MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Tello or Optimum Mobile is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Tello and Optimum Mobile coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Tello vs Optimum Mobile plans
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Free international roaming data
- Good coverage
- Great price and value
- Good data speeds
Cons
- Limited handset support
- Can't easily change phone
- Service is limited only to areas with Suddenlink and Optimum
Tello vs Optimum Mobile comparison
Tello plans start at $25 and Optimum Mobile plans start as low as $45. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Tello and Optimum Mobile.
| 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 | $10/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 |
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Mobile 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $15/mo |
| Optimum Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $25/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
Tello vs Optimum Mobile coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area by using our coverage checker.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Optimum Mobile coverage
Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Optimum Mobile coverage map
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
Enter your ZIP code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.
Tello vs Optimum Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Optimum Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm / Sat-Sun 8am to 8pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | ||
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming |
Tello vs Optimum Mobile customer service
Tello customer service
Contact Tello customer care
(866) 377-0294
Visit Tello customer support
Optimum Mobile customer service
Contact Optimum Mobile customer care
(866) 200-7186
Tello vs Optimum Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Optimum Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Optimum 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 Optimum Mobile. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Tello comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Tello
- Mint Mobile vs Tello
- Red Pocket vs Tello
- Tello vs Consumer Cellular
- Tello vs Cricket Wireless
- Tello vs Lycamobile
- Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Tello vs PureTalk
- Tello vs Reach Mobile
- Tello vs Red Pocket
- Tello vs Spectrum Mobile
- Tello vs Straight Talk
- Tello vs Tracfone
- Tello vs Ultra Mobile
- Tello vs US Mobile
Related Content
Phone plans guides
