You may have heard the hype about Mint Mobile. This online-only MVNO was only launched in 2016, but it’s gaining popularity quickly due to the simplicity and affordability of the Mint Mobile plans. The carrier was also given a huge publicity boost last year 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 really 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 just be for you. This is best-illustrated through 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 and 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 which 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.
During the introductory period and onward, there are three simple plans depending on how much data you need: 3GB, 8GB, and 12GB. This is actually the amount of 4G LTE 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 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 3GB plan is $45 ($15 per month), the 8GB plan is $60 ($20 per month), and the 12GB plan is $75 ($25 per month). Simple as that. There’s even a seven-day money-back guarantee during this introductory period.
See also: Best cell phone plans (June 2020)
Thereafter, you choose which of the data-size plans you’d like, and for how long. After the introductory offer, the three-month plan is $25 per month for 3GB of data, $35 per month for 8GB, and $45 per month for 12GB of data.
If you’re willing to commit for six months or 12 months, your savings grow significantly. On the six-month plan, the 3GB, 8GB, and 12GB plans are $20, $25, and $35 per month respectively. Remember, you pay the whole amount up front, so the 12GB 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 3GB, $20 per month for 8GB, and $25 per month for 12GB of data.
What network does Mint Mobile use?
The affordable prices might make you think that 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 thanks to the recent Sprint merger. This is a GSM network, so you should check that the phone you’re bringing is GSM compatible.
All of the 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 it’s 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 3GB or 12 GB 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 a Sprint-owned carrier — at least for now. It has four plans to choose from, along with discounts if you add more than one line to your account. The best you can do in terms of price is a $35 a month plan with unlimited calls and texts, along with 3GB of LTE data. A nice perk is that this plan includes a six-month subscription to Tidal.
Read more: The best Boost Mobile deals (June 2020)
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned carrier running on the same network. There are two Cricket plans that 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. That might make it pricier than Mint, but there’s a special offer right now that includes an extra 10GB of data for two billing cycles to entice new customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more:Â The best Cricket Wireless plans
Metro By T-Mobile
This MVNO used to be known as MetroPCS, but since T-Mobile snapped it up it’s 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 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.
Read more:Â The best Metro by T-Mobile deals
Visible
Visibile 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 data on Verizon’s network. If it sounds a bit too good to be true, that’s because it is — your data is slowed at times of high traffic. Still, compared to unlimited data plans on the main carriers, it’s a good offer.
Read more:Â Best Visible deals (June 2020)
So should I sign up to 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 chance, check it out via the link below.