Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2 Lines in 2026

Our 2026 choice for best overall unlimited data plan for two lines is Walmart Family Mobile’s Unlimited plan, giving you unlimited data and 30GB of mobile hotspot data with a big discount on line 2. If you want the cheapest unlimited data plan for 2 lines, look to Tello.  

You don’t need to be a couple to save with a two-line phone plan. You might want to share service with a parent or child. Friends or roommates can pair up, which is useful when getting your own phone plan for the first time.

To help you find a two-person plan that gets you the data you both need — and extras you might want — we’ve sifted through options from dozens of providers. Whether you want a budget choice, perks, or flexibility to respond to changing budget and data needs, we have you covered.  

Summary: Best Unlimited Data Plans for 2 Lines 

Best Overall Unlimited Data Plan for 2 Lines  

Cheapest Unlimited Data Plan for 2 Lines  

Best Unlimited Data Plan for 2 Lines for Coverage

Best 2-Line Unlimited Data Plan for Perks and Features

Best 2-Line Unlimited Data Plan for Data Priority 

Best 2-Line Unlimited Data Plan for Hotspot 

Best 2-Line Unlimited Data Plan for Flexibility 

Best Unlimited Data Plan for 2 Lines for New Customers 

Best 2-Line Unlimited Data Plan for Seniors 

Methodology: How to evaluate the best unlimited data plans for 2 lines  

Focusing only on a single element, like price or data limits, isn’t enough to find just the right unlimited data plan. You want to make sure you’re getting value for your money, including whether you’ll get truly unlimited data or face slowing after you hit a cap. Customer support counts too, in case you need help.  

When we assess unlimited data plans for two lines, we consider:  

Data caps and speeds: How much high-speed data do you get before you’re subject to slowing? What is the network prioritization each plan offers?  

Cost: Is the price reasonable for what you get?  

Network coverage: Will the network work well in your area?  

Ease of use: How easy is it to navigate the carrier’s website and understand what you’re getting? How easy is it to get customer service when you need it?  

We consider each of these with its own weight to pick the best unlimited data plans for two lines.  

Beginner’s guide to unlimited data plans for 2 lines  

What is a data plan?  

A data plan lets you connect to the internet using your carrier’s cellular network. You get a certain amount of mobile data (also known as cellular data) per billing period so you can browse, scroll, and stream even when away from Wi-Fi.  

Types of data plans 

When shopping, you’ll find limited and unlimited data plans — and there’s some shadings in the meaning of “unlimited data.”  

Limited data plans: You buy a set amount of data for the billing period, and when that’s used you’ll need to purchase more or wait for the next billing period to reset your amount. These are more common with prepaid phone plans. 

Unlimited data plans: With these, you pay a flat rate for the billing period to get data that doesn’t run out. The catch is that most carriers place a cap on how much of that is high-speed data, such as 35GB or 50GB. After that you still have data, it just may be slowed until the next billing period. There’s often a separate limit for hotspot data, as well.  

If you want truly unlimited data, look for phrases like “data that never slows you down” or “never slowed” and be sure to read the fine print before buying.  

Pros and cons of having two lines of unlimited data

What is the average phone bill for two people? 

At TextNow, we monitor prices of 100+ phone plans from the Big 3 carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) and the most popular resellers called MVNOs. Prices for two-line plans range from $170 at the high end for T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan (on AutoPay) down to $45 for US Mobile’s Unlimited Starter plan (although you’ll have to opt into consolidated billing to pay the two lines together). And you'll find plenty of price points in between, depending on the details of data, hotspot, perks and more.  

 Shopping tips if cost is a concern:  

• You might be able to get a lower price with some MVNOs by buying two separate single-line plans. But you’ll give up the ease of managing a single account and single bill.  
• You should also think about how much data you really need — check out the typical usage for both of you. Maybe you can cover your needs with a less-deluxe plan. Or, if one of you has lower data needs, look into carriers that let you pool data between lines or that let you have two different phone plans on a single account.  

How to pick the best unlimited data plan for 2 lines  

Things to consider as you narrow down the choice of best two-line plan for you: 

1. Budget: Decide how much you want to spend

Figure out your budget first, so you can save time and focus only on plans that won’t stretch your finances. If there’s a promotion or limited-time offer, factor in what your price will be after it ends.  

Also consider whether you’ll bring or buy your own phone or want to finance one through your carrier. Keep in mind it can be cheaper to buy a phone outright and pair it with a plan versus financing. Try our free phone bill calculator to find out which is better for you.  

2. Speed: Consider data speeds and high-speed data limits 

Think about how you intend to use the plan. If you’re focused on streaming or gaming, you want a large amount of high-speed data — and want that data to be prioritized. Postpaid plans typically have the best network priority, while prepaid plans are more likely to be subject to slowing during congestion. You might be willing to pay more for high limits or perhaps access to a 5G UC, UW or 5G+ network.  

On the other hand, if you typically are doing less data-intensive activities, you might be OK with a plan that gives, say, 35GB of high-speed data before you're subject to slowing.  

3. Check coverage: Make sure the carrier performs well in your area 

Look up the network coverage for options you’re considering. You won’t get value out of any plan if the coverage near you isn’t great, especially if you want 5G for speeds. 

4. Hotspot: Consider whether you need hotspot data and how much  

Using your phone as a hotspot comes in handy when you want to connect devices like your laptop, tablet or other phones to the internet and there’s no Wi-Fi. It’s also useful when the public Wi-Fi isn’t secure or is overtaxed.  

Hotspot uses your phone’s mobile data, but there may be a separate limit on its use. Check out the rules for any plan you’re considering: Does it allow hotspot use? Is there a limit on how much or how many devices may connect?   

5. Perks and features: Decide if you want extras 

What do you want beyond data and basic talk & text? If you have friends and family in other countries, you might narrow your search to plans that allow international calls and texts. If you travel a lot, look for a plan with talk, text and data in countries you visit — or a reasonable price for added international coverage you can turn on when needed.  

You might also get perks like streaming or gaming services. Postpaid plans from the Big 3 carriers are the likeliest to throw in perks like Disney+, Netflix, etc. but a few prepaid plans have them as well. Review the details so you know how long the subscription lasts and how to handle it if you’re already a subscriber (you don’t want to pay twice when your phone bill could save you some money). 

Alternatives to unlimited data plans  

As mentioned above, it may be that you don’t really need an unlimited data plan. Or maybe you can try something else and step up to an unlimited plan if you find you need it. You have plenty of other options to explore, including: 

• Prepaid phone plans offer flexibility because you’re not locked into a contract. You could try something for a few months, then switch if you need to.  
• Limited data plans give you less high-speed data in exchange for a lower price. Lots of cheap phone plans might suit you if your data needs aren’t extensive.  
• Senior phone plans can be an option for those who qualify, and you might find good deals on two lines. 
• Family phone plans usually offer discounts as you add more lines.  
• Phone plans for kids and teens might suit your needs if you’re buying for yourself and your child.  
• Talk & text only plans, also called no-data plans, focus on calling and texting. But they can offer data as well, in smaller amounts and often with lots of flexibility to add more when needed.  

Frequently asked questions about phone plans for 2 lines