Sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile
The Metro Prepaid Phone Plan Buyer's Guide
Save smarter on your phone plan with Metro by T-Mobile. Discover unlimited 5G from $25/month, free 5G phones, and straightforward pricing with no surprise fees – a smart way to stretch your tax refund.
Published by Tech Advisor on March 17, 2026.
Your phone isn’t just a phone – it’s your office, your entertainment hub, your connection to family and friends, and often your income stream. Reliable mobile service is essential; paying premium carrier prices every month is not.
If you want to spend your money more wisely, prepaid plans are a game-changer. Metro by T-Mobile offers unlimited 5G single-line plans with straightforward pricing, no credit checks, no contracts, and no surprise fees. You get the same powerful T-Mobile network – rated the best network by Ookla Speedtest* – while paying far less than many traditional plans. Taxes and fees are included, there are no activation fees, and pricing is guaranteed for five years so you know exactly what to expect every month.
If you’ve just received your tax refund, there is no better opportunity to make the switch. There are some great deals that include unlimited data plans, free 5G phones, or discounted pricing when you bring your own device.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro Prepaid Phone Plans – Overview
How to Choose a Prepaid Phone Plan
Choosing the right prepaid phone plan is simple. Do you need a new phone, how much data do you use, and and do you want to pay monthly or upfront?
If your phone still works fine and you are happy to continue using it, a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) plan will be the cheapest option. For many users, this is the easiest way to reduce costs without sacrificing connectivity.
If your phone is getting old, feels slow, or battery life is getting shorter, consider a plan that includes a free or discounted 5G handset. Metro frequently bundles phones with its unlimited plans, allowing you to upgrade your cell phone without incurring a large upfront cost.
When choosing a new phone plan, it’s important to consider not just what you can afford today, but also tomorrow. Metro plans have a 5-year price guarantee, so there are no surprise price hikes. With unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, you will know exactly what it is going to cost you every month.
Lastly, who doesn’t love a good deal? Promotions like tax-season deals, device offers, or discounts for paying upfront can significantly reduce the overall cost. If you’re planning to switch carriers anyway, these offers make it an ideal time to upgrade your plan and make your tax refund stretch as far as possible with zero regrets.
Metro by T-Mobile
Choose Your Metro Prepaid Phone Plan
| If you want | Choose this plan | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest monthly price | Metro $25 BYOD | Keep your current phone and get unlimited 5G data for just $25/month with AutoPay. |
| A new phone without paying upfront | Metro $40 Period! with Free Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Includes a free 5G smartphone and unlimited data, while keeping monthly costs predictable. |
| An iPhone upgrade with a switching incentive | Metro iPhone 16e On Us | Bring your number and get an iPhone 16e on Metro, with a $100 credit after your third payment. |
| The biggest overall savings | Metro 6-Month Prepaid Deal | Pay upfront and save $120 on Metro’s popular unlimited plan. |
Metro $25 BYOD Unlimited 5G Plan – Best for maximum monthly savings
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro’s $25 BYOD plan gets you the lowest possible monthly cost without sacrificing connectivity. Instead of paying for a new phone, you keep the device you already own and simply move your service over to Metro. Switching can be completed online with no activation fees.
This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data. Pricing is straightforward and predictable, with Metro offering a 5-year price guarantee. The plan runs on the T-Mobile network, which has been rated the best network by Ookla Speedtest.
If your phone is in good condition, switching to Metro now can dramatically reduce your monthly mobile costs. But if you do need a new phone, choosing a bundle may provide better value.
Offer valid when you bring your phone and activate online. Eligible plan starting at $25/month with AutoPay, $30 for first month. This offer isn’t available if you’re currently with T-Mobile or have been with Metro in the past 180 days. If you use more than 35GB/month you may notice slower speeds when the network is busy.
Metro $40 Period! Plan + Free Samsung Galaxy A17 5G – Best for upgrading your phone
Foundry
If you need both a new phone and a new plan, the Metro $40 Period! plan with a free Samsung Galaxy A17 5G (read Tech Advisor’s review) seems to be a no-brainer.
