Why pay more for the same network when you don't have to? Mint Mobile and Tello are two of the most budget-friendly options, but they cater to different types of users.
Mint Mobile offers major discounts when you prepay for multiple months, making it a great choice if you're looking for long-term savings. Tello, on the other hand, lets you build a plan that perfectly fits your needs, whether that's just talk and text or unlimited data, with no contracts.
So, should you lock in Mint Mobile's bulk savings or enjoy Tello's customizable, month-to-month flexibility?
Mint Mobile vs Tello plans
Winner: Tello
Mint Mobile keeps prices low by offering some of the cheapest prepaid rates if you prepay for three, six, or twelve months. Their unlimited plan costs just $30 per month when paid annually, which is one of the lowest prices available for an unlimited plan.
Tello takes a different approach, allowing full customization of your plan. You can mix and match minutes, texts, and data to fit exactly what you need, with plans starting as low as $5 per month. This makes Tello a great option if you don't use a lot of data and want to avoid paying for features you don't need.
Tello wins because having full control over your plan and only pay for what you use is one of the best ways to save money. But, if you want the lowest-priced unlimited plan and don't mind prepaying, Mint Mobile is a great 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 |
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 |
Mint Mobile vs Tello coverage
Winner: Tie
Since both carriers operate on T-Mobile's network, you'll get the same coverage and 5G access regardless of which provider you choose.
T-Mobile is ranked top for 5G availability and speeds, as per this OpenSignal Network report in 2025, making it a strong choice for users in cities and suburban areas.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Tello
Since both carriers use T-Mobile's network, speeds are similar and both offer the same high-speed data allowance of 35GB on their unlimited plans.
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month for $30 per month when paid annually, while Tello's unlimited plan only costs $25 per month (with no long-term commitment).
Features and perks: Which provider gives you more?
Winner: Tello
Mint Mobile and Tello both offer free international calling to Mexico and Canada, but Tello goes further by including free international calls to over 60 countries.
So if you make a lot of international calls, Tello is the better choice.
Mint Mobile vs Tello plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | Tello |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | 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 | 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 | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | Yes - Includes 60+ countries |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost unlimited plan → Tello
- Best for customizable plans → Tello
- Best for international calling → Tello
- Best for prepaid bulk savings → Mint Mobile
If you want the cheapest unlimited plan or the ability to fully customize your data, talk, and text, Tello is a great option. If you don't mind paying upfront for multiple months Mint Mobile plans can offer you some great savings.
Check out our Mint Mobile review
See our Tello review for more
Mint Mobile vs Tello FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Tello are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Tello 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 Tello. 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 cut their phone bills without sacrificing coverage or 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, Tello, 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.
Mint Mobile comparison guides
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- Mint Mobile vs PureTalk
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Tello comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Tello
- Red Pocket vs Tello
- Tello vs Consumer Cellular
- Tello vs Cricket Wireless
- Tello vs Lyca Mobile
- Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Tello vs Optimum Mobile
- Tello vs PureTalk
- Tello vs Red Pocket
- Tello vs Spectrum Mobile
- Tello vs Straight Talk
- Tello vs Tracfone
- Tello vs Ultra Mobile
- Tello vs US Mobile
- Tello vs Visible
- Tello vs Xfinity Mobile
- Twigby Mobile vs Tello
