Top T-Mobile MVNO Picks for 2025
Mint Mobile
Best value for most users
Lycamobile
International calling included
Tello Mobile
Customizable low-cost plans
Complete T-Mobile MVNO Comparison
| MVNO | Best Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Special Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
M
Mint Mobile
Ryan Reynolds' company
|
Unlimited
12-month plan
|
$20
per month
|
Unlimited
35GB priority
|
5GB |
• Bulk pricing
• 5G included
• WiFi calling
|
Most Users
|
|
L
Lycamobile
International specialist
|
Pro Plan
Monthly
|
$23
per month
|
Unlimited
30GB priority
|
Unlimited |
• International calling
• 75+ countries free
• International roaming
|
International
|
|
M
Metro by T-Mobile
T-Mobile owned
|
Unlimited
Base plan
|
$30
per month
|
Unlimited
35GB priority
|
5GB |
• Amazon Prime
• 5G included
• Taxes included
|
Families
|
|
S
Simple Mobile
No-frills MVNO
|
Unlimited
Basic
|
$25
per month
|
Unlimited
30GB priority
|
10GB |
• Simple plans
• No contracts
• Easy activation
|
Simplicity
|
|
T
Tello Mobile
Build your plan
|
Custom
Build your own
|
$10+
starting
|
Custom
1GB to unlimited
|
Add-on |
• Customizable
• Pay for what you use
• No fees
|
Light Users
|
|
U
Ultra Mobile
International focus
|
Unlimited
International
|
$39
per month
|
Unlimited
35GB priority
|
20GB |
• International calling
• Global roaming
• Multi-language support
|
Premium Int'l
|
T-Mobile Network Performance
Coverage & Speed
MVNO vs Postpaid Priority
Detailed T-Mobile MVNO Reviews
Mint Mobile
Why Mint Mobile Wins:
- ✓ Best Value: $20/month for unlimited data with bulk pricing
- ✓ Excellent Coverage: Full T-Mobile network access including 5G
- ✓ Brand Trust: Backed by Ryan Reynolds and Ultra Mobile
- ✓ Great Perks: WiFi calling, mobile hotspot, eSIM support
Consider These Drawbacks:
- • Commitment Required: Best prices require 12-month purchase
- • Limited Hotspot: Only 5GB mobile hotspot included
- • No International: Limited international calling options
Lycamobile
Why Lycamobile Excels:
- ✓ International Calling: Free calls to 75+ countries included
- ✓ Great Value: $23/month includes everything you need
- ✓ Unlimited Hotspot: No limits on mobile hotspot usage
- ✓ No Contracts: Month-to-month flexibility
Potential Downsides:
- • Customer Service: Can be slow during peak times
- • Website Interface: Not as polished as major carriers
- • Priority Data: 30GB before potential slowdowns
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro Advantages:
- ✓ T-Mobile Owned: Higher network priority than other MVNOs
- ✓ Physical Stores: Retail locations for in-person support
- ✓ Premium Perks: Amazon Prime included on higher plans
- ✓ Family Discounts: Good multi-line pricing
Metro Limitations:
- • Higher Price: More expensive than pure MVNOs
- • Limited Features: Fewer plan customization options
- • Store Pressure: Sales tactics in retail locations
Which T-Mobile MVNO Should You Choose?
Heavy Data Users
50GB+ per month
- • 35GB priority data before slowdowns
- • T-Mobile 5G network access
- • $20/month best price
International Callers
Regular calls abroad
- • International calling included
- • Unlimited mobile hotspot
- • $23/month - great value
- • No contracts required
Light Data Users
Under 10GB per month
- • Pay only for what you use
- • Plans start at $10/month
- • No contracts or fees
- • Easy plan changes
Families
Multiple lines needed
- • Family plan discounts
- • Physical store support
- • Higher network priority
- • Amazon Prime included
Simplicity Seekers
Want easy setup
- • Easy plan selection
- • Simple activation process
- • No confusing options
- • Reliable T-Mobile network
Premium Features
Want extra perks
- • International calling & roaming
- • 20GB mobile hotspot
- • Multi-language customer support
- • Global connectivity options
Tips for Switching to a T-Mobile MVNO
✅ Before You Switch
💡 Pro Tips
If you make international calls, Lycamobile can save you $50+ monthly compared to major carrier add-ons.
Mint Mobile's 12-month plans offer the best per-month pricing if you're confident in the coverage.
Most T-Mobile MVNOs offer trial periods or money-back guarantees. Test the service before committing.
Many T-Mobile MVNOs support eSIM, allowing you to test service without swapping physical SIM cards.
Save Big on International Calling
Why pay extra for international add-ons when you can get it included?
Lycamobile vs Major Carriers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do T-Mobile MVNOs have the same coverage as T-Mobile?
Yes! T-Mobile MVNOs use the exact same cell towers and network infrastructure as T-Mobile postpaid customers. You'll get the same coverage maps, 5G access, and network reliability. The only difference may be data priority during peak congestion times.
- 1. T-Mobile postpaid customers (highest priority)
- 2. Metro by T-Mobile (T-Mobile owned)
- 3. Premium MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Lycamobile)
- 4. Budget MVNOs (lower priority during busy times)
Which T-Mobile MVNO has the fastest speeds?
Metro by T-Mobile typically has the fastest speeds since it's owned by T-Mobile and gets higher priority. However, most users won't notice significant speed differences between T-Mobile MVNOs in normal usage. All offer 5G access and excellent performance.
In speed tests, most T-Mobile MVNOs deliver 50-150 Mbps download speeds, which is excellent for all mobile activities including 4K video streaming.
Can I keep my phone number when switching to a T-Mobile MVNO?
Absolutely! All T-Mobile MVNOs support number porting from any carrier. The process typically takes 1-6 hours and is handled automatically when you activate your new service. Keep your old service active until the port completes.
Have your current account number, PIN, and billing zip code ready. This information is required for all number ports and ensures a smooth transfer.
What's the difference between Mint Mobile and Lycamobile?
Mint Mobile focuses on low-cost unlimited plans with bulk pricing ($20/month for 12 months), while Lycamobile specializes in international calling with free calls to 75+ countries. Both use T-Mobile's network but serve different user needs.
- • You want the lowest price
- • You can commit to 12 months
- • You don't need international calling
- • You like the Ryan Reynolds connection
- • You make international calls
- • You want month-to-month flexibility
- • You need unlimited hotspot
- • You value international features
Are there any downsides to choosing a T-Mobile MVNO?
The main downside is potentially slower speeds during peak hours in crowded areas due to lower network priority. Customer service may also be less robust than major carriers. However, for most users, these trade-offs are worth the 60%+ savings.
- • Want to save $30-50+ monthly on your phone bill
- • Don't need premium customer service
- • Have good T-Mobile coverage in your area
- • Are okay with potential minor speed reductions during peak times
How much can I save switching to a T-Mobile MVNO?
Most people save $30-60 per month switching from major carriers to T-Mobile MVNOs. For unlimited plans, you'll typically pay $20-30/month instead of $70-85/month with traditional carriers. That's $600-780 in annual savings!
Related Guides
Mint Mobile Review
Complete review of Ryan Reynolds' wireless company with pricing, features, and real user experiences.
Lycamobile vs Mint Mobile
Detailed comparison of the two most popular T-Mobile MVNOs to help you choose.
How to Port Your Number
Complete guide to keeping your phone number when switching to any T-Mobile MVNO.