Tello vs Verizon: Which Carrier is Better?

Tello vs. Verizon—which one is the better fit for you? Each carrier has its strengths, and it all comes down to your priorities—whether that's saving money or having the best coverage on the market. Let’s dive into the details and see which carrier comes out on top for you.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How the network coverage compares across carriers
• A detailed side-by-side look at their pricing and data options
• The key features that make each carrier unique

Compare Verizon to other Carriers

• Spectrum Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, provides affordable plans exclusively for Spectrum Internet customers.
• AT&T, a top U.S. carrier, offers reliable nationwide coverage and fast 5G connectivity.
• Boost Mobile, a T-Mobile and AT&T MVNO, offers budget-friendly plans with nationwide 5G coverage.
• Cricket Wireless, an AT&T MVNO, provides affordable plans with reliable nationwide coverage and 5G access.
• US Cellular, an independent carrier, offers reliable coverage and fast 5G with flexible plans nationwide.

Tello Mobile Overview

Tello Mobile is a smaller carrier that runs on T-Mobile's network, offering budget-friendly plans and earning strong customer satisfaction. As an online-only provider, Tello delivers customer support through convenient digital channels like chat and email. Being a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Tello lets users customize their plans to suit their individual needs. With Tello, you can enjoy access to T-Mobile’s dependable 5G and 4G LTE networks at a fraction of the cost typically found with larger carriers.

Verizon Wireless Overview

Since its launch in 2000, Verizon has become one of the top three major carriers, known for its extensive 4G LTE coverage, reaching over 70% of the U.S. This makes it an excellent choice for rural areas where reliable service is hard to find. Verizon also offers bundled plans with perks like streaming subscriptions and cloud storage, delivering added value. While not the cheapest option, Verizon stands out for its dependable performance and feature-rich plans.

Tello Mobile Coverage

Tello Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G and 4G LTE networks, offering solid coverage across most states. Since Tello relies on T-Mobile’s infrastructure, customers can expect comparable service quality, as long as T-Mobile has strong coverage in their area. With T-Mobile expanding its 5G network and adding new towers, Tello users enjoy faster and more reliable service as the network grows. To ensure the best coverage in your area, it’s a good idea to consult Tello’s coverage map.

Verizon Coverage

Verizon is known for its broad 4G LTE coverage, making it a reliable choice for rural areas and travelers. While its 5G coverage is smaller than T-Mobile's or AT&T's, it offers solid speeds in available areas, excelling in 5G gaming, voice apps, and video streaming. With coverage spanning most of the U.S. and parts of Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, Verizon provides reliable service across a wide area. You can check coverage strength in your area using Verizon's interactive map.

Coverage Comparison

When comparing coverage between Tello and Verizon, Tello operates on the T-Mobile network, offering solid nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage, with performance dependent on T-Mobile’s network strength in your area. Verizon, on the other hand, is renowned for its extensive 4G LTE coverage, especially in rural areas where other carriers may struggle.

While Verizon’s 5G network isn’t as widespread as T-Mobile’s, it delivers strong performance in available areas, especially for gaming, voice apps, and streaming. Overall, Verizon offers more extensive and reliable coverage, especially in rural regions, while Tello provides great value for urban users relying on the T-Mobile network.

Tello Mobile Plans

Unlimited Plan

Tello's Unlimited Plan provides 25GB of high-speed data before throttling to 64 kbps, with WiFi recommended after the cap. At $29/month, it includes unlimited talk, text, and hotspot usage until the 25GB limit, translating to just $1.16 per GB.

Pros: Affordable for users with moderate data needs.
Cons: Significant slowdown after 25GB cap.
Best for: Average data users who need plenty of data at a competitive price.

10GB Plan

The 10GB Plan offers 10GB of high-speed data with unlimited talk and text. After the 10GB cap, speeds slow to 64 kbps. Priced at $24/month, it costs $2.40 per GB.

Pros: Hotspot access, flexible minute options.
Cons: Limited data for heavy hotspot use.
Best for: Light data users who need a bit more data and flexibility.

