest on promotions, but focuses more on budget and older phones. Fi leans into newer Android flagships and offers much better global data access, especially on its Premium plan. If your top priority is saving money, these three are excellent and could be similar or even cheaper. But if you want the best value for a premium experience on T-Mobile's network, Google Fi still wins. What about T-Mobile prepaid? You might think T-Mobile Prepaid would be a great alternative, and while it's not bad, I'd still likely recommend Google Fi or one of the above options over it. Here's why: Pricing is pretty high . You'll pay $40-$60 per line, or $25-$37.50 per line for 4. . You'll pay $40-$60 per line, or $25-$37.50 per line for 4. You'll get more features with Fi. You might get streaming and other extras with postpaid, but prepaid service is pretty basic despite its higher pricing. Now, you might be thinking that you'll also get some unique benefits like in-store help, device financing, and special upgrade perks. Unfortunately, none of that is on the table for prepaid. While corporate stores are technically able to help prepaid customers, I've heard countless reports over the years on Reddit and other online communities suggesting that many of these stores will do their best to avoid helping prepaid accounts. In truth, T-Mobile Prepaid is mostly an overpriced service that's coasting off its brand recognition. It's not a bad plan, it's just not very competitive. Google Fi is better than T-Mobile, unless you're one of the exceptions Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority I don't like to deal in absolutes, but in 2025, I can say with confidence that Google Fi is my top recommendation if you're looking to stay on the T-Mobile network. I wouldn't recommend signing up for a new T-Mobile postpaid plan as a first or even second choice. The fact that T-Mobile has moved away from including taxes and its entire Uncarrier marketing gimmick means it just isn't that compelling of a choice anymore. To be fair, Verizon and AT&T aren't any better. The main reason to go postpaid in 2025 is convenience — and some people are willing to pay extra for that. It's true, T-Mobile and the other big three carriers are less hassle. You have in-person, online, and phone-based customer service. You have the widest range of free phone promotions. You have plenty of insurance and payment plan options. You get free streaming services. Google Fi offers a similar experience to T-Mobile, while also delivering a great value! Almost all of these things can be matched on prepaid — just with more hoops. For example, you might not get Netflix or Hulu for free, but the money you save can easily cover those subscriptions. It just takes a bit more work. There's also the reality that prepaid changes faster than postpaid. Carriers like T-Mobile usually tweak their plans slowly while gradually increasing fees. Meanwhile, prepaid carriers can dramatically shift pricing and perks in a shorter timeframe. That means you'll need to stay informed and be ready to switch when necessary. Some people don't want to do that. Some people want convenience, with no concern for pricing. And that's fine. If you're willing to pay more to avoid the hassle, T-Mobile might still be a better fit for you. What about legacy customers on T-Mobile's network? If you're already a T-Mobile customer, don't be too quick to leave — especially if you're on a legacy plan. Many T-Mobile ONE and Magenta users still have plans that offer better value than anything currently available. If you've got free lines, locked-in discounts, or bundled extras, you might not gain much by switching and could even end up spending more. The same goes for Go5G users to a lesser extent. These plans include taxes and fees and are more competitively priced than the new Experience lineup. In short, if you're already on a great deal, it might be best to stick with what you've got, at least for now. Postpaid is no longer the best route for most Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority T-Mobile's recent changes mark the end of an era. It's no longer the disruptor it once was. With rising prices, dropped perks, and a growing resemblance to the carriers it once mocked, it's become harder to recommend as a default. Thankfully, there's still Google Fi Wireless — a smarter, cheaper way to stay on the T-Mobile network without getting caught in the same corporate traps. Just remember: no plan is perfect forever. But right now? Google Fi is as close as it gets while retaining T-Mobile's network. While prepaid might still offer small disadvantages over postpaid, the gap has become much smaller, and yet the price divide has widened massively. In other words, for most people, the savings will be worth the hassle. Open to Verizon or AT&T's networks? Visible and Cricket could also be worth a look. Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi Wireless offers flexible plans, superior coverage, and seamless device integration for a unique mobile experience. See price at Google Fi
CNET
07-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Switch to T-Mobile's Family Freedom Plan and Save Up to $3,200 on Your Family's Phone Bill
Cell phone plans are one of the most non-negotiable expenses we have. After all, we need our cell phones for just about everything, and having decent data, talking, texting and hotspot capability is a must just so we can get through the day. However, there are multiple plans available from a variety of carriers and choosing one can quickly get overwhelming. Luckily, T-Mobile's Family Freedom Plan is here to help. With this plan, you can get up to 4 lines for $100 per month, a new iPhone 16 and other perks that can save you up to $3,200 over time. We'll explain the details below, as well as any terms and conditions. T-Mobile's Family Freedom Plan allows you to trade-in your current phones, potentially transfer your number and open 4 phone lines for just $25 per month. This means you could end up paying just $100 per month for your entire family's bill. If you're an Apple fan, you might be able to get a free iPhone 16 as part of this deal. Not only will this plan save you money on your bill, but T-Mobile will also help you pay off any devices you might have purchased with your old phone company so you can break your contract with more peace of mind. You'll get the payoff amount in a prepaid Mastercard as a reimbursement, so long as you follow the steps outlined here. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. T-Mobile's Family Freedom Plan requires you to sign up for an unlimited talk and text plan and trade in your current phone for a new one. This can be done online or in person at a T-Mobile store. If you're interested in keeping your phone, you'll need to check eligibility. However, most people have no problem keeping their current phone number. The final step is to send T-Mobile your bill to arrange any payoffs. T-Mobile also has other phone offers if an iPhone 16 isn't your preference, but some of these might come at a cost. If you're interested in saving on your family's phone bills but aren't sure if this deal is for you, check out our list of the best family phone plans so you can look through your options. Why this deal matters T-Mobile's Family Freedom plan offers you the chance to pay just $100 per month and upgrade to a new device. The company is also offering you a virtual prepaid card you can use to pay off any expenses you might have incurred with your old provider.
