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Mint Mobile vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Which carrier is better?

September 1, 2024
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Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are two popular prepaid carriers that each hold their own in the ever-competitive world of wireless. They both offer a range of good deals on phone plans for their users, and have been pretty vocal in the advertisement game for quite some time. But no carrier, or business is without their flaws, as each has its positives and negatives. That’s why we’re here! To take a look at both providers and give you an unbiased look at what they can offer you. Let’s look at Mint Mobile vs Metro 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 and Metro by T-Mobile are both on the T-Mobile network.

Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile 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 – that way they can give customers service at a much cheaper price. Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile is an MVNO of T-Mobile.

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 both Mint Mobile and Metro by 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.

Another good way to look at your coverage options is to go directly to the source and see what the Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile coverage maps look like from the websites themselves, then you can see the Mint Mobile Coverage Map here and the Metro by T-Mobile Coverage Map here. But to get a more in-depth look at a carrier’s coverage, specifically Metro, we’ve answered the question "Does MetroPCS Have Good Coverage?” for you!

Hand holding phone with Mint Mobile logo on the screen
Mint Mobile operates on a prepaid basis. This means you are not tied to long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch plans or providers when needed.

Plan Options

Mint Mobile offers more limited plans, while Metro by T-Mobile offers more unlimited plans. 

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Both companies deprioritize data, which you know now means you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and shopping centers, or when the network’s bandwidth is stretching a bit past its capabilities (network congestion).

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 Plans
Image courtesy of Mint Mobile’s website

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. 

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.

Metro by T-Mobile Plans

Metro by T-Mobile offers several varying unlimited plans with different hotspot options. 

Metro by T-Mobile offers three unlimited plans and one limited data plan. Their unlimited plans vary with the number of features and GB of hotspot data included in the plan. You can add up to 4  lines per plan. You also get a $5 Autopay discount per month when you sign up, but the first month is full price. As a T-Mobile MVNO, this carrier is on QCI tier 7. All plans with this carrier are deprioritized. 

T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans

Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans. Image courtesy of Metro by T-Mobile’s website

You also can get a 10GB plan:

Image courtesy of Metro by T-Mobile’s website

If you purchase your phone from Metro by T-Mobile, your device will be locked for 180 days after activation. Then, it will be unlocked automatically. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are included with the advertised price. 

10GB

This plan does not include hotspot access. 

This plan includes 10GB of data, but no hotspot access or extra features. With this plan, data stops after the 10GB cap. 

The plan costs $45 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 5GB for $4.50 per GB.

Metro Flex Start

This plan gives you unlimited data with 8GB of hotspot data. 

This plan gives you unlimited data at high speeds, unless you’re in a high traffic area or there’s network congestion, until you use over 35GBs of data, then you may notice your speeds will slow down. Hotspot data is deprioritized as well, and stops after 8GB. 

The plan costs $55 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Metro Flex Up

This plan gives you 25GB of hotspot data included. 

This plan gives you unlimited data at high speeds, unless you’re in a high traffic area or there’s network congestion, until you use over 35GBs of data, then you may notice your speeds will slow down. Hotspot data is deprioritized as well, and stops after 25GB. 

The plan costs $65 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Metro Flex Plus

This plan is their biggest and most expensive plan. 

This plan gives you unlimited data at high speeds, unless you’re in a high traffic area or there’s network congestion, until you use over 35GBs of data, then you may notice your speeds will slow down. You also get 25GB of hotspot data included with the plan. It’s deprioritized data, and data stops after 25GB. 

The plan costs $75 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Features

While both carriers offer pretty good deals for their customers when it comes to data, 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 a 7 day free trial, while Metro by T-Mobile offers streaming and storage subscriptions. 

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. Metro by T-Mobile offers more perks and features than Mint Mobile, such as streaming services and Google One. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and Metro by T-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. Metro by T-Mobile offers an additional add-on to include Mexico and Canada connection, called “Mexico and Canada Unlimited.”

International Connection

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

Mint MObile International Connection
Image courtesy of Mint Mobile.

Metro by T-Mobile’s “Metro Flex Up” and “Metro Flex Plus” plans come with “unlimited texting to 210+ countries and destinations” – but their “Metro Flex Start” and 10GB plan do not.

Video Streaming Quality

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan streams at 480p Standard Definition, while their limited data plans stream at 4k Ultra High Definition. All Metro by T-Mobile plans include 480p Standard Definition streaming.

Streaming Services

Metro by T-Mobile’s “Metro Flex Up” and “Metro Flex Plus” offer a free one year subscription to ViX Premium. The “Metro Flex Plus” also comes with an Amazon Prime membership. Mint Mobile does not offer these features.

Cloud Storage

Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans all offer 100GB of Google One. Mint Mobile does not offer this feature. 

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from Mint Mobile, the carrier allows you to pay for your device in installments over time. Metro by T-Mobile does not offer this feature. 

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 does not offer this feature. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans include Scam Shield

Free Trial

Mint Mobile offers a 7 day free trial. Metro by T-Mobile does not offer a free trial. 

Customer Service 

Mint Mobile does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country.

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. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country. Metro by T-Mobile has locations across the country, and you can use their store locator to find the closest one. If you’d like to call their customer service line, call 888-8-METRO-8. 

The Verdict

Metro by T-Mobile offers better Unlimited plans, but Mint Mobile offers better limited data deals. 

Metro by T-Mobile offers better unlimited plans, as they come with more features and include data that doesn’t slow down due to a cap. 

However, their 5GB plan is much more expensive than Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan. As such, Mint Mobile offers better limited data plans. 

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 Metro by T-Mobile with other carriers before: Boost Mobile vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Which carrier is better?

And if you want to compare and contrast Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile 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.

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Mint Mobile 5GB Plan

5GB
data
5GB full-speed data
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 5GB)
Best for:
Light data users, those who mostly use WiFi
More Details

Mint Mobile 15GB Plan

15GB
data
15GB full-speed data
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 15GB)
Best for:
Light-average data users
More Details

Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

20GB
data
20GB full-speed data
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 20GB)
Best for:
Average data users
More Details

Mint Mobile Unlimited Plan

Unlimited
data
40GB high-speed data, unlimited data at 512 kbps (3G speeds)
Hotspot access
10GB mobile hotspot data
Best for:
Heavy data users
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile 5GB

5GB
data
5GB, then data stops
Hotspot access
N/A
Best for:
Light data users
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited

Unlimited
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
N/A
Best for:
Heavy to average data users
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited + 8GB Hotspot

Unlimited + 8GB Hotspot
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
8GB, then access stops
Best for:
Heavy data users and those who sometimes need hotspot access
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited + 25GB Hotspot

Unlimited + 25GB Hotspot
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
25GB, then access stops
Best for:
Heavy data users and those who often need hotspot access
More Details

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