In the ever-evolving world of mobile communications, families across the United States are navigating a complex landscape of phone plans to find options that balance cost, features, and reliability. As 2025 unfolds, a recent analysis from CNET highlights the top family phone plans, with Verizon and T-Mobile emerging as frontrunners, while AT&T's offerings fell short in the evaluation. The report, published on CNET's tech mobile section, emphasizes plans that cater to multiple lines, offering perks like unlimited data and international roaming, amid ongoing carrier shake-ups including T-Mobile's plan restructurings and Verizon's new price guarantees.
According to the CNET article titled 'Best Family Phone Plans for 2025,' Verizon's Unlimited Welcome plan stands out as the best for value with multiple lines. This plan allows each family member to customize their own features, a flexibility not matched by competitors like T-Mobile or AT&T at similar entry levels. For instance, families can add perks such as 100GB of mobile hotspot data for an extra $10 per month, or streaming services like Netflix or Apple TV Plus individually. The plan provides unlimited talk and text in Canada and Mexico, along with 2GB of high-speed data there before slowing to 3G speeds.
However, the plan has limitations on 5G speeds, restricting users to low-band 5G without access to Verizon's faster Ultra Wideband networks. 'Even if you had a capable device and were within range of a midband or millimeter wave 5G signal, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of Verizon's fastest 5G Ultra Wideband ('5G UW' or '5G UWB') speeds,' the CNET report states. This makes it suitable for cost-conscious families who prioritize basics over top-tier speeds, with pricing that becomes more economical as lines are added.
T-Mobile's Essentials plan is positioned as a strong contender for value, particularly for families of three or more. It offers unlimited calls, texts, and data, with 50GB of premium 5G data before speeds drop to 3G. Hotspot usage is unlimited but at 3G speeds, and international features include unlimited services in Canada and Mexico, though at 2G speeds for data. For three lines, the plan costs $90 per month plus taxes and fees, thanks to a free third-line deal, saving $10 over the Essentials Saver option.
'Essentials is great for a cost-conscious family of three or more that wants unlimited everything, even at some slower speeds,' according to CNET's evaluation.The plan supports up to six lines, making it ideal for larger households, but it lacks perks like streaming subscriptions or a five-year price guarantee, which are available in higher-tier T-Mobile plans.
Moving up the ladder, T-Mobile's Experience More plan is recommended as the runner-up for perks. Priced higher, it includes unlimited high-speed 5G data without throttling worries, except during network congestion, and 60GB of high-speed hotspot data. International benefits are more robust: unlimited talk and text in Canada and Mexico with 15GB of high-speed data, and in over 215 other countries, unlimited texting with 5GB of high-speed data, plus calls at 25 cents per minute.
The plan bundles in Netflix Standard with ads, Apple TV Plus including MLS Season Pass, and a one-year AAA membership. Additional perks under T-Mobile's Magenta Status include 15% off Hilton stays and 25% discounts on tickets to over 8,000 shows at more than 120 venues. 'Although it’s more expensive, Experience More packs a lot of perks into one plan. Unlimited high-speed data means you don’t need to monitor your app and streaming use,' CNET notes.
Recent changes in the industry add context to these recommendations. T-Mobile revamped its lineup in early 2025, replacing Go5G Plus and Go5G Next with Experience More and Experience Beyond, while keeping Essentials and Essentials Saver as budget options. The company also introduced Starlink-based T-Satellite service, included in Experience Beyond and available as a $10 monthly add-on for others, even on competing carriers. However, a one-year DoorDash perk ended on August 4, 2025.
Verizon, in response, added a three-year price guarantee to its plans since the guide's last update. This move aims to provide stability amid fluctuating costs. CNET's comparison underscores that while all major carriers offer nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage, real-world performance varies by location. For example, T-Mobile might excel in urban areas like New York, but Verizon could be more reliable in rural spots such as Iowa.
Discounts play a crucial role in affordability, according to the report. Military members, veterans, first responders, nurses, teachers, and students can access reductions across carriers. T-Mobile's Work perk offers up to 15% off Experience plans, while Verizon provides student discounts. Seniors aged 55 or older qualify for deals, like T-Mobile's $60 monthly rate for two lines nationwide, or similar options from Verizon and AT&T limited to Florida residents.
When evaluating 5G, CNET advises caution, explaining that '5G' encompasses various types: millimeter-wave for speed but limited range, low-band for broader coverage but slower speeds, and midband as a balance. Icons on phones indicate connection types, such as Verizon's '5G UW' for Ultra Wideband or T-Mobile's '5G UC' for Ultra Capacity. Emerging technologies like 5G Advanced promise even faster speeds through carrier aggregation.
Family plans often prove cheaper per line as more are added, but CNET stresses individual needs vary. 'Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a very individualized process. What works for you and your family's needs may be vastly different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for,' the article states. To test coverage, options include T-Mobile's three-month Network Pass, Verizon's 30-day trial, or AT&T's 30-day eSIM trial.
The report also addresses reliability of coverage maps, noting they don't always reflect real experiences. 'Maps are one thing; experience is another,' CNET says, recommending consulting locals or testing services personally. This is especially relevant in areas with potential dead zones, like workplaces or frequented locations.
Looking ahead, as carriers continue to expand 5G infrastructure and introduce features like satellite texting, families should weigh perks against costs. With T-Mobile's five-year price lock on Experience More and Verizon's modular approach, 2025 shapes up as a competitive year. Experts suggest monitoring promotions, as rates can differ for switchers bringing their own phones.
In broader implications, these developments reflect the industry's push toward bundled services and customization, potentially lowering barriers for families seeking comprehensive plans. As competition heats up, consumers stand to benefit from better deals, though vigilance on fine print remains key to avoiding unexpected fees.