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
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 |
Tracfone plans
Tracfone 20GB plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk and text with 20GB data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracfone 1GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $15/mo |
| Tracfone 4GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 4GB | $20/mo |
| Tracfone 6GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 6GB | $25/mo |
| Tracfone 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $30/mo |
| Tracfone 20GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $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.
Tracfone coverage
Tracfone is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
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 Features | Tello | Tracfone |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes - One plan |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| 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 | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
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.
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