AT&T is one of the largest major carriers in the nation, while Mint Mobile is one of the largest mobile virtual network operators (MNVOs). AT&T relies on its massive 4G LTE and 5G network to offer service, while Mint uses T-Mobile’s network. Both of these carriers provide great coverage and unlimited data plans, and picking the best one for you will come down to what you value most in a wireless carrier.
AT&T has the best 4G LTE coverage, more perks, larger high-speed data caps, and in-person customer service. It is the best choice for customers who want a lot of extras to go along with their wireless plan.
Mint Mobile, on the other hand, offers better 5G coverage and lower prices, making it a solid choice for budget-minded customers. Read on to learn more about our findings as we compare what these carriers have to offer.
How we evaluated AT&T vs. Mint Mobile
- Price & value We ensured you’re getting the most bang for your buck without sacrificing on the essentials to keep you connected.
- High-speed data We looked at whether the amount of guaranteed “premium” data was reasonable for the plan price, and flagged if you’re being overcharged for data you likely don’t need.
- Coverage & network reliability We evaluated each carrier’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage to predict your service quality (no dropped calls allowed!).
- Plan extras and perks If you get free Netflix or a hefty hotspot, we factored those in relative to the cost of the plan.
You can read more about our detailed methodology below.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile Summary
While AT&T should ostensibly crush a small carrier like Mint, there is one crucial area where the Ryan Renyolds-owned company actually has the advantage: price. Here’s a quick look at the strengths of each carrier.
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| AT&T Plans | Mint Plans |
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Coverage
AT&T relies on its massive nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks for coverage. Mint Mobile, meanwhile, provides service aboard T-Mobile’s network. So, what does this mean for a coverage competition between AT&T and Mint Mobile? It means that AT&T offers more 4G LTE coverage while Mint Mobile offers more 5G coverage.
While 5G offers incredibly fast data speeds, 4G LTE is still the main source of wireless coverage in the United States because it’s so widespread. Because AT&T has better 4G LTE coverage, we are giving it the victory in this category. However, customers who spend the majority of their time in urban areas and want the best 5G coverage might be better served by Mint Mobile.
Check out our coverage maps below to see how AT&T and Mint’s coverage compares where you live:
Bottom line: Get the same coverage for half the price
Many people don't realize that a much cheaper MVNO like Mint Mobile can provide the exact same coverage as a major carrier plan. But what if you want to stay on AT&T's network?
Other carriers that operate on AT&T's towers include Red Pocket, which offers unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of high-speed data for just $20/month. We especially love that you can take advantage of high data caps and free international calling.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Price
MVNOs have a clear advantage over larger carriers in terms of price. This is easy to see with AT&T and Mint Mobile. Mint offers unlimited data plans for as low as $30/month. That’s a price that no unlimited plan from AT&T can touch.
- $50/month
- Unlimited data (can be slowed)
- 5GB hotspot
- $30/month (intro. price)
- 50GB high-speed data
- 20GB hotspot
Two comparable plans are AT&T’s Unlimited + 5GB hotspot plan and Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Data Plan. AT&T’s unlimited prepaid plan starts at $50/month for new customers. It includes access to AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G networks and a 5GB mobile hotspot. While you'll have unlimited data, your speeds can be deprioritized. Still, as an AT&T customer, it's unlikely this will happen often.
Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Data Plan starts at $30/month ($15/month if you opt for the 12-month plan). Even at $30/month, Mint is still cheaper than AT&T. The plan includes 50GB of high-speed data before deprioritization and a 20GB mobile hotspot.
How does Mint Mobile’s pricing work?
Mint Mobile is a unique carrier in that you can’t pay by the month. Instead, you must prepay in 3-, 6-, or 12-month allotments. The longer you prepay, the cheaper your monthly cost. However, the entire cost of the plan is due at the time of purchase. So, if you want a year of Mint’s Unlimited plan at $15/month, your total cost will be $180.
Mint does offer cheaper service overall, but not everyone will be able to afford the larger up-front payments Mint requires. Those customers may be better served by AT&T’s monthly payment options.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Perks
Mint Mobile is able to keep its plan prices low by not offering the extra perks that other carriers do. Mint’s plans simply include high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and a mobile hotspot allowance. There aren’t really any perks to speak of.
AT&T on the other hand offers plenty of perks. Some of its top unlimited plans include free 4K ultra-high definition streaming, premium high-speed data, cell phone installment plans, public Wi-Fi security protection, and free subscriptions to things like Nvidia’s cloud gaming services. While not everyone needs perks with their wireless plan, for customers that do, AT&T is the only option.
