Mint Mobile vs. Twigby: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and Twigby are popular prepaid carriers that offer some of the best deals in the industry. There are a lot of MVNOs around the country, each one offering a unique set of plans and features. 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 Twigby is on the Verizon network. 

Mint Mobile and Twigby 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 Twigby is an MVNO of Verizon. 

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. 

Plan Options

Mint Mobile and Twigby both offer several limited data plans and one unlimited plan with varying data caps. 

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Both companies deprioritize data, meaning 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. Unfortunately, no carrier is perfect. That would be nice! We’ve compiled a detailed list of Mint Mobile’s pros and cons to help you decide whether or not this is the right carrier for you. 

Mint Mobile Family Plan Savings

Mint Mobile’s family plan lets multi-line accounts (starting at just two lines) enjoy their cheapest prices on three-month contracts. For single-line accounts, users need to take out 12-month contracts to get those same prices. On multi-line accounts, each user can pick their own plan from the four offerings, letting Mint Mobile stay flexible if there are certain people who only need 4 GB and others who need the 40 GB on their unlimited plan. 

We recommend prioritizing staying under the 40 GB high-speed data cap of their unlimited plan if you want to make a Mint Mobile account. If you hit the cap, you are reduced to 3G speeds for the rest of the month, and 3G speeds are incredibly slow. There are huge differences in high-speeds versus throttled speeds, and that’s always a big downside to MVNOs that offer limited data plans. So, while thinking about Mint Mobile, make sure you take your monthly data usage into account!

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. 

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 and $45 for the first 3 months. To get the same deal afterwards, you need to purchase 12 months of service. At this rate, you get 5GB for $3 per GB.

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 costs $20 per month and $80 for the first 3 months. To get the same deal afterwards, you need to purchase 12 months of service. At this rate, you get 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 costs $25 per month and $75 for the first 3 months. To get the same deal afterwards, you need to purchase 12 months of service. At this rate, you get 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. 

The plan costs $30 per month, or $90 for the first 3 months. After that, the price is $40 per month. To get the same $30 per month deal, you need to buy 12 months worth of service. At this rate, you get 50GB at $0.60 per GB. 

Mint Mobile Contracts

Alongside Mint Mobile’s family plan savings, they also offer contracts of three distinct lengths - three, six, and twelve months. They never offer month-to-month plans, but three months still gives you a fair amount of flexibility to change plans within Mint Mobile or switch carriers if you wish. As a single-line account, Mint Mobile lets you get their least expensive plan prices, but to do so you must purchase one year of service all at once. This is okay if you are a long-time customer and know what you want, but it is tough as a new customer. 

Mint Mobile does offer a new-customer incentive which is a three-month contract at those low prices even if you are a single-line account, which is a great way to try out their service. 

Twigby Plans

Twigby plans give you a discount for the first three months of service. 

Twigby offers 5 plans, ranging from plans with no data included to unlimited data. All plans offer unlimited talk and text, and all data plans offer hotspot access. All plans allow up to 50 lines on an account. All Twigby plans are on QCI tier 9. 

If you purchase your phone from Twigby, your device will be sold to you unlocked after activation. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. Want a deeper dive into what Twigby has to offer? Check out Twigby pros and cons.

No Data Plan

This plan does not have data access. 

With this plan, you do not have access to any data. This means you must have a WiFi connection in order to browse the internet, send emails, stream videos, and play games. According to Twigby, you also need to have WiFi access to use iMessage on iPhones. You also do not have access to group messaging on basic or Android phones. 

Image courtesy of Twigby’s website. 

You do not have hotspot access on this plan either. 

The plan costs $10 per month, and $5 for the first 3 months. 

2GB Plan 

The 2GB plan offers 2GB of high-speed data each month before slowing to 2G speeds. While the slower speed allows you to send texts and emails, most other activities are seriously impacted by 2G speeds. Mobile hotspot access is included but shares the same 2GB cap, meaning once you hit that limit, hotspot usage will also slow down.

This plan costs $15 per month, which breaks down to $7.50 per GB. For new customers, the first three months are discounted to $5 per month, making it an affordable starting point for light data users​.

