Most wireless customers are familiar with the big-name brands in Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Relatively few buyers, though, are as well-versed when it comes to the topic of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).
Companies like Metro, Boost Mobile, and Cricket Wireless license the towers and coverage from tier-one providers but offer their own phones, rate plans, and customer service.
Walmart Family Mobile is one such MVNO and is certainly worth closer inspection. Yes, that Walmart.
See Also
- Total Wireless Buyer’s Guide
- Republic Wireless Buyer’s Guide
- Straight Talk Buyer’s Guide
- Mint Mobile Buyer’s Guide
How is coverage for Walmart Family Mobile?
Using T-Mobile’s network for its service, Walmart Family Mobile is a service provider that exists almost virtually. While you cannot go into a dedicated Walmart Family Mobile store, customers can pay for their service at Walmart locations. Moreover, if you go to Walmart’s website, you can shop for phones and SIM cards.
Given that it does employ T-Mobile’s network, it does allow for customers to use their own devices. If you’ve already purchased an unlocked GSM phone, chances are good it will work just fine with Walmart Family Mobile. Those which might be locked to other carriers, however, may need to be unlocked before making the switch.
What are Walmart Family Mobile plans like?
Keeping things nice and simple is the name of the game here. There are currently four rate plans to choose from, all of which stay under $50 per month. As one might expect, each comes with its own amount of data.
- $24.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 2GB 4G LTE data
- $29.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 5GB of 4G LTE data
- $39.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 20GB of 4G LTE data
- $49.88 per month – Unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, plus 30GB hotspot
There are no overage fees for hitting your data threshold. Once met, the speeds are throttled to 2G bandwidth for the rest of the billing cycle.
If the network gets congested, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds.
Can I do multiple lines at Walmart Family Mobile?
Yes, customers interested in family plans or multiple lines can add them to the unlimited data plan for $24.88 per line. Doing so gives the additional lines the same pool of data. In essence, it’s the $49.88 plan plus the $24.88.
You can currently get unlimited data for two lines for a total of $75 per month with each line getting 30GB of mobile hotspot. There is a limit of five lines per account through the service provider.
Are there any ways to save money?
If you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other social assistance programs, you are probably eligible for the “Lifeline” Financial Assistance. Should you be approved you’ll save $10 on your bill each month.
What deals does Walmart Family Mobile have?
There are a number of phones listed with “Rollback” pricing on the Walmart website. These are often limited time promotions, but can save anywhere from $50-$200 on some models.
International Calling
Walmart Family Mobile offers $10 Extras Pack bundles which can be used for international calling and roaming. Rates vary by location.
How is the phone selection at Walmart Family Mobile?
Taking a look at the current lineup of phones offered through Walmart Family Mobile we find relatively few Android devices. In essence, it’s a smattering of LG, Motorola, and Samsung handsets. The selection is a mixed bag, and it skews heavily toward affordability and not power.
There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Walmart Family Mobile, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from T-Mobile.
When it comes to buying a phone for use on Walmart Family Mobile there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current T-Mobile device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked phone for use on Walmart Family Mobile.
You can check to see if your current device is compatible with Walmart Family Mobile by texting BYOP to 611611.
Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Walmart Family Mobile. While there’s a fairly robust handset selection to peruse, select models rise to the top.
What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Walmart Family Mobile today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The Best Available
Perhaps one of the best handsets you’ll find at any carrier this year, you’ll have a tough time beating this one. It’s the hardware and software experience that rivals nearly all comers.
For your money you get a gorgeous and spacious 6.9-inch display, incredible multi-camera array, and long-lasting battery. Under the hood is a powerhouse processor with lots of memory and storage. Most folks could see years of usage from this one.
Shop the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra at Walmart
Motorola Moto G7 Optimo
Well-rounded and Affordable
This is a great phone for first-time buyers and those who don’t need all that much from their handset. It’s a solid mix of entry-level hardware with a clean and user-friendly version of Android.
The Motorola phone offers up a 5.7-inch HD+ display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 3,000mAh battery. That should be plenty sufficient for your social media, light gaming, web browsing, and email.
Shop the Motorola Moto G7 Optimo at Walmart
Samsung Galaxy S9
Yesterday’s Flagship
One of the best things about today’s breed of smartphones is that you can often purchase a generation or two later and still end up with more than you need. That’s the case here as the popular Samsung phone still handles all of your tasks.
For about one third of today’s flagship phone you can get something that will last a couple of years. We’re talking plenty of hardware, a beauty of a screen, and one of the better cameras around.
Shop the Samsung Galaxy S9 at Walmart
LG Rebel 4
First-Time Buyer
If you’ve never owned a smartphone, or are giving your child their first handset, you likely don’t want to spend that much money. To that end, you can get a decent phone for cheap.
The LG Rebel 4 is a little older than the others here but there’s a reason it’s still offered. Priced well under $50 you get a 5-inch display, 8-megapixel camera, and decent hardware. It won’t set the world on fire, but you’ll have a better understanding of needs for the next device.
Shop the LG Rebel 4 at Walmart
Can I use my own phone with Walmart Family Mobile?
Don’t forget, you can also bring your own GSM phone so be sure to look around at places like Amazon, B&H, or Best Buy. You may find something better or more in line with your needs.
SIM Card kits are available in both standard/micro and nano packages. Typical retail pricing is $25 for those; however, they are often discounted. As of today Walmart has them for just $.99 each.
