Mint Mobile vs. Tracfone: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and Tracfone are popular prepaid carriers that offer great deals on limited data plans. They have both made a name for themselves, Mint Mobile of course in recent years has been on the rise thanks to Ryan Renolyds. And TracFone has been in the zeitgeist for decades now. 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

Unsure of what you need out of a plan? Check out our guide on how to choose the best phone plan.  

Coverage & Reception - How does Mint Mobile and TracFone Compare?

Mint Mobile is on the T-Mobile network, while Tracfone uses all three big networks.

Mint Mobile and Tracfone 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 Tracfone uses 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 TracFone coverage maps look like from the websites themselves, then you can see the Mint Mobile Coverage Map here and the TracFone Coverage Map here. 

Plan Options - A Close Look at Mint Mobile vs. TracFone

Mint Mobile and Tracfone both offer multi-month plan options.

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options, but Tracfone also offers limited talk and text options. Mint Mobile and Tracfone also both offer 3 month and 12 month plan options to take advantage of. Both companies deprioritize data, as 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!

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.

Tracfone Plans

Tracfone doesn’t offer unlimited plans. 

TracFone’s cell phone plans work a bit differently than your average provider. For one there are a lot of plans, twenty to be exact, and they are super barebones which you can see below. They also are measured in “Service Days” which is how long you will have cell service for and you can refill your service and add-on additional texts, minutes, and gigabytes of data at any time in your service through their website or through their “Airtime” cards purchased at your local general stores. 

All Tracfone plans include rollover capabilities, so any unused minutes, texts, and data will roll over to the next month of service. Their service is on QCI tier 9 on Verizon, tier 8 on AT&T, and tier 7 on T-Mobile.

It’s important to note that the Autopay discount with any plan you choose only lasts for the first 2 months of service. Afterwards, service will be at full price. 

You can get up to 5 lines on a Tracfone plan. If you purchase your phone from Tracfone, your device will be locked for 60 days on the Verizon Network and 12 months on T-Mobile or AT&T after activation. The plans they offer renew at varying times, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. Just like Mint Mobile there are a lot of Pros and Cons with TracFone, so it’s always good to read up before you sign up!

Here’s a table showing off TracFone’s many service plans:

TracFone offers a huge amount of plans with varying degrees of texts, minutes, and data- but they are all super low amounts which if you don’t use your phone at all besides for its basic functions then this is a good plan to have. TracFone is recommended for work phones and elderly people.

TracFone’s plans are also very technical, you pay for exactly what you get, nothing more, nothing less- so when you are in need of more service you will have to buy it. That comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages as you’ll have to keep buying more service off and on if your phone use is inconsistent but if it stays semi-regular you won’t have to worry too much about additional costs as each plan has an exact amount of minutes, texts, and data. Once you use all of your current service plan’s minutes, texts, and data you won’t be able to text, call, or use internet services unless you buy more.

Features - Mint Mobile vs. TracFone

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.

Mint Mobile offers more features with their plans than Tracfone.

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.

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and Tracfone 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. Tracfone does not offer a “Mexico and Canada” feature, only an all-around “International” card.

International Connection

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

Tracfone offers an add-on for international calling capabilities called the “Global Calling Card.” 

“With the $10 Global Calling Card^§ you can call destinations not included with Basic International.

• Covers both cell phones and landlines.
• Simply keep your service active and you can add as many cards as you'd like at any time.
• This card is for international calls originating in the United States only and does not offer international roaming.”

Rates apply differently per country.

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 Tracfone plans stream at 480p Standard Definition resolution.

Streaming Services

Mint Mobile and Tracfone do not include this feature.

Music Services

Mint Mobile and Tracfone do not include this feature.

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and Tracfone do not include 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. 

TracFone has a program called “SmartPay” that you can sign up for, it “gives you financial flexibility by breaking the retail price of most of the top trending phones into low monthly lease payments that can fit your budget.”

You need to apply in order to use their SmartPay program and that requires you to state your name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN, then they will take a look at your information to determine if you are right for their program.

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

Tracfone offers spam protection and call filtering on select devices only. Mint Mobile does not offer this feature.

Free Trial

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

Customer Service 

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

Mint Mobile and Tracfone are digital-only carriers, 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. Tracfone offers support over the phone at 1 (800) 867-7183, or you can text BUY to 611611.

The Verdict

Mint Mobile offers better deals. 

With the price per GB and included features, Mint Mobile offers much better deals on their plans. If you are a frequent user of your phone’s data plan or want a substantial phone plan that overall has more to it then definitely go for a Mint Mobile plan as they are better for those who use their phone out and about more. 

For those who barely use their phone outside other than the occasional call and text- basically using it like a landline, then TracFone is the way to go. As such, you would save more money and get more data with these plans over Tracfone.

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 TracFone 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.