Feeling stuck in an overpriced phone plan? If you're looking for a better deal without sacrificing coverage, Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile both offer solid low-cost alternatives. But how you save money depends on which carrier you choose.
Mint Mobile rewards you for paying upfront, letting you lock in low rates when you prepay for three, six, or twelve months. Boost Mobile opts for a month-to-month plan, offering greater flexibility without requiring a long-term commitment.
Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Mint Mobile offers some of the cheapest prepaid plans available, as long as you're willing to pay upfront. Their plans start at $15 per month for 5GB, but if you don't prepay for a full year, you'll pay $25 per month instead. Their unlimited plan costs $30 per month when paid annually, making it one of the lowest-cost options on the market.
Boost Mobile, on the other hand, keeps things simple with monthly plans. Prices start at $15 per month for 2GB, and their unlimited plan is $40 per month, which is still affordable, but $10 more than Mint's cheapest unlimited option. However, Boost Mobile doesn't require upfront payment, making it a better fit if you prefer a month-to-month setup.
As Boost Mobile offers more flexibility with month-to-month plans without long-term commitment, Boost Mobile is the winner for me. But, if you're comfortable paying upfront to get a lower price, Mint Mobile is the better choice.
Mint Mobile plans
(Prices reflect 12-month prepay rates; month-to-month pricing is higher.)
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 |
Boost Mobile plans
| 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 |
Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile coverage
Winner: Boost Mobile
Mint Mobile runs exclusively on T-Mobile's network, giving you strong 5G speeds and great urban coverage. But if you travel to rural areas, T-Mobile's network may not be as reliable as Verizon or AT&T.
Boost Mobile has an advantage because it operates on both T-Mobile and AT&T's networks. That means you get the benefit of better rural coverage with AT&T while still tapping into T-Mobile's fast 5G speeds.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Who offers better performance?
Winner: Tie
Since both carriers operate on T-Mobile, speeds are similar, but Boost Mobile has a higher high-speed data cap on some plans.
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month. After that, speeds may slow down slightly in high-traffic areas, though most users won't notice a difference in everyday use.
Boost Mobile's standard unlimited plan includes up to 30GB of high-speed data, which is slightly less than Mint's. However, Boost also offers a 50GB unlimited plan at a higher price, making it a better fit if you consistently use large amounts of data.
If you use under 35GB per month, Mint Mobile gives you a better deal at a lower price. If you need more high-speed data, Boost Mobile's higher-tier unlimited options may be worth considering.
Additional features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers come with useful extras, but Mint Mobile includes more perks for international calling.
Mint Mobile offers free international calling to Mexico and Canada on all plans, making it a great option if you have family or friends abroad. Boost Mobile does offer international calling, but you'll have to pay extra for most destinations.
Both carriers include mobile hotspot access on all plans, with Mint Mobile allowing hotspot use with all of their plans.
If international calling is important, Mint Mobile is the better option.
Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | Boost Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T & 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 | 24/7 | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | No |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plan → Mint Mobile
- Best for rural coverage → Boost Mobile
- Best for international calling → Mint Mobile
- Best for plan flexibility → Boost Mobile
If you're looking for the cheapest unlimited plan and don't mind prepaying, Mint Mobile is the better choice. If you prefer month-to-month flexibility and better rural coverage, Boost Mobile may be a better fit.
See if Mint Mobile is right for you
Find out if Boost Mobile fits your needs
Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Boost Mobile runs on AT&T & T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Mint Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Boost Mobile. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.
I've personally tested Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
Mint Mobile comparison guides
- Mint Mobile vs Boost Mobile
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- Mint Mobile vs Optimum Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs PureTalk
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Boost Mobile comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Consumer Cellular
- Boost Mobile vs Cricket
- Boost Mobile vs Kroger Wireless
- Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs PureTalk
- Boost Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk
- Boost Mobile vs Tello
- Boost Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Boost Mobile vs Tracfone
- Boost Mobile vs Twigby Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs US Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Visible
- Boost Mobile vs Xfinity Mobile
