Mint Mobile vs. Straight Talk: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and Straight Talk are popular prepaid carriers that offer some of the best deals on data on the market. You probably recognize Mint Mobile from their many advertisements from Deadpool himself, Ryan Renyolds. And Straight Talk has been around making a name for itself for a while- since 2009 in fact! 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 - How Do Mint Mobile and Straight Talk Compare?

Mint Mobile is on the T-Mobile network, while Straight Talk is on the Verizon network. 

Mint Mobile and Straight Talk 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 Straight Talk is an MVNO of Verizon. 

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.

Verizon has the most nation-wide 4G LTE coverage out of every wireless carrier in the country which is no small feat. Covering over 70% of the country, Verizon has had it’s footprints all over the map giving reliable coverage to even the most rural of areas when it comes to LTE.

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. 

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

TIP: Straight Talk’s coverage map works a bit differently than your average coverage map as you have to input your ZIP code and phone model to get an accurate account of their coverage.

Plan Options

Both carriers offer multiple service length options. 

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options, but Straight Talk also offers a plan with 1500 minutes instead of unlimited talk. 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!

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.

Straight Talk Plans

Straight Talk plans offer varying talk, text, and data capabilities.

Straight Talk offers eight plans. It’s important to note that Straight Talk’s plans allow up to 5 lines, but some only allow 2 depending on the deal. As an MVNO of Verizon, Straight Talk is on tier 9 of the QCI levels. 

If you purchase your phone from Straight Talk, your device will be locked for 12 months after activation. The plans they offer renew at varying service lengths, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. Just like Mint Mobile there are a lot of Pros and Cons with Straight Talk, so it’s always good to read up before you sign up!

Basic Phone Plan

This plan includes limited talk, but unlimited text. 

This plan comes with 1500 minutes of talk and 100MB of data, as well as unlimited texting. 

This plan doesn’t include hotspot access, and data speeds slow to 2G speeds once you’ve used your 100MB of data. With 2G speeds, you can still browse the internet or send emails and texts, but you need WiFi to play games or stream video. 

The plan costs $30 per month. At this rate, you get 100MB at 30 cents per MB. 

Bronze Unlimited Plan 

This plan slows data after the cap. 

This plan gives you 10GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. You also get unlimited talk and text. 

The plan costs $35 per month. At this rate, you get 10GB of data in total at $3.50 per GB. 

Silver Unlimited Plan

This plan gives you 60GB before slowing down.  

This plan gives their users 60GB of full speed data before slowing down to 2G speeds. Users also get access to 10GB of mobile hotspot data before access stops. You also get unlimited talk and text.

The plan costs $45 per month. At this rate, you get 60GB at $0.75 per GB. 

Gold Unlimited Plan

This plan allows for up to 2 lines. 

This plan offers 60GB of full speed data, which slows down to 2G speeds after the cap. You also get 15GB of hotspot data before access stops. 

The plan costs $55 per month for one line. At this rate, you get 60GB at $0.92 per GB.

Platinum Unlimited Plan

This plan offers 20GB of plan data and 20GB of hotspot data.  

This plan comes with 60GB of full speed data included, which then slows down to 2G speeds. It also comes with 20GB of mobile hotspot data. 

The plan costs $65 per month. At this rate, you get 60GB at $1.08 per GB. 

Extended Silver Unlimited Plan(s)

This plan has multiple service lengths to choose from.

This plan comes with 25GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. This plan renews monthly, but you pay for multiple services upfront. You also get 10GB of hotspot data included.

The plan costs $130 for 90 service days, $255 for 180 service days, and $495 for 365 service days. 

Mint Mobile and Straight Talk offer similar features with their plans.

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.

And 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. Straight Talk and Mint Mobile offer similar features with their basic plans and extended deals, but Straight Talk’s more expensive plans include cloud storage and other features. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and Straight Talk 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. Straight Talk offers talk in Mexico and Canada on all plans except the Basic Phone Plan which is for flip-phones only.

International Connection

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

Straight Talk offers Global Calling on their Platinum Unlimited plan. They offer international calling as an add-on on other plans. 

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 Straight Talk plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. 

Streaming Services + Extras

Mint Mobile does not offer this feature. Straight Talk does offer a Walmart+ Membership with their Platinum and Gold Unlimited plans.

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile does not offer this feature. Straight Talk offers 100GB of cloud storage on their Silver, Gold, and Platinum Unlimited Plans.

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from Mint Mobile, the carrier allows you to pay for your device in installments over time. Straight Talk 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 and Straight Talk do not offer this feature.  

Free Trial

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

Customer Service 

Mint Mobile and Straight Talk 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. Straight Talk offers support over the phone at 

1-877-430-2355 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST every day. 

The Verdict

Mint Mobile offers better plans. 

When it comes to price per GB, Mint Mobile offers better services than Straight Talk. If you’re looking for a plan for month to month services, Straight Talk is the better option for you as they offer a lot more flexibility with their plans. You can choose their Extended Silver Plans if you are in the market for a certain amount of service time and paying upfront instead of month-to-month. 

Straight Talk also comes with some extra benefits that Mint Mobile doesn’t have like cloud storage and a Walmart+ Membership with their two most expensive plans, but when it comes to data- Mint Mobile wins out. Overall, both carriers offer great deals on their services, with Mint Mobile offering the most for less. 

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 Straight Talk 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.