Mint Mobile vs Lyca Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?

When choosing between Mint Mobile vs Lyca Mobile, it’s important to weigh your priorities in terms of coverage, data options, and affordability. Both carriers offer budget-friendly prepaid plans with features like unlimited talk and text, and affordable cell phones bundled with generous data allowances, but they stand apart when it comes to network access and plan flexibility.

In this article, we’ll highlight the key strengths of each carrier, so you can make an informed choice. After thoroughly testing smartphones and cell phone plans from major carriers, we’ve gathered the most accurate details. Here’s what you can expect:

• A breakdown of the coverage differences between each provider
• A comparison of pricing and what’s included in each plan
• An overview of the unique features offered by each carrier

Compare Mint Mobile to other Carriers

• PureTalk, an AT&T MVNO, offers affordable, no-contract plans with nationwide 5G coverage.
• Spectrum Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, offers affordable mobile services exclusively to Spectrum Internet customers.
• US Mobile, a flexible MVNO on Verizon and T-Mobile networks, offers customizable plans to fit a wide range of needs.
• Xfinity Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, is exclusively available to Xfinity Internet customers and offers affordable plans with access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
• Boost Infinite, owned by Dish, offers postpaid unlimited plans with nationwide coverage, leveraging Dish’s growing 5G network.

Mint Mobile Overview

Mint Mobile is a well-known MVNO that gained significant attention after Ryan Reynolds acquired it. Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, leveraging the mobile's network infrastructure to provide extensive coverage and high-speed data. The carrier operates on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, offering affordable coverage and the same high-speed data and call quality experienced by T-Mobile customers. You’ve probably seen their ads promoting budget-friendly plans and reliable service.

While Mint Mobile’s pricing is competitive with other MVNOs, it focuses on incentivizing longer contracts rather than offering discounts for multiple lines. Mint Mobile also offers family plans where each line maintains the same per-line charge, providing flexibility for families. This approach helps keep their plans affordable while maintaining the flexibility of prepaid service.

Lyca Mobile Overview

Lyca Mobile stands out for its international presence, offering services in several countries. Powered by T-Mobile’s extensive 5G network, it ensures wide coverage across the U.S. What sets Lyca Mobile apart from other carriers is its inclusion of international capabilities in their plans, making it a great option for those who need to stay connected globally. Lyca Mobile also offers free international calling to over 80 countries, making it an attractive option for users who need to stay connected globally. They offer flexible plan choices, including both monthly and multi-month options.

Mint Mobile: Speed and Coverage

Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G and 4G LTE networks, offering excellent coverage in nearly every state. Mint Mobile's network leverages T-Mobile's infrastructure, ensuring robust service options including high-speed data and 5G. T-Mobile is actively expanding its 5G network, aiming to reach over 90% coverage in the coming years. While they haven’t fully achieved this goal yet, T-Mobile’s extensive tower network already provides strong service across the country. To get the most accurate coverage information, it’s a good idea to check Mint Mobile's coverage map for the best cell service in your area..

Lyca Mobile: Speed and Coverage

As an MVNO, Lyca Mobile operates by purchasing network coverage from one of the major carriers—in this case, T-Mobile—while other MVNOs may use AT&T or Verizon’s networks. Lyca Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, providing extensive 5G coverage across the U.S. To find the most reliable coverage in your area, it’s crucial to compare coverage maps from various providers. Lyca Mobile’s coverage map is a helpful tool, allowing you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. By examining tower locations, you can better understand which of the major network providers offers the best coverage for your needs.

Coverage Comparison

Both Mint Mobile and Lyca Mobile operate on T-Mobile’s network, which provides nationwide coverage, including 5G in many urban areas. Both carriers offer great coverage, but Mint Mobile is better suited for users who prioritize consistent performance, while Lyca Mobile's international capabilities make it an attractive option for frequent travelers. Always check local coverage maps to ensure the best service for your area.

Mint Mobile Plans

Unlimited Data (40GB)

The Unlimited Data (40GB) plan is perfect for heavy data users. Mint Mobile's Unlimited Data (40GB) plan is one of the cheapest unlimited data plans available, priced at $30/month for the first 3 months. You’ll enjoy high-speed data for the first 40GB, after which your speed drops to 3G. While 3G speeds still allow for texting, emailing, and social media browsing, activities like gaming or streaming videos might struggle without Wi-Fi.
This plan is priced at $30/month for the first 3 months, then $40/month for every 3-month renewal. A 6-month package costs $35/month, and the 12-month package is $30/month. With the 12-month plan, you get 50GB for just $0.60 per GB.

Pros: 40GB of high-speed data, 10GB of mobile hotspot
Cons: 480p SD streaming
Best for: Heavy data users who want a budget-friendly plan with high-speed data and mobile hotspot access.

20GB Plan

The 20GB plan is great for the average user, as the typical person uses about 20GB of data each month. This plan is priced at $25/month for the first 3 months, then $35/month for the 6-month option, and $25/month for the 12-month package. With the 12-month package, you get 20GB for just $1.25 per GB.

