It can be quite the chore to find a good mobile phone plan in today’s crowded market that is both affordable and flexible, yet doesn’t skimp on coverage. In this article we will focus on two heavy hitters in the prepaid wireless ring, Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile. Both of these brands run on T-Mobile’s network and vie for the top spot by offering low prices which indeed attract budget shoppers. But which one is it that really stands out?
We’re breaking down Ultra Mobile vs Mint Mobile so you can decide which of the two is the better service for your needs.
What Is Ultra Mobile?
Ultra Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier launched in 2012 with a strong focus on international calling. Built on T-Mobile’s nationwide GSM network, Ultra Mobile has carved out a niche for users who need low-cost plans and frequently calling or texting abroad.
Ultra Mobile offers monthly plans with flexible pricing and includes features like:
- Free international calling to over 80 destinations
- Mobile hotspot capabilities
- Unlimited talk and text on all plans
- 5G available on compatible devices
The plans run from a budget-friendly limited data to unlimited data (with high-speed data caps), making it an easy choice from light users to digital nomads.
What Is Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile is one of the most recognizable names in prepaid, especially since actor Ryan Reynolds became the owner and face of the brand. Mint operates completely online, cutting out overhead costs and passing those savings to you.
The difference with Mint Mobile is the bulk purchasing model – so instead of payments each month but in 3, 6 or 12 month increments; and gives the potential for heavy discounts, particularly over a longer term.
Key features of Mint Mobile are:
- Currently priced from $15 for 3GB, $20 for 5GB, $25 for 15GB, $35 for 20GB, and $45 for unlimited plans
- Nationwide 5G and 4G LTE coverage
- Mobile hotspot included with all plans
- Wi-Fi calling and text
Finally, the service provided by Mint is accompanied by frequent discount offers, a week-long money-back return policy-first-time users, not quite sure about lump sum investment, find this most appealing.
Here’s how the two compare when it comes to pricing:
| Plan Type | Mint Mobile (3-month intro) | Ultra Mobile (Monthly) |
| 3GB Data | $15/month | $19/month |
| 5GB Data | $20/month | $23/month |
| 15GB Data | $25/month | $29/month |
| Unlimited Data | $30/month (40GB cap) | $49/month (40GB cap) |
To be sure, Mint Mobile wins out when it comes to price, particularly if you’re willing to pay upfront for three or months. Ultra Mobile, however, allows month-to-month flexibility of payment which proves to be good in case you do not desire leaving a long-term commitment.
International Calling: Ultra Mobile Takes the Lead
If you need to make international calls and it is very essential for you, then Ultra Mobile can be a very advantageous option since most of its plans include free international calling to over 80 countries, as well as international texting to more than 190 countries, and very low per-minute rates for other destinations. The way Mint Mobile addresses the international calling and roaming challenge is a special add-on, not a regular feature additive. Users who want this feature have to buy special credit for international roaming.
If you’ve got family overseas or you travel often, Ultra Mobile might be a better fit.
Coverage and Performance
Both Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile use T-Mobile’s network which means you get similar coverage and data speeds plus 5G where it is supported.
In recent independent third-party coverage studies:
- T-Mobile’s 5G network has great availability but somewhat lower speed than Verizon or AT&T in some places.
- City users will typically get faster and more reliable service than rural customers.
The user experience in terms of coverage will almost match, hence making this category a tie.
App and Account Management
Both the carriers offer very good, intuitive apps for account management including bill pay, plan upgrade, and data tracking. The interface of Mint Mobile’s app is very clean and it is easy to use thus it is praised more often.
Ultra Mobile’s app is functional. Some users have reported occasional glitches and delays in plan updates.
Customer Support
Support quality varies with both companies:
- Mint Mobile offers 24/7 chat support, email-based support, and phone support during work hours. They also have a very extensive online help center.
- Ultra Mobile offers phone-based support along with chat and email-based support. However, the support staff takes longer to respond.
The ideal user of Ultra Mobile vs Mint Mobile :
Use Ultra mobile if:
- You make frequent international calls which are included in your plan
- Mon to month commitment
- Moderate light data usage
- Strong T-Mobile coverage area and want some flexibility
Choose Mint mobile if:
- You’re looking for the best value and don’t mind paying upfront
- Want to have unlimited or high data plans on a budget
- Want an altogether smooth digital experience with a modern app
- You don’t really rely much on making international calls.
Final Verdict: Ultra Mobile vs. Mint Mobile
There’s no universal winner Ultra Mobile vs. Mint Mobile will all depend on what matters most to you.
If cost is top of mind, and you’re willing to make that upfront investment, then certainly the pricing performance of Mint Mobile is hard to beat. If international connectivity is near the top of your list, along with a flexible monthly option, then Ultra Mobile brings solid value.
