T-Mobile buyer’s guide - plans, perks, and more - Android
T-Mobile ended 2019 as the third-largest carrier in the US, with a subscriber base of 86 million. It merged with Sprint in early 2020, further boosting its nationwide profile. Whether you’re looking to change carriers or are now folded in from Sprint, you probably have plenty of questions. We’re here to set your mind at ease and get you up to speed with our in-depth buyer’s guide.
See also: The best T-Mobile deals
On this page, you’ll find details on all of T-Mobile’s plans — both pre- and post-paid, and information about phones compatible with the network. If you’re thinking of switching carriers, we’ve also compared T-Mobile to its main competitors, in addition to MVNOs that rely on the network. Ready to learn more about the Un-Carrier? Let’s dig in.
T-Mobile USA first launched in July 1998, but arguably didn’t truly become a real force to reckon with until 2013 with the debut of its Uncarrier movement. During this time T-Mobile introduced many changes to the mobile industry, ending long-term contracts and subsidized phones in favor of upgradeable installment plans. T-Mobile also became known for its not-so-typical CEO, John Legere — a man best known for jabbing at the competition and for his regular use of profanity.
Its changes run much deeper than colorful marketing. The carrier is very committed to investing in IoT, 5G, AI, and expanding its network across every corner of the United States. Most recently, T-Mobile completed its merger with Sprint. This newly combined network helps close the gap between T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. The new T-mobile also opens up a new chapter for the company’s leadership, as John Legere is no longer the CEO.
T-Mobile has a reputation for doing things differently. And it's paid off!
T-Mobile’s coverage extends into all 50 states, and the carrier boasts the largest 5G network. It is currently reforming Sprint’s 5G network with a goal to serve 99% of all Americans within the next six years. In the meantime, its powerful 4G LTE network already reaches 99% of the United States (including Puerto Rico.) Check out T-Mobile’s product map for more details.
If you are looking for a carrier with a history for going against the grain, T-Mobile is a great choice. It doesn’t hurt that the carrier has some of the most aggressive pricing in the industry. However, no carrier is perfect. According to the Better Business Bureau, T-Mobile has an A-rating but averages just over one star out of five in 297 customer reviews. The company has closed 16,966 customer complaints in the last three years with 4,354 of those coming in the past 12 months.
| Essentials | Magenta | Magenta Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $60 for one line $45 for two lines $30 for three lines $26 for four lines $24 for five lines $23 for six lines | $70 for one line $60 for two lines $40 for three lines $35 for four lines $32 for five lines $30 for six lines $29 for seven lines $28 for eight lines | $85 for one line $70 for two lines $47 for three lines $43 for four lines $40 for five lines $38 for six lines $37 for seven lines $36 for eight lines |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited 4G Data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5G data included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Hotspot | Unlimited 3G | 3GB of 4G LTE, then unlimited 3G | 20GB of 4G LTE, then unlimited 3G |
| Netflix & Quibi | No | Netflix Basic, one SD screen Quibi | Netflix Standard, two HD screens Quibi |
| 55 Plus Plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Military Plan | No | Yes | Yes |
| First Responder Plan | No | Yes | Yes |
T-Mobile keeps its post-paid plans short and sweet with just three options. Each plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data, but the perks really set them apart. You can save with the straightforward Essentials plan or opt for the bells and whistles of Magenta and Magenta Plus. Here’s a bit more about each plan:
The Essentials plan will run you $60 for one line, $45 each for two, $30 each for three, and $26 a piece for four lines of service. That makes it the easiest and most affordable way to try post-paid service on T-Mobile’s network. As previously mentioned, the plan includes unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data.
It also offers unlimited texting in almost every international destination and gives you unlimited 2G data when visiting Mexico and Canada. International phone calls get charged on a per-minute basis and international data has its own charges, too.
Here are a few other essential details you need to know about the Essentials plan:
Best for:
T-Mobile’s Magenta plan is slightly more expensive, costing $70 for one line, and $120 for two lines, but the third line is free right now. If you need a fourth line, you’ll pay just $140 per month. You’ll still get unlimited talk, text, and data, and all three are available in Canada and Mexico too. However, you’ll only have 5GB of international 4G LTE data before you drop to 2G speeds.
The Magenta plan offers 3GB of 4G LTE hotspot data per month, but you’ll drop down to unlimited 3G speeds after that. It’s also a great plan if you’re on a flight with Gogo internet service. You can enjoy unlimited texting and a free hour of in-flight Wi-Fi.
Here are a few more perks that come with the Magenta plan:
Best for:
If you want the biggest and best that T-Mobile offers, Magenta Plus is the way to go. One line costs $85 per month, two lines are $70 each, and a third line is free. If you need four lines of service, you can expect to pay just $43 each per month. All the unlimited perks remain the same, and your international data is available at double speeds.
Instead of one hour of in-flight Wi-Fi, Magenta Plus provides unlimited Wi-Fi and texting for the duration of your flight. The Magenta Plus plan adds Scam Shield Premium to the mix, which allows you to block or screen calls you may not want. You can stream up to 20GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, but after that, you’ll drop to 3G speeds.
Here are the rest of the Magenta Plus perks:
Best for:
The plans above are great for everyday consumers, but T-Mobile is an even better fit if you meet a few extra criteria. One option is an Unlimited 55 plan, which is only available to two-line households above the age of 55. Each plan — Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta Plus — has an Unlimited 55 option, and they cost $27.50 per line, $35 per line, and $45 per line, respectively.
All three include unlimited talk, text, and data on the T-Mobile network. You even get five layers of scam-blocking protection. The essentials plan offers international texting, Magenta adds data to the mix, and Magenta Plus doubles your data speed.
Unlimited 55 highlights:
Active duty military members, veterans, and their families can save too, but only on Magenta and Magenta Plus plans. They designed these options for four-line accounts. You’ll pay $100 per month for Magenta with autopay, or $140 per month for Magenta Plus. The Magenta plan offers SD streaming while Magenta Plus upgrades the quality to HD quality. Both options offer data and texting while abroad.
Military highlights:
The last special offer from T-Mobile is for first responders and their families. The details are the same as the military plans, from the four-line structure to the data caps and perks. That means you’ll pay $100 for the Magenta plan and $140 for Magenta Plus, but there’s still no Essentials option. Streaming quality is the same — SD with Magenta and HD with Magenta Plus and the hotspot matches.
First Responder highlights:
The T-Mobile post-paid plans for tablets and other connected devices are similar to the plans available for phones. They follow the same Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta Plus naming scheme, but the cost is lower for each. Check the table below for pricing options:
| Essentials | Magenta | Magenta Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablets | $15 | $20 | $20 |
| Wearables | $10 |
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