Mint Mobile vs. Spectrum Mobile vs.Metro by T-Mobile: Full Comparison & Verdict 2025

What is Mint Mobile?

Founded in 2016, Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers prepaid wireless plans. Its wide variety of service offerings include international calling and roaming, and Wi-Fi calling and texting.Now Mint Mobile has been recognized within the industry and has gained a positive reputation. Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network and utilizes its cell phone towers, including 5G at no extra charge. So, it can also be a perfect choice if you would like to test T-Mobile’s coverage before you move to their network.

As it stands heading into 2025, Mint Mobile currently offers the most value out of any cell phone carrier on the market.As a GSM, Mint Mobile allows you to use their service with most of the unlocked cellphones. However, the phone has to be compatible with their network and 5G-capable if you will be interested to work with the fifth-generation network.

Mint Mobile Coverage & Network

Mint Mobile operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on T-Mobile's network, leveraging one of the largest and most advanced networks in the United States. This partnership allows Mint Mobile to offer its customers access to T-Mobile's extensive 4G LTE and 5G infrastructure, which has seen significant expansion and improvement in recent years, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

>>View Mint Mobile coverage map

Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing

Mint Mobile offers four main plans that work out to as low as $15 a month, but there isn’t actually a monthly plan. You must buy plans for either three, six or 12 months at a time.

All plans include:

• Unlimited talk & text.

• Free calling to Mexico & Canada.

• High-speed 5G data.

• Free mobile hotspot.

• Wi-Fi calling.

You will never have to pay anything extra for using those features. However, the difference in pricing between the plans comes down to how much data you plan on using each month.

Mint’s plans are some of the most affordable in the industry. You can think of them like the Costco of prepaid carriers. The more you buy, or in this case the longer you sign up for, the better overall price you get on your cell service. 

>>Check plan details

Mint Mobile Pros & Cons

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What is Spectrum Mobile?

Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO that operates on Verizon’s network. Although MVNOs are unique by themselves, Spectrum adds a whole new layer of uniqueness to their roster because they aren’t quite like other carriers. In order to sign up for and use Spectrum Mobile’s services you first have to have Spectrum Home Internet. If you like your current home internet plan,you might not be interested in.However, If you are interested in switching it up, Spectrum isn’t a bad shout to give as their Home Internet and Mobile bundle plans are pretty enticing to look at. Plus, Spectrum Mobile keeps things simple with just two unlimited plans and one “By The Gig” plan at their roster.

Spectrum Mobile has competitive features alongside standard pricing and data allowances. I like the Spectrum Unlimited plan because of its ample data and affordability, which makes it suitable for individuals and small families.

Spectrum Mobile Coverage & Network

Since Spectrum Mobile utilizes Verizon’s massive network, it provides excellent coverage across the country.Unlike T-Mobile, Verizon is the leader in 4G LTE coverage.Spanning over 70% of the country, Verizon certainly is a solid choice for those living in more rural areas. However, Verizon is number three when it comes to their 5G coverage, as T-Mobile and AT&T are a bit ahead in that regard. Though their 5G coverage is strong- they’ve received top marks in 5G Games Experience, 5G Voice App Experience, and 5G Video Experience- the availability for 5G may be harder to come by. 

On the other hand, Spectrum Mobile doesn’t solely rely on Verizon. At home, customers use Spectrum Internet to get online. When customers are off the home network, their devices automatically connect to one of Spectrum’s public access points. Spectrum’s modem/router combos (gateways) in your neighborhood also serve as Spectrum Mobile access points.

>>View Spectrum Mobile coverage map

Spectrum Mobile Plans and Pricing

Spectrum Mobile offers two types of plans to choose from: By the Gig and Unlimited. Both types of plans are prepaid monthly, and both are available only to existing Spectrum Internet customers.

1. By the Gig plan

The By the Gig plan allows customers to pay for data as they need it, offering flexibility for light data users or those with variable monthly usage.The plan includes unlimited talk and text as well as access to Verizon’s nationwide 5G network on capable devices. With this plan, you can share data with up to 10 lines.After 5GB per line of mobile data use (including mobile hotspot), speeds are reduced to 256 kbps. 

