Simple Mobile vs Walmart Family Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?



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Deciding between Simple Mobile vs. Walmart Family Mobile? It’s not an easy choice, especially when both offer budget-friendly prepaid plans with unlimited talk and text. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you. Simple Mobile brings solid coverage with T-Mobile’s network and offers affordable plans for users who want reliable service. On the flip side, Walmart Family Mobile stands out for its competitive pricing and flexible data options. Keep reading to see which one fits your needs best!
Compare Simple Mobile to other Carriers
- Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, delivers affordable prepaid plans with nationwide 5G coverage, ideal for budget-conscious users seeking premium service.
- Straight Talk, a Verizon-owned MVNO, offers affordable prepaid plans with nationwide coverage.
- Metro by T-Mobile, a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile, offers affordable plans with reliable access to T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network.
- Verizon, one of the largest U.S. carriers, offers reliable coverage, fast 5G speeds, and a range of plans.
- AT&T, a top U.S. carrier, offers reliable nationwide coverage and fast 5G connectivity.
Simple Mobile Overview

Simple Mobile is an affordable carrier that runs on T-Mobile’s network, offering budget-friendly low- and mid-tier data plans across the U.S. With various plans, new customer deals, and savings for multi-line accounts, it provides great value for MVNO users. Customer service is easily accessible, and the carrier offers perks like a 15% student discount, Autopay savings, and extra hotspot data on unlimited plans.
Streaming is available in up to 480p SD, and plans include talk and roaming data in Mexico and Canada, plus international roaming services.
Walmart Family Mobile Overview

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Walmart Family Mobile is a prepaid wireless service that offers a budget-friendly option for individuals and families seeking reliable mobile connectivity without long-term contracts. Powered by Verizon’s extensive network, it provides dependable coverage in both urban and rural areas. With flexible plans and no hidden fees, it’s a great choice for those looking for affordable, straightforward mobile service.
Simple Mobile Coverage
Simple Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, offering reliable coverage across nearly every state. Thanks to this partnership, Simple Mobile users enjoy quality service, with T-Mobile’s expanding 5G network expected to cover over 90% of the country in the coming years. While that goal hasn’t been fully realized, Simple Mobile users benefit from excellent coverage, particularly in urban and suburban areas. To see how coverage compares in your area, check out Simple Mobile’s coverage map.
Walmart Family Mobile Coverage
Walmart Family Mobile, an MVNO, operates on T-Mobile’s network, providing reliable coverage similar to other carriers that rely on AT&T or Verizon. T-Mobile is known for its strong 5G coverage, but the best option for you will depend on your location. To determine which provider offers the best service in your area, check out Walmart Family Mobile’s coverage map. This tool lets you compare coverage by showing cellular tower locations and the networks they belong to, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs
Coverage Comparison
When it comes to coverage, both Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile rely on T-Mobile’s robust network, which provides solid service across the U.S. Simple Mobile benefits from T-Mobile’s expanding 5G network, ensuring fast speeds and excellent coverage, particularly in urban areas. Walmart Family Mobile, also using T-Mobile’s infrastructure, offers similar coverage but may have slightly less consistency in rural areas. To get a better idea of which carrier offers the best service in your location, be sure to check the coverage map available on each carrier’s website.
Simple Mobile Plans
Truly Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot
This plan offers 40GB of high-speed data each month, after which speeds drop to 2G. It also includes 15GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows down once the cap is reached. With the Autopay discount, you get 55GB for $1.09 per GB at full price.
Cost: $60/month ($57 with Autopay)
Pros: Includes hotspot data
Cons: Speeds slow after 40GB
Best for: Heavy data users and frequent travelers
Truly Unlimited + 5GB Hotspot
This plan provides 40GB of full-speed data, after which speeds slow to 2G. You also get 5GB of mobile hotspot data, which stops once the limit is reached. After the first 3 months, the Autopay discount drops to 5%, bringing the price to $47.50 per month.
Cost: $50/month ($45 with Autopay for the first 3 months, then $47.50)
Pros: Larger Autopay discount, separate hotspot data
Cons: Speeds slow after 40GB
Best for: Heavy data users who prefer a shorter commitment
15GB Plan
This plan provides 15GB of high-speed data, plus hotspot access. After the cap is reached, speeds drop to 2G for both data and hotspot. It’s perfect for light to average data users.
Cost: $40/month ($37.50 with Autopay)
Pros: Includes hotspot access
Cons: Speeds slow after 15GB
Best for: Light to average data users
5GB Plan
This plan offers 5GB of high-speed data along with mobile hotspot access. Once the 5GB cap is hit, speeds slow to 2G. This plan is ideal for light data users who still need some hotspot functionality.
Cost: $30/month ($28.50 with Autopay)
Pros: Includes hotspot access
Cons: Expensive for the amount of data
Best for: Light data users
3GB Plan
With 3GB of full-speed data and mobile hotspot access, this plan offers basic data needs. After the 3GB cap, speeds slow to 2G, making it a budget-friendly option for those with minimal data requirements.
Cost: $25/month ($23.75 with Autopay)
Pros: Includes hotspot access
Cons: Expensive for minimal data
Best for: Users with minimal data needs
Family Plan Offerings
Simple Mobile offers multi-line discounts for up to 5 lines on one account. Adding more lines increases savings, making it an affordable option for families. With these discounts, each additional line lowers the cost per line.
Best for: Families seeking multiple lines under one account with discounts


