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The best Mint Mobile plans: Get connected for $15 per month
You’ve probably heard all of the hype about Mint Mobile. This online-only MVNO has only been around since 2016, but it’s gaining popularity quickly due to the simplicity and affordability of the Mint Mobile plans. The carrier also got a huge publicity boost when actor-turned-investor Ryan Reynolds purchased an ownership stake in the company. Since then, it’s continued to go from strength to strength, but should you be jumping on the bandwagon?
Well, it depends on what you want from your wireless operator. Check your monthly data usage — do you need that unlimited data plan you’re being charged for when you only get through 5GB of data per month? If you feel like you’re being overcharged on contracts that stretch 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 operator, so you’ll need to bring your GSM-compatible phone to the network or purchase one from the Mint Mobile online store.
Best Mint Mobile plans
Mint Mobile doesn’t do contracts. You pay a one-off fee for a simple, affordable three, six, or 12-month plan. In fact, you don’t even need to make that decision at the outset because there’s an introductory offer for new customers that gives you fantastic rates on your first three-month plan. If it works for you, then after three months, you can decide on your next commitment, saving more money depending on how long you sign up for. If you’re not so keen, you can just walk away.
While most of Mint’s plans offer limited data caps, the MVNO recently launched its first-ever unlimited option. It’s just $30 per month for the introductory three-month bundle, and you never have to worry about your data usage. If you exceed 35GB per month, you’ll be slowed down, but that’s still triple the usage you get from any of the limited data plans. All other perks like 5G access, international use, and a mobile hotspot are the same as you’ll find on the fixed plans.
If you don’t need unlimited data, you have three simple plans to choose from — 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB. This is the amount of 4G LTE or 5G data you receive because all the plans are technically unlimited data; you just get slowed down once you hit your allocation. All plans come with unlimited talk and text nationwide, plus free international calls to Mexico and Canada. You also get a free mobile hotspot.
It appears you don’t get a choice whether you want to start with the introductory offer or not, but it’s a no-brainer anyway. It gives you three months of prices that you would normally only get on the 12-month plan. That means the 4GB plan is $45 ($15 per month), the 10GB plan is $60 ($20 per month), and the 15GB plan is $75 ($25 per month). Simple as that. There’s even a seven-day money-back guarantee during this introductory period.
See also: The best cell phone plans
If you’re willing to commit for six months or 12 months, your savings grow significantly. On the six-month plan, the 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB plans are $20, $25, and $35 per month, respectively. Even the Unlimited Plan sticks with a $35 per month price tag. Remember, you pay the whole amount up front, so the 15GB plan for six months is a one-off payment of $210.
If you’re enticed enough after your three-month intro to commit to the 12-month plan, then you’re holding on to the same equivalent monthly prices as the introductory period. That means $15 per month for 4GB, $20 per month for 10GB, and $25 per month for 15GB of data.
Mint is also advertising new family plans for users with between two and five lines. We set up one line with 10GB of data and another with 15GB, though it’s tough to tell how much you’re actually saving. The three-month cost for one line on each plan is exactly the same as the three-month family plan price.
What network does Mint Mobile use?
The affordable prices might make you think you’re sacrificing a level of coverage, but that’s not the case. Mint Mobile relies on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, which is only getting stronger after the Sprint merger. This is a GSM network, so you should check that the phone you’re bringing is GSM compatible.
All T-Mobile plans would set you back a lot more money than Mint Mobile. However, to compete with Mint and other MVNOs, T-Mobile has also added its lowest-priced plan ever: Connect Prepaid. But Mint Mobile still has this T-Mobile package beat on prices.
The 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 4GB or 15GB of data for the same prices. Plus, the T-Mobile data limits are caps, rather than just the point at which your data is slowed, and the prices don’t include taxes and fees.
What are the best alternatives to Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile isn’t the only MVNO in town, and the competition bears some consideration. Here are the main carriers that offer no-frills packages at affordable prices:
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is the flagship member of the Dish Network family. It has five limited-data plans to choose from, along with discounts if you add more than one line to your account. The plan which is the best value for money is the Shrink It plan, which offers unlimited calls and texts, along with 12GB of LTE data. The plan starts at $45 per month but drops to $40 and then $35 per month after three and six months. You can also go for one of the two unlimited plans to maximize your data.
Read more: The best Boost Mobile deals
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned carrier running on the same network. Two Cricket plans offer limited 4G LTE data: One costs $30 a month with 2GB of high-speed data, and the other costs $40 a month with 5GB of data. Both plans support a feature called Stream More. It is turned on by default and will reduce some high-definition streaming video down to 480p resolution to save your data.
Read more: The best Cricket Wireless plans
Metro By T-Mobile
This MVNO used to go by MetroPCS, but since T-Mobile snapped it up, it’s now 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 bumps up the data to 10GB. These plans don’t include hotspots, but they do offer Music Unlimited. This lets you stream over 40 music apps without using up your data.
Metro also joined the Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, which offers a level of free service for qualifying customers. You can get $30 off per line on any plan provided you meet certain requirements.
Read more: The best Metro by T-Mobile deals
Visible
Visible has just one plan for $40 per month, although you get the first month for $25. As well as unlimited text and minutes, technically, it offers you unlimited 4G LTE or 5G data on Verizon‘s network. Just be careful, as Visible can slow you down in times of high traffic. Still, it’s a good offer compared to unlimited data plans on the leading carriers.
Read more: The best Visible deals
What phones can you buy?
Mint Mobile is right up there with the best of them regarding device support. As a T-Mobile MVNO, you can trust just about any GSM smartphone will work. If you’re planning to buy your next phone from Mint, there are plenty to choose from. You can start with Apple’s latest iPhone 13 series or head to OnePlus for last year’s flagship OnePlus 9 Pro. Samsung’s usual suspects — the Galaxy S22 series and the latest foldables — are present, too.
On the more affordable side, Mint Mobile is one of very few to still offer the Google Pixel 4a 5G up for sale. If you’re hoping to save a little cash every month, you can bundle the Apple iPhone SE with your premium service for just $30 per month.
Check out all of the phones at the button below:
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 of 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 chance, check it out via the link below.