Mint Mobile vs Tello
Tello's pricing tiers are more granular (you can pay $14/mo for 5GB instead of $20/mo for 15GB). Mint locks in 3-month chunks.
| Mint Mobile | Tello | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | MVNO | MVNO |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Plans on file | 4 | 3 |
| Cheapest | $15.00 | $10.00 |
Mint Mobile plans
plans
Frequently asked questions
- Does Mint Mobile and Tello use the same network?
Yes — both Mint Mobile and Tello ride the T-Mobile network. Coverage is identical between the two; the differences come down to plan structure, pricing, and where each one sits in the deprioritization queue. Postpaid traffic on the underlying carrier still gets first priority.
- Which is cheaper, Mint Mobile or Tello?
The cheapest Mint Mobile plan we have on file is $15.00/month; the cheapest Tello plan is $10.00/month. By starting price, Tello is cheaper. Compare the actual plans side by side above for data, hotspot, and feature differences — the cheapest plan isn't always the best value.
- Is Mint Mobile better than Tello?
It depends on your usage. Mint Mobile and Tello have different price points, plan structures, and underlying network (both on T-Mobile). Use the comparison table above to evaluate plans head-to-head, or enter your ZIP in the finder to see which network has stronger coverage at your specific address.
- Can I switch from Mint Mobile to Tello and keep my number?
Yes. Number portability is required by FCC rules. Get a port-out PIN from Mint Mobile, sign up at Tello with "transfer my existing number," and provide your account number, port PIN, and billing ZIP. Most ports complete in 15 minutes to 4 hours. See our switching guide for the full walkthrough.
- Whose coverage is better, Mint Mobile or Tello?
Mint Mobile and Tello have identical raw coverage since they ride the same T-Mobile network. The practical difference appears at congested towers, where the underlying carrier's postpaid customers (and carrier-owned MVNOs like Visible/Cricket/Metro) get prioritized over third-party MVNO traffic.