Finding affordable cell phone service for a family of four can be a daunting task. With major carriers often charging upwards of $150 or even $200 a month, prepaid carriers and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) have become increasingly attractive alternatives.
In this article, we're breaking down the costs and features for a family of four across four popular budget-friendly carriers: Visible, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and US Cellular. We'll look at their unlimited data options to see who truly offers the best bang for your buck.
The Contenders at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here is a quick summary of the best-value unlimited plans for 4 lines from each carrier.
| Carrier | Network | Plan Name | Cost for 4 Lines (Monthly) | Taxes & Fees | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | Verizon | Visible Base | $100 | Included | $100 |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Metro Flex Starter | $100 | Included | $100 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unlimited Plan | $120* | Extra | ~$135 - $145 |
| US Cellular | US Cellular | Unlimited Basic | $120 | Extra | ~$135 - $145 |
*Mint Mobile requires upfront payment. The $30/line rate is for a 12-month commitment.
Visible: The $100 Powerhouse
Visible, owned by Verizon, offers one of the most straightforward and aggressive pricing structures in the market.
- Cost: $25 per line.
- Total for 4: $100 per month.
- The Perks: Taxes and fees are included in the price, so you pay exactly $100. You get unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot usage (capped at 5 Mbps).
- The Catch: Data can be deprioritized during times of congestion, meaning speeds might slow down if the Verizon network is busy.
Verdict: For families who want simplicity and true unlimited hotspot usage without breaking the bank, Visible is arguably the best value on this list.
Metro by T-Mobile: The Retail Giant
Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid brand that offers strong multi-line discounts.
- Cost: 4 lines for $25 each (current promotion for "Metro Flex Starter" or similar heritage plans).
- Total for 4: $100 per month.
- The Perks: Like Visible, taxes and fees are included. You get access to T-Mobile's massive 5G network and perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays.
- The Catch: Usage over 35GB per month may be prioritized lower than other customers. You also often have to go into a store to get the best family plan deals.
Verdict: A fantastic option if T-Mobile has good coverage in your area. It matches Visible's price point but adds a retail presence if you prefer in-person support.
Mint Mobile: Bulk Buying for Savings
Mint Mobile shakes things up by selling service in bulk. To get their best price, you need to buy a year's worth of service upfront.
- Cost: $30 per line per month (when paying for 12 months).
- Total for 4: $120 per month (paid as ~$360 per line per year, or quarterly via Mint Family).
- The Perks: "Mint Family" allows you to manage payments quarterly instead of all upfront for the year, but the rate is still based on the 12-month commitment.
- The Catch: Taxes and recovery fees are extra, which can add $15-$25 to your total effective monthly cost. Also, "Unlimited" data slows down significantly after 40GB of usage.
Verdict: Mint is great for individuals, but for families, the lack of a specific multi-line discount makes it more expensive than Visible or Metro.
US Cellular: The Regional Option
US Cellular is a major player in many regions of the US, offering both postpaid and prepaid options.
- Cost: Unlimited Basic plans often start around $30/line for 4 lines.
- Total for 4: $120 per month.
- The Perks: Reliable coverage in specific rural areas where other carriers might struggle.
- The Catch: Taxes and fees are usually extra. Their pricing is generally higher than the aggressive $25/line price point set by Visible and Metro unless you catch a very specific limited-time promotion.
Verdict: Worth considering if you live in a US Cellular stronghold, but strictly on price, it usually trails the leaders.
Final Recommendation
For a family of four looking for the absolute best value in 2025:
- Tie for First Place: Visible and Metro by T-Mobile. Both offer a hard-to-beat $100/month total with taxes included. Choose Visible if you prefer the Verizon network and mobile hotspot. Choose Metro if T-Mobile coverage is better in your area and you like perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays.
- Runner Up: Mint Mobile. While excellent, the extra taxes and fees push the total cost higher than the top two for a family of four.
- Regional Pick: US Cellular. Solid choice for specific coverage needs, but generally pricier.
By switching to one of these plans, your family could save hundreds of dollars a year compared to the big three postpaid carriers.
