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Frustrated with the limited options, perplexing invoices, and steep prices of the major wireless providers?
You're not alone! MVNO low-cost carriers are here to change the big wireless game.
Tello offers the same wireless service as T-Mobile for significantly less.
I've reviewed 30 alternative carriers and 100+ prepaid phone plans to spare you the time and hassle.
I've purposely omitted any carrier that:
- Only offer unlimited data plans
- Only advertise multi-line prices
- Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
- Lure customers with "free" phones
- Constantly try to upsell additional lines
- Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
- Need loads of small print to explain their offers
- Want you to go to a store
- Need a commission-based salesperson
- Reward customer loyalty with increased prices
Choosing the right plan will depend on your preferred network and data needs, so I've outlined the top Tello plans.
What are the best Tello phone plans?
Tello 1GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello 5GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello 10GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello vs T-Mobile comparison
T-Mobile vs Tello comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Tello | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
Tello coverage map
Do Tello plans have good network coverage?
Tello operates on the T-Mobile wireless network, so you get the same coverage as with the big guys.
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Is Tello available in your area?
Does Tello have family plans?
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello Unlimited Talk & Text | $8 |
$16 $8/line |
$24 $8/line |
$32 $8/line |
| Tello 1GB | $9 |
$18 $9/line |
$27 $9/line |
$36 $9/line |
| Tello 2GB | $10 |
$20 $10/line |
$30 $10/line |
$40 $10/line |
| Tello 5GB | $14 |
$28 $14/line |
$42 $14/line |
$56 $14/line |
| Tello 10GB | $19 |
$38 $19/line |
$57 $19/line |
$76 $19/line |
What features are included with Tello plans?
What are the benefits of Tello phone plans?
- Quality coverage: Powered by the T-Mobile network, you can expect the same nationwide coverage. To see if T-Mobile's network has the best coverage in your area, check the Tello coverage map.
- Value for money: Tello SIM cards offer value and simplicity with their plans. Although you'll find the same features and coverage as a plan direct from T-Mobile, Tello could save you up to $600 a year.
- No contracts: As a prepaid carrier, you won't have to sign any long-term contracts. So, if you're unhappy with your plan, switch to a new plan or carrier whenever it suits you.
- Phone and plan bundles: If you're interested in purchasing a new cell phone, you can find a range of the best Tello phones to choose from. These are just like a phone and plan bundle from one of the major networks but with affordable options.
- Bring your own phone: If you don't want to upgrade your phone, you can easily bring your own device with Tello bring your own phone plans. Just make certain your cell phone is fully compatible and unlocked.
- Easy setup: Since Tello is online-based, it's quick to choose and purchase your Tello SIM starter kit. You can also opt for instant activation by choosing the Tello eSIM option. With a few simple steps, you'll be up and running.
- Unlimited talk & text: Most MVNOs provide free calls and texting with their plans.
- Unlimited data plans: Depending on your data usage, Tello unlimited data plans offer unlimited everything at half the price of a T-Mobile unlimited plan.
- Multiple lines: The Tello family plans a great money-saving option when buying more than one line.
- Customer service: Find out what current Tello customers are saying with Tello customer reviews.
- Promo codes: Check out the latest Tello deals to see current savings.
To find out more, check out our full review of Tello.
Does Tello have hotspot plans?
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $5/mo |
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $6/mo |
| Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Tello 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $15/mo |
| Tello 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $20/mo |
Does Tello have 5G plans?
With Tello 5G plans, you can access the fast 5G network at no extra cost with a 5G smart mobile device. However, 5G high-speed data is only available in certain areas. You'll receive their 4G LTE data speeds on the T-Mobile network when 5G coverage is unavailable.
Tello plans FAQs
You can purchase a Tello plan 100% online.
Tello phone plans range from $10-29 per month.
Tello's cheapest phone plan costs just $10 per month.
Recap: Are Tello phone plans worth it?
Why pay more for the same service? Get a cheap prepaid cell phone plan from low-cost carriers like Tello. With no contract, you can amend your plan or change carriers when it suits you.
Operating on the same major cell towers, MVNOs offer great value for money, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
With Tello, you can bring your phone to make the switch even easier and save more money.
T-Mobile MVNO guides
- T-Mobile MVNOs: Best Carriers on the T-Mobile Network
- 10 Best T-Mobile MVNO Plans
- T-Mobile MVNO List: What Carriers Run on T-Mobile?
- Best Carriers on the T-Mobile Network
- Best Boost Mobile Plans
- Best Boost Infinite Plans
- Best Mint Mobile Plans
- Best Lycamobile Plans
- Best Ultra Mobile Plans
How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
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