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Tello vs Red Pocket

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Tello vs Red Pocket: Flexible plans or choice of network?

I've compared Tello & Red Pocket plans, coverage & features.

7 min read

Updated February 25, 2025

Written by

Edited by

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

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

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

See all Tello plans

Red Pocket plans

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk, text and data
Instant online activation

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

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

See all Red Pocket plans

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.

View Tello coverage map

Tello coverage map

Red Pocket coverage

Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Red Pocket coverage map

Red Pocket coverage map

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

What's the difference between Tello and Red Pocket?

The main difference between Tello and Red Pocket are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.

What networks do Tello and Red Pocket use?

Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Red Pocket runs on AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon.

What phones are compatible with Tello and Red Pocket?

Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.

Does a Tello phone work with Red Pocket?

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.