AT&T offers more perks than Mint and takes the win here.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: High-Speed Data
Because AT&T owns the network it operates on, it can offer incredible high-speed data options. AT&T’s Unlimited Premium PL plan includes unlimited premium high-speed data. Premium data is high-speed data that can’t be slowed down due to deprioritization or throttling, so you’ll have ultra-fast speeds throughout the entire month.
Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan offers 50GB of high-speed data. If you exceed that amount, your speeds are deprioritized and throttled down. You’ll still be connected to data, but it’ll generally be too slow to do any data-intensive tasks like streaming or mobile gaming. Keep in mind, however, that 50GB of data is a pretty good chunk. If you make sure to connect to Wi-Fi when at home or at work, there’s a good chance you’ll never exceed it.
While AT&T offers unlimited premium high-speed data and reliable coverage, in our testing, Mint Mobile was faster in urban areas. That said, if you want genuinely uncapped high-speed data, you should pick AT&T. If you want lightning fast 5G speed and don't think you'll go over the 50GB limit, Mint Mobile is a better choice for you.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Mobile Hotspot Data
AT&T has an obvious advantage in mobile hotspot data since it owns its network. Premium 2.0 plan includes a staggering 100GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data per month. AT&T’s other postpaid unlimited plans also include dedicated hotspots, like the Extra 2.0 plan with 50GB and the Value 2.0 with 3GB. Even AT&T’s prepaid plans generally include mobile hotspot options.
Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Plan includes a simple 20GB mobile hotspot (that comes out of your overall allotment). Its other plans also include hotspot capability, but the hotspot amount is tied to the overall data allotment of the plan. Learn more about Mint Mobile hotspots including plans, limits, and basic usage.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Hotspot data
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| Plan | Hotspot | Plan | Hotspot |
| Premium 2.0 | 100GB |
Unlimited | 20GB |
| Extra 2.0 | 50GB | 20GB Plan | 20GB |
| Value 2.0 | 3GB | 15GB Plan | 15GB |
AT&T offers larger dedicated hotspots than Mint Mobile, so it wins this category.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: Family Plans
Both AT&T and Mint Mobile offer solid family options and multi-line discounts. Which one works best for your family will depend on your particular wireless needs.
AT&T's best family plan is the Unlimited Your Way plan. It allows you to customize your family plan with different unlimited options for each member of your family. Plus, there’s a multi-line discount to drop the price of each line as you add family members. Here’s how the pricing works:
AT&T Unlimited Your Way Pricing
| Plan | 1 line | 2 total lines | 3 total lines | 4+ total lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value 2.0 | $50 | $45 | $35 | $30 |
| Extra 2.0 | $70 | $60 | $55 | $40 |
| Premium 2.0 | $90 | $80 | $65 | $55 |
Mint Mobile offers the Modern Family Plan. Like AT&T, this plan allows you to mix and match lines from each of Mint’s options to create the perfect plan. However, Mint goes a step further and includes its lowest price on each line you add, no matter the length of your plan. Plus, Mint’s discount is not determined by how many lines you add. No matter if you select a two-line plan or a five-line plan, Mint uses its lowest price. See how that works below:
Mint Mobile family plan monthly pricing
| Plan | Single-line price | Multi-line (2-5) price | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | $15 (12 months) $20 (6 months) $25 (3 months) |
$15 | View plan |
| 15GB | $20 (12 months) $25 (6 months) $25 (3 months) |
$20 | View plan |
| 20GB | $25 (12 months) $35 (6 months) $45 (3 months) |
$25 | View plan |
| Unlimited | $30 (12 months) $35 (6 months) $40 (3 months) |
$30 | View plan |
Because both AT&T and Mint offer great family plan options, we are calling this category a tie. If you need unlimited plans with a ton of great perks and don’t mind paying a little more, AT&T’s Unlimited Your Way plan is a great option. If you are interested in getting a family plan for as low a price as possible, you can’t do much better than Mint’s Modern Family Plan.
AT&T vs. Mint Mobile: FAQs
Is Mint cheaper than AT&T?
Yes, Mint Mobile's plans are generally cheaper than AT&T's plans. However, you must purchase multiple months of Mint's service upfront. This one-time purchase can make the plans initially more expensive than AT&T's monthly cost.
Does Mint Mobile use AT&T towers?
No, Mint Mobile does not use AT&T's towers. Mint Mobile is a T-Mobile MVNO and uses the T-Mobile network.
Is Mint Mobile owned by AT&T?
No, Mint Mobile is not owned by AT&T. Mint is partially owned by actor Ryan Reynolds.
Can you switch from AT&T to Mint?
Yes, most devices can switch from AT&T to Mint Mobile. However, you need to ensure your device is paid off, unlocked, and compatible with Mint's network before you switch.
What carrier does AT&T own?
The MVNO carrier that AT&T owns is Cricket Wireless.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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