If you're looking for an affordable prepaid plan, Red Pocket and PureTalk both offer lower prices than the big 3, but they take different approaches.
Red Pocket gives you the option to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, providing maximum flexibility. PureTalk, a veteran-owned carrier, runs exclusively on AT&T's network and focuses on straightforward service with competitive pricing.
So, should you go with Red Pocket for its network flexibility and ultra-low prices, or is PureTalk's simple plans the better choice?
Red Pocket vs PureTalk plans
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket offers some of the lowest prepaid prices available, starting at just $10 per month. Unlike PureTalk, you can select your network-AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile-giving you more control over your coverage.
PureTalk keeps things simple with AT&T-only plans that are competitively priced. While their prices are reasonable, they don't offer as many low-cost data options as Red Pocket.
If you want the lowest-cost plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket wins. If you prefer a carrier that's dedicated to AT&T's network and supports a veteran-owned business, PureTalk is worth considering.
Red Pocket plans
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
PureTalk plans
PureTalk unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureTalk 3GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $20/mo |
| PureTalk 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| PureTalk 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $30/mo |
| PureTalk 15GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $35/mo |
| PureTalk 25GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 25GB | $45/mo |
| PureTalk unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
Red Pocket vs PureTalk coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket lets you choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, meaning you can pick the best network for your area.
PureTalk operates exclusively on AT&T's network, which provides strong coverage nationwide, but lacks the flexibility of switching to Verizon or T-Mobile if AT&T isn't ideal for you.
If you want to choose the best network for your area, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you know AT&T works well for you and prefer a dedicated AT&T provider, PureTalk is a great option.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
PureTalk coverage
PureTalk is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Who delivers the best performance?
Winner: Both
Red Pocket's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 30GB per month, while PureTalk's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 60GB per month.
If you need the most high-speed data possible, PureTalk has a slight edge. However, if you want the ability to switch networks for better speeds, Red Pocket gives you that flexibility.
Features and perks: Who offers more?
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket focuses on affordability and flexibility, offering low-cost plans and international calling options.
PureTalk, as a veteran-owned company, focuses on customer service and reliability, but doesn't include as many extras beyond standard plans.
If you want the cheapest plan with flexible network choices, Red Pocket is the best option. But, if you prefer a veteran-owned company with AT&T's coverage, PureTalk is a great alternative.
Red Pocket vs PureTalk plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | PureTalk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & 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 | Mon-Sun 5am to 9pm | Mon-Sun 7am to 12am |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | No |
| Visual Voicemail | No | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Who offers the better deal?
- Best for low cost plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for high-speed unlimited data → PureTalk
- Best for military discounts → PureTalk
If you want the cheapest plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you prefer AT&T's network and like supporting a veteran-owned company, PureTalk is a great option.
Find out more with our Red Pocket review.
Read our PureTalk review for more.
Red Pocket vs PureTalk FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and PureTalk are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon and PureTalk runs on AT&T.
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 Red Pocket phone is unlocked it should work with PureTalk. 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 cut their phone bills without sacrificing service quality. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, network performance, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Red Pocket, PureTalk, and other prepaid carriers, looking at speed, coverage, and affordability. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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