Mint Mobile just dropped a game-changing promo: a $20/month truly unlimited 5G data plan for new customers. Initially exclusive to Best Buy, it’s now available directly on Mint Mobile’s website. At this price, it’s the cheapest unlimited plan on T-Mobile’s network for single lines. But with competitors like Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, Visible, and US Mobile offering similar deals in the $20-$30/month range, is Mint’s offer the right fit for you? Let’s break it down and compare the top budget-friendly unlimited 5G plans to help you decide.
Mint Mobile’s $20/Month Unlimited 5G Plan
Here’s the lowdown on Mint Mobile’s promo plan:
- Price: $20/month, but you prepay $240 for a full year. Taxes and fees aren’t included, so expect to shell out ~$275-$300 total, averaging ~$23-$25/month. (Normally, this plan costs $360/year or $30/month.)
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE, but it’s deprioritized, meaning speeds may slow during network congestion. If you use over 35GB/month, your data gets further deprioritized.
- Hotspot: 10GB of high-speed hotspot data.
- Video Streaming: Limited to 480p.
- International: Unlimited talk/text plus 3GB of data/month for use in Canada.
- Catch: You’re locked in for a year with no refunds if you bail early, and that upfront $240 payment can sting.
I’m not a huge fan of annual plans—they tie you to one provider, and you might miss out on better deals elsewhere. Plus, if the service doesn’t vibe with you, you’re stuck. Still, the savings are tempting if you’re cool with the commitment.
How Mint Stacks Up Against the Competition
Mint Mobile’s plan is a steal, but it’s not the only budget unlimited 5G option out there. Let’s see how it compares to other plans from Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, Visible, and US Mobile, all hovering around $20-$30/month. Each runs on either T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T’s networks, with unique perks and trade-offs.
Metro by T-Mobile: $25/Month Unlimited 5G Plan
- Price: $25/month, taxes and fees included.
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE, deprioritized (like Mint). Speeds may slow after 35GB/month.
- Hotspot: None.
- Video Streaming: 480p.
- International: No Canada or international benefits.
- Perks: Access to T-Mobile Tuesdays (weekly freebies and discounts) and in-store support.
- Payment: Monthly billing—no big upfront cost.
- Network: T-Mobile.
- Why Choose It?: Perfect if you want T-Mobile’s network without a year-long commitment. The included taxes/fees and T-Mobile Tuesdays perks are nice bonuses, but you miss out on hotspot and Canada roaming. Note: This plan is for bring-your-own-device customers only.
Total Wireless: Unlimited 5G Plan (~$25/Month)
- Price: ~$25/month (taxes/fees may apply, often included).
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE on Verizon’s network, deprioritized. Possible throttling after ~35GB/month (varies).
- Hotspot: 5-10GB high-speed hotspot (depends on the promo).
- Video Streaming: 480p or 720p (plan-dependent).
- International: Limited, sometimes includes Mexico/Canada talk/text.
- Perks: Multi-line discounts.
- Payment: Monthly or annual (annual saves a bit).
- Network: Verizon.
- Why Choose It?: Verizon’s network shines in rural areas, and the hotspot data is solid. Monthly billing keeps things flexible, but international features are hit-or-miss.
Visible: Base Unlimited Plan ($25/Month)
- Price: $25/month, taxes and fees included.
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE on Verizon’s network, deprioritized. No hard data cap.
- Hotspot: Unlimited, but capped at 5Mbps.
- Video Streaming: 480p.
- International: Unlimited talk/text to Mexico/Canada, 0.5GB/day data in those countries.
- Perks: None major.
- Payment: Monthly billing.
- Network: Verizon.
- Why Choose It?: Unlimited hotspot (though slow) and solid Mexico/Canada benefits make it great for cross-border travelers. Verizon’s coverage is a plus, and no annual commitment means flexibility. It’s online-only, so no in-store support.
US Mobile: Unlimited Flex Plan (~$25/Month)
- Price: ~$25/month (taxes/fees extra) or ~$22.50/month with annual billing ($270/year).
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE, deprioritized (choose Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T). Possible throttling after 35GB.
- Hotspot: 10GB high-speed hotspot with annual plan (monthly may have less or none).
- Video Streaming: 480p or 720p (plan-dependent).
