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Still paying too much for your phone plan? The big 3 would love you to believe high prices mean better service, but low-cost carriers like Tello and Optimum Mobile prove you don't have to overpay to get reliable coverage.
Tello focuses on affordability and flexibility, letting you build a custom plan so you never pay for data you don't need, while Optimum Mobile is designed for Optimum Internet customers, offering discounts when bundled with their home internet service.
Tello vs Optimum Mobile plans
Winner: Tello
Tello lets you create your own plan, meaning you never have to overpay for minutes, texts, or data you don't use. With plans starting at just $5 per month, and even Tello's unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Optimum Mobile offers three pre-set unlimited plans, starting at $15 per month for 1GB of data, but these prices only apply if you bundle with Optimum Internet. If you don't, the plans are much more expensive. Their unlimited plan costs $45 per month when bundled, but jumps to $55 per month if you don't have Optimum home internet.
If you want the cheapest plan with full customization, Tello is the better choice. However, if you're already an Optimum Internet customer and want a bundled discount, Optimum Mobile could be worth looking at.
Tello 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
| 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 |
Optimum Mobile plans
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
| 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
Winner: Tie
Tello runs on T-Mobile's network, offering fast 5G speeds and strong metro-area coverage but weaker service in rural areas.
Optimum Mobile operates on Verizon's network, which is stronger in rural areas and consistently ranks high in network reliability according to the RootMetrics 2024 report.
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
Data speeds: Who delivers better performance?
Winner: Optimum Mobile
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE, but their high-speed data limits differ.
While Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is more than enough for most users, Optimum Mobile's unlimited plan provides up to 50GB of high-speed data, making it a better option for heavy data users.
If you need more high-speed data and already have Optimum internet, Optimum Mobile may be a better fit. But if you use under 35GB per month, Tello is a great deal at a lower price.
Extra features: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Optimum Mobile
Both carriers offer unique perks, but Optimum Mobile stands out with added features.
- Tello includes free international calling to over 60 countries, making it great for those with family abroad.
- Optimum Mobile includes nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot access and discounted multi-line plans, which can be useful for families or business users.
If you're looking for the lowest-cost plan with international calling included, Tello is the better option. But, if you already have Optimum home internet and want hotspot access, Optimum Mobile has the advantage.
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 |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for coverage → Tie
- Best for unlimited data pricing → Tello
- Best for Optimum Internet customers → Optimum Mobile
If you want the lowest-cost, customizable plan, Tello is the better choice. If you already have Optimum Internet, then Optimum Mobile is worth considering.
See how much you could save with our Tello review
Find out if Optimum Mobile's discounts are worth it with our Optimum Mobile review
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.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years testing and reviewing phone carriers, exposing hidden fees, and helping people find better ways to cut their phone bills. At MoneySavingPro, we compare plans based on real-world value, not just marketing hype.
I've personally tested carriers like Tello, Visible, and other low-cost providers, checking their speeds, coverage, and plan details to see how they stack up against the big 3. If there's a better way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
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