Mint Mobile vs. AT&T: Which Plan Delivers the Best Value?

Looking for a phone plan that won’t break the bank and still keeps you connected? You’ve probably come across Mint Mobile and AT&T—two very different options that both claim to give you “the best.” So… who’s actually right?

We’re here to help you break it all down—pricing, coverage, perks, and which plan fits your lifestyle best. Let’s go!

Comparing Mint Mobile & AT&T

Mint Mobile

Think of Mint as the new, budget-loving cousin of the wireless world. Mint Mobile launched in 2016 and runs on T‑Mobile’s network. It’s 100% online, big on savings, and (yep) previously owned by Ryan Reynolds.

To get the best deals, you’ll need to pay upfront for at least 3 months, but the savings can be worth it.

AT&T

AT&T is one of the big guys. It runs on its own massive nationwide network and offers both prepaid and postpaid plans. Expect in-store help, lots of perks, and a choice between different unlimited data tiers.

Plans & Pricing

Let’s get to the good stuff: What are you paying, and what are you getting?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Mint Mobile Plans

Here’s what Mint offers (with pricing for the intro 3-month period):

5 GB – $15/mo

15 GB – $20/mo

20 GB – $25/mo

Unlimited – $30/mo (slows after 40 GB)

To keep those low rates (or even lower rates!), you’ll need to prepay in chunks of 3, 6, or 12 months.

AT&T Plans

Here’s the lowdown on AT&T’s postpaid unlimited lineup:

Value Plus VL – ~$51/mo for 1 line ($30.99 on 4-line plan)

Starter SL – ~$66/mo for 1 line ($35.99 on 4-line plan)

Extra EL – ~$76/mo (or $40.99 on 4 lines)

Premium PL – ~$86/mo (or $50.99 on 4 lines)

Don’t want a postpaid plan?
AT&T has 2 main prepaid options that offer a more affordable option.

Prepaid Unlimited – ~$25/mo

Prepaid Unlimited Basic – ~$45/mo

Coverage & Network Experience

Coverage Area

Mint Mobile uses T‑Mobile’s network: amazing 5G speeds in most cities and suburbs, but a little patchier in rural areas. Here is a snapshot of Mint Mobile’s coverage across the country. Click here to see what Mint Mobile’s coverage is like at your location.

AT&T runs on its own network, which covers more rural areas and has wide national reach. Here is a snapshot of AT&T’s coverage across the country. Click here to see what AT&T’s coverage is like at your location.

Data Speeds & Throttling

• Mint gives full-speed data up to 40 GB on the Unlimited Plan, then slows down. During high-traffic times, you may get deprioritized.
  
  
• AT&T plans also face deprioritization, but Premium never slows, even during peak times.

Hotspot, Streaming, & Perks

Mint Mobile vs. AT&T: Pros & Cons

Mint Mobile

Pros:

• Super low prices
  
  
• Simple plan lineup
  
  
• Great for light/moderate users
  

Cons:

• Must pay for months upfront
  
  
• Online-only customer support
  
  
• Coverage varies by location
  

AT&T

Pros:

• Premium data and perks
  
  
• Strong rural coverage
  
  
• In-store help if you need it
  

Cons:

• Pricier (especially solo)
  
  
• Deprioritization on lower plans
  
  
• Can get confusing with all the options
  

So… Which One’s for You?

• Choose Mint Mobile if you want to save big, don’t mind managing your plan online, and are cool with prepaying.
  
  
• Choose AT&T if you need top-tier data, want better coverage in rural areas, or prefer the comfort of in-store help and big-brand perks.

FAQ

Q: Can I bring my own phone and keep my number?
A: Yep! Both carriers let you keep your number and bring your own device (BYOD).

Q: What network does each carrier use?
A: Mint uses T‑Mobile’s network. AT&T uses… well, AT&T’s.

Q: Why is Mint Mobile cheaper than AT&T?
A: Mint is digital-only and prepaid, cutting costs by skipping the storefronts and billing cycles.

Q: Can I make international calls?
A: Both offer Canada calls (AT&T offers Mexico too!). Mint has roaming add-ons, and AT&T Premium throws in Latin America.

Q: Will my data get throttled with Mint Mobile?
A: Only after 40 GB on the unlimited plan. AT&T also has some deprioritization, but Premium avoids it entirely.