Once a niche budget option, prepaid plans are becoming more mainstream as consumers look to reduce expenses wherever they can. Tax season often reminds us that every dollar counts, and that's where Metro by T-Mobile might be able to help. Metro offers unlimited data for as low as $25 per month, a savings of as much as 84% on the average contract, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here's what to know about prepaid phone plans and Metro by T-Mobile.

What are the advantages of a prepaid plan?

Prepaid plans are no longer just about convenience. Here are some of the many benefits of switching to a prepaid phone plan:

• Cost: Prepaid phone plans are often less expensive than long-term service contracts.
• No credit check: While some carriers reserve their best offers for customers with high credit, the cost-saving advantages of prepaid plans are open to anyone.
• No contracts, no hidden fees: By prepaying every month, there's nothing to hold you to a service you no longer want, and no surprises tacked on to offers that seem too good to be true.

Which prepaid phone plan network is fastest?

Metro runs on T-Mobile, the fastest mobile provider in the United States, as measured by Ookla's Speedtest Intelligence data, with a median download speed of 212.77Mbps. With the lowest latency (49ms), T-Mobile also delivered the highest median upload speed at 11.45Mbps.* 

T-Mobile's infrastructure is built for speed, and no matter how you parse the numbers, it's clear no one else has caught up yet.

Phone plans with a 5-year price guarantee in 2026

Even without a contract, Metro delivers T-Mobile's 5-year price guarantee, which ensures that new and existing accounts with qualifying plans keep their regular monthly rate for five years from the date of activation. Metro's monthly pricing includes sales taxes and fees, so you know what to expect each month, with no hidden fees or surprises.

What are the cheapest unlimited 5G phone plans in 2026?

Dollar for dollar, Metro's unlimited 5G for $25 per month is hard to beat. Metro offers unlimited data at one of the lowest monthly rates in the industry. By porting your own phone and number and paying an initial $30 for the first month, Metro's 5-year price guarantee ensures that your prepaid plan remains $25 per month, even without a long-term contract.

How does the Metro $25 per month option work?

Metro makes it easy to bring your own device and save every month. Activation is easy: Make sure your phone is unlocked, locate your 15-digit IMEI (think of it like your phone's Social Security number), verify whether you have a SIM card or an eSIM and follow the instructions on your screen. 

Which free phones can I get with Metro by T-Mobile? 

If you need a new phone or you're ready to leave your old one behind, Metro offers customers a free Samsung Galaxy A17 5G with plans starting from $40 per month.

What are the requirements for Metro's Samsung A17 offer?

Port your number to Metro, pay for your first month (starting at $40) and receive a code for a 100% discount on a new Galaxy A17. With no activation fees and no contracts, it's an easy and straightforward way to qualify for a free phone.

Do any Metro plans include Amazon Prime?

For $60 per month, Metro customers receive a free membership to Amazon Prime, an annual value of $180. Simply enroll in autopay and set up a qualifying line for $65 for the first month, then enjoy unlimited data with countless benefits for $60 per month, including taxes and fees, all with no strings attached.

As an added bonus, this prepaid plan comes with 25GB of hotspot data every month, unlimited international texting to 210 countries and destinations, a membership to Google One and Scam Shield protection.

What are the benefits of a Metro by T-Mobile plan?