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

Ting's Flex plan is a great starting point for someone who wants unlimited calling and texting with under 5GB of data. Ting's current data plans come with 5GB, 22GB, or 35GB of high-speed data allowing for a good fit for most people. If you want to get the most out of your smartphone, Mint Mobile's plans are designed for heavier users, with the smallest 5GB plan being a good fit for many people. For the majority of smartphone users that can afford to pay upfront and are covered by the T-Mobile 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 package just above your usage amount, so you don't go over. If you somehow need more data than you thought, luckily, Mint Mobile will let you upgrade your plan mid-cycle. Ting is the best value for someone who doesn't need much data, but Mint Mobile's bulk savings brings down the price a lot if you need more than a few gigabytes.

Mint Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses that carrier's network exclusively to provide great coverage for most people. T-Mobile's coverage can fall off a bit more in rural areas, but with a newer phone, you're likely covered.

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

Mint Mobile has multiple plans that are available with different durations. The plans come in at 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and unlimited. The unlimited plan has 40GB of high-speed data each month. These plans fall in line pretty well with typical smartphone usage, and you can even upgrade to the next plan up if you find that your usage exceeds the data package you initially chose.

If you want to use your Mint Mobile data connection on other devices with the mobile hotspot, you can with all plans. For the 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB plans, you share your data pool, and on the unlimited plan, you get 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 at once. 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.

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

You can add more high-speed data at a rate of $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB if you run out. You can also upgrade to the next larger 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 Mint's 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 currently has five plans that are a good fit for people with various 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 gigabyte 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 that doesn't need much data.

Ting's data plans start at 5GB, ranging 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 Verizon so you can use just about any unlocked phone. You can check your zip code on Ting's site, 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, but Dish has partnered with AT&T as a future network partner. For you, this mostly 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 phone has support for bands n71 and n41.

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

If you are frequently talking to or texting someone from another country, using a messaging service like WhatsApp, Line, or Telegram can save you a lot of money and, in many cases, offer a better experience. These apps will 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 down to the budget category. If you are trying to get a flip phone in 2022, Ting is your only option here. You can see what 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?

Both Mint Mobile and Ting Mobile are great MVNO carriers. Ting has one of the lowest barriers to entry, starting low with plenty of room to grow. Ting has a few solid plans for those that need a lot of data as well. Still, with prices starting as low as $15 per month and some of the best rates for data of any carrier, Mint Mobile is the better fit for the majority. Not only that, if you can pay for an entire year of service, you can get a great deal.

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