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Walmart Family Mobile Plans
Unlimited
Walmart Family Mobile's Unlimited plan is their most comprehensive offering, featuring 40GB of high-speed data and 30GB of hotspot access. After hitting the 40GB data limit, speeds slow to 2G, which is fine for texting, emailing, and browsing but may affect activities like gaming or streaming. Once the 30GB of hotspot data is used, access is paused.
Cost: $49.88/month
Pros: Extra hotspot data
Cons: Speeds slow after 40GB
Best for: Heavy data users and travelers
40GB Plan
The 40GB plan provides full-speed data up to 40GB, after which speeds drop to 2G. You also get 10GB of hotspot data, which stops once the limit is reached, but resets at the beginning of the next month.
Cost: $39.88/month
Pros: Extra hotspot data
Cons: Less hotspot data than the Unlimited plan
Best for: Average to heavy data users
10GB Plan
The 10GB plan includes 10GB of data with hotspot access. Once the data cap is reached, speeds slow to 2G, and hotspot access is discontinued.
Cost: $29.88/month
Pros: Hotspot access included
Cons: Higher cost per GB
Best for: Light data users
5GB Plan
The 5GB plan offers 5GB of data with hotspot access. After reaching the cap, speeds drop to 2G, and hotspot access is suspended. With Autopay, you get an additional 1GB (6GB total).
Cost: $29.88/month ($28.88 with Autopay)
Pros: 1GB extra with Autopay
Cons: Relatively expensive per GB
Best for: Lightest data users
Family Plan Offerings
Walmart Family Mobile offers multi-line discounts for up to 5 lines on one account. Additional lines result in discounted rates, making it a great option for families. However, Autopay is only available for the 5GB plan if you have a single line.
Best for: Families looking for multi-line discounts and affordable plans


