Looking for an affordable phone plan but not sure which carrier gives you the best deal? Red Pocket and Metro by T-Mobile both offer prepaid plans with no contracts, but they have key differences in pricing, coverage, and features.
Red Pocket stands out for its ultra-low pricing and flexibility, allowing you to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile's network. Metro by T-Mobile, on the other hand, offers unlimited data plans, Metro-exclusive perks, and strong T-Mobile network access.
So, should you opt for Red Pocket's cost-effective plans and network flexibility, or is Metro by T-Mobile a better fit for your needs?
Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile plans
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket is known for affordable pricing and flexibility, with plans starting at just $10 per month. Unlike Metro, you can choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile's network, which means you're not locked into one carrier's coverage.
Metro by T-Mobile keeps things straightforward, offering unlimited data options and Metro-exclusive perks like Amazon Prime and Google One storage on higher-tier plans. However, Metro's pricing is higher than Red Pocket's, especially for limited-data plans.
If you want the lowest-cost plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket wins. If you need unlimited data and like perks like Amazon Prime, Metro by T-Mobile may be a better fit.
Red Pocket plans
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile plans
Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket lets you choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, meaning you can select the best network for where you live.
Metro by T-Mobile only operates on T-Mobile's network, which is a great choice in cities and suburban areas, but T-Mobile's rural coverage is weaker than Verizon and AT&T, according to the RootMetrics 2024 report.
If you want the freedom to pick the best network for your area, Red Pocket wins. If T-Mobile already works well for you and you want Metro's perks, it's still a solid option.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Metro by T-Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Since both carriers lease space on major networks, their speeds depend on network selection and congestion.
Both low-cost carriers offer unlimited data with their top of the range plans and Metro's top-tier plans also provide access to T-Mobile's fastest Ultra Capacity 5G, which may give it an edge in certain areas, according to OpenSignal's 2025 report.
If you need the fastest speeds and T-Mobile's best 5G performance, Metro by T-Mobile is the better choice. If you want lower prices and flexibility to switch networks, Red Pocket offers better value.
Features and perks: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Red Pocket is all about affordability and network flexibility, offering low-cost plans and international calling options.
Metro by T-Mobile includes extra perks on higher-tier plans, such as:
- Amazon Prime membership (included with $60 plan)
- 100GB Google One storage
- Free hotspot data on unlimited plans
If you want the most affordable plan with flexible network choices, Red Pocket is the better option. If you like Metro's perks and unlimited data, it may be worth the extra cost.
Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | Metro by T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & 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 | Mon-Sun 5am to 9pm | 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 | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | No |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for premium unlimited data → Metro by T-Mobile
- Best for extra perks like Amazon Prime → Metro by T-Mobile
If you want the cheapest plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you prefer unlimited data and Metro-exclusive perks like Amazon Prime, Metro by T-Mobile is a strong alternative.
Check out our Red Pocket review to learn more
Read more with our Metro by T-Mobile review
Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and Metro by T-Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon and Metro by T-Mobile 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 Red Pocket phone is unlocked it should work with Metro by T-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 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 Red Pocket, Metro by T-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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