Metro by T-Mobile (still called MetroPCS by a lot of people) sells six plans, all on T-Mobile's network and all with taxes included. The prices run from $20 to $55 a month, but the jumps between them aren't even: the $30 plan has more hotspot than the $50 one, and the $40 plan costs $15 more than the $25 plan for nearly the same service. Here's what each one gets you and which to skip.
The short answer
| If you... | Pick |
|---|---|
| Are new, have your own phone and can pay 6 months upfront | 6-Month Unlimited, $20/mo |
| Don't use hotspot | Metro $25 |
| Use hotspot on a laptop or tablet | Metro $30 (online, own phone) |
| Want data that isn't slowed first | Unlimited Premium, $55 |
| Won't use AutoPay | Metro $40 |
| Have 4 lines | The 4 lines for $100 offer |
Every plan side by side
| Plan | Price | Hotspot | Slowed after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Month Unlimited | $20/mo ($120 upfront) | 3G speeds only | 35GB |
| Metro $25 | $25 | 3G speeds only | 35GB |
| Metro $30 | $30 | 10GB | 35GB |
| Metro $40 | $40, no AutoPay needed | None | 35GB |
| Metro $50 | $50 | 8GB | 50GB |
| Unlimited Premium | $55 | 25GB | Not slowed first |
Metro $25: the default
For most people who don't tether, the $25 plan is the one. Unlimited talk, text and data on T-Mobile's network for $25 with AutoPay, taxes included. The catch is hotspot: it only runs at 3G speeds, which is fine for sending a file from a laptop and too slow for much else.
$25 a month with AutoPay, taxes included ($30 the first month). Stores nationwide and phone deals for people who switch.
See Metro's $25 plan →Prices checked October 25, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Metro $30: the best value if you tether
For $5 more, the $30 plan adds 10GB of real hotspot data. It's sold online only and you need your own phone, but if you use a laptop or tablet away from Wi-Fi it's the cheapest Metro plan that works for that. More in Metro hotspot explained.
Unlimited Premium: when data speed matters
At $55, Premium is the only Metro plan with premium data that isn't slowed first when a tower is busy. It also has 25GB of hotspot, HD video, 100GB of Google One storage and texting to 210+ countries. If you live somewhere T-Mobile gets crowded at night, this is the plan that holds its speed (why that happens).
The two to skip
Metro $40 costs $15 more than the $25 plan and has no hotspot at all. The only reason to pick it is that it doesn't need AutoPay. Metro $50 raises the slowdown point to 50GB and adds Google One, but its hotspot (8GB) is less than the $30 plan's 10GB. Most people are better off on $30 or Premium.
Price over a year
| Plan | Year one | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Month Unlimited | $120 for 6 months | Then you pick a monthly plan |
| Metro $25 | $305 | $30 first month |
| Metro $30 | $365 | $35 first month |
| Metro $40 | $480 | No AutoPay |
| Metro $50 | $605 | $55 first month |
| Unlimited Premium | $665 | $60 first month |
Families
Metro often runs 4 lines for $100, which is $25 a line with taxes included. Check Metro's site for the plan it applies to and whether it's running when you switch; it's been on and off through 2026.
Phones
Metro gives new customers who switch a free or cheap phone more often than most prepaid carriers (current Metro phone deals). The 6-month and $30 plans are bring-your-own-phone only, so a phone deal means picking a different plan. Metro phones are locked until you meet Metro's unlock rules.
How Metro compares
At $25, Metro's main rivals are Visible on Verizon and Cricket on AT&T (Cricket vs Metro). If you're weighing T-Mobile itself, see Metro vs T-Mobile.
The bottom line
Pick $25 if you don't tether, $30 if you do, and Premium if you need data that holds its speed. Skip $40 unless you won't use AutoPay, and skip $50. If you're new and have your own phone, the $20 6-month plan is the cheapest way in.
Frequently asked questions
Is MetroPCS the same as Metro by T-Mobile? +
What is the cheapest Metro plan? +
Do Metro prices include taxes? +
Which Metro plan has the most hotspot? +
Does Metro need AutoPay? +
Does Metro slow your data? +
Keep reading
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Jean has tested carrier plans independently since 2019, running SIMs on all three networks and paying for every line himself. He ranks carriers on the bill you actually get, taxes and fees included, not the price on the ad.