Still stuck in an overpriced phone plan? The big 3 carriers want you to believe you need to pay more for reliable service, but that's far from the truth. Tello and PureTalk both offer affordable alternatives, but they take very different approaches to saving you money.
Tello gives you total control, letting you customize your plan so you never overpay. PureTalk, on the other hand, focuses on a simple service with military discounts and AT&T coverage.
Tello vs PureTalk plans
Winner: Tello
Tello is built for maximum flexibility, allowing you to mix and match data, talk, and text so you're only paying for what you need. Plans start at just $5 per month, and even its unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
PureTalk sticks to pre-set plans but keeps pricing straightforward. Their cheapest plan starts at $20 per month for 2GB of data, while their unlimited plan costs $55 per month, nearly double Tello's price.
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 unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
PureTalk plans
PureTalk unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureTalk 3GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $20/mo |
| PureTalk 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| PureTalk 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $30/mo |
| PureTalk 15GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $35/mo |
| PureTalk 25GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 25GB | $45/mo |
| PureTalk unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
Tello vs PureTalk coverage
Winner: Tello
Both Tello and PureTalk use major networks for coverage.
Tello runs on T-Mobile's network, offering fast 5G speeds and strong metro-area coverage but weaker rural service.
PureTalk operates on AT&T's network, which is stronger in rural areas and ranks high in overall reliability according to this report by RootMetrics.
If you spend most of your time in the city, Tello's cheaper access to T-Mobile's network is a great deal. However, if you need better rural coverage, PureTalk's AT&T network may be the better fit.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
PureTalk coverage
PureTalk is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Who delivers better performance?
Winner: Tello
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE, but their high-speed data limits differ.
Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is more than enough for most users. While PureTalk's unlimited plan provides up to 60GB of high-speed data, making it a better choice for heavy data users.
If you use under 35GB per month, Tello is the more affordable option and is better value for money. If you need more more data, PureTalk has the advantage, but that comes with a cost.
Extra features: Which provider offers more?
Winner: PureTalk
Both carriers offer unique perks, but PureTalk stands out with added benefits for military families.
Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it a great pick for anyone needing international communication. But PureTalk offers discounts for military members and veterans, along with a focus on simple, customer-first service.
If you want the cheapest plan with international calling included, Tello is a great option. However, if you qualify for military discounts and want AT&T coverage, PureTalk is the better choice.
Tello vs PureTalk plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | PureTalk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | 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 | 24/7 | Mon-Sun 7am to 12am |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | No | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for rural coverage → PureTalk
- Best for international calling → Tello
- Best for military families → PureTalk
If you want the lowest-cost, customizable plan, Tello is the better choice. But if you are entitled to military discounts or are looking for better rural coverage, PureTalk is worth considering.
Find out more with our Tello review
Read our PureTalk review for more
Tello vs PureTalk FAQs
The main difference between Tello and PureTalk are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and PureTalk runs on AT&T.
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 PureTalk. 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, uncovering hidden fees, and helping people find better ways to cut their phone bills. At MoneySavingPro, we break down carrier marketing gimmicks so you can make informed choices.
I've personally tested a range of low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the big 3. If there's a better way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
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