Verizon is renowned network industry-wide for their reliable nationwide coverage, cutting edge 5G speeds, and extras like streaming subscriptions bundled into plans. But as a premium carrier, you pay more for access to Verizon‘s superior infrastructure especially as you add more family lines. This comprehensive guide dives into Verizon‘s family pricing, plan features and how it compares to help you decide if the cost is justified.
Why Pick Verizon Over Other Carriers?
As a digital infrastructure expert, I track how the major wireless providers compete on advancing their network technology. Verizon continues leading the industry based on independent testing of metrics like 5G availability, speeds and overall coverage.
Consider Verizon over discount alternates if you prioritize:
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Reliable nationwide service – Verizon scored #1 for network quality and reliability in multiple 3rd party testing, including RootMetrics and JD Power.
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Leading 5G technology – Verizon‘s 5G Ultra Wideband service now covers over 175 million people as they rapidly build infrastructure. Offers 10x faster speeds than 4G where available!
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Congestion-free access – Verizon adds more cell sites and spectrum than competitors, meaning fewer slowdowns in high traffic areas.
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International roaming – Verizon‘s TravelPass international day passes provide service in 185+ countries -great for traveling families.
Now let‘s analyze Verizon‘s family plan options in-depth to see where the value lies for multi-line customers.
Breakdown of Verizon Family Plans
First, what do all Verizon family plans include regardless of price tier?
- Unlimited domestic talk & text
- 5G or fastest available 4G LTE data
- Calling & texting to Mexico/Canada
- International text messaging
- Verizon Up rewards program
- Call Filter spam blocking
Plans then differ based on:
- Monthly pricing per line
- Monthly data thresholds before reduced speeds
- Mobile hotspot data amounts
- Extras like streaming service subscriptions
- Access to 5G Ultra Wideband or not
Verizon offers mix and match plans letting you tailor lines, or single shared plans where every line gets the same features.
Mix and Match Plan Options
Start Unlimited
- $35/line on Auto Pay
- 5G Nationwide – speeds vary
- No hotspot data
Play More Unlimited
- $45/line
- 5G Ultra Wideband
- 25GB high-speed hotspot
- Streaming service subscriptions
Do More Unlimited
- $45/line
- 5G Ultra Wideband
- 25GB high-speed hotspot
- 50% off connected devices
- 600GB cloud storage
Get More Unlimited
- $55/line
- 5G Ultra Wideband
- 50GB high speed hotspot
- Streaming subscriptions
- 600GB cloud storage
- International Day Passes
Shared Plans
These plans have the same features for every line. More basic options.
Welcome Unlimited
- $35/line
- 5G Nationwide
- No hotspot
One Unlimited for iPhone
- $50/line
- 5G Ultra Wideband
- 25GB high-speed hotspot
- Apple streaming & subscriptions
For full details on 5G and hotspot data amounts, see Verizon‘s plan comparison tool.
Below summarizes key extras families get with Play More, Do More and Get More plans:
| Plan | Entertainment Perks | Monthly Value |
|---|---|---|
| Play More Unlimited | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Apple Arcade | $19 |
| Do More Unlimited | 50% off connected devices | $5-$15 |
| Get More Unlimited | Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, Apple Music, Cloud Storage, International Day Passes | $38 |
Based on 2022 subscription retail costs
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That‘s up to $38/month value bundled into plans!
Cost Comparison of Family Plans
Next let‘s examine how Verizon family pricing holds up for households of different sizes.
Below shows monthly costs for mix and match lines with auto-pay discounts applied:
| Number of Lines | Various Mix and Match Plans | Single Plan Option |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lines | $80-$110 | $70-$100 |
| 3 lines | $120-$165 | $105-$150 |
| 4 lines | $160-$220 | $140-$200 |
| 5 lines | $200-$275 | $175-$250 |
- Pricing ranges shown account for lowest (Start Unlimited) to highest (Get More Unlimited) cost plan combinations
We see Verizon provides offer flexibility to cut costs through mixing plan tiers based on each family member‘s usage.
