Tello Mobile has some of the best wireless prices with a lot of flexibility, but it isn't the first carrier that comes to mind when shopping for unlimited data. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which piggyback off larger networks, deliver the same coverage for less money each month.

One of the best cell phone plans for light users are Tello's simple plan structure and T-Mobile's network with 5G. It's interesting to see how it stacks up against large plans from brands like Mint Mobile. Tello is a great way to save money on phone service.

I received a data plan and compatible phone from Tello. The reviews opinions are mine.

Tello Mobile Review: Plans

Tello website on a phone

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Tello gives you a lot of different options over your plan.

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You can choose how much data and minutes you want. If you have a plan with some minutes, you can get free unlimited texting.

500 MB of data and no minutes cost $5 a month. The most expensive plan caps out at just $29 per month for unlimited data and minutes, or you can find any combination that works better for you. Tello has a number of pre-made plans you can choose from.

Tello plan suggestions updated July 2022

(Image credit: Tello)

It was easy to sign up for the service and find a plan that worked for me. After selecting the data and minutes I wanted, I entered my password and was on my way. Tello allows you to transfer an existing number even if you choose to get a new one.

If there's one thing Tello does well, it's saving you money.

You can use your minutes to call other countries. Tello gives you the ability to call more than 60 countries for free. It's possible that some countries have costs for calls to mobile numbers. With so many countries included, there's a good chance you could save a lot of money.

When you consider that some otherMVNOs charge as much as $10/month extra to use tethering, it's a pretty good free service. If your usage habits change you can change your plan at any time.

Tello Mobile is inexpensive. Taxes should be included with the monthly rate, like Metro by T-Mobile handles things, but that is a minor complaint compared to everything else Tello brings to the table.

Tello Mobile Review: Coverage

Tello coverage map screenshot

(Image credit: Tello)

It isn't worth anything if you don't have reliable coverage.

Tello used to rely on the network of another company, but as of 2021, it has switched to T- Mobile. You can expect to see even broader wireless coverage. Tello is able to support 5G on T-Mobile's network for free.

The people I talked to and me were pleased with the calls I made. Everything worked the way you want it to, and I never had a problem with texts not sending. All Tello plans include free wi-fi calls if you run into problems with phone calls.

Do you know if Tello will work in your area? Click on the map to find out which bands are in your area. You may have issues if you are on the edge of the coverage.

If you have had T-Mobile before, make sure to check your coverage. Tello won't be able to access roaming agreements that T-Mobile and some of its carriers fill in. If you are covered, you should have reliable service with good speeds.

Tello Mobile Review: Data speed

Tello Mobile review data speed test results

Source: Joe Maring / Android Central (Image credit: Joe Maring / Android Central)

How it handles data is one of the biggest issues I have found with Tello.

Tello advertises that it has a fast and capable 4GLTE network. I only got real speeds during certain times of the day.

At 8:23 a.m., the top download speed was 71.8Mbps, but it dipped to 2.59Mbps at 8:52 p.m.

After running 18 different tests over the course of a week, my download speed was just under 16Mbps. It's certainly not slow, but there's still room for improvement from my review of US Mobile. If you live in an area with little traffic, your average rate may be better.

All worked well in day-to-day use. When I was trying to move a lot of data at the same time, the slower data speeds were the most frustrating.

T-Mobile has been making improvements to its 5G coverage and speeds so with a modern and more capable phone you may see better speeds. When it comes to congested areas which T-Mobile's mid-band 5G will be able to handle a lot better, this is even truer.

Tello Mobile Review: Phone selection

Tello phone selection screenshot as of July 25, 2022

Source: Tello (Image credit: Tello)

Tello Mobile allows you to use your own phone. You need to make sure Tello is unlocked since it uses T-Mobile's network. The majority of the best phones will work on the network. One of the best budget phones could be a good way to save more.

Tello can be used to purchase a device.

Tello sells a variety of cheap refurbished and new phones. The highest-end phones you can buy from Tello are the Apple products. These phones are solid but not new. You can get a cheaper phone.

It's a good start and I would love to see more devices later on.

Tello Mobile Review: Competition

Mint Mobile review

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

If you want to pay upfront, Mint Mobile can be very cheap. If you pay for the whole year, Mint Mobile will cost you 15 dollars a month. Mint has an unlimited plan with 35 gigabytes of high-speed data. In our Mint Mobile review, we found that the phone was compatible with T- Mobile's network.

It is possible to have a single plan, unlimited data, and coverage from the same company. If you join a Visible party from the website, the plan can be as low as $25 a month. It's a shame that Visible doesn't support as many phones as Mint Mobile or Tello. In our review, we found that speeding could be difficult in crowded areas.

US Mobile and Tello both allow you to create your own plan on the T-Mobile network. The US Mobile also has a phone number. When you bring more than three lines, US Mobile has an unlimited plan that can be made into a family plan. You can get US Mobile perks if you sign up for a family plan.

Tello Mobile Review: Should you join?

Cricket, Metro, Mint Mobile, and many other carriers are competing for your money.

Is Tello worth joining over other things? It comes down to your individual needs.

If that's the case, you should join.

  • You're looking for a basic phone plan

$5 per month for 100 minutes or 500 MB of data is about as basic as you can get. A lot of people don't need a lot of extra features on their phone lines. Tello is a good choice if you need the most basic service on your lines.

  • You have good T-Mobile coverage where you live

The majority of people in the U.S. will have access to T-Mobile's network in 2021.

If that's the case, you should not join.

Tello has an unlimited plan, but it slows down after 25 gigabytes of usage. Some other carriers may work out better for you if you need a lot of that data. If you're willing to give up the international features and settle for a lower data priority, the unlimited plan is a bit cheaper.

Tello website on a Galaxy S20+

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Refer a friend or family member to Tello and you can save $10 on your monthly bill. It is possible for heavier users to save money with up to 25 gigabytes of high-speed data for under $30 per month.

Data speeds aren't the best, but they're still usable and should only be an issue for the most hardcore users. If you decide to try Tello, you will be happy because everything else works well.

Review changelog

The following changes were made to this article.

  • New images were added to represent the current Tello website and offers.
  • Updated phone availability.
  • Formatting updates for the new site design.
  • Plan information has been updated with the new price for unlimited.
  • Information about 5G added to data speed section.