Image suggestion: Can we come up with something like this for both Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile using the info on the table I provided?
Plan Comparison
When comparing Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile, both offer affordable prepaid plans with strong coverage, but there are key differences. Simple Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network, offering flexible plans with features like Autopay discounts and hotspot data, making it a great choice for those looking for low-cost options with reliable service. Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile’s network as well, offers competitive plans with extra international features and multi-line discounts, making it ideal for families or those needing more extensive international coverage. Simple Mobile tends to focus on data flexibility, while Walmart Family Mobile stands out with additional perks for families and travelers.
Key Differences Between Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile
Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling
Simple Mobile offers unlimited data plans on T-Mobile’s network, but once users exceed 35GB of high-speed data in a month, they may experience temporary slowdowns due to data deprioritization, especially during peak congestion in busy areas. While speeds are reduced, they return to normal once network congestion subsides. Simple Mobile does not apply permanent throttling, so while the service provides great value for light to moderate users, heavy data users might experience occasional slowdowns in congested areas.
Walmart Family Mobile users may notice slower data speeds during peak times due to network deprioritization, as the service operates on Verizon’s network. While this typically doesn't affect everyday tasks, it can impact data-heavy activities like streaming or gaming. Users who rely on consistent high-speed data should keep this potential slowdown in mind.
Customer Service and Accessibility
Simple Mobile operates entirely online, providing customer service through chat and phone support. With no physical stores, all interactions are handled virtually, ensuring customers can easily access assistance when needed. Whether through chat or phone, Simple Mobile strives to offer quick and responsive support for any inquiries. For added security, users may need to verify they are human before accessing support.
Walmart Family Mobile offers a variety of customer service options, making it easy for users to get the support they need. In addition to in-store assistance at Walmart locations, customers can contact support online through chat or phone. Chat support is available 24/7, ensuring help is always accessible, while phone support is available during extended hours. This combination of in-store and online support provides customers with flexible options for assistance.
The Verdict
Both Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile offer budget-friendly prepaid plans with reliable coverage, but they have distinct strengths.
Simple Mobile, operating on T-Mobile’s network, provides flexible plans with features like Autopay discounts and hotspot options, making it ideal for light to moderate data users. Walmart Family Mobile, using Verizon’s network, excels with its family-friendly multi-line discounts, in-store support, and more extensive international coverage.
If you prioritize flexibility and lower-cost plans, Simple Mobile is a great choice, while Walmart Family Mobile is better for families or those seeking more international features and in-person support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own phone to Simple Mobile or Walmart Family Mobile?
Yes, both Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). If you want to stay connected and avoid the hassle of buying a new phone, ensure your own phone is unlocked and compatible with either T-Mobile’s (for Simple Mobile) or Verizon’s (for Walmart Family Mobile) network. This gives you reliable connectivity on their mobile virtual network operators while saving money by using your own device.
Does Walmart Family Mobile offer any multi-line discounts?
Yes, Walmart Family Mobile offers multi-line discounts, which is a great option for families who want to save money on multiple lines. You can add up to 5 lines on one account, making it a cost-effective solution compared to other major players in the market. This flexibility allows you to tailor your phone plan to suit your family's usage patterns and needs.
Does either Simple Mobile or Walmart Family Mobile offer 5G coverage?
Yes, both carriers offer access to 5G coverage. Simple Mobile, which runs on T-Mobile’s network, benefits from T-Mobile’s expanding 5G coverage, one of the best coverage in the industry. Walmart Family Mobile, using Verizon Wireless’ network, also provides 5G coverage, particularly in urban areas. Verizon’s 5G network is more focused on cities, so rural users may experience fewer high-speed options compared to Simple Mobile.
Can I use international roaming with these carriers?
Both carriers provide international calling options, but their offerings differ. Simple Mobile allows international calling to several countries, while Walmart Family Mobile offers international roaming, particularly to Mexico and Canada, depending on the plan. These service offers can be great for travelers who need to stay connected without worrying about service interruptions when abroad.
Which carrier offers the best coverage in rural areas?
Walmart Family Mobile, powered by Verizon Wireless, generally provides better coverage in rural areas, thanks to Verizon’s extensive network. If you live in a remote area, Walmart Family Mobile is likely to offer more consistent coverage than Simple Mobile, which operates on T-Mobile’s network and is more robust in urban and suburban areas. For users in less populated regions, Verizon's network might be a better option for reliable connectivity.