Metro by T-Mobile, formerly known as MetroPCS, is one of the longest-standing prepaid wireless carriers. Metro offers a range of affordable plans backed by T-Mobile's extensive network. With a focus on providing customers with a simple and cost-effective mobile experience, Metro has emerged as a solid choice for those looking for value in their wireless plans.
Here we take a close look at Metro by T-Mobile's coverage, plans, and prices to review and rate the carrier. Keep reading to learn more about Metro and see if it's the right choice for you.
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#1
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
Unlimited 6-Month Plan (BYOD)
$20.00/mo
Upfront payment of $120 for 6 months <br>(equivalent to $20/month)<br>Taxes and regulatory fees included.
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#2
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$25 Unlimited Plan (BYOD) | Online
$25.00/mo
with AutoPay; $30 for the first month.
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#3
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$30 Unlimited Plan (BYOD) | Online
$30.00/mo
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#4
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$40 Period Unlimited Plan
$40.00/mo
Taxes and regulatory fees included.
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#5
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$50 Unlimited Plan
$50.00/mo
with AutoPay. Taxes and regulatory fees included.
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#6
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Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$60 Unlimited Plan
$60.00/mo
with AutoPay. Taxes and regulatory fees included.
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Is Metro by T-Mobile for you? Pros and cons
If you're looking for an affordable option outside of the major mobile providers and access to the largest 5G network, Metro by T-Mobile could be right for you.
What we love
- Affordable prices
- Great coverage on T-Mobile network
- Thousands of store locations
What could be improved
- Some deals only offered in stores
- International perks as extra add-ons
80/100
Metro by T-Moble plans
Metro by T-Mobile offers a variety of prepaid plans with no annual contracts, making it easy to find a plan that suits your needs and budget. All plans come with unlimited talk and text, with data allowances ranging from 10GB to unlimited high-speed data deprioritized after 70GB of usage each month.
What we like: Affordable pricing compared to major carriers
One of the standout features of Metro by T-Mobile is its low prices, especially when compared to the major carriers. Metro's plans are among the most competitively priced, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious customers who still want to enjoy high-quality wireless services.
Metro's plans start at just $40/month for a 10GB data allowance, unlimited talk, and unlimited text. For heavier data users, Metro has multiple unlimited data options starting at $50/month. Additionally, Metro offers discounted rates for families and multi-line plans, allowing customers to save even more money.
What we like: Good network coverage
Metro by T-Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network, which is known for its strong coverage and fast speeds in many areas. This means, with Metro by T-Mobile's coverage, you can expect reliable coverage in most urban and suburban areas across the United States. It also means you get service on the country's largest 5G network.
What we like: So many store locations
Metro by T-Mobile has nearly 7,000 store locations across the United States, making it easy for customers to find a store near them and get the assistance they need. While purchasing a phone and plan online can be very convenient, many people might find that having face-to-face help from an actual human being is preferable.
What could be improved: Some deals offered in-store only
Yes, it is cool that Metro has so many stores that customers can visit, but there is one big downside to that. Many Metro by T-Mobile deals and promotions are exclusive to customers who go to its stores. This means that oftentimes, you're not going to get the best savings by shopping online with Metro by T-Mobile. It'd be nice if these deals were more readily available to people who don't necessarily want to leave the comforts of home.
What could be improved: No international calling perks included
To be fair, many MVNOs don't have very robust international calling perks, but we are seeing a lot more carriers include at least some international perks—most commonly free calling and texting to Mexico and Canada.
If you want to make calls to numbers outside of the country, you aren't completely out of luck. Metro has several international calling add-ons you can purchase, such as its $10 Global Voice add-on which includes calling to over 210 countries.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
As a subsidiary of T-Mobile, Metro benefits from its parent company's extensive network, which provides strong coverage and fast data speeds in most urban and suburban areas. T-Mobile's network ranks as one of the top networks in the United States, so you can expect reliable service in most locations. However, in more rural areas, you may experience weaker coverage or slower speeds.
Those with 5G-compatible phones will have access to the largest 5G network. T-Mobile 5G covers over 49% of the country. You can take a look at how the T-Mobile network has you covered by checking the map below.
Metro by T-Mobile vs. competitors
Metro by T-Mobile can provide great value to anyone switching from one of the major carriers, but how does the carrier compare to some of its more direct competitors? Let's take a close look into how Metro stacks up to Mint Mobile, Visible, and Cricket.
Metro by T-Mobile vs. MVNOs
| Metro by T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible | Cricket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Highest deprioritization threshold | 70GB/month | 50GB/month | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Largest hotspot allowance | 25GB | 20GB | Unlimited at 15Mbps |
50GB |
| Perks | 100GB Google One | None | None | HBO Max with ads |
| Starting prices | $40/month | $15/month | $25/month | $35/month |
Metro by T-Mobile vs. Mint Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile both operate on T-Mobile's network in the United States, providing similar coverage and network performance. Metro by T-Mobile offers a more extensive retail presence with its thousands of brick-and-mortar stores while Mint Mobile is primarily an online-based carrier. Mint's known for offering some of the best introductory rates for its plans, but once you get through your first three months of service, those rates increase, unless you are willing to prepay for 12 months of service.
The Mint Unlimited Plan looks a lot like Metro's $40/month 10GB Plan. Each is regularly priced at $40/month (you can get that rate lower by purchasing 6- or 12-month bundles with Mint), but Mint gives you a lot more premium data (potentially slower speeds when you reach 50GB). Plus, you'll get 20GB of dedicated mobile hotspot. The Metro $40 plan does not include hotspot, and you only get 10GB of data to use. However, if hotspot data is a priority for you, you can pay an extra $20/month for the Metro $60/month Unlimited Plan which includes 25GB of dedicated hotspot data.
