Mint Mobile vs. PureTalk: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and PureTalk are both popular prepaid carriers that have thousands of customers. Mint Mobile has been rising in popularity in recent years thanks to actor Ryan Renyolds, and PureTalk has a heavy market towards seniors, U.S. veterans, and military members, as the company’s CEO is a military veteran himself. 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 PureTalk is on the AT&T network. 

Mint Mobile and PureTalk 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 an MVNO of T-Mobile, while PureTalk is an 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. 

As for AT&T, they are very much considered to be the “middle of the pack” when comparing it directly to Verizon and T-Mobile. Their 4G LTE sits comfortably between the two, behind Verizon but ahead of T-Mobile, and their 5G network is above Verizon but below T-Mobile, so you know at least that you’ll be nestled in between the other two providers with a PureTalk phone plan.

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

Plan Options

PureTalk offers more plans, but Mint Mobile offers different lengths of service at different prices.

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Both companies deprioritize data, which you know means you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and shopping centers. All of PureTalk’s plans renew monthly, while you can choose what length of service you want between 3, 6, and 12 months with Mint Mobile 

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!

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.

PureTalk Plans

PureTalk offers 7 plans at varying data amounts. 

PureTalk offers seven plans: two unlimited, five limited. All of their plans are deprioritized, which again, you know means you may experience slower speeds at times of high traffic. PureTalk also gives its users 50% off the first month, as well as savings for the more lines you add. For a MVNO of AT&T, PureTalk’s QCI level is tier 8. 

Certain plans also allow a discount on a new phone. 

PureTalk allows up to 5 lines on one account. If you purchase your phone from PureTalk, your device will be sold to you already unlocked. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. Just like Mint Mobile there are a lot of Pros and Cons with PureTalk, including some potential hypocrisy with their practices. Justin Baragona, a Senior Media Reporter, at The Daily Beast detailed some of the history of PureTalk here. So it’s always good to read up before you sign up!

3GB + 2GB Hotspot

This plan slows speeds to 2G after 3GB.

PureTalk offers 3GB of data with this plan, then unlimited data at 256 kbps, or 2G speeds. 2G speeds allow you to send texts and emails or scroll the internet. The plan also includes 2GB of hotspot access, which stops at the limit.

The plan costs $20 per month at full price, but is $15 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 3GB at $6.66 per GB. 

5GB + 2GB Hotspot

This plan slows speeds after 5GB.

This plan comes with 5GB, then unlimited slow data at 2G speeds. It also includes 2GB hotspot access. Hotspot data stops after the cap. 

The plan costs $25 per month at full price, but is $18.75 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 5GB at $5 per GB.

10GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan offers hotspot access. 

PureTalk includes 10GB of full speed data, and later unlimited slow data at 2G speeds. The plan also includes a 5GB hotspot.

The plan costs $30 per month at full price, but is $22.50 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 10GB at $3 per GB.

15GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan gives you 15GB of full speed data. 

This plan gives users 15GB of full speed data. After this cap, PureTalk gives access to unlimited slow data and lowers speeds to 2G. You also get 5GB of hotspot access included.

The plan costs $35 per month at full price, but is $26.25 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 15GB at $2.33 per GB.

25GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan gives you 25GB at full speed, then unlimited slow data. 

As their biggest limited data plan, this plan offers 25GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. Puretalk also gives 5GB of hotspot access included. 

The plan costs $45 per month at full price, but is $33.75 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 25GB at $1.80 per GB.

Unlimited + 20GB Hotspot 

This plan gives you 20GB of hotspot usage, then access stops. 

With this unlimited plan, PureTalk offers 60GB of full speed data. After 60GB, your data slows down to 2G speeds. This plan also offers 20GB of hotspot data. After 20GB, your data for hotspot usage will stop. 

The plan costs $55 per month at full price, but is $41.25 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 60GB at 92 cents per GB.

Unlimited + 30GB Hotspot 

This plan also gives you 60GB of full speed data. 

Like their other unlimited plan, PureTalk offers 60GB of full speed data before slowing speeds down to 2G. This plan also offers 30GB of hotspot data, which stops after this cap. 

The plan costs $65 per month at full price, but is $48.75 a month for new customers. At the normal rate, you get 60GB at $1.08 per GB.

Features

Mint Mobile offers pay-per-use rates for international talk, text, and data, while PureTalk does not offer these 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.

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. PureTalk offers better streaming quality than Mint Mobile, but Mint Mobile offers more features overall.

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and PureTalk do not offer this feature.

Mexico & Canada Connection

Mint Mobile offers talk and text in Mexico and Canada included and roaming data at $0.06 per MB. PureTalk does not offer this feature. 

International Connection

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

PureTalk does not offer this feature. 

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 PureTalk plans stream at 1080p High Definition. 

Streaming Services

Mint Mobile and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from either carrier, they allow 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 PureTalk do not offer this feature.  

Free Trial

Mint Mobile offers a 7 day free trial. PureTalk does not offer this feature. 

Customer Service 

Mint Mobile and PureTalk do not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support.

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. PureTalk offers customer support over the phone at (855) 849-2701 from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST every day. You can also submit support tickets online at their website. 

The Verdict

Mint Mobile offers better deals and features.

Overall, Mint Mobile is the better deal. Their plans offer better deals for the price per GB. Even if you use lots of data, Mint Mobile is the better option. As their unlimited plan slows down to 3G speeds, you’ll have less difficulties with their slower data and a better price overall. Mint Mobile offers more features as well, such as international connection on a pay-per-use basis. 

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. Verizon: Which carrier is better?

And if you want to compare and contrast Mint Mobile and PureTalk 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.