Still paying big wireless prices? If you're looking for a lower phone bill without giving up quality service, Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular both promise better deals, but they cater to very different needs.
Mint Mobile helps you save big by offering multi-month prepaid plans, letting you lock in lower rates when you pay upfront. Consumer Cellular, on the other hand, focuses on flexible month-to-month plans with a reputation for excellent customer support, especially for seniors.
So, are you looking for bigger savings with Mint Mobile or Consumer Cellular's hassle-free approach?
Mint Mobile vs Consumer Cellular plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile offers significant discounts for customers who prepay for their plans. Their rates begin at $15 per month for 5GB of data when you pay for a full year in advance. If you choose not to prepay annually, the monthly cost increases to $25. If you're looking for unlimited data, Mint Mobile's plan costs only $30 per month when paid upfront for a year, making it one of the more affordable unlimited options available.
Consumer Cellular offers monthly plans with no long-term commitments, catering to those who don't want to pay upfront. Plans start at $20 per month for 1GB of data, and their unlimited plan costs $50 per month. Also, Consumer Cellular offers AARP discounts, making it a strong option for seniors.
As long as you're comfortable prepaying to lock in lower rates, Mint Mobile is the better deal.
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 |
Consumer Cellular plans
Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Mint Mobile vs Consumer Cellular coverage
Winner: Consumer Cellular
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, which offers fast 5G speeds and solid urban coverage but can be weaker in rural areas.
Consumer Cellular gives you access to both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, meaning better flexibility if you need strong rural coverage.
If you travel often or need broader coverage, Consumer Cellular has the edge.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Consumer Cellular coverage
Consumer Cellular is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Consumer Cellular coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE, but their high-speed data caps differ.
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is plenty for most users. However, Consumer Cellular's unlimited plan includes up to 50GB of high-speed data, giving you 15GB more before any slowdowns may occur.
If you use under 35GB per month, Mint Mobile offers a cheaper plan with no commitment. If you need more high-speed data, Consumer Cellular provides a higher cap, but at nearly double the cost.
Features and perks: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Consumer Cellular
Both carriers offer solid perks, but Consumer Cellular comes out ahead for customer support and senior benefits.
Mint Mobile includes free international calling to Mexico and Canada, making it great for staying connected abroad. However, there are no senior-specific discounts or priority customer service.
Consumer Cellular caters specifically to older adults, offering AARP discounts, award-winning customer support, and an easy-to-use service setup. If customer support and senior perks matter most to you, Consumer Cellular wins here.
Mint Mobile vs Consumer Cellular plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 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 5am to 6pm / Sat-Sun 6am to 5pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plan → Mint Mobile
- Best for rural coverage → Consumer Cellular
- Best for senior-friendly service → Consumer Cellular
- Best for international calling → Mint 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 want a senior-friendly provider, Consumer Cellular is worth considering.
See if Mint Mobile is the right fit for you
Find out if Consumer Cellular fits your needs
Mint Mobile vs Consumer Cellular FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular runs on 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 Consumer Cellular. 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
For years, I've been cutting through the confusion of wireless plans to help people find the best deals. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just compare prices, we break down real customer experiences, coverage quality, and hidden fees so you know exactly what you're getting.
I've tested Mint Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and other low-cost carriers, comparing their speeds, service quality, and value. If there's a better way to save, I'll make sure you know about it.
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