Pros: 20GB of full-speed data
Cons: No dedicated hotspot, no unlimited data
Best for: The average data user.

15GB Plan

Mint Mobile’s 15GB plan is great for light to average data users. You can use all 15GB as hotspot data. The first 3 months are $20/month, then $35/month for each 3-month increment. For the 6-month plan, it’s $25/month, and for the 12-month plan, it drops back to $20/month. With the 12-month plan, you get 15GB for $1.33 per GB.

Pros: High-speed data
Cons: No mobile hotspot allocation
Best for: Light to average data users.

5GB Plan

For those who use minimal data and mostly rely on Wi-Fi, the 5GB plan is the best option. You can use the 5GB for mobile hotspot data. The first 3 months are just $15/month, then $25 for every 3-month renewal. The 6-month plan is $20/month, and the 12-month plan is $15/month. With the 12-month plan, you pay $3 per GB for 5GB.

Pros: Very affordable
Cons: Only 5GB of data
Best for: Light data users or those who mainly use Wi-Fi.

Family Plan Offerings

Mint Mobile offers the most affordable mobile offer family plans, with the ability to add up to 5 lines on one account. You can mix and match data amounts per line, so one line can have unlimited data while another only has 5GB. Each line gets the lowest possible rate Mint Mobile offers— for instance, an unlimited data line costs $30/month. Family plans are available in 3-month increments, ensuring flexibility and savings for families.

Lyca Mobile Plans

60GB Plans

The 60GB plan offers plenty of data each month, slowing to 2G speeds (128 kbps) after reaching the limit. At 2G speeds, basic tasks like texting, emailing, and web browsing are possible, but activities like streaming and gaming are challenging. Hotspot access is not included.

Here are the pricing options for the 60GB plan:
Monthly: $59
3 Months: $177
6 Months: $354
Annual: $708

Cost per GB: $0.98

Pros: Large data allowance.
Cons: No hotspot access.
Best for: Heavy data users who don’t require hotspot functionality.

40GB Plans

The 40GB plan provides 40GB of monthly data, with speeds dropping to 2G after the limit is reached. This plan also lacks hotspot access.

Here are the pricing options for the 40GB plan:
Monthly: $49
3 Months: $147
6 Months: $294
Annual: $588

Cost per GB: $1.23

Pros: Generous data allocation.
Cons: No hotspot access.
Best for: Heavy data users on a slightly tighter budget.

15GB Plans

The 15GB plan includes 15GB of high-speed data monthly before slowing to 2G. Hotspot access is not available.

Here are the pricing options for the 15GB plan:
Monthly: $39
3 Months: $117
6 Months: $234
Annual: $468

Cost per GB: $2.60

Pros: Sufficient data for moderate usage.
Cons: No hotspot access.
Best for: Light to moderate users who occasionally stream or browse.

12GB Plans

The 12GB plan offers 12GB of high-speed data each month, with speeds reduced to 2G after exceeding the limit. No hotspot access is included.

Here are the pricing options for the 12GB plan:
Monthly: $33
3 Months: $99
6 Months: $168
Annual: $396

Cost per GB: $2.75

Pros: Affordable and decent data for light users.
Cons: No hotspot access.
Best for: Light users with minimal streaming needs.

10GB Plans

The 10GB plan provides 10GB of data each month, slowing to 2G speeds once the limit is reached. There is no hotspot access.

Here are the pricing options for the 10GB plan:
Monthly: $29
3 Months: $87
6 Months: $174
Annual: $348

Cost per GB: $2.90

Pros: Compact data plan for basic needs.
Cons: No hotspot access.
Best for: Light users who mostly browse or use apps.

5GB Plans

The 5GB plan includes 5GB of high-speed data monthly, with speeds reduced to 2G once the data cap is reached. Hotspot access is not available.

Here are the pricing options for the 5GB plan:
Monthly: $23
3 Months: $69
6 Months: $138
Annual: $276

Cost per GB: $4.60

Pros: Very affordable.
Cons: Only 5GB of data.
Best for: Light data users or those who mainly use Wi-Fi.

3GB Plans

The 3GB plan offers 3GB of full-speed data per month, with speeds slowing to 2G after the limit is reached. Hotspot access is not provided.

Here are the pricing options for the 3GB plan:
Monthly: $19
3 Months: $57
6 Months: $114
Annual: $228

Cost per GB: $6.33

Pros: Cost-efficient for very light use.
Cons: Limited data.
Best for: Occasional data users or those who rely heavily on Wi-Fi.

500MB Plans

The 500MB plan includes 500MB of high-speed data per month, slowing to 2G speeds once the limit is exceeded. No hotspot access is available.

Here are the pricing options for the 500MB plan:
Monthly: $15
3 Months: $45
6 Months: $90
Annual: $180

Cost per GB: $30.00

Pros: Most affordable plan.
Cons: Extremely limited data.
Best for: Minimal users who primarily use Wi-Fi.