5GB Plan

For $19/month (or $15 without minutes), the 5GB Plan provides 5GB of data, unlimited texting, and customizable minute choices, with throttled speeds after reaching the cap. The cost per GB is higher than the Unlimited Plan.

Pros: Customizable minute options.
Cons: Higher cost per GB compared to higher-tier plans.
Best for: Light data users who need flexibility and a moderate amount of data.

2GB Plan

The 2GB Plan costs $14/month with unlimited minutes and hotspot access, though speeds slow to 64 kbps once the cap is reached. This plan costs $7 per GB.

Pros: Hotspot access, minute customization.
Cons: Higher price per GB for minimal data.
Best for: Light data users who want a small data allowance but still need some flexibility.

1GB Plan

At $10/month, the 1GB Plan includes unlimited minutes, customizable minute options, and costs $10 per GB.

Pros: Affordable for users with very minimal data needs.
Cons: Expensive per GB.
Best for: Users with very light data needs or those who only need a minimal amount of data.

500MB Plan

Tello’s smallest data plan, the 500MB Plan, costs $9/month with unlimited minutes and hotspot access until the data cap is reached.

Pros: Budget-friendly.
Cons: High cost per GB compared to larger plans.
Best for: Users with extremely light data requirements or those who use WiFi most of the time.

No Data Plans

This plan offers unlimited texting and flexible minute options with no data or hotspot access. Starting at $5 for 100 minutes, it's a great choice for those who rely solely on WiFi.

Pros: Affordable for basic phone use.
Cons: No data or hotspot access.
Best for: WiFi-only users or those with minimal phone needs.

Family Plan Options

Tello provides flexible family plans, allowing each line to be customized with different data and minute options. Each line in Tello's family plans has its own billing cycle, meaning users will be billed separately based on the activation date of each plan. Families can manage multiple lines under one account, tailoring each line to individual needs.

Verizon Plans

myPlan Unlimited Ultimate

This plan includes unlimited premium data and 60GB of premium hotspot data. After the hotspot limit is reached, speeds may slow. It also offers international talk, text, and data for seamless global connectivity.

Cost: $85/month, or $75 with Autopay.

Pros: Excellent for heavy data users and frequent travelers.

Cons: Hotspot data capped at 60GB before deprioritization.

Conclusion: Ideal for those who need maximum data and international features.

myPlan Unlimited Plus

This plan includes unlimited premium data and 30GB of premium hotspot usage. Speeds are reduced after the hotspot limit. It features international texting but excludes international talk and data.

Cost: $75/month, or $65 with Autopay.

Pros: Suitable for users with high data needs.

Cons: Limited international features and a smaller hotspot allowance.

Conclusion: A solid choice for heavy domestic users without significant international requirements.

myPlan Unlimited Welcome

This plan includes unlimited deprioritized data, which can slow during periods of network congestion. Hotspot access isn’t included but can be added with a 100GB option.

Cost: $70/month, or $60 with Autopay.

Pros: Affordable, especially with family discounts.

Cons: No included hotspot and slower speeds during busy times.

Conclusion: Best for cost-conscious users who don’t prioritize hotspot access or premium speeds.

Family Plan Savings

This option provides discounts for up to 12 lines, with costs dropping to $25/line/month for families with 4 or more lines on the myPlan Unlimited Welcome plan.

Features: Shared affordability across multiple lines.

Conclusion: A fantastic choice for families looking to maximize savings while staying connected.

Plan Comparison

Tello plans offer flexible, budget-friendly prepaid plans that let users customize their data and talk/text options to fit their needs. It’s an ideal choice for cost-conscious users looking for affordable service on T-Mobile’s network. Tello provides customizable options where users can select from unlimited data plans but with a 35GB high-speed limit before slowing down, offering flexibility according to specific data needs.

Verizon plans, on the other hand, provide a range of robust features, including unlimited high-speed data, streaming perks, and international options. While Verizon’s plans tend to be pricier, they come with added benefits like stronger coverage and more extensive service options. Tello is great for those who want affordable, customizable plans, while Verizon is suited for users seeking reliable, feature-rich plans with extensive coverage.

