As a wireless customer in today‘s market, choosing the right cell phone plan at the right price can be a daunting task given the wide variety of options. In this comprehensive guide designed specifically for you, I‘ll compare two of the most popular prepaid carriers—MetroPCS and Mint Mobile.
You‘ll get insider details on their plans, performance, phone selection, discounts and more – so you can determine which provider best fits your needs. Let‘s dive in!
How MetroPCS and Mint Leverage the T-Mobile Network
First, it‘s important to understand that MetroPCS and Mint Mobile both leverage T-Mobile‘s vast national network to power their coverage instead of building their own infrastructure.
T-Mobile has greatly expanded availability in recent years, now covering over 320 million people nationwide. MetroPCS was actually purchased by T-Mobile back in 2013 to boost the Uncarrier‘s prepaid segment.
Meanwhile, Mint Mobile was founded in 2016 as an online-only prepaid carrier also running fully on top of T-Mobile’s network. They don‘t operate any physical stores—instead aiming to offer premium wireless service online at affordable rates.
So in essence, MetroPCS and Mint Mobile connect customers to the same T-Mobile LTE and 5G architecture. But they offer their cell phone plan options at different price points and user experiences.
Now let‘s explore their specific plans…
Plan Pricing & Inclusions
When it comes to cell phone plans pricing can make all the difference. MetroPCS and Mint Mobile take decidedly unique approaches with their service plan rate structures outlined below:
| Plan | MetroPCS | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Rate (Single Line) |
$30 (2GB Data) |
$15 (4GB Data) |
| Taxes & Fees | Included | Not Included |
As shown in the table above, Mint Mobile‘s baseline plan actually doubles MetroPCS‘s data allowance while costing half the monthly price.
However, Mint Mobile‘s rates don‘t yet account for taxes and fees which vary by state but average around 20%. So a $15 Mint plan would increase to around $18 monthly after including taxes.
Still, when considering the total cost you‘ll pay in a year, Mint Mobile‘s annual savings shine through thanks to their lower pre-tax rates across all plan tiers…
| Plan Usage | MetroPCS Yearly Cost | Mint Mobile Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Light Usage (2GB Data) |
$360 | $180 |
| Moderate Usage (10GB Data) |
$480 | $300 |
| Heavy Usage (Unlimited) |
$660 | $480 |
Here we can clearly see Mint Mobile coming out at least $60/year cheaper across comparable plans even when accounting for taxes. And that gap widens further if you take advantage of Mint‘s bulk savings, which I‘ll explore shortly.
First, a few other plan differences…
Both carriers include mobile hotspot usage with talk, text and data so you can connect laptops or tablets to your phone‘s internet. However, heavy hotspot usage slows speeds after 35GB with MetroPCS while Mint Mobile reduces performance if you exceed plan allotments by too much.
Additionally, MetroPCS lets you use your plan in over 145 countries whereas Mint includes 165+ countries for international roaming. So wider worldwide connectivity for Mint!
Now let‘s examine another major difference between the two…
Discounts & Savings Opportunities
In addition to cheaper base rates, Mint Mobile incentivizes savings by offering:
- 3 months free when you prepay for 1 year
- Discounted 6 month and 3 month plans
- Referral bonuses when you get friends to join
To illustrate the savings, their absolute lowest cost Unlimited plan would cost just $30/month if you take advantage of their 12 month prepay deal.
Comparatively, MetroPCS only offers a $10 monthly discount per line when adding extra lines. For a family of 4, you‘d save $40 total giving each line Unlimited data for $50 rather than $60.
For individuals especially, Mint Mobile clearly offers superior recurring savings that unlock simply for paying your bill early in bulk. But MetroPCS can add up for those with bigger households. Either way, savvy shoppers have discount potential with both carriers!
Now, what about performance?
Network Performance & Speeds
As prepaid carriers leveraging T-Mobile‘s infrastructure, MetroPCS and Mint users experience the same essential network coverage and reliability. However, some key metrics like speeds can differ based on testing.
For example, third-party research firm RootMetrics compared the carriers‘ performance last year in over 125 metro areas. They found MetroPCS‘ median download speed was 33.5 Mbps compared to Mint‘s 30 Mbps. For reference, T-Mobile customers averaged 48 Mbps in tested regions.
So MetroPCS edges out Mint Mobile in overall speed results based on RootMetrics drive testing across cities nationwide. This lines up with Mint‘s fine print stating they may prioritize traffic differently than primary T-Mobile customers at congested times.
Both carriers market nationwide 5G access as T-Mobile blankets the country in next-gen connectivity. But again, MetroPCS or T-Mobile-branded plans may get usage preference.
For Mint Mobile shoppers seeking the fastest possible speeds, know that congestion management and your location relative to active 5G towers can impact performance. But their average 30 Mbps still enables HD streaming and smooth usage for most people.
Now what about device options?
Phone Selection and Bring Your Own Device
With both prepaid carriers utilizing T-Mobile‘s GSM-based network, device compatibility is also a key consideration.
In terms of phones offered, MetroPCS gives you access to virtually any popular Android and Apple iPhone model via payment plans or one-time purchase. This includes the latest Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Motorola devices.
Conversely, Mint sells a curated selection of cheaper Android models often ranging from 1 to 3 years old. They offer unlimited talk & text paired with an affordable smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. This hits a nice balance of newness and value.
Mint‘s BYOD compatibility checker reveals they mostly support GSM networks. So CDMA-based phones are generally not compatible unless flashing the firmware. MetroPCS supports bringing over a wider range of GSM, CDMA or other unlocked devices.
In summary — MetroPCS caters to shoppers wanting the widest device selection and latest models, while Mint focuses on budget-friendly hardware.
Which Carrier is Best For You?
So now that we‘ve broken down their plans, performance, phone options, and savings potential — how do you decide whether MetroPCS or Mint Mobile aligns more closely with your wireless priorities?
Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:
Do you want cutting-edge devices like the iPhone 14 even if they cost more? If paying over time for premier phones appeals most, MetroPCS has incredible device flexibility.
Or are you comfortable using affordable yet capable 1 to 3 year old Androids to save money? Then Mint Mobile‘s value-centric phone catalogue will satisfy you.
How much monthly or yearly spend are you targeting? Mint Mobile lets you pay as little as $15/month for baseline needs — but spring for their discounted 12-month Unlimited Plan at $30/month to maximize long-term savings.
Do you have a family or want the option to add lines later? MetroPCS makes more financial sense when adding multiple lines thanks to per line discounts.
Finally, do you have payment constraints or need flexibility? MetroPCS accommodates budget changes better with features like bill extensions and in-store customer service. Mint requires full prepayment — which guarantees savings but less flexibility.
Evaluating these factors relative to wireless priorities makes choosing the best prepaid carrier easier. In summary:
Go with MetroPCS for Device Selection & Payment Flexibility
Go with Mint Mobile for Rock Bottom Rates
No matter you choose, I hope this comprehensive breakdown makes you an informed wireless shopper ready to save! Please reach out if any other questions come up during your buying journey.