But headline rates alone don‘t tell the full pricing story…
Estimated First Year Cost for Family of 4
Let‘s estimate total first year costs for a family of 4 signing up to Verizon family plans using average plan prices and bringing their own devices:
- Plans: 4 lines on mid-tier Play More Unlimited = $180/month or $2,160 per year
- Taxes & Fees: Est. 20% of plan cost = $432/year
- Activation Fees: $35 per line = $140
- First Year Cost Total = $2,732
That tax-inclusive estimate gives us a clearer idea of the full cost burden compared to just the advertised monthly rates.
We need to also factor in paying for new devices like iPhones over a typical 2-year payment plan.
Let‘s see how first year and 2-year cost estimates stack up across carriers for this same family of 4 scenario:
| Wireless Carrier | Plan Pricing | 1st Year Cost | 2 Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $180/month taxes & fees extra | $2,732 | $7,250 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | $160/month taxes & fees extra | $2,555 | $6,840 |
| T-Mobile Essentials | $140/month taxes & fees included | $1,680 | $4,032 |
- Verizon and AT&T pricing excludes additional device payment plan costs
- Estimates based on advertised plan rates for 4 lines
This comparison illustrates why Verizon‘s premium service reputation also comes with premium pricing, especially over multi-year timeframes.
You must weigh upfront costs against expected reliability, network performance and extras like hotspot allowances that suit your household‘s needs.
When Do Verizon Family Plans Make Sense?
Based on these plan and pricing comparisons, here is my technology expert take on scenarios where paying more for Verizon plans pay off:
You travel overseas frequently – Verizon‘s plans include calling, text and high speed data access in hundreds of countries through $10 daily Travel Passes. Invaluable for frequent work or family travelers.
You demand maximum mobile internet speeds – Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband radically outpaces 4G speeds when available. Ideal for data-hungry users tired of lag and buffering.
You live along the coasts or in a major metro – Check Verizon‘s 5G coverage map as their new 5G Ultra Wideband network focuses where most people live.
You value hotspot functionality – All of Verizon‘s mix & match family plans include generous high-speed hotspot data allowances from 25GB up to 50GB per month depending on your selected plan tier.
You want bundled entertainment subscriptions – Verizon‘s Play More, Do More and Get More plans all include subscriptions like Apple Music, Disney+, Hulu and more depending on plan selected. Save $15-$20/month.
Alternatively, if you…
- Have basic needs for talk & text with minimal data usage
- Travel domestically and don‘t need International roaming
- Live in a rural area still waiting for 5G rollout
…then more affordable prepaid plans like Visible or Mint Mobile on T-Mobile‘s network may suit just fine and reduce your family‘s wireless spending.
Final Verdict: Weigh Priorities Carefully
Verizon without question provides an excellent level of nationwide service matched only by AT&T in reach. Plus Verizon continues pushing the boundaries of mobile technology with aggressive 5G upgrades.
For families who rely on their devices daily and travel frequently, Verizon plans deliver peace of mind knowing you have the highest quality network available. Unlimited data across plans prevents nasty surprise overage fees while generous hotspot allowances keep households connected.
However, this network leadership comes at a literal cost. Verizon family pricing sits at the upper end of the spectrum, especially as you add more lines. Factor another 20% on top for taxes and account fees.
Before you commit to any carrier, have an open discussion with family members about how you use your phones today and what connectivity expectations you have for the next 2-3 years. Identify must-have features like mobile hotspot needs, travel habits, or data consumption rates.
Only pay top dollar for premium Verizon service if it clearly aligns with where your family fits based on my previous recommendations. With the right plan matched to your household‘s usage patterns, busy families can absolutely get strong value from Verizon while travelers in particular unlock huge benefits.
But otherwise save your cash and look to prepaid carriers on a tight budget. I hope mapping out Verizon‘s family plan specifics assists you in making the best choice saving money long term while still getting the coverage you deserve!
