Best T-Mobile MVNOs: Cheap Cell Phone Providers That Use T-Mobile’s Network

Written by |
Advertisement

T-Mobile’s cell phone plans cost between $50 and $85 per month for a single line of service, but you can access the same network for a lower price.

There are a variety of smaller carriers known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that partner with T-Mobile to use its towers. Using an MVNO is a great way to get a cheap cell phone plan with all of the benefits of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.

Over the past few years, our team has tested a handful of low-cost T-Mobile alternatives. In this article, I’ll take a close look at the best and cheapest choices.

This article was updated in January 2024 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.

Cheapest Cell Phone Plan
Tello Economy
Network
T-Mobile
Price
$9/month (plus taxes)
Highlights
  • Unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data
  • Cheapest monthly plan available with high-speed data
Cheapest Unlimited Phone Plan
Mint Unlimited
Network
T-Mobile
Price
$30/month (plus taxes & fees)
Highlights
  • 40GB data cap before reduced speeds
  • Prepay three months in advance when you sign up
Best Hotspot Plan
Boost Unlimited $60
Network
T-Mobile and AT&T
Price
$60 (taxes & fees included)
Highlights
  • 30GB of mobile hotspot data
  • Highest allotment of high-speed hotspot data with the best price for a single line

Save on Your Cell Phone Bill With a T-Mobile MVNO

T-Mobile is a major cell phone provider that offers reliable coverage across the nation. If you know that T-Mobile offers good service in your area, you can access the same towers without having to pay full price for a T-Mobile phone plan.

Unlimited data plans from T-Mobile cost $50-$90 per month for a single line. Fortunately, there are several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that run within T-Mobile’s network by using T-Mobile towers but charge only a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can find phone plans as low as $9 per month for 1GB with Tello Mobile. If you’re looking for a bigger data plan, be sure to check out Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile.

These are the T-Mobile MVNOs we cover in this review:

Below, you’ll find more information on these MVNOs including links to their coverage maps and our picks for the best phone plan from each.


Tello

Cheapest Cell Phone Plan

Tello is the cheapest T-Mobile MVNO available with phone plans from as low as $9 per month (and even cheaper without data!) For $9 per month, you can get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. After you use your high-speed data allotment, you’ll have access to unlimited 2G speeds. For $1 more ($10 per month) you can double the high-speed data to 2GB.

Additional plans from Tello Mobile include 5GB of high-speed data for $14 per month, 10GB for $19, 20GB for $20 and 35GB for $25. If you’re switching to one of these plans, you may be able to bring your own phone with you to save additional money. You can check your phone’s eligibility online.

Advertisement

Before you decide to switch to Tello Mobile, be sure to check its coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. To learn more about Tello before switching, read our full Tello Mobile review here.


Mint Mobile

Cheapest Unlimited Phone Plan

Mint Mobile has always used T-Mobile’s towers to provide service, but recently, T-Mobile purchased the MVNO making it an official T-Mobile reseller. With Mint Mobile, you’ll find the cheapest unlimited plan. For $30 per month, Mint Mobile offers unlimited talk, text and data. The plan also includes an additional 5GB of mobile hotspot data. Data speeds reduce after 40GB, but you can still continue using unlimited data. To get this price, you’ll have to prepay for three months at a time ($90 total).

You can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile to save even more. Check your phone’s compatibility here before switching. Be sure to check Mint Mobile’s coverage map before switching. You can also read our full review here.


Boost Mobile

Best Hotspot Plan

Boost Mobile offers plans starting as low as $15 per month for 5GB of data including mobile hotspot data. Boost also offers three monthly unlimited plans. For $25 per month, you can get 30GB of high-speed data before reduced speeds. For $40 per month, you can get unlimited talk and text, 30GB of high-speed data and 12GB of mobile hotspot data. For $60 per month, you can increase the mobile hotspot data to 30GB.

If you’re thinking about switching to Boost Mobile, be sure to check its coverage map online. You may also be able to bring your own phone to save even more. Check your phone’s compatibility here before switching. 

To learn more about Boost Mobile before you make the decision to switch, read our full review here.