5GB Plan 

With the 5GB plan, you get 5GB of high-speed data per month. After hitting the 5GB limit, speeds slow to 2G. This plan also includes hotspot access up to the 5GB data cap, at which point it too will slow.

The cost is $20 per month, which means you’re paying $4 per GB. New customers can get this plan for just $10 per month for the first three months.

10GB Plan 

This plan provides 10GB of data per month, and like the others, speeds are reduced to 2G after reaching the data limit. The plan includes hotspot access, which stops once the 8GB limit is reached. Ten GB is nice and gives you a bit more room to use data before you are slowed down, but it is still best for low-data users. 

The cost is $25 per month, breaking down to $2.5 per GB. For new customers, the first three months are discounted to $16 per month.

20GB Plan

Twigby’s 20GB plan gives you a fair data allocation, but heavy and even moderate data users will still blow through this consistently before the month is done. The pricing for their 20 GB plan is good, but considerably higher than Mint’s comparative pricing with their multiple-line savings. You also get 20GB of mobile hotspot access, after which the speed will be reduced.

The plan costs $35 per month, which equates to $1.75 per GB. New customers can enjoy this plan at a discounted rate of $25 per month for the first three months.

Features

Mint Mobile offers better international access, while Twigby offers better streaming video quality. 

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. Twigby and Mint Mobile offer similar features with their plans. However, Mint Mobile offers better international access and Twigby offers better overall streaming quality. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and Twigby 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. Twigby plans allow unlimited talk in Mexico and Canada, but not text or data. 

International Connection

Mint Mobile gives you international text included, while international talk and data are pay-per-use. International talk is $0.25 per minute, while international data is $0.20 per MB. Twigby allows unlimited talk in up to 80 countries, but not text or data. 

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 Twigby data plans stream at 720p High Definition resolution. Their No Data plan requires WiFi to stream video. 

Streaming Services

Mint Mobile and Twigby do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and Twigby do not offer 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. Twigby also gives this option through PayPal. 

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 Twigby do not offer this feature. 

Free Trial

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

Customer Service 

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

Mint Mobile and Twigby 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. Twigby offers chat support from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST Mon. through Fri. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Sat. through Sun. You can also email Twigby Customer Support at [email protected]. 

The Verdict

Twigby and Mint Mobile both offer compelling options, but each has its strengths depending on your needs. Mint Mobile provides higher data caps, making it ideal for moderate users who want to enjoy the benefits of an unlimited plan without worrying about running out of data. Additionally, Mint’s prices are more competitive—if you’re able to pay upfront and secure the lowest rates, Mint’s plans typically come out ahead.

On the other hand, Twigby excels with its no-contract plans, which are better suited for users who don’t want to commit to paying for 3 or more months of service upfront. For those seeking flexibility without long-term obligations, Twigby is a great choice. Ultimately, Mint Mobile offers a better deal if you're comfortable with the upfront costs, while Twigby shines for budget-conscious users preferring month-to-month flexibility.

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!

Are you still unsure which carrier to choose, or which phone plan to pick? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle! Want to see how Mint Mobile holds up to other MVNOs? Check out our Mint Mobile vs. Puretalk article on our website to see these two carriers go head-to-head!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Twigby Deprioritized?

Yes, Twigby customers experience deprioritization sometimes. As an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) on Verizon's network, Twigby users have their data speeds slowed during heavy network congestion, prioritizing Verizon's direct customers.

What does it mean for an MVNO to deprioritize data?

Deprioritization occurs when an MVNO's customers are given lower priority for network resources during periods of congestion. This means your data speeds slow down temporarily in busy areas or peak times as the network prioritizes users on the main carrier. It is hard to measure deprioritization, but it follows the crowds. MVNOs shine outside of major metropolitan areas where networks are less frequently strained. 

Why is my MVNO data so slow?

MVNO data can be slow due to deprioritization during heavy network usage or because you've exceeded your high-speed data limit and are now subject to reduced speeds. Coverage in your area may also impact your experience.

Which carrier does Twigby use?

Twigby primarily uses Verizon’s network for coverage, ensuring broad access to 4G LTE and 5G services.

Which carrier does Mint Mobile use?

Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network, providing access to its nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage.