Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Which should you subscribe to?

If you're planning to go prepaid and save some money on your wireless service, we suggest taking a look at Mint Mobile vs. Ting, two MVNOs that offer a lot of bang for your buck(s). Ting's Flex plan is a great starting point for users who want unlimited calling and texting with under 5GB of data. Its current plans offer 5GB, 12GB, 22GB, or 35GB of high-speed data, and should be a good fit for most people. On the other hand, Mint Mobile's plans are designed for heavier users and would suit those who want to get the most use out of their smartphones, with the base plan offering 5GB of monthly data. For the majority of users who can afford to pay upfront for at least three months of service and are covered by the T-Mobile's network, Mint Mobile is a much better deal.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: How much data do you need?

Whether you want one of Mint Mobile's plans comes down to how much data you think you'll need. The most economical choice would be to buy the plan just above your usage requirement, so you don't go over. If you somehow need more data than you previously thought, luckily, Mint Mobile will let you upgrade your plan mid-cycle. Ting offers best value if you don't need a lot of data, but Mint's bulk savings bring the price down a lot if you need more than a few gigabytes.

Mint Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the latter network exclusively to provide great coverage for most subscribers. T-Mobile's network coverage can falter a bit in rural areas, but with a newer smartphone, you're likely going to be covered.

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Mint Mobile's plans

Mint Mobile has multiple plans that are available with different benefits. These offer 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and unlimited data. The unlimited plan gives you 40GB high-speed data each month. These offerings fall in line pretty well with your typical smartphone usage, and you can effortlessly upgrade to the higher plan if your usage exceeds the data allowance you initially chose.

If you want to use your Mint Mobile data connection as a hotspot with other devices, you can do so with all plans. For the 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB plans, the data allowance is shared with all connected devices, whereas the unlimited plan comes with 10GB of hotspot data.

With Mint Mobile, you start with a three-month plan for the lowest 12-month rate at $15 per month or $45 for three months. You can choose to renew for 12 months at this monthly rate though you will need to pay for the whole year all upfront. If you still aren't sure if you want to commit to Mint Mobile or don't have the budget to pay for a year, you can renew for three or six months too.

Keep in mind that renewing for less than 12 months will cost more per month.

You can add more high-speed data at $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB if you run out. You can also upgrade to the next higher plan if you feel you'll need more every month in the middle of your billing cycle.

Mint Mobile also has Mint Family, which allows you to manage up to five lines from one account. While you won't see any direct multi-line discounts, Mint Family makes multi-line payments easier since you'll get best rates renewed every three months rather than 12 months. The price works out in the end, but your bank account won't need to take such a big hit all at once. You can also bring your number when you switch.

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Ting's five plans

Ting Mobile currently has five plans that are good for users with a wide range of data needs, going up to 35GB per month. All Ting plans come with unlimited talk and text, and the cheapest Flex plan charges a reasonable $5 per GB of data. You can save by starting with a bigger data plan if you're using more than 4GB per month. Still, it's nice to see a plan designed for someone who doesn't need much data.

Ting's data plans start at 5GB, going up to 35GB.

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Check your coverage

Since Ting Mobile works with T-Mobile's highly compatible network with 5G as well as with Verizon network, so you can use it with just about any of the best unlocked phones. You can check your zip code on Ting's website, but there isn't an official map. You'll more than likely be using the T-Mobile network with a new plan.

One thing to keep in mind is that Ting is now owned by Dish Wireless. While Dish is still using partners for its cell coverage and will continue to do so for at least several more years, Dish is building its own network. Not only that, Dish has partnered with AT&T as a future network partner. For you, this means you may see your coverage change in the next few years. Luckily, you're not locked into a contract, so you can switch if you want down the line.

Mint Mobile makes use of T-Mobile's network exclusively. T-Mobile's network has seen a ton of growth in recent years, so if you had poor coverage in the past, it's worth taking another look. Mint Mobile also has official support for 5G on T-Mobile's network, so if you want to get the most out of Mint's 5G, make sure your 5G capable smartphone has support for bands n71 and n41.

Both carriers offer international services. Mint Mobile includes calling to Canada and Mexico at no additional charge, with additional countries supported for an extra fee. Roaming in other countries is also available, with rates depending on the country.

Ting Mobile charges the standard rate for calling in 60 countries as well as others for an additional fee. Roaming outside of the United States is also available for an extra fee, depending on the country.

If you frequently talk to or text someone in another country, you can save quite a lot of money by using messaging services like WhatsApp, Line, or Telegram. These apps also work on Wi-Fi.

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Which phones work?

Both carriers support a wide range of phones on T-Mobile's network. Pretty much any unlocked GSM phone should work, as well as some from other carriers. You can bring any of the best Android phones to either service without issue. Keep in mind that a phone with full support for the T-Mobile network will allow for a better signal in some areas. Ting has a little more support with access to Verizon Wireless, though most unlocked phones will be a better fit for the T-Mobile network.

You can check the IMEI of your specific phone on either carrier when you sign up to be sure.

Both carriers sell phones ranging from the newest high-end Samsung and Apple devices to the budget options. If you are trying to get a flip phone, Ting is your only option here. You can see which phones are available by visiting Mint Mobile's online store or Ting's online store. Both carriers offer financing with Affirm.

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Is Mint Mobile the right fit for you?

Mint Mobile and Ting Mobile are two of the best MVNO carriers available out there. Ting has one of the lowest barriers to entry, starting low with plenty of room to grow. It has a few solid plans for those who need a lot of data too. Still, with prices starting as low as $15 per month and some of the best data rates for any carrier, Mint Mobile is a better fit for the majority. Not just that, if you (can) pay for a full year of service, you can get a great deal.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket