I Now Recommend This Carrier Over T-Mobile For Most Users

For a long time, I have recommended T-Mobile as the go-to carrier if you want a postpaid plan without sky-high prices or the usual corporate nonsense. Unfortunately, over the last few years, it’s become harder to stand by that advice.

In terms of pricing and policies, T-Mobile no longer clearly stands apart from Verizon or even AT&T. With the introduction of its new Experience plans and the move away from tax and fee transparency, the writing’s on the wall. The Uncarrier is officially just another big carrier.

At this point, your choice mainly comes down to which network offers the best coverage in your area — Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. You’ll get mostly the same games and questionable sales tactics regardless of where you sign up.

That means during times of heavy traffic, these users get pushed to the back of the line. In areas with strong T-Mobile capacity, you might not notice. But in congested regions, these plans can become painfully slow during peak hours.

If you’re looking for a plan that gets you as close as possible to the postpaid experience without the postpaid price, there’s really only one solid alternative: Google Fi Wireless.

Why I recommend Google Fi Wireless over T-Mobile

Google Fi Wireless has always been a solid alternative for those who want access to T-Mobile’s network without all the postpaid baggage. But with the addition of its new Essentials plan and broader improvements across its lineup, Fi has become the best T-Mobile alternative — especially if you’re aiming for that postpaid experience without the premium cost.

Google Fi stands out for T-Mobile customers who are happy with their current coverage but are frustrated by rising prices and shifting policies. Let’s take a closer look at how it compares across key areas.

Lower pricing than T-Mobile postpaid across the board

T-Mobile’s postpaid plans range from $50 to $85 per line, or $25 to $53.75 per line for four users. In contrast, Google Fi’s plans start as low as $20 for one line (on the Flexible plan) or $16 per line for four or more. That plan excludes data, so for a more direct comparison, let’s look at the unlimited lineup.

Google Fi’s unlimited plans range from $35 to $65 for a single line, or $23 to $40 per line for four or more. In nearly every case, Google Fi is the cheaper option; In some situations, it even offers better data priority.

T-Mobile only offers its fastest priority to its own direct customers, but Google Fi is the exception!

There is one trade-off: Google Fi only gives you 30GB to 100GB of high-priority QCI 6 access (depending on the plan), after which speeds are heavily throttled. Meanwhile, T-Mobile Essentials users get 50GB of slightly slower QCI 7 data, followed by unlimited QCI 9 data, which, while lower priority, remains usable in most non-congested areas.

If you’re constantly using cellular data, T-Mobile Essentials might be better. But for those who primarily rely on Wi-Fi and want high-speed performance when it matters, Google Fi’s limits shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

However, once you step up to Fi Standard, the balance tips. It matches or exceeds what you get from T-Mobile Essentials and starts at the same price. And at the top end, Fi Premium offers far more international data than even T-Mobile’s best plans — all while still costing less.

Carrier promotions and deals

There’s a persistent myth that prepaid plans don’t offer deals on devices, financing, or “free” phones. That might be true for some MVNOs — but not for Google Fi.

To be fair, T-Mobile’s phone deals are more extensive, including promos for Apple, Samsung, and other major brands — especially for trade-ins and upgrades. But many of these “free phones” end up costing more over time once you factor in the higher monthly rates. In contrast, Google Fi’s lower base pricing makes its phone deals genuinely competitive.

Are there any advantages to postpaid?

Are there any other T-Mobile alternatives worth considering?

While I stand by the idea that Google Fi is the best T-Mobile alternative for those who want a near-postpaid experience, there are other strong options out there — especially if you’re looking to save even more or don’t need premium perks like high-priority data or international features.

If your top priority is saving money, these three are excellent and could be similar or even cheaper. But if you want the best value for a premium experience on T-Mobile’s network, Google Fi still wins.

In truth, T-Mobile Prepaid is mostly an overpriced service that’s coasting off its brand recognition. It’s not a bad plan, it’s just not very competitive.

Google Fi is better than T-Mobile, unless you’re one of the exceptions

I don’t like to deal in absolutes, but in 2025, I can say with confidence that Google Fi is my top recommendation if you’re looking to stay on the T-Mobile network. I wouldn’t recommend signing up for a new T-Mobile postpaid plan as a first or even second choice. The fact that T-Mobile has moved away from including taxes and its entire Uncarrier marketing gimmick means it just isn’t that compelling of a choice anymore.

To be fair, Verizon and AT&T aren’t any better. The main reason to go postpaid in 2025 is convenience — and some people are willing to pay extra for that.

It’s true, T-Mobile and the other big three carriers are less hassle. You have in-person, online, and phone-based customer service. You have the widest range of free phone promotions. You have plenty of insurance and payment plan options. You get free streaming services.

Google Fi offers a similar experience to T-Mobile, while also delivering a great value!

Almost all of these things can be matched on prepaid — just with more hoops. For example, you might not get Netflix or Hulu for free, but the money you save can easily cover those subscriptions. It just takes a bit more work.

There’s also the reality that prepaid changes faster than postpaid. Carriers like T-Mobile usually tweak their plans slowly while gradually increasing fees. Meanwhile, prepaid carriers can dramatically shift pricing and perks in a shorter timeframe. That means you’ll need to stay informed and be ready to switch when necessary.

Some people don’t want to do that. Some people want convenience, with no concern for pricing. And that’s fine. If you’re willing to pay more to avoid the hassle, T-Mobile might still be a better fit for you.

Many T-Mobile ONE and Magenta users still have plans that offer better value than anything currently available. If you’ve got free lines, locked-in discounts, or bundled extras, you might not gain much by switching and could even end up spending more. The same goes for Go5G users to a lesser extent. These plans include taxes and fees and are more competitively priced than the new Experience lineup.

In short, if you’re already on a great deal, it might be best to stick with what you’ve got, at least for now.

Postpaid is no longer the best route for most

T-Mobile’s recent changes mark the end of an era. It’s no longer the disruptor it once was. With rising prices, dropped perks, and a growing resemblance to the carriers it once mocked, it’s become harder to recommend as a default.

Thankfully, there’s still Google Fi Wireless — a smarter, cheaper way to stay on the T-Mobile network without getting caught in the same corporate traps. Just remember: no plan is perfect forever. But right now? Google Fi is as close as it gets while retaining T-Mobile’s network.

While prepaid might still offer small disadvantages over postpaid, the gap has become much smaller, and yet the price divide has widened massively. In other words, for most people, the savings will be worth the hassle. Open to Verizon or AT&T’s networks? Visible and Cricket could also be worth a look.