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Worried about switching carriers and losing coverage or perks? That's a big concern for many people looking to save money, but Tello and US Mobile both show that you don't have to compromise on service when cutting costs.
Tello is all about affordability and customization, allowing you to build a plan that perfectly fits your needs without overpaying. US Mobile is a premium low-cost carrier, offering priority data, international perks, and access to multiple networks.
So, should you go for maximum savings or a feature-packed experience?
Tello vs US Mobile plans
Winner: Tello
Tello offers flexible plans where you can customize the amount of data, talk, and text to fit your needs. Prices begin at just $5 per month, and the unlimited plan is available for $25 per month, providing high-speed data up to 35GB.
US Mobile offers two structured unlimited plans-one with 50GB of high-speed data for $50 per month, and another with priority data access for $60 per month. While US Mobile includes premium features, its pricing is significantly higher than Tello's.
If you want the lowest-cost, most customizable plan, Tello is the better choice., but if you want extra perks like premium data priority, US Mobile is worth looking at.
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 |
US Mobile plans
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 2GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| US Mobile 5GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $17.50/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $44/mo |
Tello vs US Mobile coverage
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile has the advantage of offering multiple network choices.
Tello runs exclusively on T-Mobile's network, but US Mobile lets you choose between Verizon, T-Mobile, and more recently AT&T. Providing better flexibility for users in areas where one network is stronger.
For the ability to switch between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile's networks, US Mobile is a great choice.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
US Mobile coverage
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Which carrier offers better performance?
Winner: US Mobile
Since both carriers use T-Mobile's network, speeds are typically the same, but US Mobile has an edge due to premium data priority and also having access to the Verizon and AT&T networks.
Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is plenty for most users.
US Mobile offers premium data on its $60 plan, meaning you won't experience slowdowns in high-traffic areas and they also offer up to 100GB of high-speed data on its premium plan, great for heavy data users.
Additional features: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Tie
This can depend on what you're looking for from your plan. Tello is great for international calling features at an affordable price, but US Mobile includes premium features that make it a more attractive option for those who want extra.
- Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it a great option for frequent international communication.
- US Mobile includes free international roaming, free perks like Spotify or Disney+, and hotspot capabilities.
Tello vs US Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | US Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM & CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 100 days | |
| 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 customizable plans → Tello
- Best for network options → US Mobile
- Best for low-cost plans → Tello
- Best for premium perks → US Mobile
If you want a cheap and flexible plan, Tello is a great option. But if you want premium perks, international roaming, and more high-speed data, US Mobile may be worth the extra cost.
See how much you could save with our Tello review
Find out if the premium perks are worth it with our US Mobile review
Tello vs US Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Tello and US Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and US Mobile runs on Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T.
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 US 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, US 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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