The $40 plan includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, with pricing that stays consistent thanks to Metro’s 5-year price guarantee. Taxes and fees are included in the monthly cost, making it simple to know exactly what you’ll pay each month. The service runs on the T-Mobile network, which has been recognized as the best network by Ookla Speedtest.
This bundle deal is a good choice if your current mobile phone is old, damaged, or is beginning to feel slow. Of course, if you’re happy with your existing phone, you could save even more money by switching to the $25 BYOD plan.
Offer valid when you bring your number. This offer isn’t available if you’re currently with T-Mobile or have been with Metro in the past 180 days. If you use more than 35GB/month you may notice slower speeds when the network is busy.
Metro iPhone 16e On Us Offer – Best for Apple users switching carriers
Foundry
For Apple users considering a switch but wanting to keep their number, Metro’s iPhone 16e On Us deal lets you sign up and save big. You’ll get a discounted iPhone 16e (read Tech Advisor’s review) at checkout, with a $100 virtual prepaid Mastercard after your third monthly payment.
The plan delivers unlimited talk, text, and 5G data over the T-Mobile network. There are no activation fees, and pricing – fixed for 5 years – includes all taxes and fees.
This option will appeal to iPhone users looking to switch to a smarter mobile network, although other Metro plans are cheaper if you don’t need the premium phone.
Your phone is $99.99 at checkout (+ sales tax) and ‘On Us’ via a $100 virtual prepaid Mastercard after your third payment. Eligible plan starting at $50/month with AutoPay, $55 for first month. This offer isn’t available if you’re currently with T-Mobile or have been with Metro in the past 180 days. If you use more than 35GB/month you may notice slower speeds when the network is busy.
Metro 6-Month Prepaid Deal – Best for locking in bigger savings
Metro by T-Mobile
The Metro 6-month prepaid offer is for those who want the best possible discounts and are willing to pay upfront to get them. If you pay the first six months at once, you’ll save 50% on the usual $40/month pricing.
You’ll be signing up for a plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data on the T-Mobile network, giving you reliable connectivity while reducing your long-term mobile costs.
This option will work well for those who value predictable budgeting and don’t want to think about their phone bill every month. It’s also a very smart way to put part of a tax refund toward a necessary expense, while lowering the long-term cost.
Paying for your phone plan several months in advance won’t be the right option for everyone, however. If you’d rather avoid committing to spending a large amount of money upfront, a standard monthly prepaid phone plan might suit you better.
Offer valid to new customers only when you bring your own device.
Which Metro Prepaid Phone Plan Should You Choose?
If you’re trying to cut your monthly bills choose Metro’s $25 BYOD plan. If your phone still works well, there’s no reason to pay more. Bring your device and lock in one of the lowest unlimited plan prices available.
If you need a new phone but don’t want a big upfront cost, choose Metro’s $40 Period! plan with a free Samsung Galaxy A17 5G. You get a 5G phone and unlimited service, with predictable monthly pricing.
If you prefer iPhone and want to switch carriers, choose the Metro’s iPhone 16e On Us offer, with a $100 virtual prepaid card after your third payment. This deal is perfect for those bringing their number to Metro and looking for an Apple upgrade.
If you want maximum overall savings, choose the Metro 6-Month Prepaid deal. Pay ahead and reduce your total cost by $120 on Metro’s popular unlimited 5G plan.
Metro by T-Mobile
FAQ
Is Metro by T-Mobile the same network as T-Mobile?
Metro operates on the T-Mobile nationwide network. This means Metro customers benefit from the same underlying infrastructure and 5G coverage.
Are Metro prepaid plans really unlimited?
Yes. Metro plans include unlimited talk, text, and data. However, if you use more than 35GB of data in a month, you may notice a slower connection when the network is busy.
Do Metro plans require contracts or credit checks?
No. Metro prepaid plans do not require contracts or credit checks, making them easy to start and manage online.
Can I keep my current phone number?
In most cases, yes. Many offers allow you to bring your existing number, and some promotions require it to qualify.
Can I sign up online?
Yes. Metro lets you sign up online with no activation fee, making switching quick and straightforward.
*Based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence 2H 2025 data. Metro may be slower than T-Mobile during congestion.