Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid: Which Carrier is Better?

Astound Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile’s network, leveraging this colossal carrier to deliver exceptional nationwide coverage to all its users. This MVNO focuses on its bundling deals, as customers must already use Astound Internet to purchase cell phone plans. The pricing is straightforward, but the plans don’t have high data allocations for anyone who wants to use their phone seriously while outside of WiFi networks. 

Note: To purchase Astound Mobile cell phone plans, you must be an Astound Internet customer. 

T-Mobile Prepaid offers flexible plans on T-Mobile’s reliable network, providing excellent coverage and fast speeds, particularly in urban and suburban areas. With options ranging from low-data plans to truly unlimited options, T-Mobile Prepaid caters to a wide range of users. Its plans come with added perks like 5G access and no annual contracts, making it a strong choice for those who want premium features without a postpaid commitment.

Coverage & Reception — Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid

Astound Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid leverage the same network: T-Mobile. T-Mobile provides excellent coverage, boasting a tremendous 5G network in populated areas backed by a nationwide 4G LTE network. 

T-Mobile’s Network 

T-Mobile’s network is a leader in 5G innovation, offering extensive mid-band 5G coverage alongside reliable LTE service. It excels in urban and suburban areas, providing fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.

Strengths:

• Extensive 5G Deployment: T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G is unmatched in availability and speed, making it a top choice for urban users.
• Urban and Suburban Excellence: Performance in densely populated areas is exceptional, with reliable connectivity for most users.
• Innovative Features: T-Mobile continuously enhances its network with cutting-edge technology, such as standalone 5G.

Weaknesses:

• Rural Coverage Gaps: While improving, T-Mobile’s coverage in rural and remote areas is less comprehensive than that of other major providers.
• Deprioritization: As an MVNO, Astound Mobile users experience slower speeds during network congestion.

Data Priority: Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid

Even though both carriers use the same network, T-Mobile Prepaid customers have higher data speeds, on average, than Astound customers. This is because of the different data priorities of MVNOs versus major wireless networks. Since Astound leases bandwidth from T-Mobile, whenever T-Mobile’s network gets strained, it deprioritizes the data of all its MVNO customers. This is most impactful in areas where the T-Mobile network is under moderate strain. Maximum strain means no one, not even priority T-Mobile customers, has high-speed data. It is difficult to determine how impactful congestion is in your area, but we recommend looking at local forums and reviews and, if you have the chance, to test it out for yourself. 

One great boon of no-contract cell phone plans is the ease of switching carriers if you run into trouble. You might find that T-Mobile’s network is weaker than you want in your area or that there’s a huge difference in speeds using T-Mobile Prepaid vs. Astound Mobile. A no-contract plan lets you try out the service without being locked into a long-term agreement. Now, we don’t recommend trying each and every carrier because switching carriers is a big hassle, but starting with a no-contract plan is a great way to mitigate the risks of a new service. 

For users who frequently rely on mobile data in busy areas or during peak hours, T-Mobile Prepaid offers a clear edge with more consistent speeds and better overall performance. Astound Mobile, while cost-effective, is better suited for light data users who don’t rely on high-speed connectivity in crowded conditions.

Plan Options — Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile Prepaid and Astound Mobile offer plans with varying amounts of high-speed data. Along with high-speed data, both carriers offer unlimited talk and text along with various features and add-ons. First up, let’s talk about Astound’s cell phone plans. 

Astound Mobile Plans and Pricing

Astound Mobile offers four plans, each with its own benefits and downsides. The four Astound Mobile phone plans are as follows: 

• $15 per month for 1.5 GB
• $25 per month for 3 GB
• $40 per month for Unlimited (20 GB)
• $50 per month for Unlimited + (20 GB)

1.5 GB

This plan is designed for users who only need mobile data for essentials, like occasional GPS navigation, checking email, or brief browsing sessions. With 1.5 GB of high-speed data, it’s perfect for those who primarily use Wi-Fi and just want reliable talk and text with minimal data on the go. This plan is the most cost-effective option in the lineup.

3 GB

While this plan won’t cover heavy usage, it’s a low-cost option for users who mostly rely on Wi-Fi but need some data for basic tasks on the go. Ideal for those who use limited data on social media or streaming apps away from home, it's a budget-friendly pick for minimal mobile data needs. There’s not much difference in how long 1.5 and 3 GBs of high-speed data will take you, but this plan is nice for those who want a little extra piece of mind while out and about. 

Unlimited

This plan offers 20 GB of high-speed data, which is suitable for moderate use, such as streaming music, occasional video, and browsing throughout the month. However, high-speed data users will consume this allocation quickly, so make sure to check your data usage before switching to this plan.

Unlimited +

Unlimited+ also offers 20 GB of high-speed data but also includes high-speed hotspot data and HD streaming while your data lasts. Once you hit the 20 GB cap, you are reduced to 3G data speeds, which will severely limit your usage. 

T-Mobile Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

T-Mobile Prepaid offers a range of plans designed to meet different needs, from budget-conscious users to those who require unlimited data. Here are the main T-Mobile Prepaid plans:

• $40 per month for 10 GB
• $50 per month for Unlimited (50 GB high-speed)
• $60 per month for Unlimited Plus (50 GB high-speed + 10 GB hotspot)
• Pay As You Go: Starting at $3 per month for minimal usage

10 GB

This plan is best for data users who rely on their phones very little when outside of WiFi networks. With 10 GB of high-speed data, any serious usage will quickly deplete your allocation, leaving you with throttled, slow data for the rest of the month. This plan is very expensive for a 10GB data allocation, but it is a good way to test out the service before committing to something more expensive. 

