It contains affiliate links and Extrabux will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on Extrabux links.

7

Simple Mobile vs. Mint Mobile vs. Tracfone: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Simple Mobile vs. Mint Mobile vs. Tracfone: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

    Verizon,T-Mobile and AT&T hog most of the attention when it comes to choosing a cellular provider, but if you want a no-frills low-cost cell phone service, you may want to consider mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs),such as Simple Mobile,Mint Mobile or Tracfone.They charge cheaper prices because they lease wireless capacity from bigger companies, rather than maintaining their own cell phone towers.So Simple Mobile vs. Mint Mobile vs. Tracfone:which is best for you?What is the difference between Simple Mobile and TracFone?Is Simple Mobile owned by TracFone? Can I switch from TracFone to Mint Mobile?Can I switch from Simple Mobile to Mint Mobile?Does Simple Mobile work with Mint Mobile?Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Mint Mobile,Simple Mobile and Tracfone coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.

Cover Photo:simplemobile.com
 

Simple Mobile Review

Source:simplemobile.com

Simple Mobile is a register brand of TracFone Wireless, Inc., the nation's largest no contract cell phone provider. Simple joined the Tracfone umbrella in 2012, which began its life as Topp Telecom in 1996. Simple Mobile is considered an MVNO, although it's also a subsidiary.

Simple Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and offers customers service plans that include unlimited talk and text and truly unlimited data. This operator often gives interesting deals, including $10 international calling credit to over 100 destinations. As a part of T-Mobile's network, this operator covers 4G and 5G LTE data.But the 5G access might be the most significant benefit. Customers can easily access the nationwide 5G setup as long as they have a capable device. 

Simple Mobile Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network.

  • Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee.

  • The plans cover 4G and 5G LTE data.

  • Discount for choosing auto renewal.

  • Affordable single line plans.

  • Available in retail stores.

  • The international calling service is wide.

  • The company often gives special deals.

  • Compatible with several popular mobile devices.

  • Mobile hotspot data allowance with top plan.

  • Not the cheapest MVNO out there.

  • App can be glitchy at times.

  • Customer service not always helpful.

  • Major throttling on plans that are not“Truly Unlimited”.

  • Prepaid-only payment system.

Mint Mobile Review

Source:mintmobile.com

Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers prepaid wireless plans. The service runs on T-Mobile's network and utilizes its cell phone towers, including 5G at no extra charge.

Mint Mobile has built itself on offering insanely good value as far as cell phone carriers go. And it's gotten quite the reputation as an up and coming carrier, thanks to the ads with actor and company owner Ryan Reynolds. Its wide variety of service offerings include international calling and roaming, and Wi-Fi calling and texting.Mint’s plans are some of the most affordable in the industry. You can think of them like the Costco of prepaid carriers. The more you buy, or in this case the longer you sign up for, the better overall price you get on your cell service. 

Now Mint Mobile has been recognized within the industry and has gained a positive reputation. As it stands heading into 2024, Mint Mobile currently offers the most value out of any cell phone carrier on the market.

Mint Mobile Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network.

  • The plans are compatible with 4G and 5G LTE data.

  • Cheap prices.

  • The plans are simple.

  • It has flexible plans where users can use the data for three months, six months, and 12 months.

  • Friendly customer service.

  • Generous data allowances.

  • Works with most unlocked phones.

  • Risk-free trial.

  • Good international calling rates.

  • Won several awards for the best cell phone plans.

  • No Mint Mobile stores—online only.

  • Users have to use the data for at least three months.

  • The phone deals are limited.

  • Best savings reserved for longer bulk purchases, resulting in higher upfront costs.

  • Data speeds prone to slowing in areas of network congestion.

Tracfone Wireless Review

Source:tracfone.com

TracFone Wireless, Inc. is an American prepaid, no-contract mobile phone provider. The company was established in Miami, Florida in the year 1996. They offer many basic phone plans and many smartphone plans. Both Straight Talk and Total Wireless are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) owned by parent company TracFone. 

TracFone Wireless is a partner of three big companies like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. TracFone relies on these companies and has certain agreements as it does not have a wireless infrastructure of its own. Based on device and location, when a user signs up, he/she gets access to one of these networks. Tracfone is quite famous as it provides low-cost cell phone plans and is offering unlimited carryover data on its plans especially for its light data users. These packages are designed especially for them.Their customer support is considered very good as they respond quickly.TracFone is for people who prefer to save money and consume fewer data. 

Tracfone Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Large plan selectionWidely available in retail stores

  • Unlimited carryover for unused minutes/texts/data

  • Good value for very light users

  • Reliable and fast phone and data connections using AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile networks.

