Why pay for extras you don't need? The big 3 love charging premium prices for features that low-cost carriers offer for a fraction of the cost.
Tello and Lyca Mobile are both budget-friendly options, but they cater to very different types of users.
Tello is all about flexibility, letting you customize your plan and only pay for what you need. Lycamobile, on the other hand, is known for its strong international calling options, making it a great choice for those who frequently call abroad.
So, which carrier gives you the best value for your money?
Tello vs Lyca Mobile plans
Winner: Tello
Tello lets you fully customize your plan, choosing exactly how much talk, text, and data you want. Plans start at just $5 per month, and even Tello's unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Lycamobile offers pre-set prepaid plans, with prices starting at $15 per month for 2GB of data. While Lycamobile's unlimited plans include international calling to multiple countries, they are more expensive than Tello's.
If you want the lowest-cost plan with full customization, Tello is the better choice.
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 |
Lyca Mobile plans
Lyca Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyca Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
Tello vs Lyca Mobile coverage
Winner: Tie
Both Lycamobile and Tello operate on T-Mobile's network, offering fast 5G speeds and strong metro-area coverage but weaker service in rural areas.
Since both providers use the same network, your coverage experience will be almost identical. If T-Mobile works well in your area, either carrier will be a good fit.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Lyca Mobile coverage
Lyca Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Tie
Since both carriers run on T-Mobile's network, data speeds will be similar. However, the way data is managed differs.
- Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, after which speeds may slow during peak times.
- Lyca Mobile's unlimited plan provides up to 40GB of high-speed data, meaning you get an extra 5GB compared to Tello.
If you use under 35GB per month, Tello offers the better deal at a lower price. If you need slightly more high-speed data, Lyca Mobile gives you an extra 5GB but at a higher monthly cost.
Features: What else do you get?
Winner: Lyca Mobile
Both carriers offer extra features, but Lyca Mobile stands out for international calling options.
Tello includes free international calling to over 60 countries, making it a great option for international communication at no extra cost.
Whereas, Lyca Mobile includes unlimited international calling to more destinations, giving it a slight edge for those who frequently call abroad.
If staying connected internationally is your top priority, Lyca Mobile is the better choice.
Tello vs Lyca Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Lyca Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | No |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sat 9am to 10pm / Sun 10am to 8pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - Unlimited in 70+ countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for international calling → Lyca Mobile
- Best for unlimited data pricing → Tello
- Best for high-speed data limits → Lyca Mobile
If you want the most affordable, customizable plan, Tello is the clear winner. If international calling is your main concern, Lyca Mobile may be the better option despite the higher price.
Explore your options with our Tello review
See if Lyca Mobile is the right fit for you
Tello vs Lyca Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Lyca Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Lyca 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 Tello phone is unlocked it should work with Lyca 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 over a decade researching mobile carriers, exposing hidden fees, and helping people break free from overpriced phone plans. At MoneySavingPro, we cut through carrier marketing tactics to bring you the real story.
I've personally tested Tello, Lyca Mobile, Mint Mobile, and other low-cost providers, comparing their coverage, speeds, and pricing to the big 3. If a provider isn't worth your money, I'll tell you, and if there's a better way to cut your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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