This plan also includes Wi-Fi calling, free calls to Mexico and Canada, free international texting from the United States, and no contract is required.

However,paying $20 for one gig isn’t what we call “budget-friendly” especially if you need a few more gigs than you initially expected- those numbers can climb quickly, so this plan is definitely our least favorite of the bunch.

2. Unlimited plan

The unlimited plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data, with the potential for reduced speeds after a certain amount of high-speed data usage. Spectrum Mobile’s Unlimited plans are best if you use 2GB+ of data per month, and there’s also an option to upgrade to “Unlimited Plus” for $10 more per month. 

>>Check plan details

Spectrum Mobile Pros & Cons

What is Metro by T-Mobile?

Metro by T-Mobile,formerly known as MetroPCS,and simply known as Metro, is an American prepaid wireless service provider. In 2013, it merged with T-Mobile US, and its services are now on T-Mobile's UMTS and LTE network.

Metro by T-Mobile, provides prepaid wireless services. It offers a range of budget-friendly plans with unlimited data options and no annual contracts.

Metro by T-Mobile’s unlimited data plans are unique from many of their competitors, as they don’t have a data cap that causes your speeds to slow down. However, your data is always deprioritized no matter which plan you have. This means that you’ll experience slower speeds during times of high congestion, like concerts, festivals, or busy shopping centers.Data deprioritization is “the temporary slowing of data speeds for certain customers in order to give priority to other customers.The primary network, T-Mobile in Metro’s case, will give priority to direct T-Mobile customers. 

Metro by T-Mobile Coverage & Network

Metro by T-Mobile provides access to T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G/LTE networks. Compared to Verizon and AT&T, T-Mobile’s network has been performing very well. So if T-Mobile does offer coverage in your area, it’ll likely be reliable.

>>View Spectrum Mobile coverage map

Metro by T-Mobile Plans and Pricing

Metro by T-Mobile offers three prepaid unlimited data plans called Metro Flex ranging from $50 to $70 with autopay. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text in the United States as well as 35GB of high-speed data followed by slower speeds. Metro customers may notice reduced speeds when compared to T-Mobile due to prioritization.

All of Metro by T-Mobile’s plans are prepaid for 30 days at a time, and you can avoid the $25 activation fee by using the Online Activation Tool. 

You can save money by adding more lines to your account, as each additional line brings down the per-line cost (up to five lines). The 5GB plan is the most barebones one and doesn't offer any extras like hotspot usage. You also can't add international calling features to it. Most smartphone users will want to step up to one of the unlimited plans.

Metro by T-Mobile is a great option for users who need a lot of data. Even Metro's largest unlimited plans can offer great value for the entire family, thanks to the fourth line being essentially free. Higher plans also give you access to extras like Google One cloud storage.Their plans offer up to 480p Standard Definition resolution when streaming. While none of these plans come with international capabilities, Metro by T-Mobile offers add-ons for these features for an additional fee. 

>>Check plan details

Metro by T-Mobile Pros & Cons

Mint Mobile vs. Spectrum Mobile vs.Metro by T-Mobile: Comparison Side by Side

1. Data Speed

In the realm of data speeds and performance, Mint Mobil,Spectrum Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile strive to offer competitive experiences through different network infrastructures. Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, operating on T-Mobile's network, benefits from T-Mobile's aggressive 5G rollout and network improvements. T-Mobile's network is known for its strong performance in urban and suburban areas, often delivering impressive speeds, particularly on 5G.

Spectrum Mobile, leveraging Verizon's network, offers a different performance profile. Verizon is known for its extensive 4G LTE coverage and reliability, particularly in rural areas. While Verizon's 5G rollout has been somewhat slower than T-Mobile's, it has focused on high-band mmWave 5G in select urban areas, which can deliver extremely fast speeds in limited coverage areas. Spectrum Mobile customers can expect average 4G LTE speeds ranging from 5 to 12 Mbps, with significantly higher speeds possible on 5G, especially in areas with mmWave coverage.

