Tired of overpaying for features you don't need? If you're looking to cut your phone bill, Tello and Visible both offer low-cost alternatives, but they go about it in very different ways.
Tello gives you full control, allowing you to customize your plan and only pay for what you actually use. Visible, on the other hand, keeps things simple with just two unlimited plans and access to Verizon's network.
Tello vs Visible plans
Winner: Tello
Tello is designed for maximum flexibility, letting you mix and match your data, talk, and text so you never overpay. 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.
Visible keeps it simple with only two unlimited plans: the base plan is $25 per month and the Visible+ plan is $45 per month, which includes 50GB of high-speed data and access to Verizon's premium 5G Ultra Wideband network.
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 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
Visible plans
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $35/mo |
Tello vs Visible coverage
Winner: Tello
Tello runs on the T-Mobile network which consistently ranks top for 5G coverage, but weaker for rural service.
Visible operates on Verizon's network, which offers stronger rural coverage and reliability, according to RootMetrics 2024.
If T-Mobile's coverage is strong in your area, Tello's cheap plans makes it a great deal. But, if you spend a lot of time in rural areas, Visible's Verizon network may be the better fit.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Visible coverage
Visible is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Which provider delivers better performance?
Winner: Visible
Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, which is plenty for most users, but with the Visible+ plan, you get high-speed data up to 50GB per month, making it a better choice for heavier data users.
Features and perks: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Tie
Both carriers offer solid perks, but Visible includes a few extra features.
- Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it a great option for staying connected abroad.
- Visible offers unlimited hotspot data at speeds of 5-10Mbps, while Tello includes hotspot access but limits it to the total data amount in your plan.
If you want the cheapest plan with international calling included, Tello is a great choice. If you rely on mobile hotspots and want unlimited data, Visible wins.
Tello vs Visible plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Visible |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes - 15 days |
| 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 | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| 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 international calling → Tello
- Best for unlimited data → Visible
- Best for mobile hotspot users → Visible
Find out more with our Tello review
Read our Visible review for more
Tello vs Visible FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Visible are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Visible 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 Visible. 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, 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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