Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile’s network. It offers cheaper rates than T-Mobile, but there are some downsides to using it. Let’s take a deep dive.
Mint Mobile Review
Mint Mobile Coverage
T-Mobile has strong network coverage in some parts of the country, but it doesn’t have a network that covers the country as well as AT&T or Verizon. With Mint Mobile, you’ll get the same coverage as T-Mobile. You can type in your zip code to see if Mint Mobile has coverage in your area.
Mint Mobile offers a free 7-day trial so you can try out the service and see if it works well for you. The 7-day trial offers 250MB of data, 250 texts, and 250 minutes of talk time. This is enough to test if Mint Mobile is a good fit for you.
Free calling to Canada and Mexico and free hotspots
Mint Mobile offers free calling to Canada and Mexico on all plans. T-Mobile also offers wifi calling and texting, which are great ways to stay connected when the mobile network coverage is poor.
Mint Mobile offers free hotspots. Hotspot usage is limited to a 5 GB cap with the unlimited plan. On all other plans, hotspot usage will count against your data limit.
Cost
Mint Mobile doesn’t have a monthly plan. Mint Mobile offers three introductory plans that you can buy for three, six, or twelve months. Here’s a look at the current three-month offer.
- 4GB Plan: $45 for 3 months ($15/month)
- 10GB Plan: $60 for 3 months ($20/month)
- 15GB Plan: $75 for three months ($25/month)
- Unlimited Plan (35GB): $90 for three months($30/month)
After your introductory period is over, you can sign up for 12 months to get the lowest rate. As you can see, Mint Mobile is considerably cheaper than other wireless providers.
Slower speeds when the network is congested
Like all MVNOs, your speed will be throttled if the network is congested. This can happen if you are in a crowded area such as a stadium or during peak hours. But most of the time, you will get the same speeds as post-paid T-Mobile customers.
Ryan Reynolds connection
You will notice that actor Ryan Reynolds appears in a lot of Mint Mobile ads. He is not a paid actor promoting T-Mobile. He invested in the company in 2019 and is rumored to own about 25% of the company.
Customer service
Mint Mobile has excellent customer service through chat, phone, or email. But it doesn’t have any physical stores. I have never had to call customer service. Mint Mobile has an excellent app that allows you to monitor usage and make payments. You can contact customer service through the app, and Mint Mobile has helpful guides to help you set things up the first time you use it.
Disadvantages of going with Mint Mobile
- Mint Mobile doesn’t have a monthly plan. You have to buy multi-month plans, which may not work for everyone.
- Your service is deprioritized and you will see slower speeds when the network is congested.
- Customer service, while excellent, is limited to online and phone support. There are no physical stores you can walk into if you have a problem.
- Mint Mobile doesn’t offer discounts for multiple lines
Phone options
Mint Mobile has a wide variety of phones, and sometimes you can get a good deal if you buy a phone and a plan together. You can also bring your own phone to Mint Mobile, but make sure it’s compatible. You can find out if your phone is compatible by going to this link.
Bottom Line
Mint Mobile is a great option if you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area. You’ll get the same level of service as post-paid T-Mobile customers, and when the network is congested, your speed will be throttled but it shouldn’t happen too often. Another downside is that you have to buy multi-month plans to save money. Overall, Mint Mobile is a great way to save money and still be on a major carrier network.