Family Plans

Lyca Mobile offers family plans with separate pricing for each line, including free international calling to over 80 countries, making them ideal for global communication. You can add up to five lines on one account, with a 40GB 2-line family plan option also available.

Pros: Great for families needing multiple lines.

Cons: Each plan is sold separately.

Best for: Families or groups needing affordable international communication.

Plan Comparison

Both Mint Mobile and Lyca Mobile offer solid plans suited to different needs. Mint Mobile plans stand out with affordable pricing, flexible plans, and solid coverage via T-Mobile’s 5G and LTE networks. Mint Mobile offers some of the cheapest unlimited data plans in the market, starting at $30/month. It’s ideal for users looking for good value, but the throttling of speeds after heavy data use and limited hotspot options may be a downside.

Lyca Mobile plans, on the other hand, excel with international calling features and global coverage, making it perfect for frequent travelers. However, its plans lack hotspot data and see a significant slowdown to 2G speeds after hitting data limits, making it better for light data users. For flexibility and value, Mint Mobile is the stronger option, while Lyca Mobile suits those needing international services.

Key Differences Between Mint Mobile and Lyca Mobile

Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling

Mint Mobile, being an MVNO, relies on T-Mobile’s network and experiences data slowdowns during congestion, especially in busy urban areas like New York and Chicago. In these locations, both residents and commuters can cause network overloads, affecting data speeds. Events such as concerts or sports games can also lead to congestion, impacting all users, with Mint Mobile customers facing slower speeds before those on major networks. To assess how often congestion may affect service, Mint Mobile offers a three-month trial period, which is an excellent opportunity to gauge the performance of their network in everyday conditions.

Lyca Mobile provides unlimited data plans, but being an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that relies on T-Mobile’s network, there are some caveats. Once customers exceed 40GB of high-speed data, their speeds are throttled to prioritize T-Mobile users, especially during times of congestion. This slowdown can be particularly noticeable in dense, high-traffic areas such as large cities or during major events. While Lyca Mobile does offer 5G access, speeds may still be reduced once the data cap is reached. However, the carrier remains a strong contender for those who value competitive pricing and international calling features—just keep in mind the potential for occasional slowdowns when demand on the network is high.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Mint Mobile offers solid customer service with accessible support options, including a dedicated phone line at 1 (800) 683-7392 and a live chat feature on their website. Dealing with customer service from cell providers can often be frustrating, but Mint Mobile stands out by providing helpful and reliable assistance. Whether you’re dealing with plan issues, coverage concerns, or device problems, their support team is generally quick to offer solutions, making the experience much more pleasant than with many other providers.

Lyca Mobile offers fully online customer service with various support options. You can reach their team through chat support, available Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Additionally, phone support is available during the same hours by calling 1 (866) 277-3221. This online-based support allows you to easily get assistance for any issues related to your plan, coverage, or device within their set hours.

The Verdict

Mint Mobile is ideal for users seeking value with affordable pricing, multi-month plans, and solid customer service. It leverages T-Mobile’s network for good 5G coverage, though throttling can occur after 40GB, especially during peak times.

Lyca Mobile shines for international users, offering competitive pricing and global connectivity. Like Mint, it uses T-Mobile’s network and faces throttling after 40GB, but it’s a great option for those prioritizing global features.

In summary, Mint Mobile is better for U.S.-based users who value reliable coverage and customer support, while Lyca Mobile is more suitable for international travelers looking for affordable global service. Both share similar limitations with throttling but offer distinct advantages depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MVNOs and major carriers?

MVNOs, like Mint Mobile and Lyca Mobile , lease networks from major carriers, such as the T-Mobile network, offering cheap cell phone plans. These often come with data limits and lower speeds after reaching a certain monthly data allotment (typically 20GB–40GB). While MVNOs may lack the reliability of major carriers, they offer competitive prices and flexibility. Major carriers control their own infrastructure, offering more consistent speeds but at a higher cost.

How can I avoid data throttling with MVNOs?

To avoid throttling, choose higher-tier plans with more data or unlimited plans. Some MVNOs, including Mint Mobile, offer multi-line discounts and plans with priority data, reducing throttling during congestion. You can also save data by using Wi-Fi calling whenever possible.

Are there any hidden fees with MVNOs?

MVNOs typically have fewer fees compared to major carriers. However, fees may apply for international calls or device upgrades, and Mint customers should check for any additional charges. While most MVNOs offer transparent pricing, some services like unlimited calls or international roaming credits may be additional.

Can I keep my current phone when switching to an MVNO?

Yes, you can bring your own phone as long as it’s compatible with the MVNO’s network. Mint Mobile supports unlocked phones, and you can check compatibility through the Mint Mobile app or their website to ensure a smooth switch.

What should I do if I experience network congestion with my MVNO?

If speeds slow due to network congestion, use Wi-Fi calling to minimize data usage. During peak times, MVNOs may prioritize network traffic for primary customers. To improve speeds, consider upgrading to a premium plan or switching carriers if slow speeds are frequent.