  • Inexpensive cell phones. Senior and kid friendly options.

  • Cheap international calling, costing the same rate as a local call, to over 100 destinations worldwide.

  • No international text messaging.

  • Expensive for moderate to heavy data users.

  • Overly complex plan structure.

  • Outdated service model (selling minutes/texts/data piecemeal).

  • Customer support can be uneven. 

Simple Mobile vs. Mint Mobile vs. Tracfone: Comparison Side by Side

1. Network Coverage

  • Simple Mobile

Simple Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's National 4G LTE and 5G Network.In theory, that's good news. T-Mobile ranks highly in network performance.But that doesn’t mean Simple Mobile has the exact same coverage as T-Mobile. If you look at its coverage map, Simple Mobile’s coverage is pretty patchy. Simple Mobile users will be deprioritized over T-Mobile users, which means your coverage and speeds may be less reliable.

You'll probably be fine in most metro areas, but you definitely can’t head out of town for a camping trip and still expect good service and speeds.

1647657197604938.png

Source:simplemobile.com

Simple Mobile's website has a coverage map that shows 5G and 4G LTE data on T-Mobile's networks.

>Click here to check coverage

  • Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile also uses T-Mobile’s network to provide coverage and data, and lucky for us, T-Mobile offers one of the best networks in the country. T-Mobile covers about 94% of the country.Chances are you’ll have coverage, but there are a few pockets where signal can get spotty—particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West region.

1647657618425569.png

Source:simplemobile.com

>Click here to check coverage

  • TracFone

TracFone offers customers clear reception and fast data speeds through various high performing phone networks operated by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

Due to their access to multiple networks, TracFone's coverage area is wide and will cover almost anywhere that cellular service is available. According to their website, “TracFone has the largest digital area coverage in the US,” and “a national footprint covering 99% of the U.S. population.” Strong and clear coverage is one of the main reasons many are happy with their TracFone service.

When you sign up for Tracfone, you'll get service on one of those major networks, not all of them. It’s based on your device and location.

>Click here to check coverage

2. Plan and Pricing

  • Simple Mobile

Like other MVNOs, Simple Mobile splits its offerings between unlimited high-speed data and tiered plans that give you an allotment of LTE data. Simple Mobile offers four unlimited data plans ranging from $25 to $50 a month. All of them are prepaid plans that give you service for 30 days until the next bill is due.One of these unlimited data plans comes with an additional 5GB hotspot and video streams at up to 480p.After you exhaust your hotspot, you can expect to be throttled quite a bit.

PlanMinutesTextsDataPrice
Unlimited with 3GBUnlimitedUnlimitedFirst 3GB at high speed,then 2G$25/mo
Unlimited with 5GBUnlimitedUnlimitedFirst 5GB at high speed,then 2G$30/mo
Unlimited with 15GBUnlimitedUnlimitedFirst 15GB at high speed,then 2G$40/mo
Truly Unlimited UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited$50/mo

>Click here to view plan details

All plans include:

  1. Unlimited text,talk and data.

  2. Unlimited international calling to 69 destinations.

  3. International roaming in 16 Latin-American countries.

  4. A one-time $10 international calling credit to 100+ destinations.

Saving Tip: 

If you want to buy phone or phone plan online  ,don't forget to sign up at Extrabux.com!(What is Extrabux),then you can enjoy Super Cash Back on your order from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus!  

Simple Mobile: up to 5% super cash back

Mint Mobile: $5 super cash back

TracFone: up to 5% super cash back

  • Mint Mobile

Mint offers data plans featuring 5GB, 15GB, 20GB and unlimited buckets of data as low as $15 a month.All plans come with unlimited text and talk, so you will never have to pay anything extra for using those features. However, the difference in pricing between the plans comes down to how much data you plan on using each month. But there isn’t actually a monthly plan. You must buy plans for either three, six or 12 months at a time.


5GB15GB20GBUnlimited
3 months$15/mo$20/mo$25/mo$30/mo
6 months$20/mo$25/mo$30/mo$35/mo
12 months$15/mo$20/mo$25/mo$30/mo

>Click here to view plan details

All plans include:

  1. Unlimited text and talk.

  2. Free calling to Mex & Can.

  3. Free mobile hotspot.

  4. Wifi call & text.

  5. Free 3-in-1 SIM card.

  6. 5G high speed data.

