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Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Tello or Straight Talk is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Tello and Straight Talk coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Tello vs Straight Talk plans
Tello unlimited talk & text plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
$8/mo
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.
Straight Talk 10GB plan
- T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Unlimited data plans
- Two-line plan option
- Plenty of add-ons like international service
- Easily accessible at WalMart stores
- Phone financing available
Cons
- Plans not as flexible as some MVNOs
Tello vs Straight Talk comparison
Tello plans start at $8 and Straight Talk plans start as low $35. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Tello and Straight Talk.
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $25/mo |
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Talk 10GB plan | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Tello vs Straight Talk coverage
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Straight Talk 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.
Straight Talk coverage
Straight Talk is powered by T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Straight Talk coverage map
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
Enter your ZIP code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.
Tello vs Straight Talk plan features
| Carrier Features | Tello | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes - with certain plans | |
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Yes - Prepaid | Yes - Prepaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | ||
| Taxes/fees included | ||
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 60+ countries | Yes - Add on |
| International Roaming |
Tello vs Straight Talk customer service
Tello customer service
102 Tello customer reviewsContact Tello customer care
Call (866) 377-0294
Visit Tello customer support
Straight Talk customer service
8 Straight Talk customer reviewsContact Straight Talk customer care
Call (877) 430-2355
Email support@straighttalk.com
Tello vs Straight Talk FAQs
The main difference between Tello and Straight Talk are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Straight Talk runs on T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon.
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 Straight Talk. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
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