When it comes to real-world performance, these carriers generally provide speeds sufficient for common tasks like web browsing, social media, and standard definition video streaming. However, users may experience differences in performance during peak usage times or in areas with weaker signal strength. As MVNOs, they may be subject to data deprioritization during times of network congestion, which could result in slower speeds compared to direct customers of the underlying networks.

2. Phone Options

Mint Mobile,Spectrum Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile offer customers the option to either buy a new phone or bring a compatible device.The three MVNOsare compatible with many of today’s big-name cell phones. 

In terms of cellular technology, Spectrum Mobile relies on Verizon’s network, which uses a CDMA channel. On the other hand, T-Mobile usually operates on GSM technology. So, it should be easy to find a device compatible with Mint and Metro since AT&T runs on a GSM channel as well. However, it’s not all devices will work as every network has its unique bands and frequencies.

Check your phone compatibility below:

• Mint Mobile phone compatibility

• Spectrum Mobile phone compatibility

• Metro by T-Mobile phone compatibility

3. Customer Service

— Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support.Mint Mobile offers chat support 24/7 and support over the phone at (800)-683-7392 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST every day of the week. 

— Spectrum Mobile

Spectrum Mobile has mixed reviews when it comes to their customer service. Wait times to speak to a representative can be lengthy. Once connected, some customers report friendly and helpful service, while others complain of long hold times, representatives lacking knowledge, and issues not being resolved.

Here are the three ways to contact Spectrum Mobile for customer service: 

• Visit the website or mobile app to chat with an agent. This option is available 24/7, but the chat representatives are better prepared to assist with Spectrum Internet than Spectrum Mobile. 

• Call Spectrum Mobile. The number listed online is (833) 224-6603. However, I had better luck getting connected with helpful representatives by calling (877) 504-7916.

• Visit a Spectrum Mobile Store. You can visit a nearby Spectrum Mobile location for in-person help with your Spectrum Mobile account.

— Metro by T-Mobile

Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country.If you need in-person help, you can visit a Metro by T-Mobile store.To find a location near you, enter your address or ZIP code on the online store locator. When you do, you’ll be able to see your nearest store’s address, hours, phone number and more. To reach customer service over the phone, call 888-8-METRO-8. Representatives are available daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. ET. They also offer online customer service through chat.

4. The Features

The Verdict: Which Should You Pick?

Both Mint Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile run on the same T-Mobile network, so you can expect very similar levels of performance, essentially meaning that the best fit for you will really come down to price and features. Both also offer 5G if you have a compatible phone. For a single line, Mint Mobile is undoubtedly the better value. However, some key features that keep Metro by T-Mobile out front are the savings for multiple lines, the fact that you don't have to buy in bulk, and the extras bundled in with the unlimited plans.Overall, both Mint Mobile and Spectrum Mobile are pretty awesome, that’s if you’re not a heavy data user. 

However, Spectrum has a wider coverage through Verizon, which makes it more usable while traveling around the country. Its browsing speed is also remarkable when in a place with a strong 5G ultra-wideband signal and less congestion.You should notice that Spectrum Mobile service is only available to existing Spectrum internet customers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Spectrum or Mint Mobile better?

Mint Mobile, through T-Mobile's network, generally offers more widespread 5G coverage. Spectrum Mobile, leveraging Verizon's network, may have more limited 5G availability but potentially faster speeds in areas with mmWave 5G coverage.

What's the difference between Mint Mobile and Spectrum Mobile?

The main difference between Mint Mobile and Spectrum Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.

What is the downside of Spectrum Mobile?

Like most other “unlimited” data plans, Spectrum Mobile's Unlimited plan does actually have a limit. It throttles your data speeds after you use 30GB in a billing cycle. So, while you can technically use data after that, your speeds are super slow.

Will the Spectrum phone work on Mint?

Yes, you can definitely bring your current phone to Mint Mobile as long as it's unlocked and compatible. 

Which carrier does Mint Mobile use?

T-Mobile。

Can I switch from Spectrum to Mint?

As long as your phone is compatible and unlocked, you can totally bring it over to Mint.

How many Spectrum Mobile lines can I have?

You can have up to 10 lines per account.

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