If you're looking for a low-cost prepaid plan, both Red Pocket and Mint Mobile promise serious savings, but they go about it in very different ways.
Red Pocket lets you pick your network-AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile-so you can choose the coverage that works best for you. Mint Mobile, on the other hand, rewards you with major discounts if you prepay for multiple months upfront, making it one of the cheapest options.
So, should you go with Red Pocket for its network flexibility and cheap monthly pricing, or are Mint Mobile's annual plans the better deal?
Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Red Pocket is all about flexibility. You can choose between three major networks (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile), giving you more control over your coverage. Plans start at just $10 per month, making Red Pocket one of the most affordable prepaid carriers.
Mint Mobile does things differently, you pay upfront for three, six, or twelve months to get a lower monthly price. Their unlimited plan costs just $30 per month when paid annually, which is one of the best unlimited deals around.
If you want the lowest price without prepaying, Red Pocket wins. If you don't mind paying upfront to lock in bigger savings, Mint Mobile offers a better deal on unlimited data.
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 |
Mint Mobile plans
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 |
Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket allows you to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, meaning you get the best coverage for your area. This is a big advantage if T-Mobile isn't reliable where you live.
Mint Mobile operates exclusively on T-Mobile's network, which is great for 5G speeds in urban areas, but T-Mobile's rural coverage still lags behind Verizon and AT&T, according to the RootMetrics 2024 report.
If you want the freedom to choose your network, Red Pocket wins. If T-Mobile's coverage works for you and you want prepaid savings, Mint Mobile is still a great option.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Best performance?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Red Pocket's unlimited plans offer up to 30GB of high-speed data per month, while Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes unlimited data.
If you want the most high-speed data possible, Mint Mobile wins.
Features and perks: Who offers more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Red Pocket focuses on affordability and network flexibility, offering low-cost plans and international calling options.
Mint Mobile includes:
- Free international calls to Mexico and Canada
- Hotspot use included on all plans
- A 7-day money-back guarantee for new customers
If you want the lowest-cost plan with flexible network choices, Red Pocket is the better option. If you travel internationally or need hotspot access on all plans, Mint Mobile is a stronger choice.
Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | Mint 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 | Yes - 7 days |
| 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 | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for cheapest no contract plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for upfront savings → Mint Mobile
- Best for unlimited data → Mint Mobile
If you want a low-cost plan without prepaying and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you want to save money by prepaying and T-Mobile coverage works for you, Mint Mobile is the better deal.
Find out more with our Red Pocket review
Read our Mint Mobile review
Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and Mint 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 Mint 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 Mint 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, 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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