You may have heard the hype about Mint Mobile. This online-only MVNO launched in 2016, but is rapidly gaining popularity due to the simplicity and affordability of the Mint Mobile plans. The airline also received a huge publicity boost last year when actor-turned-investor Ryan Reynolds bought a stake in the company’s property. It’s been going from strength to strength since then, but should you jump on the train?
Well, it depends on what you want from your wireless carrier. Check your monthly data usage – do you really need that unlimited data plan they’re charging you when you’re only getting 5GB of data per month? If you feel like you’re being overcharged for contracts that go on for years, then Mint Mobile might be for you. This is best illustrated by taking a look at the plans on offer.
Remember, this is a SIM-only carrier, so you will need to bring your GSM compatible phone over the network or purchase one from the Mint Mobile online store.
The best Mint Mobile plans
Mint Mobile does not enter into contracts. You pay a one-time fee for a simple and affordable three-, six- or 12-month plan. In fact, you don’t even need to make that decision up front because there’s a new customer introductory offer that gives you fantastic rates on your first three-month plan. If it works for you, after three months you can decide your next commitment, saving more money depending on how long you sign up. If you are not that interested, you can just walk away.
While most of Mint’s plans offer limited data limits, the MVNO recently launched its first unlimited option. It’s only $ 30 per month for the three-month introductory package, and you never have to worry about data usage. Well if you exceed 35GB per month it will slow down, but that will still triple the usage you get from any of the limited data plans. All the other benefits, like 5G access, international usage, and a mobile hotspot, are exactly the same as you’ll find on limited plans.
If you don’t need unlimited data, you have three simple plans to choose from: 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB. This is actually the amount of 4G LTE or 5G data you receive because all plans are technically unlimited data, it just slows down once you hit your allotment. All plans include unlimited nationwide talk and text, plus free international calls to Mexico and Canada. You also get a free mobile hotspot.
You can’t seem to choose whether you want to start with the introductory offer or not, but it’s a no-brainer anyway. It gives you three months of pricing that you would normally only get with the 12-month plan. That means the 4GB plan costs $ 45 ($ 15 per month), the 10GB plan costs $ 60 ($ 20 per month), and the 15GB plan costs $ 75 ($ 25 per month). Simple as that. There is even a seven-day money-back guarantee during this introductory period.
See also: The best cell phone plans
If you are willing to commit for six or 12 months, your savings will grow significantly. On the six-month plan, the 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB plans cost $ 20, $ 25, and $ 35 per month, respectively. Even the unlimited plan is priced at $ 35 per month. Remember, you pay the full amount up front, so the 15GB plan for six months is a one-time payment of $ 210.
If after the three-month introduction you are attracted enough to commit to the 12-month plan, then you are saving the same equivalent monthly prices as in the introductory period. That means $ 15 per month for 4GB, $ 20 per month for 10GB, and $ 25 per month for 15GB of data.
What network does Mint Mobile use?
Affordable prices may make you think that you are sacrificing a level of coverage, but that is not the case. Mint Mobile relies on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, which is only getting stronger thanks to the Sprint merger. This is a GSM network, so you must verify that the phone you bring is compatible with GSM.
All T-Mobile plans would cost you significantly more money than Mint Mobile. However, to compete with Mint and other MVNOs, T-Mobile has also added its lowest priced plan: Connect Prepaid. But Mint Mobile still has this overpriced T-Mobile package.
T-Mobile Connect prepaid plans come in two tiers, $ 15 per month for up to 2GB of LTE data or $ 25 per month for 5GB. On the 12-month Mint Mobile plan, you get 3GB or 12GB of data for the same prices. Additionally, T-Mobile’s data limits are limits, rather than just the point where your data slows down, and prices do not include taxes or fees.
What are the best alternatives to Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile isn’t the only MVNO in town, and the competition deserves some consideration. These are the main operators that offer simple packages at affordable prices:
Boost the mobile
Boost Mobile is now a flagship member of the Dish Network family. You have five limited data plans to choose from, along with discounts if you add more than one line to your account. The plan that offers the best value for money is the Shrink It plan, which offers unlimited talk and text, along with 12 GB of LTE data. The plan starts at $ 45 per month, but drops to $ 40 and then $ 35 per month after three and six months respectively. You can also go for one of the two unlimited plans if you want to maximize your data.
Read more: The best Boost Mobile deals
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned carrier that runs on the same network. There are two Cricket plans that offer limited 4G LTE data: one costs $ 30 / month with 2GB of high-speed data, and the other costs $ 40 / month with 5GB of data. Both plans support a feature called Stream More. It is on by default and will reduce the HD video stream to 480p resolution to save your data.
Read more: Best Cricket Wireless Plans
Metro by T-Mobile
This MVNO used to be known as MetroPCS, but since T-Mobile acquired it it is now known as Metro By T-Mobile. There are two plans with limited 4G LTE data. One costs $ 30 a month with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 2GB of data. The other costs $ 40 and increases the data to 10GB. These plans do not include hotspots, but they do offer Music Unlimited. This allows you to stream more than 40 music applications without using your data.
Read more: The best Metro by T-Mobile deals
Visible
Visible has a single plan for $ 40 per month, though the first month you get it for $ 25. In addition to unlimited text messages and minutes, it technically gives you unlimited 4G LTE data on the Verizon network. If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is: Your data slows down during times of high traffic. Still, compared to the unlimited data plans of the major carriers, it’s a good deal.
Read more: Best visible offers
So should I sign up for Mint Mobile?
As always, it depends on your data needs, but there are very few downsides. The introductory offer is great value, there are no contractual obligations, and even a seven-day money-back guarantee. If you’re ready to give Ryan Reynolds and Mint Mobile a try, check it out via the link below.
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