Worried about switching carriers and getting hit with hidden fees? If you've ever been burned by unexpected charges or confusing pricing, you're not alone. That's exactly why low-cost carriers like Tello and Spectrum Mobile exist to help you save without the tricks.
Tello is all about flexibility, letting you build a plan that fits your needs and budget so you never pay for what you don't use. While Spectrum Mobile offers bundle discounts, but only if you're already a Spectrum Internet customer.
Tello vs Spectrum Mobile plans
Winner: Tello
Tello gives you complete control over your plan, allowing you to mix and match talk, text, and data so you only pay for what you need. Their plans start at just $5 per month, and even Tello's unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Spectrum Mobile offers three pre-set plans, but their pricing is only available if you're an existing Spectrum Internet customer. If you're not, unfortunately, you can't sign up at all. Their unlimited plan costs $29.99 per month, but you must bundle it with Spectrum home internet.
Tello is the better choice, due to Spectrum Mobile being limited to their home internet customers only.
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 |
Spectrum Mobile plans (only available with Spectrum internet)
Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Mobile 1GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
Tello vs Spectrum Mobile coverage
Winner: Tello
Tello operates on the T-Mobile network while Spectrum Mobile is powered by Verizon's network. Due to T-Mobile coming top with their 5G speeds, according to OpenSignal's 2025 network experience report, that's why I feel Tello's lower-cost access to T-Mobile's network makes it a better deal.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Spectrum Mobile coverage
Spectrum Mobile is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Spectrum Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier performs better?
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, making it a solid choice for everyday users.
Spectrum Mobile's unlimited plan provides up to 50GB of high-speed data, making it a better option for heavy data users.
If you use under 35GB per month, Tello is the more affordable option, but if you already have Spectrum Internet and need more high-speed data, Spectrum Mobile is a better fit.
Extra features: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Tello
Both carriers offer useful perks, but the fact that Spectrum Mobile is only available to their home internet customers is definitely not a perk in my eyes.
- Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it a great option for frequent international callers.
- Spectrum Mobile provides access to a nationwide network of Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots, which can help save mobile data.
If you want the cheapest plan with international calling included, Tello is the better option.
Tello vs Spectrum Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Spectrum Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA |
| 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 | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - Canada and Mexico |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for coverage → Tello
- Best for international calling → Tello
- Best for Spectrum Internet customers → Spectrum Mobile
If you want the lowest-cost, customizable plan, Tello is the better choice.
See our Tello review to decide if it's the right fit for you
If you're a Spectrum Internet customer, find out more with our Spectrum Mobile review
Tello vs Spectrum Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Spectrum Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Spectrum Mobile runs on 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 Spectrum 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 helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.
I've personally tested Tello, Visible, Boost Mobile, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
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