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

Mint Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid are popular prepaid carriers with some of the best coverage in the country. Mint Mobile of course has been rising in popularity in recent years thanks to those infamous Ryan Ryneolds advertisements, and the brand of T-Mobile is one of the “big three” in wireless. 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 

Mint Mobile vs. T-Mobile Prepaid: Coverage & Reception

Mint Mobile is on the T-Mobile network, while T-Mobile Prepaid is an extension of T-Mobile itself, which is part of the “big three” networks. 

Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. 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 T-Mobile Prepaid is a specific section of T-Mobile’s own plans. 

MVNO - What Should You Know:

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 T-Mobile’s prepaid plans themselves- (T-Mobile’s prepaid and postpaid both access the same network coverage). 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 T-Mobile coverage maps look like from the websites themselves, then you can see the Mint Mobile Coverage Map here and the T-Mobile Prepaid Coverage Map here.

Plan Options

Mint Mobile offers several limited data plans, while T-Mobile Prepaid offers premium data. 

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Each offers a variety of plans to choose from to meet your needs. Both companies deprioritize data, which you know means you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and shopping centers. T-Mobile Prepaid also offers premium data, which is data that doesn’t slow down due to network traffic 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 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.

T-Mobile Prepaid Plans

T-Mobile Prepaid plans offer premium data. 

T-Mobile Prepaid offers four  different plans, one being limited data and the other three unlimited. You can have up to four lines on these plans. The QCI value of these plans is 6, which is the highest tier.

If you purchase your phone from T-Mobile Prepaid, your device will be locked for 12 months after activation. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. When it comes to prepaid versus postpaid phone plans, there are a lot of pros and cons to each, just like phone carriers themselves. What side fits your phone use more? Let’s find out: Prepaid vs. postpaid plans: which type of plan is better for you?

Prepaid 10GB Plan

This plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data.

T-Mobile Prepaid’s only limited plan has 10GB of high-speed data. Data speeds slow to 2G speeds once you’ve used your 10GB of data. The plan also includes mobile hotspot access that uses your 10GB and stops once you use this amount. 

The plan costs $40 per month. At this rate, you get 10GB at $4 per GB. 

Prepaid Unlimited Promo Plan

This plan gives you domestic unlimited mobile hotspot data, but at slower speeds after 3GB. 

This plan gives you access to 50GB of high-speed data, which then becomes unlimited but deprioritized. You also get up to 3GB of domestic high-speed mobile hotspot data, and then is throttled to 3G speeds after that. 3G speeds allow you to scroll social media and send texts or emails, but streaming video or playing games will be slower. 

The plan costs $55 per month. At this rate, you get 50GB at $1.10 per GB. 

Prepaid Unlimited Plan

This plan gives you unlimited mobile hotspot data, but at slower speeds after 3GB. 

This plan, like their other unlimited prepaid plan, gives you 50GB of premium data. Data becomes deprioritized after the 50GB. You also get up to 3GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and then is throttled to 3G speeds after that. After you use the 3GB, data slows to 3G speeds. 

The plan costs $50 per month. At this rate, you get 50GB at $1 per GB. 

Prepaid Unlimited Plus Plan

This plan gives you 10GB high-speed mobile hotspot data included. 

This plan, like their other unlimited prepaid plan, gives you 50GB of premium data. Data becomes deprioritized after the 50GB. You also get up to 10GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and then is throttled to 3G speeds after that. After you use the 10GB, data slows to 3G speeds. 

The plan costs $60 per month. At this rate, you get 50GB at $1.20 per GB. 

Features

Mint Mobile offers international capabilities included, while T-Mobile Prepaid offers other perks such as call filtering. 

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. Mint Mobile offers more included international access, while T-Mobile Prepaid offers other features with their plans. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile does not include this feature. All T-Mobile Prepaid plans offer domestic roaming capabilities. 

Mexico & Canada Connection

Mint Mobile offers talk and text in Mexico and Canada included and roaming data at $0.06 per MB. T-Mobile offers talk and text to Mexico & Canada while in the U.S. on their Unlimited Promo plan, but not for their other plans. They offer an add-on for access at an additional $5 per month. 

International Connection

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

T-Mobile Prepaid does not offer international text and data, but an add-on is available for international talk (when you’re in the United States) for $15 per month. 

Video Streaming Quality

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan streams at 480p Standard Definition, while their limited data plans stream at 4k Ultra High Definition. Both of T-Mobile Prepaid’s unlimited plans stream at 720p High Definition, and their 10GB plan streams up to 4k Ultra High Definition. 

Streaming Services + Extras

Mint Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid do not offer this feature. 

Every T-Mobile plan does come with access to “T-Mobile Tuesdays” which is their program for customers to get free stuff, great deals, potential savings, and exclusive offers every Tuesday.

Music Services

Mint Mobile does not offer this feature. T-Mobile Prepaid also does not offer this feature.

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and T-Mobile Prepaid 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

T-Mobile Prepaid offers scam protection on all three of their plans, which filters calls and blocks spam callers. Mint Mobile does not offer this feature.  

Free Trial

Mint Mobile offers a 7 day free trial. T-Mobile Prepaid does not offer this feature. 

Customer Service 

Mint Mobile does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. T-Mobile has stores 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. T-Mobile offers several stores across the country, and users can find the closest one with their store locator. They also offer customer support online with their website live chat, their support website for common questions, and over the phone at 1-800-937-8997. 

The Verdict

Mint Mobile offers better deals, but T-Mobile Prepaid’s unlimited plans offer great deals as well.  

When it comes to price per GB, Mint Mobile offers better deals than T-Mobile Prepaid. However, if you’re looking for more data or a guarantee that you won’t experience deprioritization, T-Mobile Prepaid is also a solid choice.

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!

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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 T-Mobile Prepaid 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.