Looking to cut your phone bill but not sure which carrier is the best fit? Mint Mobile and Spectrum Mobile both offer lower-cost alternatives to the Big 3, but they have key differences in pricing, coverage, and features.
Mint Mobile helps you save money by offering discounts when you prepay for multiple months, making it one of the cheapest prepaid options available. Spectrum Mobile, on the other hand, operates on Verizon's network and offers additional discounts for Spectrum Internet customers.
So, should you lock in Mint Mobile's prepaid savings or take advantage of Spectrum Mobile's cable bundle perks?
Mint Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile keeps things simple: pay upfront for three, six, or twelve months and get the lowest rates. Their unlimited plan costs just $30 per month when prepaid for a full year, making it one of the most affordable unlimited plans on the market.
Spectrum Mobile operates on month-to-month pricing, and only Spectrum Internet customers can sign up. Their unlimited plan costs $45 per month, which is significantly higher than Mint's, but if you're already a Spectrum Internet subscriber, bundling your phone and internet could be convenient.
If you're looking for the cheapest prepaid unlimited plan, 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 |
Spectrum Mobile plans
Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Mobile 1GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
Mint Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile coverage
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's network, which has the fastest 5G speeds in the U.S., according to this OpenSignal report in 2025. However, T-Mobile's rural coverage still lags behind Verizon and AT&T.
Spectrum Mobile operates on Verizon's network, which consistently ranks as the most reliable for nationwide coverage, based on RootMetrics' 2024 report. If you live in an area where T-Mobile's service is weak, and you're a Spectrum Internet customer, Verizon's network may be a better fit.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Spectrum Mobile coverage
Spectrum Mobile is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Spectrum Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers provide 5G and 4G LTE access, but their high-speed data caps and pricing differ significantly.
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is more than enough for most users.
Spectrum Mobile's unlimited plan includes up to 30GB of high-speed data, while the Unlimited Plus plan increases the cap to 50GB per month. However, Spectrum's unlimited plans cost significantly more than Mint's, plus you have to be a Spectrum Internet customer.
If you use under 35GB per month, Mint Mobile is the better deal at a lower price. If you need more than 35GB of high-speed data and already have Spectrum Internet, Spectrum Mobile's plans could be worth it.
Features and perks: Which provider gives you more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile includes free international calling to Mexico and Canada, making it great for staying in touch abroad.
Although Spectrum Mobile includes free nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot access, which can help you save data when you're in public areas, the fact you must be a Spectrum Internet customer to sign up is a big knock back.
If you want the cheapest plan with international calling, Mint Mobile is the better choice. If you already have Spectrum Internet and want to bundle your services, Spectrum Mobile is a solid alternative.
Mint Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | Spectrum Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA |
| 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 | 24/7 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | Yes - Canada and Mexico |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for value for money → Mint Mobile
- Best for rural coverage → Spectrum Mobile
- Best for Spectrum Internet customers → Spectrum Mobile
- Best for international calling → Mint Mobile
Check out our Mint Mobile review
Check out our Spectrum Mobile review for more
Mint Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Spectrum 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 Spectrum Mobile runs on Verizon.
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 Spectrum 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 find ways to cut their phone bills without sacrificing service quality. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, network performance, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Mint Mobile and other prepaid carriers, looking at speed, coverage, and affordability. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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