Boost Infinite

Boost Infinite is a postpaid cell phone service that DISH Wireless launched in 2022. It’s owned by the same company as Boost Mobile (Review), and it has partnerships with both AT&T and T-Mobile as well as access to their own Boost Wireless Network.

Boost Infinite originally launched with only one plan: unlimited talk, text and data for $25. The same plan is still available with guaranteed locked-in pricing for life as long as you keep the line active. Additionally, the company has added three more unlimited plans to its lineup: Unlimited+, Unlimited Access for iPhone, and Unlimited Access for Galaxy.

Advertisement

Boost Infinite’s most affordable plan, Infinite Unlimited, includes unlimited talk, text and data with 5G access on compatible devices. With this plan, you’ll be assigned to either T-Mobile or AT&T’s network depending on your device and location. After 30GB of high-speed data per month, you’ll notice slower speeds until your next billing cycle begins. You can add hotspot capabilities for an additional $10 monthly.

To see if Boost Infinite offers service in your area, check out its coverage map online. If you’re thinking about switching to Boost Infinite, read our full review first for five things to know before you sign up.


Metro by T-Mobile

Owned by T-Mobile, Metro offers unlimited plans online beginning at $40 per month. For this price, you’ll get 10GB of high-speed data with access to T-Mobile’s 5G network. You’ll also get unlimited music streaming without using your high-speed data. Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t include a mobile hotspot. For $50 per month, you can get 35GB of high-speed data plus 5GB of mobile hotspot data. For $60 per month, you can increase the hotspot allotment to 15GB. Metro by T-Mobile also offers a $25 unlimited plan that’s available in-store only to new customers with an eligible port-in.

You can check the service in your area with Metro by T-Mobile’s coverage map and test your phone’s compatibility online to see if you can bring it with you when you switch.

If you’re thinking about switching to Metro by T-Mobile, here are a few things to know


Red Pocket

Red Pocket Mobile lets you keep your existing phone and choose from any of the major networks including T-Mobile. Its monthly plans start at $10 a month for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data. For $20 per month, you can up the high-speed data allotment to 5GB.

Be sure to check out the current deals and promotions available on Red Pocket’s website. Also, be sure to view its coverage map to make sure you’ll have service in your area. 

If you’re thinking about switching to Red Pocket, check your phone’s compatibility online to make sure it will work. Also, be sure to check out our full review before making the decision to switch.


Final Thoughts

T-Mobile is a great network that offers reliable coverage. Fortunately, MVNO customers don’t have to pay $50-$90 per month to access its towers. Below are Clark’s picks for the best T-Mobile MVNO carrier for different needs.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, I recommend checking out Tello. You’ll find the lowest price at $9 per month for 1GB of data plus unlimited talk and text. 

Advertisement

If you need unlimited data, Mint Mobile offers one of the cheapest plans at $30 per month. For a good amount of cheap, high-speed hotspot data, be sure to check out Boost Mobile. 

If you still aren’t sure about switching to an MVNO but know you want to stay with T-Mobile, consider T-Mobile Prepaid (Review). Plans begin at $40 per month for 10GB of high-speed data or $50 per month for unlimited.

T-Mobile Connect (Review) is another option to consider if you don’t use a ton of data. These plans have fewer perks than T-Mobile’s postpaid service, but with plans starting as low as $10 monthly for unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data, the savings may be worth it to you. 

For more options, be sure to read our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now. Once you’ve decided on a new phone plan and you’re ready to make the switch, check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process.

If T-Mobile’s network isn’t right for you, you can review all our best cheap phone plans from all the providers.

Article Updates
  • January 29, 2024: Updated Tello Mobile’s plans and pricing
  • January 29, 2024: Removed Republic Wireless (new customers will be directed to Boost Infinite)
  • January 29, 2024: Added Boost Infinite
  • January 29, 2024: Removed Consumer Cellular (new customers will be on AT&T’s network)
  • January 29, 2024: Updated Boost Mobile’s plan prices and high-speed data limits
  • July 3, 2023: Removed Straight Talk Wireless (new customers will be on Verizon Wireless’ network)
  • July 3, 2023: Metro by T-Mobile now offers plans as low as $25 (in-store only with eligible port-in)
Advertisement