Tello offers tons of incredibly cheap plans for all kinds of users, and it runs on T-Mobile’s network. Ting has fewer plans, which are more expensive, but it can get you on Verizon’s network which has great rural coverage. We’ll just come out and say it upfront: Tello is probably the better option for most people. Its plans are cheaper at every level and T-Mobile’s network is great in most areas. For those who want better rural coverage, Ting is a fine option, but there are actually better discount carriers out there (like Visible) that can get you on Verizon’s towers. Enough of our hot takes. Read on to get all of the details so you can decide which carrier is best for you. Here are all of the details so you can make up your own mind. Here’s a look at the cheaper, lower-data plans from each company. This WhistleOut chart shows all the plans. That $5 per GB can really add up quickly. If you end up using, let’s say, 8 GB a month then you’ll pay $50 for your plan. If you’re going to spend that much, you might as well get an unlimited plan. Meanwhile, if you use just 2 GB you’ll still pay $20 a month, which is $6 more than the unlimited talk, text, and 2 GB of data plan from Tello. Unfortunately, the Set plans aren’t that great either. The 12 GB plan is pricier than Tello’s unlimited data plan! Not a good look. Sadly, both Tello and Ting drop the ball on family plans. Technically, you can add extra lines to your account with either carrier. But you won’t see any discounts when you do. Nor will you see any cool perks. It’s really just a way to simplify your bill if you’re paying for your kids’ cell phone plans already. Tello uses T-Mobile’s network, which offers great nationwide coverage in most areas and the largest 5G infrastructure in the US. But, there are some sizable coverage gaps in rural parts of the West (like Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming). Take a closer look with this interactive coverage map. For those who live in rural areas or travel/camp/adventure in the wilderness often, Verizon is by far the best network. This means that going with Ting (or another Verizon MVNO) is a better choice than going with Tello. You can see Verizon’s network coverage in the map below. Ting Mobile scores a 4.6/5-star rating on Trustpilot,1 while Tello gets a 4.5/5-star rating.2 There are, of course, some negative reviews online. Customers complain about billing issues and problems with the app. But, overall, we’re pretty impressed with Tello and Ting. You can read more about these companies’ customer service in our in-depth Ting Mobile Review and Tello Mobile Review.
Unlimited plans: Tello wins. Tello’s $29 unlimited data plan is a way better deal than either of Ting’s unlimited plans. In fact, it’s one of the best deals on the market for unlimited talk, text, and data. Limited data plans: Tello wins. Once again, Tello takes the gold medal. It offers more plans than Ting and they are cheaper at every level. Family plans: Tie. Neither company will give you a discount or extra perks for bundling up with your family. Hopefully one of them will step up soon and offer some family plan deals. Coverage: Ting. While Tello members are required to use T-Mobile’s network, Ting customers have a choice between T-Mobile and Verizon. For those who live in rural areas, the Verizon network is the way to go. Customer service: Tie. The telecommunications industry isn’t known for great customer service. But both Tello and Ting manage to keep most people happy.
In short: Tello is the better service overall, but some folks who live in rural areas may prefer Ting’s coverage. View Ting Mobile Plans | Read the Ting Mobile Review
