Stuck paying for data you never use-or worrying about going over your limit? Whether you're looking for a cheap prepaid plan or total control over what you pay for, Boost Mobile and Tello both offer great value-but in very different ways.
Boost Mobile keeps it straightforward offering a range of unlimited data plans perfect for content streamers and heavy users.
With Tello you'll find the flexibility to customize your plan to suit your specific needs, ideal for those who want to pay only for what they use.
So which one is truly the better option for you?
Boost Mobile vs Tello plans
Winner: Tello
Boost Mobile keeps things simple and affordable with pre-set plans that start at just $25 per month. You know exactly what you get, and you never have to worry about contracts or hidden fees.
Tello, on the other hand, lets you build your own plan from scratch. Whether you just need a tiny bit of data or want unlimited everything, you only pay for what you actually use.
Takeaway: If you want the cheapest pre-set plans, Boost Mobile delivers. But if you want total control over your minutes, texts, and data, Tello gives you unbeatable flexibility.
Boost Mobile plans
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Tello plans
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $9/mo |
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $14/mo |
| Tello 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $19/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
Boost Mobile vs Tello coverage
Winner: Both
Boost Mobile and Tello both operate on the T-Mobile network. That means you'll get the same coverage from both carriers.
Although Boost Mobile also runs on the AT&T network, T-Mobile's 5G availability, according to OpenSignal's 2025 mobile network experience report, provides the stronger network coverage.
Takeaway: Both carriers offer identical coverage, so you can choose based on price and features-not coverage concerns.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Who delivers faster performance?
Winner: Tello
Since both carriers use T-Mobile's network, you'll get the same high-speed data performance on either one. According to the Speedtest Global Index 2025, T-Mobile's 5G is consistently the fastest in the U.S..
Both carriers also offer unlimited data plans, with high-speed data up to 30GB on Boost Mobile and 35GB on Tello, which is enough for many users. After that, speeds may slow slightly in high-traffic areas, but most people never notice a difference in their day to day use.
Takeaway: Speeds are a tie-but if you want a bit more high-speed data for less, Tello has the edge.
Features and extras: Who gives you more for your money?
Winner: Tello
Boost Mobile includes free hotspot access on all plans and international calling add-ons at low rates.
Tello goes even further by including free international calling to over 60 countries on all plans. It's a great perk if you've got friends or family overseas. Tello also lets you adjust your plan anytime, so you're never stuck paying for more than you need.
Takeaway: For everyday perks and international calling, Tello gives you more bang for your buck.
Boost Mobile vs Tello plan features
| Carrier Features | Boost Mobile | Tello |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T & T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | No | Yes - Includes 60+ countries |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier offers better value?
- Best for saving money → Tello
- Best for prepaid flexibility → Boost Mobile
- Best for international calling → Tello
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
Bottom line: If you want a simple prepaid plan with no surprises, Boost Mobile is a great choice. But if you want to pay only for what you need-and get free international calling, Tello is tough to beat.
See if Boost Mobile fits your needs with our Boost Mobile review.
See if Tello fits your needs with our Tello review.
Boost Mobile vs Tello FAQs
The main difference between Boost Mobile and Tello are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Yes, both carriers allow you to bring your own phone. As long as it's unlocked it should be compatible. You can check your phone's compatibility during the sign up process.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Tello includes free calls to over 60 countries, which a clear win for anyone who needs to stay connected abroad.
Why you can trust me
I've spent over 15 years helping people in the UK and US break free from overpriced phone plans, and for the last 8 years, I've run MoneySavingPro, helping over 50,000 people switch to affordable prepaid carriers.
I've reviewed and tested over 100 prepaid plans to find the ones that actually deliver. So you get the full picture-not just marketing fluff.
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Tello comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Tello
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- Tello vs Ultra Mobile
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