Q Link Wireless Review

Angelo Ilumba Senior Writer

Updated 13 December 2024

Q Link Wireless is no longer in service.

Q Link Wireless is no longer in service. For information on currently available low-cost phone plans, see our guide to the Cheapest Phone Plans.

Contents

In this guide:

Q Link Wireless plans
Q Link Wireless eligibility
Q Link Wireless coverage
Q Link Wireless phones
Pros and Cons
Other Low-Cost phone plans
Frequently asked questions

Q Link Wireless is a mobile carrier providing free government-subsidized cell phone plans through the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through Q Link and the ACP, qualifying customers can get free unlimited talk, text, and mobile data. These customers will also receive a free tablet.

Keep reading to learn more about Q Link Wireless and find out if you qualify for free phone service.

Q Link Wireless Plans

Q Link offers two plan options it refers to as its “Always On Plans.” The first plan combines Lifeline and ACP, while the second is a Lifeline-only plan. Q Link provides free service for one line per qualifying household. These plans also include access to over 10 million free Wi-Fi locations across the country.

Q Link Wireless Unlimited Plan (Lifeline + ACP)

Through the Lifeline Assistance Program and ACP, Q Link offers a free plan to qualifying customers, including unlimited voice minutes, talk, and data. Plus, Q Link will also provide you with a new tablet (subject to availability).

Q Link Wireless Lifeline-only plan

Q Link's Lifeline-only plan includes 1,000 voice minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of data. This plan does not include the free tablet.

You can enhance your plan by paying for extra data and voice minutes. Each upgrade includes unlimited minutes and the following amounts of data:

500MB for $15
1GB for $25
3GB for $40
5GB for $50
Unlimited (no hotspot or international calling) for $30
Unlimited (hotspot and international calling included) for $60

The best option for you will depend on your monthly data needs. If you're sharing many photos or relying on GPS often, opt for a larger data allotment.

Q Link Wireless Eligibility

You qualify for Q Link by participating in other government assistance programs such as:

SNAP/Food stamps
Medicaid
SSI
Federal Public Housing

You can also qualify for Q Link if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Q Link Wireless Coverage

Q Link Wireless works on T-Mobile's networks. You’ll get access to one of the largest mobile networks in the country, with exceptionally strong coverage in most large cities and suburbs. However, those in rural areas may not get the best coverage from T-Mobile.

Additionally, you’ll get service on T-Mobile's industry-leading 5G network. You will need a 5G-compatible phone to take advantage of the increased speeds.

Q Link Wireless Phones

Unfortunately, Q Link does not offer free government phones with its plans, just a free SIM kit. Rather, Q Link is a carrier most people would bring their current phone and number to. However, if you need a new phone, Q Link sells several budget-friendly options, such as:

You can bring your own phone to Q Link, which is generally the best option if you are looking to save money when you switch. No need to make a big phone purchase if your phone works fine.

Pros and Cons of Q Link Wireless

If you're considering Q Link Wireless as your next mobile carrier, it's important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks. Here are some key points to consider:

Benefits of Choosing Q Link Wireless:

Lifeline Program and ACP: If you're eligible, you can access free monthly minutes, texts, and data.
No Contract: With Q Link Wireless, there's no contract, providing you with more flexibility.
Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) and Number: You can keep your existing phone and phone number when switching to Q Link Wireless, which adds to the convenience.
Network: Q Link utilizes the T-Mobile network, which means if T-Mobile coverage is good in your area, Q Link Wireless should work well too.
Pricing: The pricing model is transparent, meaning you won't encounter unexpected fees.

Considerations When Choosing Q Link Wireless:

No Free Phone: While it provides free service, Q Link Wireless no longer offers free phones.
Customer Service: Some users have reported issues with reaching customer service and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
Data Limit: The amount of free data might be limited compared to what other carriers offer in their paid plans.
Coverage in rural areas: Depending on your location, especially if it's a rural area, the coverage might not be as comprehensive.

Other Low-Cost Phone Plans

If you do not qualify for a free phone plan from Q Link Wireless, you can still save big by choosing a low-cost plan from a smaller prepaid carrier (called MVNOs). These carriers offer discounted rates on the big networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon), getting you the same coverage without the high prices. Here are some of the most popular MVNO plans under $30.

#1	XFINITY Mobile	XFINITY Mobile Unlimited Data No Contract $0/mo Deal: Get a FREE 1 year of Xfinity Mobile Select Plan with Xfinity Internet required	100%	View Plan
#2	US Mobile	US Mobile 2GB Data No Contract $10/mo Deal: Get 30 Days FREE Trial when you switch to US Mobile.	44%	View Plan
#3	Twigby Mobile	Twigby Mobile 2GB Data No Contract $5/mo Deal: New Customers get 2GB of data for $5 a month for 3 months!	36%	View Plan
#4	Mint Mobile	Mint Mobile 5GB Data No Contract $10/mo Deal: Get this plan for just $10/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required	28%	View Plan
#5	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile Unlimited Data No Contract $10/mo Deal: Get this Unlimited plan for only $10/mo. for the first 3 months of service with Boost Mobile!	22%	View Plan
#6	Tello	Tello 2GB Data No Contract $8/mo	18%	View Plan
#7	TextNow	TextNow 550MB Data No Contract $0/mo $4.99 Upfront	13%	View Plan
#8	T-Mobile	T-Mobile 5GB Data $15 Per 1 Month Refill $10 Upfront	13%	View Plan
#9	TracFone	TracFone 1GB Data No Contract $10/mo $4.99 Upfront	10%	View Plan
#10	Cricket	Cricket Unlimited Data No Contract $15/mo $9.99 Upfront Deal: Get this plan for only $45 for the first 3 months or $15/mo.	9%	View Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Q Link Wireless legit?

Yes. Q Link's free plans are legit. Government programs (Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program) subsidize these plans.

Is Q Link Wireless really free?

Yes! Qualifying customers get the base Q Link Wireless plans free through Lifeline and the ACP. You can pay to upgrade your plan.

How can I sign up for Q Link Wireless?

To sign up for Q Link Wireless, enter your ZIP code and email address on its sign-up page and follow the instructions. Be prepared to provide a form of ID and proof of participation in a government assistance program or proof of income.

What network does Q Link Wireless use?

Q Link Wireless uses the T-Mobile network, giving its customers access to a vast 4G LTE network and the largest 5G network.

Is Q Link Wireless CDMA or GSM?

Q Link Wireless is primarily GSM. However, with the shutdown of 3G, this is not as big of an issue as it once was. People with older phones should check to ensure that their device can make voice over LTE (VoLTE) calls.

Angelo Ilumba

Senior Writer

Angelo is a highly experienced writer for WhistleOut, specializing in unraveling the complexities of the mobile and tech world so that readers can easily understand what is relevant to them. Angelo has been featured on several publications such as MoneyTalksNews, Yahoo Finance, NPR and more.

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