Mint Mobile vs. Consumer Cellular: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular are two prepaid wireless carriers. If you are a frequent internet user or TV watcher then there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Mint Mobile, especially if you’ve seen one of Ryan Renyold’s many commercials. But you may not be as familiar with Consumer Cellular, so let’s get acquainted shall we? Each carrier has its positives and negatives, but which offers better phone plans? Let’s compare them and see which is better.

In this article, we plan to discuss the details of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

• What the coverage of both carriers looks like
• How prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
• The features each carrier offers for their plans 

Coverage & Reception

Mint Mobile is on the T-Mobile network, while Consumer Cellular has just recently moved fully to AT&T’s network.

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular are both mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. Mint Mobile is a MVNO of T-Mobile, while Consumer Cellular is a MVNO of AT&T.

A common aspect of MVNOs you should know about is they are more likely to subject users to data deprioritization and throttled speeds. Data deprioritization is “the temporary slowing of data speeds for certain customers in order to give priority to other customers.” Which means that those who are direct customers of the “parent” company will get network priority when you’re in a high traffic area like a concert hall or sports stadium, or when there’s network congestion.

Throttling is also more likely to occur with MVNOs and “the dramatic slowing of your data speeds to the point that it becomes almost unusable.” This will happen when you go over a certain number of gigabytes of data for the month, which is referred to as a “data cap.” You’ll see this number displayed somewhere on your carrier’s website. Your normal speeds will slow down until the start of your next billing cycle.

Often, the quality of coverage comes down to your area. One carrier’s coverage may be better in New York, while another’s coverage may be better in California. It’s important to compare between providers on a coverage map of your specific city. Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers.

However, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. So you can expect some pretty solid 5G speeds for Mint Mobile T-Mobile’s phone plans. Their 4G LTE isn’t as widespread as their two major competitors, Verizon and AT&T, but it’s by no means a dealbreaker. 

In the past Consumer Cellular has used multiple networks to provide their customers with coverage but as of 2024 they are now moving under AT&T. AT&T is considered to be a strong middle ground in the wireless world. They don’t have the biggest rural outreach like Verizon does, but they are improved from T-Mobile. And they might not have T-Mobile’s 5G reach, but their 5G is more readily available compared to Verizon’s. You’re going to get a good experience with AT&T’s coverage as they are an overall solid network.

Another good way to look at your coverage options is to go directly to the source and see what the Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless coverage maps look like from the websites themselves, then you can see the Mint Mobile Coverage Map here and the Consumer Cellular Coverage Map here.

Plan Options

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular’s plans are actually laid out the exact same way as they both offer three “limited” data plans and one unlimited data plan.

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Mint Mobile gives you bigger limited data plan options while Consumer Cellular has lower gigabyte plans. Both companies deprioritize data, which you know means you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and shopping centers.

Mint Mobile Plans

Mint Mobile offers 4 plans, each with multiple options for lengths of service.

Mint Mobile offers plans ranging from 5GB to Unlimited (40GB) data, giving customers more options to meet their needs. Mint Mobile only offers 3, 6, or 12 month plans to sign up for. However, your data is reset every month. Their current New Customer Offer allows you to purchase a 3 month plan at the best deal. Mint Mobile also offers a deal where you can get 6 months of free service if you purchase a phone and a 6 month plan. Mint Mobile allows up to 5 lines on one account, each with their own customizable plan data to draw from.

As a T-Mobile MVNO, Mint Mobile is on tier 7 of 9 Quality of Service Class Identifiers (QCIs).

This indicates the priority level of the carrier on T-Mobile’s network compared to T-Mobile specific plans. This means they’re at a higher priority compared to MVNOs on Verizon or AT&T’s networks. As such, you may experience higher speeds while being deprioritized than other MVNOs.

Mint Mobile keeps your phone locked for the first year after purchase. After, you must request to have your phone unlocked. Taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. As you can see there are a lot of Pros and Cons with Mint Mobile, so it’s always good to read up before you sign up!

