Cellular family plans have become increasingly popular because they help families save money while enjoying the amazing functionalities of smartphones and other mobile devices. Each service provider boasts unique and attractive offerings, though they may differ in elements like price, data allocation, accessibility to streaming services, and international privileges. We'll compare some of the frontrunners in the cellular family industry to give you an overview.

Verizon, the largest mobile network operator in the U.S., offers a comprehensive family plan with its Share Everything program. With a base price of $35 per line, it gives each member unlimited calls, texts and shared data options that start at 2GB. Extra features like mobile hotspot use and free-streaming from Apple Music make it a top choice for families seeking the highest quality network.

AT&T has long been a strong contender with its Unlimited &More Premium plan. It features unlimited talk time, text messages, and data usage within and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, it comes with 36 channels of live TV and optional access to one premium channel of choice, such as HBO or SHOWTIME. The plan begins at $48 per line, for four lines, making it a bit pricier than Verizon but the benefits arguably offset the cost.

Sprint's Unlimited Plus speaks to budget-conscious families. For a starting price of $30 per line, it delivers unlimited calls, messaging, and data. Surprisingly, it also adds in video streaming in HD quality coupled with the mobile hotspot feature. One notable benefit is a subscription to Hulu and Tidal, sweetening the already-affordable deal.

Then we have T-Mobile that introduced the ONE plan with unlimited features on talk, text, and data for a base price of $35 per line. Notably, T-Mobile's plan includes in-flight texting and one-hour free data on Gogo-enabled flights, plus unlimited international data and texting in over 210 countries. It's a hard-to-beat proposal, especially for the frequent traveler.

Lastly, the Simply Share plan of Bell, a top Canadian provider, distributes data across a family of five for around USD $24 per line. It comes with unlimited local calls, limitless nationwide text, picture, and video messaging but only a data cap starting at 10GB.

Essentially, the best cellular family plan really depends on your family's specific needs. If quality is your top priority, Verizon's superior service should be your choice. For families who travel frequently, T-Mobile's international privileges offer unmatched advantages. If you are budget-constrained, consider Sprint's affordable plan. The allure of extra features also comes into play with AT&T’s entertainment selections and Bell’s generous data share. In short, knowing your preferences and comparing these industry-leading plans can guide you in making the most cost-effective decision.