Key Differences Between Tello and Verizon

Data Prioritization, Throttling, and Data Caps

Like other MVNOs, Tello Mobile may experience slower data speeds in busy areas like New York, D.C., or Chicago, especially during major events or peak usage times. MVNOs often see speeds reduced before those of major carrier customers. However, with its no-contract plans, Tello offers the flexibility to test out the service and determine if it meets your needs.

Understanding your data usage is crucial to choosing the most cost-efficient plan. Knowing your typical data consumption helps you avoid unnecessary costs and ensures you select a plan that fits your needs, particularly considering data caps and speed throttling.

Verizon prioritizes data for premium users, offering faster speeds, particularly during network congestion. While unlimited plan users don’t have strict data caps, they may experience slower speeds or throttling if they exceed certain data thresholds, especially during peak usage or in crowded areas. This approach ensures fair access for all users, but heavy data consumers may notice slower speeds in high-traffic situations.

Customer Satisfaction, Service, and Accessibility

Tello Mobile stands out for its customer satisfaction, offering affordable, flexible plans and dependable service coverage. Customers appreciate Tello’s responsive support, available through phone, email, and live chat. The carrier also improves the user experience with features like Wi-Fi calling, mobile hotspot capabilities, and international calling options, making it a solid choice for many users. However, a Verizon customer may experience higher long-term loyalty and service satisfaction, especially with data prioritization during network congestion, compared to users switching to Tello.

Verizon offers reliable customer service through multiple channels, including phone support, live chat, and its website. The Verizon app allows you to manage your account, track usage, and pay bills on the go. Additionally, its online help center and community forums provide resources for troubleshooting. While in-store options are limited, Verizon’s digital tools make managing your account and getting support easy and efficient.

The Verdict

Tello is a great option for users seeking flexibility and affordability, allowing you to customize your plan based on your data and call needs. Operating on T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, Tello provides solid coverage at a budget-friendly price. While its online-only support may not be ideal for everyone, it’s perfect for those who want a no-contract, low-cost plan.

Verizon, on the other hand, excels with its extensive coverage and reliable customer service. Offering premium data prioritization and nationwide 5G service, Verizon is ideal for users who value fast speeds and broad coverage, particularly in rural areas. While it’s not the cheapest option, its feature-rich plans and solid customer support make it a strong choice for those who prioritize dependable performance.

In the end, Tello is best for those seeking a budget-friendly, flexible plan, while Verizon stands out for those who need premium service with top-tier coverage.

Not sure which carrier or plan works best for you? Visit Really.com to explore your options and compare the available choices. With a broad selection of plans to consider, Really ensures a quick, hassle-free experience, helping you find the ideal plan in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing between Tello and Verizon?

When choosing between Tello and Verizon, consider your priorities like coverage, pricing, and data needs. Tello is a budget carrier with flexible, no-contract plans that run on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, offering affordable options. Verizon, on the other hand, provides expansive coverage with high-speed data on its own network, ideal for users who prioritize performance and need reliable wireless coverage.

Can I bring my own phone to Tello or Verizon?

Yes, both Tello and Verizon allow you to bring your own phone, as long as it’s unlocked and compatible with their networks. Tello operates on T-Mobile’s network, while Verizon uses its own nationwide network. As long as your phone is compatible, you can use it with either carrier.

Does Tello offer international roaming?

Tello does not offer international roaming, but it provides affordable international calling options. Verizon, however, offers more extensive international roaming services, covering over 200 countries for Verizon customers who travel frequently.

How do Tello and Verizon compare in terms of customer support?

Tello provides online support through live chat, email, and the Tello app, which is convenient for digital communication. Verizon offers phone support, live chat, and a robust app for managing accounts, providing more traditional support options for those who prefer them.

Which carrier is better for heavy data users, Tello or Verizon?

Verizon is better for heavy data users, offering high-speed data with its unlimited plans, though speeds may slow during peak usage. Tello’s data speeds are generally lower in congested areas, making Verizon’s network a more reliable choice for heavy mobile use.