Unlimited

T-Mobile Prepaid’s Unlimited plan includes 50 GB of high-speed data, making it a solid choice for those who stream videos, play online games, or use their phone for work. This data cap is far greater than what Astound Mobile offers, and it provides much more value than T-Mobile Prepaid’s 10 GB plan. 

Unlimited Plus

Unlimited Plus adds 10 GB of high-speed hotspot data, making it perfect for users who routinely connect their computer or tablet to their mobile hotspot. It also includes HD video streaming, offering a premium experience for entertainment and work. This HD video streaming is nice, but with only 50 GB of high-speed data, you should be careful how often you take advantage of high-data phone activities. This plan is great for power users who need reliable connectivity beyond just their phones.

Features

Astound Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid offer distinct features tailored to different types of users. While both leverage T-Mobile’s robust network, the additional features included in their plans vary significantly.

Domestic Roaming Data

T-Mobile Prepaid includes domestic roaming data in its plans, ensuring coverage even when you’re outside of T-Mobile’s direct network. Astound Mobile, as an MVNO, does not include domestic roaming data.

Mexico & Canada Connection

With its Simply Prepaid Unlimited Plus plan, T-Mobile Prepaid offers talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Astound Mobile does not include roaming in Mexico or Canada with any of its plans.

International Connection

T-Mobile Prepaid includes international add-ons for talk, text, and data in over 210 countries, making it a better choice for frequent travelers. Astound Mobile does not offer international roaming or add-ons.

Video Streaming Quality

Both Astound Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid stream video at 480p Standard Definition, providing a similar experience for video watchers. T-Mobile Prepaid’s Unlimited Plus plan allows for HD streaming.

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, allowing users to make calls over a WiFi connection when cellular service is unavailable.

Device Financing

T-Mobile Prepaid offers device financing through T-Mobile stores, allowing customers to purchase phones on installment plans. Astound Mobile does not provide device financing options.

Spam Protection

T-Mobile Prepaid includes Scam Shield, which offers spam call blocking and fraud protection. Astound Mobile does not include a dedicated spam protection feature.

Free Trial

T-Mobile Prepaid does not currently offer a free trial. Astound Mobile also does not provide a free trial for its plans.

Cloud Storage and Streaming Services

T-Mobile Prepaid does not include cloud storage or streaming service perks with its plans. Similarly, Astound Mobile does not offer these features.

Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid: The Verdict

While Astound Mobile provides a straightforward option for Astound Internet customers, its value falls short compared to other MVNOs. The plans are relatively expensive for the data they offer, with even the unlimited plans capped at 20 GB of high-speed data before throttling to 3G speeds. Additionally, the lack of international roaming and limited features make Astound Mobile less competitive, especially for users seeking flexibility and robust data allowances.

T-Mobile Prepaid, by contrast, delivers better value with higher data caps, international roaming options, and the flexibility to sign up without needing an internet subscription. Its plans cater to a broader range of users, from light data users to those who require significant data for streaming and gaming. For the price, T-Mobile Prepaid’s features and network access far surpass Astound Mobile’s offerings.

Choose T-Mobile Prepaid if you want more data, better features, and the freedom to switch without bundling with an internet service.

Consider Astound Mobile only if you’re already an Astound Internet customer and value simplicity over savings or features.

Ultimately, T-Mobile Prepaid’s superior data options and added perks make it a clear winner for most users.

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

Are you still unsure which carrier to choose or which phone plan to pick? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle!

FAQ: Astound Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid

Which carrier has better coverage, Astound Mobile or T-Mobile Prepaid?

Both carriers use T-Mobile’s network, so coverage and reception are identical. Expect excellent performance in urban and suburban areas, with some gaps in rural regions. T-Mobile Prepaid customers experience less data deprioritization than Astound Mobile customers, but the extent varies extensively based on your area in the country. People in suburban and rural areas will not likely experience congestion regardless of whether they use T-Mobile Prepaid or Astound Mobile. 

Do I need to be an internet customer to use these services?

Yes, Astound Mobile requires you to be an Astound Internet customer to sign up for their plans. T-Mobile Prepaid does not have this restriction, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Which carrier offers better data plans?

T-Mobile Prepaid offers better value, with higher data caps and more flexibility. Astound Mobile’s plans are relatively expensive and have lower data allocations compared to T-Mobile Prepaid’s offerings.

Are there international features included?

T-Mobile Prepaid includes international roaming and talk options on some plans, making it a better choice for frequent travelers. Astound Mobile does not offer international roaming or talk features.

Which carrier is better for heavy data users?

T-Mobile Prepaid is better for heavy data users, offering unlimited plans with higher high-speed data caps. Astound Mobile’s unlimited plans throttle speeds after 20 GB, which is not sufficient for data-heavy tasks.

Can I bring my own phone to either carrier?

Yes, both carriers support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) as long as your phone is compatible with T-Mobile’s network.

Which carrier is more affordable?

While Astound Mobile’s entry-level plans are cheaper, T-Mobile Prepaid offers more price value, especially when considering the features and higher data allowances.

Who should choose Astound Mobile?

Astound Mobile is best for current Astound Internet customers who want a simple, no-frills mobile plan and are okay with limited features and data.

Who should choose T-Mobile Prepaid?

T-Mobile Prepaid is ideal for users who want flexibility, more data, and international features without needing to bundle with an internet service.