Stuck paying $75+ per month for your phone bill? You're not alone. AT&T customers often assume they're getting better service, faster speeds, or more reliable coverage for that premium price. But here's the reality: Mint Mobile runs on the T-Mobile network, delivering fast speeds at a fraction of the cost.
AT&T's expensive plans come with extra fees, required autopay discounts, and bundled perks you might not even need. Mint Mobile keeps things simple and affordable, with plans starting at just $15 per month.
So, are you really getting more with AT&T, or are you just paying for the name?
Mint Mobile vs AT&T plans: Prepaid savings or postpaid pricing?
Winner: Mint Mobile
AT&T's cheapest unlimited plan starts at $75 per month, but that's before taxes, fees, and required autopay. Even their prepaid plans cost more than Mint Mobile's most affordable options.
Mint Mobile, on the other hand, keeps things simple. Their plans start at just $15 per month when you prepay for 12 months, and even their unlimited plan is only $30 per month, less than half of AT&T's base unlimited plan.
Mint Mobile plans
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $25/mo |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
AT&T plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Mint Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr |
| Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | ||
Mint Mobile vs AT&T coverage
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network, which ranks number 1 in 5G availability, according to OpenSignal's 2025 report.
AT&T performs slightly better in rural areas, according to RootMetrics' 2024 report, but for most users in cities and suburbs, the difference is minimal.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
AT&T coverage
Data speeds: Does AT&T actually give you more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes 35GB of high-speed data, which most people find is more than enough for everyday browsing, streaming, and social media use.
AT&T's basic unlimited plan only includes 30GB of high-speed data before potential slowdowns, meaning Mint Mobile actually gives you more data for less money.
According to the Speedtest 2025 Global Index, T-Mobile, which is the network Mint Mobile operates on, is one of the fastest in the U.S., making Mint a strong competitor in terms of speed.
Hidden fees & fine print: What AT&T doesn't tell you
Winner: Mint Mobile
AT&T's advertised pricing requires autopay, meaning you'll pay more if you don't enroll. Taxes and fees also drive up your final bill. AT&T also pushes 'free' phone deals, but those can lock you into three-year contracts, keeping you tied to expensive phone contracts.
Mint Mobile's pricing is straightforward and transparent. What you see is what you pay, with no contracts, hidden fees, or forced discounts.
Takeaway: Mint Mobile gives you what you need-without the fine print that keeps you overpaying.
Mint Mobile vs AT&T plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T |
| 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 | Postpaid |
| Credit Check | No | Yes |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sat 7am to 9pm Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes |
Final verdict: Do you actually need AT&T?
- Best for saving money → Mint Mobile
- Best for customizable plans → Mint Mobile
- Best for high-data users → AT&T (but only on the most expensive plans)
Mint Mobile vs AT&T FAQs
Mint Mobile is a low-cost carrier operating on the T-Mobile network, they offer cell phone plans starting at $15/mo. While AT&T's phone plans start at $65/mo.
Mint Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network, they offer much cheaper cell phone service than AT&T. However, the only difference will depend on the best coverage in your area.
Most recent AT&T phones should work with Mint Mobile as long as the phone's unlocked. You can check your device's compatibility during the sign up process.
No. Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network.
Why you can trust me
Switching phone plans can feel like a hassle, and AT&T counts on that to keep people paying premium prices.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down the fine print, expose hidden fees, and help you find the best value-without the marketing fluff.
I've personally tested Mint Mobile, Tello, AT&T, and dozens of other cell phone carriers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to cut your phone bill without sacrificing service, you'll hear about it here first.
Mint Mobile comparison guides
- Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Consumer Cellular
- Mint Mobile vs Cricket
- Mint Mobile vs Kroger Wireless
- Mint Mobile vs Lyca Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Optimum Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs PureTalk
- Mint Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Mint Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Straight Talk
- Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Mint Mobile vs Tracfone
- Mint Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs US Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Visible
- Mint Mobile vs Xfinity Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile
- Twigby vs Mint Mobile
