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Tello vs Tracfone: Full flexibility or pay-as-you-go convenience?

I've compared Tello & Tracfone plans, coverage & features.

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Still paying too much for your phone plan? If you've ever felt like you're getting overcharged for data you barely use, you're not alone. Tello and Tracfone both offer low-cost prepaid options, but they serve very different needs.

Tello is all about customization, letting you build a plan that fits your budget so you never overpay. Tracfone, on the other hand, offers traditional pay-as-you-go options, making it a solid choice for light phone users.

Tello vs Tracfone 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. 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.

Tracfone operates on a pay-as-you-go model, selling prepaid service in 30, 60, or 365-day increments. Their cheapest plan starts at $9.99 for 30 minutes, but their unlimited plan costs $40 per month, which is significantly more than Tello's unlimited option.

For a fully customizable plan with modern flexibility, Tello is the better choice.

Tello plans

Image of cell phone with Tello

Tello unlimited data plan

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tello
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tello unlimited talk & text planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage0GB$8/mo
Tello 1GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage1GB$9/mo
Tello 2GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage2GB$10/mo
Tello 5GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage5GB$14/mo
Tello 10GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage10GB$19/mo
Tello 15GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage15GB$24/mo
Tello unlimited data planT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$25/mo

See all Tello plans

Tracfone plans

Image of cell phone with Tracfone

Tracfone 20GB plan

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text with 20GB data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tracfone
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tracfone 1GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage1GB$15/mo
Tracfone 4GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage4GB$20/mo
Tracfone 6GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage6GB$25/mo
Tracfone 10GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage10GB$30/mo
Tracfone 20GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage20GB$40/mo

Tello vs Tracfone coverage

Winner: Tie

Tello runs on T-Mobile's network and Tracfone is powered by Verizon's network.

T-Mobile leads in 5G availability as per the OpenSignal 2025 network report. But Verizon could provide better coverage if you live in a rural area according to RootMetrics' 2024 report which ranks the Verizon network highest in reliability.

Tello coverage

Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Tello coverage map

Tello coverage map

Tracfone coverage

Tracfone is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Tracfone coverage map

Tracfone coverage map


Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?

Winner: Tracfone

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 plenty for most users, but Tracfone's unlimited plan provides up to 60GB of high-speed data, making it a better option for heavy data users.

If you use under 35GB per month, Tello is the better deal at a lower price. If you need more high-speed data, Tracfone provides a higher cap but at a premium price.


Features and perks: Which provider offers more?

Winner: Tello

Both carriers offer solid perks, but Tello includes free international calling, while Tracfone charges extra for it.

  • Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it great for staying connected abroad.
  • Tracfone offers international calling as an add-on, but it's not included in standard plans.

Tello vs Tracfone plan features

Carrier FeaturesTelloTracfone
NetworksT-MobileVerizon
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkGSMCDMA & GSM
Mobile HotspotYesYes - One plan
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractPrepaidPrepaid
Credit CheckNoNo
Customer Service24/7Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingYesYes
Visual VoicemailNoYes
Multi-line DiscountsNoNo
Multi-month DiscountsNoYes
International CallsYes - Includes 60+ countriesYes - As add-on
International RoamingNoNo

Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?

  • Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
  • Best for rural coverage → Tracfone
  • Best for international calling → Tello

If you want the lowest-cost, customizable plan, Tello is the better choice. If you prefer buying minutes and data only when needed, Tracfone may be worth considering.

See how much you could save with our Tello review.

See our Tracfone review for more plan options.


Tello vs Tracfone FAQs

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

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

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 Tracfone. 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.

Tello comparison guides

Tracfone comparison guides

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