Here’s a closer look at Mint Mobile’s plan starting first with the lowest data amount you can get, 5GB:

5GB

5GB of full speed data is included before you get unlimited data at slow speeds. 

This plan gives you 5GB of data and mobile hotspot access. The plan is again deprioritized, then slows down to 2G speeds after the 5GB allotment. With 2G speeds, users can expect to send text messages and emails or scroll the internet, but streaming video or playing games will be difficult. Hotspot data comes from the 5GB and stops after hitting that amount. The plan costs $15 per month for 3 months and requires a $45 upfront payment. To get the same deal afterwards, you need to purchase 12 months of service. At this rate, you get 5GB for $3 per GB. If you don’t want that same deal for 6 months it’s $20 a month.

15GB 

You get 15GB of full speed data, then unlimited slow data. 

This plan gets you 15GB of full speed data and mobile hotspot data. This plan is also deprioritized and slowed down to 2G speeds after 15GB. Your hotspot data comes from the 15GB allotment and stops after 15GB. The plan is currently on sale for $15 a month for 3 months (normally costing $20 per month) and requires $45 upfront payment. At this new discount rate, you get 15GB at $1.00 per GB. For 6 months it’s $25 a month and 12 months it’s $20 a month, both also requiring a payment upfront. And the regular rate gets you 15GB at $1.33 per GB.

20GB

This plan also gives you unlimited slow data after 20GB. 

As it says in the name, you get 20GB of full speed data. This plan is deprioritized, however, and it slows down to 2G speeds after you reach the 20GB cap. The plan also includes mobile hotspot capabilities. Data comes from the 20GB allotment and stops after hitting that amount. The plan is also currently on sale for $15 a month for 3 months (normally costing $25 per month) and requires $45 upfront payment. At this new discount rate, you get 20GB at 75 cents per GB. For 6 months it’s $35 a month and 12 months it’s $25 a month, both also requiring a payment upfront. And the regular rate gets you 20GB at $1.25 per GB. 

Unlimited

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan gives you 40GB before slowing down speeds. 

With Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan, you get 40GB of data. Your data is deprioritized, and it slows down to 3G speeds (512 kbps) after 40GB. At 3G, you can still send texts, send emails, and scroll through social media without too many issues. Streaming video might be a bit slower.  While this may be a negative for those who use large amounts of data, most users use about 20GB of data per month or less, according to Ericsson Mobility. This plan also gives you 10GB of mobile hotspot data, allowing your phone to become a WiFi connection for other devices. Data stops after 10GB. 

Just like the 15GB and 20GB plans, their Unlimited is currently on sale for $15 a month for 3 months (normally costing $30 per month) and requires $45 upfront payment. At this new discount rate, you get 40GB at 37 cents per GB. For 6 months it’s $35 a month and 12 months it’s $30 a month, both also requiring a payment upfront. And the regular rate gets you 40GB (minus the 10Gb from hotspot) at 75 cents per GB.

Consumer Cellular Plans

All plans allow for a $5 Autopay discount when you sign up for participation. 

Consumer Cellular offers four plans, three “limited” plans ranging from 1 to 10GB and one unlimited plan. You can add up to 4 lines on one plan, with additional lines being $15 each. All plans from Consumer Cellular are deprioritized. As for QCI tiers, Consumer Cellular is tier 8 on AT&T’s network. 

If you purchase your phone from Consumer Cellular, your device will be locked until your device is paid for in full. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. The advertised price includes their $5 Autopay discount. Just like Mint Mobile, there are a lot of Pros and Cons with Consumer Cellular, so it’s always good to read up before you sign up!

They also introduce customers to their “SmartFlex” system which is a program when you’re using your data and not connected to wifi, Consumer Cellular will “send you free usage alerts via text and/or email when you reach 50% or 75% of your plan's monthly data limit.” And if you go over that limit they will “flex” you up to the next data plan so your data doesn’t slow down for as little as $5/a month. There’s no overage fees and you can opt out of this program at any time- maintaining their “freedom” advertisement. However if you don’t opt-in then you’ll look forward to the following plans:

1GB 

This plan stops data access after 1GB.

