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

Mint Mobile and T-Mobile’s postpaid plans are some of the most popular cell phone plan options on the market, as they offer great deals on quality service. Mint Mobile has been slowly becoming more of a common household name thanks to the many Ryan Reynolds ads out there. While T-Mobile is one of the “big three” in wireless with millions of customers. 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 

What is Coverage & Reception Like for Mint Mobile and T-Mobile?

Mint Mobile is on the T-Mobile network. 

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. No matter which carrier you choose, you’ll get network access through T-Mobile.

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 postpaid plans themselves. 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 T-Mobile Coverage Map here.

Plan Options

Mint Mobile offers multiple months of service at a time, while T-Mobile offers premium data. 

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. T-Mobile also offers premium data, which doesn’t slow down even in high traffic conditions. 

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.

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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 Plans

T-Mobile plans include varying amounts of data, numbers of lines allowed, and discounts. 

T-Mobile’s postpaid options include seven plans. T-Mobile has three “Go5G” plans and two “Essentials” plans, along with two “Magenta” plans- (excluding 55+, Military, and First Responder Magenta plans). All T-Mobile postpaid plans are QCI tier 6.

If you purchase your phone from T-Mobile, your device will be locked for 40 days after activation. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are included with the advertised price on Magenta MAX, Magenta, GO5G, and GO5G. The Essentials plan(s) does not include taxes with the advertised price. If you’re interested in pin transfers with T-Mobile should you find yourself in need, here’s Everything You Need to Know About T-Mobile Transfer PINs.

T-Mobile also includes additional discounts for seniors, veterans and military, and first responders which you can find through their built-in filter on their plans page.

Essentials Saver Plan

This plan is deprioritized after the premium data cap. 

The Essentials Saver plan comes with 50GB of premium data, then unlimited deprioritized data afterwards.

The plan costs $55 per month, and $50 with Autopay. At full price, you get 50GB of premium data at $1.10 per GB. 

Essentials Plan

This plan is deprioritized after the premium data cap. 

The Essentials plan comes with 50GB of premium data, then unlimited deprioritized data afterwards. 

The plan costs $65 per month, and $60 with Autopay. At full price, you get 50GB of premium data at $1.30 per GB. 

Magenta®

This plan gives you 100GB. 

This plan gives users 100GB of premium data access before slowing to deprioritized speeds. You also get 5GB of high-speed hotspot data before unlimited 3G speeds. 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 $75 per month, and $70 with Autopay. At full price, you get 100GB at $0.75 per GB. 

Magenta® MAX

This plan gives you unlimited data access. 

Magenta MAX is one of T-Mobile’s most popular and well known plans, as it gives users unlimited premium data access. This means that you get unlimited high speeds without worrying about deprioritization or data caps. 

The plan costs $90 per month, and $85 with Autopay.

GO5G Plan

This plan gives you premium data. 

This plan gives users 100GB of premium data before unlimited deprioritized data.

The plan costs $80 per month, and $75 with Autopay. At full price, you get 100GB of premium data at $0.80 per GB. 

GO5G Plus Plan

This plan gives you unlimited premium data access. 

GO5G Plus is one of T-Mobile’s biggest plans, as it gives you unlimited premium data. This means that you get unlimited full speed data without any cap or deprioritization. Users also get 50GB of high-speed hotspot data before slowing to 3G speeds. 

The plan costs $95 per month, and $90 with the Autopay discount. 

GO5G Next 

This plan allows you to switch phones every year.

GO5G Next is one of T-Mobile’s most intriguing plans, as it gives you unlimited premium data. This means that you get unlimited full speed data without any cap or deprioritization. You also get 50GB of premium hotspot data, and once you run out of premium data, you get unlimited deprioritized hotspot data. 

What makes this plan stand out from GO5G Plus is that it allows you to get a new phone every year rather than waiting two years. Otherwise, the plans are the same. 

This plan costs $105 each month, but the autopay discount brings the price to $100.

Features

T-Mobile offers more 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. T-Mobile offers more features with their plans, like streaming and music perks. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile does not include this feature. All T-Mobile postpaid plans include 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. All T-Mobile postpaid plans include talk, text, and roaming data in Mexico and Canada. The amount of roaming data varies per plan. For example, their GO5G Plus plan includes 15GB of high speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds. 

International Connection

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

T-Mobile plans include international texting and international pay-per-use calling for $0.25 per minute. Magenta, Magenta MAX, GO5G and GO5G Plus plans include 5GB of full speed international data, and unlimited 3G data after the cap. 

Video Streaming Quality

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan streams at 480p Standard Definition, while their limited data plans stream at 4k Ultra High Definition. T-Mobile plans include international texting and international pay-per-use calling for $0.25 per minute. Magenta, Magenta MAX, GO5G, GO5G Plus, and GO5G Next plans include 5GB of full speed international data, and unlimited 3G data after the cap.

Streaming Services + Extras

T-Mobile includes free Netflix™ Standard with ads, as well as free AppleTV+, on Magenta MAX, GO5G Plus, and GO5G Next. T-Mobile’s Magenta plan includes Netflix™ Standard with ads for (2+lines) and Apple TV+ for 6 months no matter how many lines you have. GO5G plans include 6 months of AppleTV+. And the GO5G Next also includes Hulu with ads, which is the only plan with Hulu.

Every T-Mobile plan comes 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.

Mint Mobile does not offer this feature.

Cloud Storage

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

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from either carrier, the carrier allows 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 does not offer this feature.

All T-Mobile postpaid customers get access to their Scam Shield ™ app gives you control over T-Mobile’s anti-scam protections like Scam ID, Scam Block, and Caller ID according to their website. Capable and compatible devices only.

T-Mobile also has Scam Shield Premium, and those “features are included in Magenta MAX plans. Other plans can add Scam Shield Premium features for $4/line per month.”

Free Trial

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

Customer Service for Mint Mobile and T-Mobile

Mint Mobile does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. T-Mobile has thousands of 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

The better plan depends on what you need.  

Overall, T-Mobile and Mint Mobile offer very different plans. If you’re looking for all that a phone plan can offer, T-Mobile is the best choice with their GO5G and Magenta MAX plans. However, if you don’t need that much data or many included features, Mint Mobile is the better option for you.

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 T-Mobile Postpaid 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.