Having been with T-Mobile for 5 years now I had been on the customer loyalty plan from the summer until last weekend, however moved over to the “Even More Plus” to save a couple bucks. While I was aware of the new plans before they announced them, through various blogs, I was deliberating on which was the “best” plan for me.  As with everyone else, I wanted the best price on what I would actually use. As it stands, I’m using my phone less and less since we picked up a house line, so I had no need for the unlimited plan anymore. The new plans are in place, obviously, to attract new customers and appear as attractive as possible, but which really gives the best deal.

The two plans are “Even More” and “Even More Plus.”

The first plan “Even More,” is based on a 24 month contract like your last cell phone plan, with generous phone discounts.  This plan comes in 500, 1000 and unlimited minutes ranging from $59.99 to $79.99 with the option to add additional “unlimited” services like texting and web access.  The phone discounts, like your previous plan, are on par with the Early Termination Fee which binds you to the contract for 2 years (typically $200). Graciously, T-Mobile has extended the ability to finance the new phone over 4 consecutive payments..

The “Even More Plus” plan on the other hand is where T-Mobile breaks from the US standard and offers a cell phone plan sans contract.  Here, you’re paying the full price of the phone (which might sound intimidating at first) to have a cell plan without contract.  The plan its self is $10/mo less than the “Even More” plan and the packages look identical.  Now, here comes the fun part, T-Mobile offers the ability to finance the phone over the course of 20 months for the users on the “Even More Plus” plan.

While I could go on more about the plans, information is all over the web and I got the basics out.  So for one reason or another, you’re probably eying one or the other because it fits your needs, but I’ll tell you right now you’re first instincts are the right ones.

With some accounting and marketing flare, T-Mobile has been able to package two plans which offer long term costs so close we’d probably write the difference off.  If you’re looking to live without a contract the “Plus” plan is for you, however if you’re looking for a “cheaper” phone and don’t mind being bound to a carrier for 24 Months the “Even More” plan is for you.

How does this work? Remember that $10/mo extra for the non-“Plus” plans? Well, 24x$10 is $240 making up for the difference in the phones “retail” and “discounted” price.

I chose the Even More Plus plan, not because I ever plan on leaving T-Mobile, but because I’d rather pay off a phone over 20 months then fork up the money over 4 months.

I’ve been a loyal customer of T-Mobile for 5 years and endorse them entirely.  They don’t endorse my blog, or any of my sites, as they clearly illustrated in rejecting my application on CJ.com.  This article was an attempt to explain the similarities between the two plans, not to sell their service.