Mint Mobile vs. Ultra Mobile: Which carrier is better?

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are popular prepaid carriers that offer several months of service at once for better deals. Mint Mobile of course has been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years thanks to the many advertisements from Deadpool himself, Ryan Renyolds. Ultra Mobile is a little less known than the former, but still is a solid provider in its own right. 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 and Ultra Mobile are both on the T-Mobile network. 

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile 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 and Ultra Mobile are both MVNOs of T-Mobile. 

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

Plan Options

Both carriers offer multiple service lengths with their plans. 

Both carriers give you unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose, as well as multiple options for lengths of service. 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.

Ultra Mobile Plans

Ultra Mobile offers several lengths of service to choose from. 

Ultra Mobile offers seven plans, with five being limited, two being unlimited. Their plans range from 250MB per month to 15GB per month for their limited options and 40GB to 60GB on their unlimited plans. Your plan is also deprioritized, meaning that you’ll experience slower speeds during high traffic. As a T-Mobile MVNO, Ultra Mobile’s QCI tier is 7. 

Here is their unlimited plan options:

Users have the option to choose from monthly, 3 month, 6 month, or 12 month lengths of service at a time. No matter what option you choose, you pay before receiving service and data is renewed monthly.

An Ultra Mobile plan can have up to four lines. If you purchase your phone from Ultra Mobile, your device will be locked for 12 months after activation. Taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. We’ve compared Ultra Mobile with other providers before including: Ultra Mobile vs. Straight Talk, it’s always good to see more match-ups for a potential sign-up!

Talk and Text 

This plan offers one quarter GB per month.

This plan has 250MB data per month. Data stops after this cap. You can use all plan data as hotspot data, but access stops at 250MB.

The plan costs $15 per month. At this rate, you get 250MB at $60 per GB. The plan also offers deals for $13 per month for 3 months and $11 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $10 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 250MB per month at $0.06 per MB.

3GB

This plan gives you 3GB, then slows down. 

Ultra Mobile gives you 3GB with this plan per month, including hotspot access with all data. However, data speeds slow down to 2G speeds after the cap. Sending emails and texts with 2G speeds is still possible, as well as scrolling through the internet. However, streaming video or playing games will be difficult. Hotspot access stops after 3GB.

The plan costs $19 per month. At this rate, you get 3GB at $6.34 per GB. The plan also offers deals for $16 per month for 3 months and $15 per month for 6 months. The best (and new) deal is $11.20 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 3GB per month at $6.33 per GB.

5GB

This plan also gives you hotspot access. 

This plan gives you 5GB per month to use, as well as hotspot access with all plan data. After the cap, speeds slow again to 2G speeds for the remainder of the month. Hotspot access stops after 5GB.

The plan costs $24 per month. At this rate, you get 5GB at $4.80 per GB. The plan also offers (currently new) deals for $19.80 per month for 3 months and $18.90 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $16 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 5GB per month at $4.80 per GB.

10GB

This plan gives you 10GB monthly with included hotspot access. 

Ultra Mobile gives 10GB of data with this plan before slowing down speeds to 2G. You can also use all data as hotspot data, but it stops after that 10GB cap. 

The plan costs $29 per month. The plan also offers a new deal for $25.20 per month for 3 months and $24.30 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $20 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 10GB per month at $2.90 per GB.

15GB

This plan gives you 15GB monthly, no matter your service length. 

Ultra Mobile gives 15GB of data with this plan before slowing down speeds to 2G once you hit the cap. You can also use all data as hotspot data, but it stops after 15GB. 

The plan costs $39 per month. At this rate, you get 15GB at $2.60 per GB. The plan also offers a few new deals for $32.40 per month for 3 months and $31.50 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $24 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 15GB per month at $2.60 per GB.

Unlimited Plan

This plan gives you 40GB. 

With Ultra Mobile’s unlimited plan, you get 40GB per month before speeds slow down to 2G. You also get hotspot access with this plan, which stops after 10GB.

The plan costs $49 per month. The plan also offers the new deals for $41.40 per month for 3 months and $40.50 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $32 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 40GB per month at $1.23 per GB.

Unlimited+ Plan

This plan gives you 60GB. 

With Ultra Mobile’s Unlimited+ plan, you get 60GB per month before speeds slow down to 2G. You also get hotspot access with this plan, which stops after 20GB.

The plan costs $59 per month. The plan also offers the new deals for $50.40 per month for 3 months and $49.50 per month for 6 months. The best deal is $40 per month for 12 months. At the base-line “1-Month” rate, you get 40GB per month at 98 cents per GB.

Features

Mint Mobile offers better streaming quality, while Ultra Mobile offers international talk and text with all 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.

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. Ultra Mobile offers better international connection, for example, while Mint Mobile offers better streaming quality. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile 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. Ultra Mobile includes talk and text to Mexico and Canada with all plans. 

International Connection

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

Ultra Mobile includes “Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ International Destinations”. You also get a $1.50 INTL Call Credit each month and a one-time $5 INTL Roaming Credit with every plan except 250MB. 

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 Ultra Mobile plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. 

Streaming Services

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile 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

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile do not offer this feature. 

Free Trial

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

Customer Service 

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

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile 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. Ultra Mobile offers support over the phone at (888)-777-0446 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST every day of the week, as well as chat support. 

The Verdict

Mint Mobile has better deals overall, but Ultra Mobile offers better international services. 

When it comes down to price per GB, Mint Mobile offers better deals than Ultra Mobile does. However, Ultra Mobile offers better services when it comes to international connection. If you travel a lot out of the country, Ultra Mobile is the better 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!

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 Ultra Mobile 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.