Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile - Which Prepaid Carrier is Right for You?
October 21, 2025
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So, you’re hunting for a phone plan that won’t break the bank but still keeps you connected everywhere you go. Two names probably popped up: Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile.
Both are prepaid carriers (a.k.a. MVNOs) known for wallet-friendly prices, big-name network access, and no long-term contracts. But which one’s actually the better deal for you?
Let’s dive in — we’ll compare plans, coverage, speed, perks, and everything else you need to make the right call.
Meet the Contenders
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is the cool kid of prepaid carriers — fresh branding, digital-first experience, and once owned by Ryan Reynolds (now part of T-Mobile).
- Network: T-Mobile’s 4G LTE + 5G network
- Type: MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator)
- How it works: You prepay for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront to unlock lower prices.
- Vibe: Online-only, ultra-affordable, simple, and modern.
Mint’s entire business model is built on cutting out retail stores, which means lower overhead — and those savings go straight to you.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile’s been around since the early 2000s, and it’s now owned by DISH (EchoStar). It’s a hybrid carrier: it uses DISH’s new 5G network and leases towers from T-Mobile and AT&T for wider coverage.
- Network: DISH + T-Mobile + AT&T
- Type: Hybrid (part-own, part-MVNO)
- How it works: Traditional month-to-month plans with optional add-ons.
- Vibe: Flexible, established, and store-friendly (you can walk in and talk to someone).
Boost was one of the first prepaid carriers to offer unlimited data and continues to experiment with “lifetime rate” and “Shrink-It” discounts.
Plans & Pricing
Here’s where Mint and Boost start to show their true colors — Mint with its prepaid bundles and Boost with its à la carte flexibility.
Mint Mobile Plans
Note: Mint Mobile’s 3-month pricing reflects their introductory promo — new customers pay the same low rate as the 12-month plan for their first 3 months.
Unlimited talk, text, and data with 40GB of high-speed data (then slows) plus 10GB hotspot. $30/month with a 12-month prepay, $35/month with a 6-month prepay, or $30/month with a 3-month prepay. Great for heavy streamers and multi-device users.
Extra breathing room for moderate users who don’t want to worry about going over. $25/month with 12-month prepay, $35/month with 6-month prepay, or $25/month with a 3-month prepay. Includes hotspot and free calls to Mexico and Canada.
A balanced option that covers most everyday users with streaming, maps, and light social scrolling. $20/month with 12-month prepay, $25/month with 6-month prepay, or $20/month with a 3-month prepay.
Perfect for light users who just need talk, text, and a little data for browsing or social. $15/month with 12-month prepay, $20/month with 6-month prepay, or $15/month with a 3-month prepay.
All Mint plans include unlimited talk and text, free calling to Mexico and Canada, and Wi-Fi calling.
Pro tip: You’ll save the most with Mint by paying for 12 months upfront. If commitment scares you, start with a 3-month test run.
Boost Mobile Plans
Unlimited with 50 GB of premium data, unlimited talk, and text for $60/month. Includes roaming in Mexico and Canada.
40GB of high-speed data, unlimited hotspot, unlimited talk, and text. $50/month. Ideal for those who tether often or stream on the go.
30GB of high-speed data (then slows), unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. $10/month. This plan keeps things simple and affordable, but does not include hotspot.
Plan Comparison at a Glance
Network Coverage
Mint Mobile Coverage
Mint runs entirely on T-Mobile’s network — one of the fastest 5G networks in the U.S. It covers about 98% of Americans with 5G and 99% with LTE.
- Strong in cities and suburbs
- Weaker in rural or mountain regions
- Data speeds can slow during network congestion (deprioritization)
Check out Mint Mobile’s coverage at your location.
Boost Mobile Coverage
Boost uses a hybrid model, connecting to DISH’s new 5G network where available, and falling back on T-Mobile or AT&T elsewhere.
- Better rural coverage thanks to AT&T fallback
- Slightly less consistent speeds during network transitions
Data Speeds & Performance
- Mint Mobile: Average download speeds range from 100–200 Mbps on T-Mobile 5G, depending on your location. After hitting your data cap, speeds slow to around 600 Kbps.
- Boost Mobile: Similar speeds when using T-Mobile or AT&T’s networks, but performance can vary depending on whether you’re connected to DISH’s newer infrastructure.
Mint tends to be more consistent overall, while Boost may outperform in certain rural or suburban zones.
Hotspot, Perks & Extras
Mint Mobile
- Hotspot included (up to 10GB on Unlimited plan)
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Add-on international roaming
- Wi-Fi calling and texting abroad
- App-based activation and support
Boost Mobile
- Hotspot included only on select plans
- International calling add-ons available
- “Shrink-It” loyalty discounts on some plans
- Occasional streaming or bonus perks
- In-store customer service
Customer Experience
Mint Mobile is 100% digital — you order online, activate in-app, and manage everything through your account. It’s fast, simple, and perfect for people who prefer to skip the store.
Boost Mobile still has thousands of retail stores across the U.S., making it easier to get help in person. However, user reviews mention inconsistent service quality between locations.
Pros & Cons
Mint Mobile Pros
- Affordable pricing with multi-month savings
- Reliable T-Mobile network
- Free international calling to Mexico & Canada
- Wi-Fi calling included
- Smooth app-based experience
Mint Mobile Cons
- Requires prepayment for 3, 6, or 12 months
- No physical stores for support
- Data deprioritization during congestion
Boost Mobile Pros
- Flexible month-to-month billing
- Access to multiple networks (DISH, T-Mobile, AT&T)
- In-store support available
- Stronger rural coverage
Boost Mobile Cons
- Some plans lack hotspot
- Inconsistent network performance
- Add-ons can increase monthly cost
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on what matters most to you.
- Budget-conscious? Choose Mint Mobile for unbeatable long-term pricing.
- Need flexibility or rural coverage? Boost Mobile might be the better fit.
- Want to manage everything online? Mint has you covered.
- Prefer in-person support? Go with Boost.
Ready to see which one performs best where you live? Compare coverage and plans on Goji.
Frequently Asked Questions
What networks do Mint and Boost use?
Mint uses T-Mobile. Boost uses DISH, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Can I bring my own unlocked phone?
Yes! Both carriers support BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone).
What happens after I exceed high-speed data on unlimited plans?
You’ll stay connected but at reduced speeds (around 600 Kbps).
Does Mint or Boost include roaming in Canada/Mexico?
Mint includes free calling to both countries; Boost offers roaming add-ons.
Which carrier is better in rural areas?
Boost, thanks to its AT&T fallback coverage.
Can I switch between Mint and Boost easily?
Yes — both are prepaid and contract-free.
Are taxes and fees included in the prices shown?
Mint’s prices exclude taxes; Boost’s vary by state but are often included in checkout.
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