The Mint plans tend to have more value, but if you want more high-end features, Metro might be the way to go. You're just going to have to pay for it.
- T-Mobile 4G and 5G networks
- Up to 70GB of premium data on unlimited plans
- Thousands of stores across the country
- No international calling perks
- 50GB of high-speed data per month
- Very affordable introductory rates
- Prices increase after first three months
Metro by T-Mobile vs. Visible
Like Metro, Visible is owned by one of the major carriers (Verizon). With its three unlimited plans and its 5G plan, Metro has more options than Visible which has competitive unlimited plans. Anyone looking for the most premium data will want to take a long look at the $35/month Visible+ and $45/month Visible+ Pro plan which come with unlimited premium data (only $5 more than Metro's $40/month unlimited plan). On the flip side, those wanting the absolute lowest price between these two carriers will want to turn towards Metro's 10GB plan.
A huge difference between these two carriers is network coverage. Metro is on T-Mobile which gets you the best 5G network, while Visible is on Verizon which gives you the best overall coverage. Before you choose between either carrier, be sure to see which has the best coverage in your area.
- T-Mobile 4G and 5G networks
- Up to70GB of premium data on unlimited plans
- Thousands of stores across the country
- No international calling perks
- Best coverage with Verizon network
- Unlimited plans as low as $25/month
- Unlimited premium data
- Hotspot limited to 15Mbps
Metro by T-Mobile vs. Cricket
Cricket is yet another prepaid MVNO owned by a major carrier (AT&T). Like Metro, Cricket has thousands of stores across the country. So, you can actually go and talk to somebody in person if you want to buy from either carrier. Both carriers' prices are very similar. You get slightly better features with Cricket's mid-range options (like more hotspot data) but Metro's high-end plan has slightly better value than Cricket's high-end option. That said, it should probably come down to coverage in your area when deciding on which carrier is right for you between these two.
- T-Mobile 4G and 5G networks
- Up to 70GB of premium data on unlimited plans
- Thousands of stores across the country
- No international calling perks
- Coverage on AT&T's network
- Several stores throughout the country
- Prices are high compared to other MVNOs
Metro by T-Mobile family plans
Metro by T-Mobile's family plans offer an excellent opportunity for you to save money when adding multiple lines to your account. These plans are simply Metro's single-line plans bundled together with discounted pricing per line. The more lines you add, the greater the savings. Here's an overview of Metro's family plans and the savings they offer:
Metro family plan prices per line
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 10GB Plan | $40/month | $32.50/month | $30/month | $25/month |
| $50 Unlimited Plan | $50/month | $40/month | $36.60/month | $36.60/month |
| $60 Unlimited Plus | $60/month | $47.50/month | $43.30/month | $35/month |
Metro by T-Mobile cell phones
Metro by T-Mobile offers a diverse selection of smartphones, including flagship models from Apple, Samsung, and other popular brands. They also provide budget-friendly options, making it easy to find a device that suits your needs and budget.
Metro offers financing for phones through its partnership with third-party lender Affirm. Qualified customers can make their purchase with no interest; however, depending on your credit, you can see as high as 30% APR for your phone financing.
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Moto G Power (2025) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Edge (2025) 256GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 50MP, 10MP
- Front Camera: 50MP
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
Bringing your own device to Metro by T-Mobile
If you prefer to bring your own device, Metro supports a wide range of phones. Simply ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network, then purchase a Metro SIM card or activate with an eSIM and choose your desired plan.
Recap: Is Metro by T-Mobile right for you?
If you are currently with one of the major carriers and you are looking to save some money, switching to Metro by T-Mobile could be the way to go. You get trusted service on the T-Mobile network, as much as 70GB of premium data, and discounted rates that you don't often see from the big carriers. Metro might particularly be the right carrier for you if you live in an area where T-Mobile's coverage is strong.
On the other hand, Metro by T-Mobile will not net you the best savings out there. Plenty of other MVNOs have similar offerings at lower prices. If you are looking to switch and save the most money possible, consider these carriers:
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#1
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TextNow
Free Flex Plan
$0.00/mo
+ $4.99 Upfront
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#2
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Good2Go Mobile
1GB Data 6-Month Plan Unlimited Talk & Text
$7.00/mo
$42.00 advance payment for 6 months (equals to $7.00/month).
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#3
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Tello
Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes, and 2GB Plan
$8.00/mo
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#4
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Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
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#5
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Mint Mobile
5GB Data Plan
$10.00/mo
$30.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
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#6
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GoTalk Wireless
SafeSim Super Lite Consumer Plan
$10.00/mo
$30.00 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month)
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Methodology
To provide a comprehensive review of Metro by T-Mobile, WhistleOut gathered information from the carrier's official website, customer reviews, competitor comparisons, and our own hands-on experience with the carrier. Our analysis focused on Metro's plans and pricing, coverage and network performance, and phone selection, as well as its bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program.
We are constantly keeping track of the different carriers and their offerings and will update this review as necessary.
Metro by T-Mobile: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metro by T-Mobile slower than T-Mobile?
Generally, Metro by T-Mobile is not slower than T-Mobile. However, during times of network congestion customers on Metro's unlimited plans who have used more than 35GB in a month might see speeds slowed down in favor of T-Mobile customers.
Is Metro by T-Mobile the same as MetroPCS?
Yes, Metro by T-Mobile was formerly Metro PCS. T-Mobile Acquired MetroPCS in 2013 and in 2018 the carrier was rebranded as Metro by T-Mobile.
Does Metro by T-Mobile support eSIM?
Yes, Metro by T-Mobile does support eSIM. This makes it even easier for anybody with a phone that has eSIM.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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