Mint Mobile

You can save money by signing up for 3, 6, or 12 months at a time with Mint Mobile. All of the plans come with unlimited talk and text and no overages once you use your data. You can upgrade your plan mid-cycle or add more data.

Pros

  • T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Affordable plans
  • Free calls to Canada and Mexico
  • Hotspot data with every plan

Cons

  • Must buy in bulk
  • Unlimited plan slowed at 35GB
  • No multi-line discounts
  • Taxes and fees aren't included

Mint Mobile plans are available.

Boost Mobile Overview

Boost Mobile

If you have good T-Mobile coverage, you can get a plan from Boost Mobile that has plenty of data, great international calling and roaming options, and a decent amount of hotspot data. Signing up for multiple lines on the network will allow you to save money.

Pros

  • T-Mobile (former Sprint) network
  • Multiple data plan options
  • Unlimited music streaming
  • Hotspot data with every plan

Cons

  • Unlimited plan slowed at 35GB
  • Weaker device compatibility

There are mobile plans with boost.

Comparison

When choosing between Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile, ask yourself one question: What do I actually need from a phone service?

Both Mint and Boost use T-Mobile's network to give great service at a lower cost. Though Mint Mobile will be cheaper overall, it has many features that favor the data user. If you sign up for more than one line, you can get better value, since Mint Mobile doesn't have any multi-line discounts. Mint Mobile makes sense if you use an average amount of data and want to find an affordable plan.

When you sign up for phone service with one of the big three carriers, you will likely end up paying for features you don't need or have way more data than you use. You can save money by getting only what you need from a pre-paid carrier. Mint Mobile gives customers a lot of choices so they can choose what suits them best, while Boost Mobile focuses on giving customers a lot of choices so they can choose what they want.

Mint MobileBoost Mobile
NetworkT-MobileT-Mobile (formerly Sprint)
5GYesYes
Minimum plan3 months1 month
Discounts3, 6, or 12 month bundlesMultiple lines
Data4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or Unlimited1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 6GB, 10GB, 15GB, 35GB (Unlimited)
Talk and textUnlimitedUnlimited
Mobile HotspotFree (capped at 5GB with the unlimited plan)Up to 30GB
Video streamingSDSD (HD streaming with $60 Unlimited plus plan)
InternationalFree calls to Mexico and CanadaAdd-on services
Base cost$15 per month$10 per month

Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network. Before signing up, you should check your Mint coverage. Since it used to use the network of another company, it is a little more complicated. You should check your Nationwide Network coverage, which is different from the T-Mobile map or what it calls its Expanded Network coverage.

Plans: Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile does not operate with traditional contracts. You have to pay for the plan in 3, 6, or 12-month periods. Mint allows you to save money by buying in bulk. All Mint Mobile plans include unlimited talk and text, and you can choose whether you want to use 4G, 10, 15 or unlimited data. Mint's plan pricing is broken down here.

4GB10GB15GBUnlimited
3 months$15/mo. ($45)

$25/mo. renewal

$20/mo. ($60 total)

$35/mo. renewal

$25/mo. ($75)

The cost is $45/mo.

$30/mo. ($90)

The renewal cost is$40/mo.

6 months$20/mo. ($120)$25/mo. ($150)$35/mo. ($210)$35/mo. ($210)
12 months$15/mo. ($180)$20/mo. ($240)$25/mo. ($300)$30/mo. ($360)

You can get free mobile hotspot data with each Mint Mobile plan, but it will use up your monthly data allowance or be limited to 5GB with the unlimited plan. Your speeds will slow to 128Kbps for the rest of the month once you have used up 35GB on the unlimited plan. It's just enough for basic data use, but you can add more data for $10 or $20 extra. You can change your plan at any time.

Mint Mobile has an introductory price for the first three months on one of its plans, which makes it an affordable price for its unlimited plan. If your three months are up, you will have to sign up for another three months or six months to keep paying this low price. Since there aren't any multi-line discounts, if you pay in advance, you'll see the most value from Mint.

Plans: Boost Mobile

T-Mobile's network was merged with the former Sprint network, so Dish began offering plans on that network. The T-Mobile network is referred to as the Expanded Network, while the Nationwide Network is referred to as the Nationwide Network. There are four plans on the Nationwide Network that have multi-line savings. Here is how each of the Nationwide plans compares.

Boost plans

Source: Boost (Image credit: Boost Mobile)

The Expanded Network has a starting price of $10 per month and can go up to $35 per month, depending on how much data you need. You can mix and match lines to create your own family plan at a cost of$15 per month.

Boost plans

Source: Boost (Image credit: Boost Mobile)

35 gigabytes of high-speed data is offered by the two largest unlimited plans. The $50 plan comes with a lot of data. The $60 plan adds HD streaming and takes the mobile hotspot up to 30GB. You can add another line for $20 less than the first, making this plan a great deal. If you have a compatible device, most of the plans on this network will give you access to 5G.

Compatibility and phones

Boost on LG G8

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

If you have a compatible device, both Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile will support 5G on the T-Mobile network at no additional cost. If you only want a phone that works with each carrier, then these are some of the best phones to use. If you bring your own device to work with Boost Mobile, you need to make sure it is compatible with your preferred network.

Many can't be activated on Boost Mobile since it uses the former Sprint network. The easiest way to find out if you need a compatible phone is to enter your IMEI number on the website. Most unlocked phones are compatible with the Expanded Network, but it is still a good idea to check.

Mint Mobile has an advantage over Boost when it comes to supported phones. It will work with almost any unlocked phone that supports its bands. You can determine if your phone is compatible with Mint Mobile by going to its website or using its app. If you are not in the market for a new phone, it is much easier to switch to Mint Mobile.

International usage

Boost international

Source: Boost Mobile (Image credit: Source: Boost Mobile)

You won't get much international use out of your plan with Mint Mobile. If you want to do anything else, you have to purchase international roaming credits, which come in $5, $10, $20 increments. In most international countries, Mint Mobile charges $0.06 per minute, $0.06 per text, and $0.06 per megabyte.

International packages in the Todo Mexico Plus plan are $5 per month and include calling and texting to and from Mexico and 8 gigabytes of data to use while visiting Mexico. You will be able to call and text anyone in Canada. Most of the above with unlimited calling to landlines in more than 70 countries and 200 minutes for mobile lines are included in the International Connect Plus plan. If you are a traveler or have family abroad, you can have more flexibility with a Boost Mobile plan.

Verdict

Mint Mobile website on an Android phone

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

Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile: Mint Mobile makes a lot of sense

When it comes to international perks, Boost Mobile has some of the best add-on services of any carrier. Adding the T-Mobile network has solved one of its biggest problems. Everyone can find a good fit with the new plans and data options at Boost Mobile.

Mint Mobile keeps its number of plans to four. It is easy to find the right plan and save money with a longer service term with Mint Mobile. You can get one of the best monthly rates out there with Mint Mobile if you need the full 35GB of data on its unlimited plan.