Tired of paying too much for your phone bill and looking for an alternative? Mint Mobile and Kroger Wireless both offer prepaid plans at lower prices than the Big 3, but they take different approaches.
Mint Mobile helps you save money by offering lower rates when you prepay for multiple months, making it one of the most affordable carriers for unlimited data. Kroger Wireless, on the other hand, offers the same strong coverage and month-to-month flexibility, but at higher prices.
So, should you prepay for Mint's bigger savings or go with Kroger Wireless' flexibility?
Mint Mobile vs Kroger Wireless plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile keeps things simple: pay upfront for three, six, or twelve months, and get lower prices. Their unlimited plan starts at $30 per month when paid annually, a huge savings compared to traditional carriers.
Kroger Wireless offers monthly prepaid plans, meaning you don't have to commit to a long-term payment. However, their pricing is higher for the same amount of data compared to Mint Mobile. Their unlimited plan costs $45 per month, which is $15 more than Mint's best rate.
If you're looking for the lowest prices and don't mind prepaying, Mint Mobile is a great option. But if you prefer a simple month-to-month plan without upfront costs, Kroger Wireless is a solid alternative.
Mint Mobile plans
(Prices reflect 12-month prepay rates; month-to-month pricing is higher.)
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $25/mo |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
Kroger Wireless plans
Kroger Wireless unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger Wireless 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $15/mo |
| Kroger Wireless 6GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 6GB | $25/mo |
| Kroger Wireless 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Kroger Wireless unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
Mint Mobile vs Kroger Wireless coverage
Winner: Tie
Mint Mobile and Kroger Wireless both operate on T-Mobile's network, which provides strong 5G coverage and fast speeds in metro areas. However, T-Mobile's rural coverage can be weaker than AT&T or Verizon.
Because of it's consistent number 1 position for 5G speeds, according to this OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience 2025, you can expect the same coverage from both low-cost carriers.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Kroger Wireless coverage
Kroger Wireless is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Kroger Wireless coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, while Kroger Wireless' unlimited plan includes up to 30GB of high-speed data, making it a slightly lower cap than Mint Mobile's.
If you use under 35GB per month, Mint Mobile is a great deal with affordable pricing.
Features and perks: Which provider gives you more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers offer useful perks, but Mint Mobile provides more benefits at a more affordable price.
With Mint Mobile you'll get free international calling to Mexico and Canada, making it a great choice if you have family or friends abroad.
Kroger Wireless focuses on month-to-month flexibility, making it an option for users who don't want to commit to long-term prepaid plans. However, it lacks the international perks Mint Mobile offers.
Mint Mobile vs Kroger Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint Mobile | Kroger Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | 9am - 11pm EST Mon - Sat, 10am - 7pm EST Sun |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada | Yes - Standard rates apply |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for value for money → Mint Mobile
- Best for coverage → Tie
- Best for international calling → Mint Mobile
If you're looking for the cheapest unlimited plan and don't mind multi-month bundles and paying upfront, Mint Mobile is a great choice.
See if Mint Mobile is right for you with our review
Check out our Kroger Wireless review for more
Mint Mobile vs Kroger Wireless FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Kroger Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Kroger Wireless runs on T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Mint Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Kroger Wireless. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.
I've personally tested Mint Mobile, Kroger Wireless, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the Big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
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