If you're looking to cut your phone bill, Tello and Red Pocket both offer affordable prepaid plans with no contracts.
But while they might seem similar, their pricing, plan structures, and features can make a big difference in which one is right for you.
Tello is known for customization, letting you build a plan that fits your exact needs, whether that's talk and text or a full unlimited data plan.
Red Pocket, on the other hand, lets you choose your network (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile), which could be a huge advantage if one works better where you live.
So which one is actually the better deal?
Tello vs Red Pocket plans
Winner: Tello
Tello is all about flexibility. You can mix and match data, talk, and text to create your own plan, meaning you never overpay for features you don't need. Even their unlimited data plan is cheaper than most competitors.
Red Pocket, meanwhile, sticks to pre-set plans with different data amounts. The biggest perk is that you can pick AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, which could be useful if one offers better service in your area. However, some cheaper Red Pocket plans come with limits, like restricted hotspot access, so make sure you read the details.
But I feel Tello's customizable plans and lower prices give you more control over your bill.
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 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 vs Red Pocket coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, which offers strong 5G speeds and good urban coverage. However, if you live in a rural area, T-Mobile might not be as reliable as AT&T or Verizon. According to OpenSignal's 2025 network experience report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, making it a great option if you live in the city.
Red Pocket gives you the option to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, which can be a major advantage if one of those networks works better in your area. If you live in a rural region, opting for a Red Pocket plan on AT&T or Verizon could provide better coverage, as RootMetrics' 2024 report ranks Verizon highest in reliability.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Will your internet slow down?
Winner: Both
Both Tello and Red Pocket Mobile operate on T-Mobile's network, giving full-speed 5G and 4G LTE access. However, Red Pocket is powered by all three major networks; AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
Tello offers up to 35GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, while Red Pocket's unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, however not all of their plans provide premium network access. Some plans cap speeds or limit hotspot usage.
If you use under 35GB per month, Tello gives you a better deal, but if you need more than 35GB, Red Pocket offers an extra 15GB of high-speed data, but that comes with a higher price tag.
Extra features: What else do you get?
Winner: Tello
Tello and Red Pocket both have some great perks.
Tello offers free international calling to 60+ countries, making it a great choice for staying in touch with family abroad. Red Pocket also includes international calling to 80+ countries, but the specifics depend on the plan.
Red Pocket provides multi-line discounts, which may make it a better fit for families, but just because Tello doesn't have family plans, its low-cost individual plans can still save families money.
If you need international calling or hotspot access, Tello is the better choice.
Tello vs Red Pocket plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Red Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & 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 5am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | Yes - 7 days |
| 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 | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Is Tello or Red Pocket the better deal?
- Best for saving money → Tello
- Best for customizable plans → Tello
- Best for coverage → Red Pocket
- Best for unlimited data → Red Pocket (50GB high-speed data)
If you want the lowest price and full customization, Tello is the clear winner. If you are looking for more flexibility with your network, Red Pocket may be a better fit but you'll pay more for the same data allowance.
Read our full Tello review
Read our Red Pocket review to see how their plans compare
Tello vs Red Pocket FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Red Pocket are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Red Pocket runs on AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon.
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 Red Pocket. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why should you trust me?
I've spent over a decade in the mobile industry, researching carriers, analyzing hidden fees, and helping consumers break free from overpriced phone plans. As the founder of MoneySavingPro, I've helped thousands of people cut their bills without sacrificing coverage or reliability.
I've personally used and tested dozens of low-cost providers like Tello, Red Pocket, Mint Mobile, and Visible.
At MoneySavingPro, we don't just look at the numbers, we dig into customer service, reliability, and overall user experience. I ensure that every carrier I recommend meets strict criteria for affordability, coverage, and trustworthiness. If a provider isn't worth your money, I'll tell you. And if there's a better way to cut your bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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