Testing multiple smartphones simultaneously can be expensive, especially since I prefer an active SIM in each device I’m reviewing.
I had a line from AT&T and picked up a couple from T-Mobile, but I wanted to find a way to save money.
That’s when I discovered the magic of MVNOs, and I got a line from Mint Mobile. In 2018, I appreciated its straightforward pricing structure, as I was tired of paying high fees.
Nearly a decade later, I’m still a subscriber. There are definite limitations to the service, and Mint Mobile isn’t for everyone.
However, if you’re tired of paying a bundle each month for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, here’s why you’d consider switching to Mint.
I get reliable network performance and speed
Mint works off T-Mobile’s network
I don’t care how cheap something is if I can’t get a reliable signal. Thankfully, that’s not a problem with Mint.
I’ve always had excellent luck with T-Mobile, and that carries over to my experience with Mint.
I’m in the mountains of Northern New Jersey, so not exactly on the doorstep of NYC, and I still enjoy fast 5G coverage.
There are drawbacks, which I’ll explain later, but for normal use, I’ve rarely had complaints about Mint’s service.
I also love the flexibility I get with Mint.
When I first started using it, I was accustomed to AT&T’s network disconnecting me whenever I put a SIM card in a phone it deemed unsupported.
With Mint, that’s never been an issue. I kept my BlackBerry Passport running on mobile data for much longer than on any other network.
I understand that’s not common, but if you score an excellent deal on a midrange device from overseas, you can be confident it’ll likely work on Mint Mobile.
I know what I’m paying with Mint Mobile
Even if it’s required upfront
I continue to stick with Mint because I know what’s coming out of my bank account every three months.
You can also receive frequent discounts on its Unlimited plan, which is offered several times a year at 50% off.
You’ll have to pay up front, committing you to Mint for 3-, 6-, or 12-months, but depending on what you were paying for your mobile service, it could be worth it.
Your taxes and fees will vary, but this is a reasonable example of what you can expect.
Currently, Mint’s Unlimited plan is on sale for $15 a month for new customers. You need to commit for at least three months, so the total is $45.
With taxes and fees, for my location, my checkout price is just over $53. I pay less in taxes and fees for three months than I do in one month with AT&T, and my price hasn’t varied.
I currently pay $30 per month for unlimited data and have paid the same for years.
MVNOs are a fantastic way to budget, as the costs are upfront and consistent, so you don’t have random surprises that put you in the negative.
Mint forces you to make sacrifices
It’s not too good to be true
If you’re a heavy data user, Mint may not be the best choice for you.
I’ve noticed throttling when reaching a certain monthly usage threshold, even with an unlimited plan.
Mint operates on T-Mobile’s network, but you can be sure you won’t always get the best 5G speeds, as you would with paying more for T-Mobile.
It’s not a dealbreaker, and I’ve rarely had issues, but if you’re always out of Wi-Fi range, and you rely primarily on mobile data, you’ll notice yourself running into slowdowns after significant usage.
As with all carriers, your choice largely depends on where you live. T-Mobile’s network works well for me, but if you’re in a rural area, an MVNO on AT&T’s backbone might make more sense.
I can’t attest to this personally, but some users have complained that Mint’s customer service is lackluster.
I had only one experience calling Mint for an eSIM, and I didn’t have any issues, but it’s something to keep in mind.
You’re also paying up front, which not everyone will appreciate.
I pay three months in advance and don’t worry about it, but some prefer to pay as they go, and I understand that.
If you want to take advantage of a Mint discount on a new phone, you’ll have to pay for a year of service and the device. Sure, it’s less than you would’ve paid overall, but you may not want to outlay that much all at once.
MVNOs aren’t for everyone
MVNOs are a fantastic option if you know precisely what you want from your carrier. You’re not paying for anything extra, and the pricing is relatively straightforward.
However, there are limitations.
Still, if you’re looking to save money, MVNOs like Mint Mobile are an excellent tool.
There’s a reason why I’m still a Mint subscriber after all this time, and you might get the same benefits.
8/10
- 5G
-
Yes
- Data cap
-
Unlimited
- International calling
-
Varies by pass
- International texting
-
Varies by pass
Mint Mobile is a value-focused MVNO that runs off T-Mobile’s 5G network in the US. It differentiates itself from the competition by offering wholesale discounts for its service — you buy multiple months of service at a time and pay less per month as a result. Mint Mobile was partially owned by Ryan Reynolds, before T-Mobile acquired the MVNO earlier in 2024.
