Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile: Which carrier is best?
We compared Tello & Metro by T-Mobile plans, coverage & customer ratings: Which cell phone service is best for you?

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Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Tello or Metro by T-Mobile is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Tello and Metro by T-Mobile coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2023
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile plans
Tello 1GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
- $784 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Tello 1GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$6/mo*
$10/mo* Only $6 for first month
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Metro by T-Mobile 3GB


- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Metro by T-Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $540 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Metro by T-Mobile 3GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$30/mo
Pros
- Good value for heavier users
- Taxes and fees included in upfront pricing
- Amazon Prime membership included in unlimited plan
- Family plan option
- Retail stores available nationwide
Cons
- Plans not as flexible as some MVNOs
- No option to sign up online
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile comparison
Tello plans start at $6* and Metro by T-Mobile plans start as low $30. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Tello and Metro by T-Mobile.
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $6/mo $10/mo |
Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $8/mo $14/mo |
Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $19/mo |
Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $29/mo |
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Metro by T-Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $30/mo |
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 | $55/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area by using our coverage checker.
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
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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 | ||
Bring Your Phone | ||
Keep Your Number | ||
Contract | No - prepaid | No - prepaid |
Credit Check | ||
Customer Service | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 3 days | |
5G | ||
Taxes/fees included | ||
VoLTE | ||
WiFi Calling | ||
Visual Voicemail | ||
Multi-line Discounts | ||
Multi-month Discounts | ||
International Calls | Yes - Includes Mexico, Canada & China | |
International Roaming |
Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile customer service
Tello customer service
Contact Tello customer care
Call (866) 377-0294
Tag @tellomobile on Twitter
Metro by T-Mobile customer service
Contact Metro by T-Mobile customer care
Call (888) 863-8768
Tag @MetroPCS on Twitter
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.
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