Think you need to pay premium prices for reliable service? The big 3 carriers want you to believe that, but low-cost carriers like Tello and Metro by T-Mobile prove otherwise. With these two providers you'll get the same T-Mobile coverage, but they offer very different plans and pricing.
Tello is all about flexibility, letting you customize your plan and avoid overpaying for data you don't need while Metro by T-Mobile offers feature-packed prepaid plans with perks like hotspot data and bundled streaming services.
So, do you fancy full customization or extra perks?
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile plans
Winner: Tello
Tello lets you fully customize your plan, meaning you never have to pay for data, talk, or text you don't need. Plans start at just $5 per month, and even its unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.
Looking for extra features with your plan? With Metro by T-Mobile you get pre-set plans, but they come with extra perks like Amazon Prime or hotspot data. Their cheapest plan starts at $30 per month for 5GB of data, while unlimited plans range from $40 to $60 per month, depending on the features included.
If you want the cheapest possible plan and full customization, Tello is the better choice.
Tello plans
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
| Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $9/mo |
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $14/mo |
| Tello 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $19/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $24/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile plans
Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Winner: Tie
Both Tello and Metro by T-Mobile use T-Mobile's network offering fast 5G speeds in metro areas but the network may struggle in some rural locations.
If T-Mobile works well where you live, both carriers will perform the same in terms of call quality and data speeds.
Tello coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Metro by T-Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Who gives you better performance?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Since both carriers run on T-Mobile's network, speeds are similar, but Metro by T-Mobile has an edge when it comes to high-speed data allowances.
Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month while Metro by T-Mobile offers unlimited high-speed data on its premium plans and includes more hotspot data than Tello.
If you need a higher data allowance and want hotspot data, Metro by T-Mobile offers more options. But, if you use under 35GB per month, Tello could be a better deal for you.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Both carriers offer unique perks, but Metro by T-Mobile includes more extras in its unlimited plans.
Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries, making it great for those with family abroad and they offer the cheapest plans with easy customization.
Metro by T-Mobile includes perks like Amazon Prime, Google One cloud storage, and hotspot data on its more expensive plans. So if you want extras like streaming and hotspot data, Metro by T-Mobile has the advantage.
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Metro by T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | No |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for fully customizable plans → Tello
- Best for extra perks → Metro by T-Mobile
- Best for budget-friendly unlimited plans → Tello
- Best for premium features → Metro by T-Mobile
If you want the lowest-cost, customizable plan, Tello is the better choice. However if you're looking for premium extras like Amazon Prime, hotspot data, and cloud storage, Metro by T-Mobile is worth considering.
See our Tello review to find out more
Find out more with our Metro by T-Mobile review
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Metro by T-Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile 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 Tello phone is unlocked it should work with Metro by T-Mobile. 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 testing and reviewing phone carriers, uncovering hidden fees, and helping people find better ways to cut their phone bills. At MoneySavingPro, we compare plans based on real-world value, not just marketing hype.
I've personally tested carriers like Tello and other low-cost providers, checking their speeds, coverage, and plan details to see how they stack up against the big 3. If there's a better way to save, you'll hear about it here first.
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