Paying too much for your phone bill? If you're looking for a prepaid carrier that helps you save without sacrificing coverage, Red Pocket and Tello both offer budget-friendly alternatives.
Red Pocket keeps costs low while giving you the option to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile for coverage. Tello, on the other hand, focuses on extreme flexibility, letting you build your own plan with exactly the data, talk, and text you need-so you never overpay.
So, should you go with Red Pocket for its ultra-affordable pricing and network flexibility, or is Tello's customizable approach a better deal for you?
Red Pocket vs Tello plans
Winner: Tie
Red Pocket provides some of the most affordable prepaid plans available, starting at only $10 per month. It allows you to choose your network - AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile - so you can select the one that offers the best coverage in your area.
Tello, however, takes a different approach, allowing you to custom-build your plan based on your actual needs. Whether you just want a talk-and-text plan or need a high-data package, you only pay for what you use.
Both offer some great benefits so it really depends on your needs. If you want complete control over your plan and don't want to pay for unnecessary extras, Tello is the best option. If you want lower monthly pricing with network flexibility, Red Pocket wins.
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 |
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 unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
Red Pocket vs Tello coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket allows you to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, meaning you can switch networks if coverage isn't great in your area.
Tello operates exclusively on T-Mobile's network, which consistently comes top for 5G, but may struggle in rural locations compared to AT&T or Verizon, according to the RootMetrics 2024 report.
Red Pocket comes out top here for it's network flexibility, but if T-Mobile coverage works well where you live and you want a fully customizable plan, Tello is still a good choice.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 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
With Red Pocket's Premium and Elite unlimited plans you get 30GB of high-speed data. Where as Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month.
T-Mobile consistently ranks as the fastest 5G network, according to OpenSignal's 2025 report, so if you have access to T-Mobile where you live you can access this via Tello or Red Pocket.
If you need the most high-speed data possible, Tello wins. However if you want a choice of networks, and don't use more than 3oGB a month, Red Pocket is a great option.
Features and perks: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Tello
Red Pocket focuses on affordable plans with flexible network choices, making it a great pick for users who want low prices and the ability to switch networks.
Tello offers extra perks, including:
- Free international calling to over 60 countries
- Mobile hotspot included with all plans
If you need the cheapest possible plan with network flexibility, Red Pocket is the better pick. If you want free international calling and full plan customization, Tello offers a better experience.
Red Pocket vs Tello plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | Tello |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - Includes 60+ countries |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: The best deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plans → Tello
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for data → Tello
- Best for international calling → Red Pocket
If you're looking for the most affordable plans with the flexibility to select your network, Red Pocket is the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer complete plan customization and complimentary international calling, Tello is an excellent option.
Check out our Red Pocket review
Red Pocket vs Tello FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and Tello 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 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 Red Pocket 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 helped thousands of people ditch overpriced phone plans without sacrificing quality. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just look at the lowest prices-we analyze network performance, real customer experiences, and hidden fees to make sure you're getting the best deal.
I've tested Red Pocket, Tello, and other prepaid carriers to compare coverage, data speeds, and pricing. If there's a better way to cut your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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