Walmart Family Mobile Review

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Walmart Family Mobile is a mobile virtual operator (MVNO) that sells discounted cellular phone plans on the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile used to own the MVNO, but now Walmart Family Mobile is owned by TracFone, the largest MVNO in the country.

You can purchase a Walmart Family Mobile device and phone plan online or at a Walmart store. Prices range from $25 to $50 for single-line plans. Keep reading to find out what we think about Walmart Family Mobile and if it fits your needs.

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Walmart Family Mobile plans

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Walmart Family Mobile offers four different single-line plans. Each includes unlimited talk and text and various allotments of mobile data and hotspot data.  

What we like: T-Mobile's 5G network

Walmart Family Mobile piggybacks on the T-Mobile network, which means customers with 5G-compatible phones get access to the largest 5G network in the country. While you won’t get the gigabit speeds we hope will one day be the norm with 5G, you'll still get very fast mobile data that'll support your browsing, gaming, and video-watching needs.  

What we like: Strong coverage in most large cities 

Most people signing up with Walmart Family Mobile will get reliable service. T-Mobile's overall network (4G LTE included) has especially strong coverage in metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, the T-Mobile network is not so great in rural areas. Walmart Family Mobile might not be the best fit for people outside big cities and suburbs.  

What we like: Low prices compared to major carriers

Saving money is why you switch to an MVNO like Walmart Family Mobile. The major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) are expensive. If you don't care for the perks like free streaming services that come with those expensive plans, choosing a simple and inexpensive plan from Walmart Family Mobile can save you money every month. 

What could be improved: Deprioritization and throttled data speed

Usually, a carrier will either deprioritize your connection (limit data speeds when the network is congested) or throttle your connection (slow it down after using a certain amount of data). Walmart Family Mobile does both. We aren't exactly excited about having one possible way to be slowed. Two sounds awful.

 Check out our guide to learn more about the differences between deprioritization and throttling.  

What could be improved: Prices could be lower

Compared to the major carriers, Walmart Family Mobile is affordable. However, compared to other MVNOs, you can see that the carrier's plans aren't quite as competitive. For example, several MVNOs offer unlimited plans at around $40/month, while Walmart Family Plan charges $50/month for its unlimited plan. 

Walmart Family Mobile coverage

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Walmart Family Mobile sells service on the T-Mobile network. That means customers get the third-best overall coverage in the country. The network is strong in big metropolitan areas but lacks in rural areas. While it's not quite the best overall network, the T-Mobile 5G network is the largest in the country. Take a look at the map below to see how Walmart Family Mobile's coverage (via T-Mobile) stacks up against the other networks. 

Walmart Family Mobile vs. competitors

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After getting to know Walmart Family Mobile, it's time to compare the carrier to other MVNOs and see how it stacks up to the competition. 

Walmart Family Mobile vs. Visible

Walmart Family Mobile only has one plan, its unlimited option, that compares to Visible’s selection—because Visible only offers unlimited plans. Visible’s plans are on the list of the best prepaid plans available today. 

The Visible and Walmart Family Mobile's unlimited plans are simple offerings with few frills. Visible gets the advantage in coverage being on the Verizon network. However, Walmart Family Mobile has the edge on 5G coverage. Starting at $25/month, though, Visible's base plan is $25 cheaper than Walmart Family Mobile's unlimited plan. All this to say that if you want an unlimited plan, Visible is the way to go. On the other hand, Walmart Family Mobile is the better choice if you want to save money by choosing a limited data plan instead. 

Walmart Family Mobile vs. Metro by T-Mobile

Walmart Family Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are kind of like estranged siblings. Both are T-Mobile MVNOs that the major carrier owned at one point (still the case for Metro). You can still see signs that these two carriers are related, such as both offering similar plans at around the same prices. However, Metro stands out by giving you a few more perks. For instance, Metro's $50 Unlimited plan includes a 100GB Google One membership. Overall, we think Metro by T-Mobile is the better choice in most cases. Still, if you want a very low-priced limited data plan, Walmart Family Mobile is the way to go. 

Walmart Family Mobile Family plans

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Well, that's a mouthful! Of course, Walmart Family Mobile has family plans. The great news, especially for somebody writing about them, is that Walmart Family Mobile's multi-line discounts are straightforward.

Essentially, you'll pay the base price for a single line (depending on which data plan you opt for), plus $24.88/month for each additional line. Not many family plans are that simple.  

Walmart Family Mobile phones

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Walmart Family Mobile sells a handful of devices. Most of its phone options are older flagship models, like the Apple iPhone XR or the Samsung Galaxy S20. Walmart Family Mobile also partners with Affirm to offer financing for phone purchases. 

Bringing your own device to Walmart Family Mobile

If you like your current phone but want a new plan, you can bring that phone to Walmart Family Mobile. To make sure your phone works with Family Mobile, text KYOP to 611611. Once you have verified compatibility, you can purchase a plan and SIM Activation Kit online at Walmart's website or a Walmart store. 

Recap: Is Walmart Family Mobile right for you?

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Walmart Family Mobile could be a great choice for anybody looking for a break from the high prices usually associated with the major carriers. The MVNO is especially appealing to anybody who wants to get a new phone and a new plan quickly. Simply head over to the nearest Walmart. 

While you can potentially save by switching to Walmart Family Mobile, several other MVNOs out there offer similar plans for cheaper. We suggest taking a good look at other carriers before making your final decision.

Family Mobile: Frequently asked questions

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What network does Family Mobile use?

Family Mobile uses the T-Mobile network, giving customers access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE network and its industry-leading 5G network.

Is Walmart Family Mobile owned by T-Mobile?

T-Mobile does not own Walmart Family Mobile. TracFone (a subsidiary of Verizon) owns Walmart Family Mobile.

Are Family Mobile and Straight Talk the same?

No. Family Mobile and Straight Talk are not the same. However, they are both owned by TracFone.

Are Family Mobile phones unlocked?

No. Phones purchased from Walmart Family Mobile are not unlocked. However, new Apple phones bought from Family Mobile will automatically unlock after 60 days. Non-Apple phones can be unlocked upon request after 60 days after activation.

Is Family Mobile prepaid or postpaid?

Walmart Family Mobile is a prepaid carrier. You will not be required to sign any contracts or submit to a credit check to switch to Family Mobile.