This plan offers 1GB of data. You can use all of your plan data as hotspot data. However, after you use 1GB, your data access stops completely. 

The plan costs $25 per month before the $5 Autopay discount.

5GB

This plan gives you 5GB with hotspot access. 

This plan gives you 5GB of data per month, with the option to use it as hotspot data. Again, your data access stops after this allotment. 

The plan costs $30 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 5GB at $6 per GB. 

10GB

This plan allows hotspot access with all plan data. 

This plan gives you 10GB of data before cutting off at the data cap. You can use your hotspot for all plan data. 

The plan costs $40 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 10GB at $4 per GB. 

Unlimited 

This plan gives you 50GB of full speed data before slowing down your connection. 

This is Consumer Cellular’s biggest plan, as it gives you 50GB of full speed data. After you reach 50GB, your data will slow to 128 kbps, or 2G speeds. This is enough to send text messages and emails and browse websites, but not much else. These speeds are extremely slow and may be frustrating for users. You can use a hotspot for all plan data.

The plan costs $55 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 50GB at $1.10 per GB. 

Features

While both carriers offer pretty good deals for their customers, there are some differences in the features and benefits that may entice you to pick one over the other. If you’re a frequent traveler, talk to your international friends and family a lot, or are looking for a bit more “perk” with your plan then this section will break down all of that juicy info so you can know what you’re potentially gonna get.

Mint Mobile offers more features and international connection opportunities included.

If you’re looking for a plan with more included features, such as international connection or domestic roaming data, it’s best to compare carriers with what they offer. Mint Mobile offers more features overall, such as international connection opportunities. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Consumer Cellular and Mint Mobile do not include this feature. 

Mexico & Canada Connection

Mint Mobile offers talk and text in Mexico and Canada included and roaming data at $0.06 per MB. For Consumer Cellular, Mexico and Canadian connection is pay-per-use at various rates depending on your network.

International Connection

Mint Mobile gives you international text included, while international talk and data are pay-per-use:

For Consumer Cellular, international connection is pay-per-use at various rates depending on your network.

Video Streaming Quality

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan streams at 480p Standard Definition, while their limited data plans stream at 4k Ultra High Definition. Consumer Cellular streams at 480p Standard Definition on all plans. 

Streaming Services

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular do not offer this feature. 

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from Mint Mobile or Consumer Cellular, the carrier allows you to pay for your device in installments over time. 

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception. 

Spam Protection

Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular do not offer this feature.  

Free Trial

Mint Mobile offers a 7 day free trial. Consumer Cellular does not offer a free trial. 

Customer Service 

Mint Mobile does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. Consumer Cellular has 29 physical stores. 

Mint Mobile is a digital-only carrier, meaning they only offer customer support online and over the phone. Mint Mobile offers chat support 24/7 and support over the phone at (800)-683-7392 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST every day of the week. Consumer Cellular has 29 stores with more coming, you can find the full list of where they are located here. Otherwise, users can call their customer support line at (877)-320-3486 and use their chat line any time between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. 

The Verdict

Mint Mobile offers better deals overall, but Consumer Cellular’s Unlimited plan is also a decent option.

When it comes to better deals, Mint Mobile has Consumer Cellular beat. Their prices on limited data plans are much better than Consumer Cellular, and they have more features included with their plans. Their slower speeds are also a lot faster than Consumer Cellular’s, and are still usable after the full speed cap. 

But if you use a lot of data and live in an area where AT&T has better coverage, you may want to consider Consumer Cellular’s Unlimited plan. You get a lot of data with included hotspot access for a decent price. 

We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.

Want to compare other carriers?

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

We’ve compared Mint Mobile with other carriers before: Mint Mobile vs. PureTalk: Which carrier is better?

And if you want to compare and contrast Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular to over 1,200 other phone plans so you know you’re getting the service that’s right for you, then make sure to check out the REALLY compare page which allows you to look at pricing, coverage, what phone plans are available, current deals and steals, and how you can make the most of your potential phone bill.