If you’re looking to move away from the big Magenta machine, we have a few choices you might want to consider. Here’s what you need to know.
As great as T-Mobile can be, it’s far from a perfect option. Sure, the major provider offers everything from entertainment perks to special home internet deals to national 5G coverage. But like every carrier, for all of T-Mobile’s fair share of pros, its cons might not make it the best fit for you.
The brand’s plans have been set at increasingly high prices, with its Go5G plan tying with Verizon as one of the most expensive options. Additionally, while T-Mobile’s 5G network is rated among the best nationwide, its 4G/LTE coverage is far weaker when compared to other providers, especially in rural areas. Any of these factors may indicate that T-Mobile isn’t the best fit for you or your lifestyle.
The good news is that you don’t always have to turn to the big boys to get great all-around service. There’s no shortage of smaller mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use the wireless capacity of the bigger providers, delivering some of the same nice perks at a more affordable rate. The following selection was chosen based on a combination of data offered, cost factors, user reviews, and industry opinions. More about our selection process can be read at the end of this article. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile’s reputation has only grown since its introduction in 2016. With prices for other carriers spiking in recent years, Mint has remained ahead of the curve by keeping its overhead costs low and offering plenty of perks and discounts while still providing exceptional service.
Mint, an MVNO under T-Mobile’s network, currently offers an introductory rate for all its plans at $15 for the first three months, equating to $45. While that means you have to pay a bit more upfront, it still makes for a safe way to test out the service and see if it’s right for you, whereas T-Mobile doesn’t allow for such a safety net. Additionally, you can download the Mint Mobile on the iOS App Store or Google Play for a one-week free trial of the service. After the three-month period comes to an end, you have the choice of paying $25 a month for 5GB, $35 a month for 15GB, $45 a month for 20GB, or $40 for Unlimited data. Compared to T-Mobile’s cheapest plan which starts at $50 for one line, it’s easy to see Mint’s value.
Mint’s tethering hotspot is part of your overall data allowance, meaning that the more you use your phone as an internet source the faster you’ll run out of data, which may be a deal breaker if you travel a lot. Also keep in mind that after your initial three months with the provider, you will have to commit to paying a higher rate if you only commit to three or six months of service. You only get the best price if you buy a full year of service. Google Fi
Of the many MVNOs under T-Mobile, Google Fi is easily one of its most versatile and dependable. No matter your lifestyle, there’s bound to be a Google Fi plan that has what you need and then some.
Google Fi carries three distinct plans to choose from. Flexible allows you to only pay for the data you use, with a base price of $20 a month with every additional line costing $15 plus an added $10 per gigabyte, with your data slowed down once you hit 15GB.