The longer the package, the lower the monthly rate. Your first three months are charged at the lowest rate for your plan, after which you can renew with any of the packages at the higher renewal rate. If you plan on staying with Mint for a long time, renewing at the 12-month rate will save you the most money—but you'll also be paying for all 12 months upfront.Mint Mobile now also offer family plans starting at $15/mo per line(Minimum of 2 lines | Maximum of 5 lines).Click here to view details.

  • TracFone

TracFone's no contract phone plans provide flexible options for users to keep their phone service active and useful to them. A basic Pay As You Go plan starts at $15 for 30 days.These basic plans work on both smartphones and non-smartphones.

Tracfone's most popular prepaid plans with carryover data start at $20 a month. For that price, you get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of 4G LTE data. 

If you ever run out of high-speed data, you can always add more for $10 per GB. No unlimited data plan is offered.

PlanMinutesTextsDataService daysPrice
500MB data plan
500500500MB30 days$15/mo
500MB data plan5001,000500MB60 days$25/mo
1GB data planUnlimitedUnlimited1GB30 days$20/mo
1GB data plan7501,0001 GB60 days$35/mo
1.46GB data plan1,5001,5001.46GB365 days$125
1.5GB data plan75010001.5GB90 days$45/mo
2GB data plan7501,5002GB90 days$50/mo
2GB data planUnlimitedUnlimited2GB30 days$25/mo
3GB data planUnlimitedUnlimited3GB30 days$30/mo
8GB data planUnlimitedUnlimited8GB30 days$40/mo
12GB data planUnlimitedUnlimited12GB365 days$199

>Click here to view plan details

3. Service Features


Simple MobileMint MobileTracFone
NetworksT-MobileT-MobileT-Mobile,AT&T,Verizon
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
Mobile Hotspot✓(Truly unlimited plan)X
Bring Your Phone
Keep Your Number
Customer Service8 am to 11.45 pm - 7 days5 am to 7 pm - 7 days8 am to 11.45 pm - 7 days
Taxes/fees includedXXX
WiFi Calling
Multi-line DiscountsXX
Multi-month DiscountsX
International Calls✓(Mex & Can)
International Roaming✓(16 Latin-American countries)X

4. Phone Options 

  • Simple Mobile

You can get the latest smartphones at Simple Mobile, and even finance them, if you want.If you want to bring your phone to Simple Mobile,most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked.

>Check phone compatibility

  • Mint Mobile

As a GSM, Mint Mobile allows you to use their service with most of the unlocked cellphones. However, the phone has to be compatible with their network and 5G-capable if you will be interested to work with the fifth-generation network.With Mint Mobile, you can get the latest iPhone, Galaxy, One, or Pixel. 

The Mint Mobile BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) program means that you won’t spend tons of money on a Mint-compatible device, or buy a new phone case, or re-download all of your vacation photos from the cloud.You'll just switch out your old SIM card for a Mint SIM card.

>Check phone compatibility

  • TracFone

TracFone is not a premium cell phone carrier. They're a discount carrier.It means that the company sells discount phones rather than the latest (and priciest) Samsung and Apple models. For those who want a new phone, Tracfone sells a limited number of devices.When I checked the company's website, there were about 30 smartphones for sale. All of them were priced below $330.

Most people who switch to Tracfone will want to keep their existing smartphone. That's possible if you have a GSM unlocked device or one that's compatible with Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile.

>Check phone compatibility

The Verdict: Which is Best for You?

If you're looking for an inexpensive, no-frills prepaid cell phone plan then the answer is definitely yes - Mint Mobile is absolutely worth it. As a service, it's definitely not the most feature-laden - especially when compared to rival carriers - but for sheer value, it definitely takes some beating.

On the other hand, users can use Simple Mobile if they want to use unlimited data for international calling. It has a wide international calling area.The good thing is that Simple Mobile and Mint Mobile are both compatible with several popular mobile devices, so the plans will be easy and comfortable to use. 

TracFone offers up a variety of basic cell phone plans. There are pay as you go plans and unlimited talk and text plans with some data. There are even plans that you pay for by the year! TracFone's plans are great for those who don't use a ton of data and don't want to worry about being roped into an expensive and confusing contract.

Lycamobile vs. Ultra Mobile vs. Mint Mobile: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi vs. Visible: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Mint Mobile vs. Cricket vs. Visible: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile vs. Tello: Which is the Best?

Mint Mobile vs. Straight Talk vs. Cricket: Which Should I Choose?

Mint Mobile vs. T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Tracfone vs. Total Wireless vs. Straight Talk: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

TracFone vs. Total Wireless vs. Verizon Prepaid: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

7
2022-03-18 19:154258