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Sick of confusing phone plans and surprise fees? The big 3 love making things complicated, and that's how they keep people overpaying. But if you're ready to take control of your bill, Tello and Straight Talk both offer low-cost alternatives-with very different approaches.
Tello gives you full flexibility, letting you build a plan that fits your budget so you're never stuck paying for data you don't use. Straight Talk, on the other hand, is a more traditional prepaid option, offering set plans.
Tello vs Straight Talk 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 as low as $5 per month, and even its unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Straight Talk sticks to pre-set prepaid plans, starting at $30 per month for 5GB of data. Their unlimited plan costs $45 per month, which is nearly double the price of Tello's unlimited plan with the same network access.
If you want the lowest-cost plan with full customization, Tello is the better choice.
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 |
Straight Talk plans
Straight Talk unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Unlimited data plans
- Two-line plan option
- Plenty of add-ons like international service
- Easily accessible at WalMart stores
- Phone financing available
Cons
- Plans not as flexible as some MVNOs
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Talk 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Tello vs Straight Talk coverage
Winner: Tie
Tello runs on T-Mobile's network and Straight Talk operates on Verizon's network.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 network experience report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability. But if you live in a rural area, 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.
Straight Talk coverage
Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Straight Talk coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Tello
With Tello's unlimited plan, you'll get up to 35GB of high-speed data per month, which is plenty for most users.
While Straight Talk's unlimited plan provides up to 60GB of high-speed data, which makes it a better choice for heavy data users.
If you use under 35GB per month, Tello is a great deal at a lower price.
Extra features: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Tello
Both carriers offer solid perks, but Tello includes free international calling, while Straight Talk charges extra for it.
- Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it great for staying connected abroad.
- Straight Talk offers international calling as an add-on, but it's not included in standard plans.
Tello vs Straight Talk plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes - with certain plans | |
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| 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 better deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for coverage → Tie
- Best for international calling → Tello
Find our more with our Tello review
Read our Straight Talk review to see if it's right for you
Tello vs Straight Talk FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Straight Talk are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Straight Talk runs on T-Mobile, AT&T & 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 Straight Talk. 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, Mint 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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