Plan ahead
Mint Mobile
From $15/month at Mint Mobile
Pros
- Lots of data
- Unlimited calls and texts
- Compatible with most phones
- Discounts in bulk
Cons
- Must buy in bulk
Buy in bulk to save money for service on T-Mobile’s network with Mint Mobile. Plans come in 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB packages with an unlimited plan with up to 35GB of high-speed data. Calls and texts are unlimited, and calling to Mexico and Canada is included.
Start small
Ting Mobile
From $10/month at Ting Mobile
Pros
- Low cost of entry
- Lots of hotspot data on the unlimited plans
- Cheap entry price
- Compatible with most phones
Cons
- Gets expensive with lots of data
Ting is a great value for many people, especially light users that are looking for a plan that starts cheap but can still use data without getting too expensive. Ting also has great options for those that need a lot of data with two unlimited plans that come with 22GB or 35GB of data.
Ting’s Flex plan is a great starting point for someone that wants unlimited calling and texting with under 5GB of data. Ting’s current data plans come with 5GB, 22GB, or 35GB of high-speed data allowing for a good fit for most people. If you want to get the most out of your smartphone, Mint Mobile’s plans are designed for heavier users with the smallest 4GB plan being a good fit for many. For the majority of smartphone users that can afford to pay upfront and are covered by the T-Mobile network, Mint Mobile is a much better deal.
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: How much data do you need?
Mint Mobile’s plan choices come down to how much data you think you might need. The most economical choice would be to buy the package just above your usage amount so that you don’t go over, but don’t leave too much on the table. You don’t need to worry if you don’t know how much data you need, because Mint Mobile will let you upgrade your plan mid-cycle if you find you need more. Ting is the best value for someone that doesn’t need much data but Mint Mobile’s bulk savings brings the price down a lot if you need more than a few gigs.
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile Sprint Verizon |
| Minimum price | $15 per month | $10 per month |
| Calling and texting | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data | 4GB 10GB 15GB Unlimited (35GB) | $5 per 1GB 5GB 22GB 35GB |
Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network exclusively and for the most part, should provide great coverage for most people. T-Mobile’s coverage can fall off a bit more in rural areas but with a newer phone, you’re likely covered.
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: Mint Mobile’s plans
Mint Mobile has three plans that are available in three different durations. The difference between them is how much data you get. The plans come in at 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, and unlimited. The unlimited plan has 35GB of high-speed data each month. These plans fall in line pretty well with typical smartphone usage, and you can even upgrade to the next plan up if you find that your usage exceeds the data package you initially chose.
If you want to use your Mint Mobile data connection on other devices with the mobile hotspot, you can on all plans. For the 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB plans, you simply share your data pool. On the unlimited plan, you get 5GB of hotspot data.
With Mint Mobile, you will need to pay for a minimum of three months upfront. This higher initial cost can make it more difficult to budget, but you maximize your per month saving by buying a longer-term. An introductory rate for the three-month package brings the cost down to $15 per month or $45 for three months.
Keep in mind that renewals will be at the standard rate.
| 3 months (introductory price) | $15/mo. ($45) | $20/mo. ($60) | $25/mo. ($75) | $30/mo. ($90) |
| 3 months | $25/mo. ($75) | $35/mo. ($105) | $45/mo. ($135) | $40/mo. ($120) |
| 6 months | $20/mo. ($120) | $25/mo. ($150) | $35/mo. ($210) | $35/mo. ($210) |
| 12 months | $15/mo. ($180) | $20/mo. ($240) | $25/mo. ($300) | $30/mo. ($360) |
You can add more high-speed data at a rate of $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB if you run out. You can also upgrade to the next plan up if you feel you’ll need more every month in the middle of your billing cycle.
Mint Mobile also has a feature called Mint Family that allows you to manage up to five lines from one account. While you won’t see any multi-line discounts, this is a good way to bring your family to Mint without having to remember a bunch of different accounts. You can also bring your number when you switch.
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: Ting’s four plans
Ting currently has four plans that are a good fit for those that don’t need any data up to someone that needs a massive 35GB per month. The cheapest Flex plan comes with unlimited talk and text and charges a reasonable $5 per GB of data. If you’re using more than 3GB per month, you can save by starting with a bigger data plan. Still, it’s nice to see a plan designed for someone that doesn’t need much data.
Ting’s data plans then start at 5GB ranging up to 35GB.
| Flex | Unlimited | $5 per GB | Shared with data |
| Set 5 | Unlimited | 5GB | Shared with data |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | 12GB |
| Unlimited Pro | Unlimited | 35GB | 30GB |
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: Check your coverage
Since Ting works with T-Mobile’s highly-compatible network, you can use just about any unlocked phone. Ting also supports both the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks so you can be pretty sure that you can get coverage with Ting. You can check your zip code on Ting’s site but unfortunately, there is no official map. Ting includes 5G coverage in many areas too.
Mint Mobile makes use of T-Mobile’s network exclusively. T-Mobile’s network has seen a ton of growth in recent years so if you had poor coverage in the past, it’s worth taking another look. Mint Mobile also has official support for 5G on T-Mobile’s network. If you want to get the most out of Mint’s 5G, make sure your 5G capable phone has support for bands n71 and n41.
Both carriers offer international service. Mint Mobile includes calling to Canada and Mexico at no additional charge with additional countries supported for an additional fee. Roaming in other countries is available as well with rates depending on the country.
Ting charges the standard rate for calling in 60 countries as well as others for an additional fee. Roaming outside of the U.S. is also available for an additional fee depending on the country.
If you are frequently talking to or texting someone from another country, using a messaging service like WhatsApp, Line, or Telegram can save you a lot of money and in many cases offer a better experience. These apps will also work on Wi-Fi.
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: Which phones work?
Both carriers support a wide range of phones on T-Mobile’s network. Pretty much any unlocked GSM phone should work as well as some from other carriers. You can bring any of the best Android phones to either service without issue. Keep in mind that a phone with full support for the T-Mobile network will allow for a better signal in some areas. Ting has a little more support with access to the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks as well.
You can check the IMEI of your specific phone on either carrier when you sign up to be sure.
Both carriers sell phones ranging from the newest high-end Samsung and Apple devices down to the budget category. If you are trying to get a flip phone in 2020, Ting is your only option here. You can see what phones are available by visiting Mint Mobile’s online store or Ting’s online store. Both carriers offer financing with Affirm.
Mint Mobile vs. Ting: Is Mint Mobile the right fit for you?
Both Mint Mobile and Ting are great MVNOs. Ting has one of the lowest barriers to entry starting low with plenty of room to grow. Still, Ting has a few solid plans for those that need a lot of data as well. Still, with prices starting as low as $15 per month and some of the best rates for data of any carrier, Mint Mobile is the better fit for the majority. Not only that, if you can pay for an entire year of service, you can get a great deal.
Plan ahead
Mint Mobile
Save more by thinking ahead
From $15/month at Mint Mobile
Save money on data on the T-Mobile network when you buy phone service for up to a year at a time with enough data options for most.
Start small
Ting Mobile
Great for light users
From $10/month at Ting
Start with a flex plan with unlimited talk and text with data that grows with your needs or up to 35GB of data with unlimited.