- International: Optional add-ons (not included).
- Perks: Free telehealth and streaming perks (e.g., Netflix, Spotify) on some plans.
- Payment: Monthly or annual.
- Network: Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T (your choice).
- Why Choose It?: The ability to pick your network is a game-changer, and the annual plan is slightly cheaper than Mint’s effective cost. Streaming perks add value, but international features cost extra.
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Price (Monthly) | Network | Hotspot | International | Video | Payment | Key Perks | Key Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | ~$23-$25 (est.) | T-Mobile | 10GB | 3GB Canada data | 480p | Annual ($240) | Cheapest upfront | Annual lock-in, no refunds |
| Metro by T-Mobile | $25 | T-Mobile | None | None | 480p | Monthly | T-Mobile Tuesdays, in-store support | No hotspot, BYOD only |
| Total Wireless | ~$25 | Verizon | 5-10GB | Limited | 480p/720p | Monthly/Annual | Verizon coverage | Inconsistent international |
| Visible | $25 | Verizon | Unlimited (5Mbps) | Mexico/Canada | 480p | Monthly | Unlimited hotspot, international | Slow hotspot, online-only |
| US Mobile | ~$22.50-$25 | Verizon/T-Mobile/AT&T | 10GB (annual) | Add-ons | 480p/720p | Monthly/Annual | Network choice, streaming perks | Add-ons cost extra |
Which Plan Should You Pick?
Choosing the best plan depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick guide to match your needs:
- Mint Mobile (~$23-$25/month): Go for this if you want the cheapest upfront cost, need hotspot data, and travel to Canada often. It’s a great deal if you’re okay with T-Mobile’s network, can pay $240 upfront, and don’t mind being locked in for a year. Just be aware there’s no refund if you’re unhappy.
- Metro by T-Mobile ($25/month): Pick this if you want T-Mobile’s network without the annual commitment. It’s ideal for those who value in-store support, don’t need hotspot or international features, and love T-Mobile Tuesdays perks. The included taxes/fees keep costs predictable.
- Total Wireless (~$25/month): Choose this for Verizon’s superior rural coverage and decent hotspot data. It’s a solid pick if you want monthly billing flexibility and might need multi-line discounts, but international benefits are spotty.
- Visible ($25/month): Opt for this if you want Verizon’s network, unlimited (slow) hotspot, and Mexico/Canada benefits. It’s perfect for travelers and those who hate annual commitments. The online-only model might not suit everyone.
- US Mobile (~$22.50-$25/month): This is your go-to if you want to choose your network (Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T) and love perks like streaming subscriptions. The annual plan beats Mint’s effective cost slightly, and monthly billing keeps things flexible.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Network Coverage: T-Mobile (Mint, Metro) is awesome in cities but can lag in rural spots. Verizon (Total, Visible) is a champ for rural coverage. US Mobile lets you pick what works best for your area.
- Data Speeds: All these plans are deprioritized, so expect slower speeds during peak times, especially after 35GB/month. If you’re a light user (under 35GB), this might not bug you.
- Hotspot Needs: Mint, Total, and US Mobile (annual) give you 10GB high-speed hotspot. Visible offers unlimited but at a sluggish 5Mbps. Metro has zilch.
- International Travel: Mint’s 3GB Canada data is a standout. Visible’s Mexico/Canada talk/text and data are great for border-hoppers. Others either have limited or no international perks.
- Payment Flexibility: Metro, Total, Visible, and US Mobile (monthly) let you pay monthly, making it easier to switch if a better deal pops up. Mint’s annual prepayment is a bigger commitment.
- Extra Perks: Metro’s T-Mobile Tuesdays and US Mobile’s streaming/telehealth goodies add value. Mint, Total, and Visible are light on extras.
Final Thoughts
Mint Mobile’s $20/month unlimited 5G plan is a killer deal for budget hunters who can handle the annual prepayment and don’t mind T-Mobile’s network. But if you crave flexibility, need Verizon’s coverage, or want specific perks like unlimited hotspot or streaming subscriptions, Metro by T-Mobile, Total Wireless, Visible, or US Mobile might be better fits. Mint hasn’t said when this promo ends, so if it’s calling your name, grab it on their website ASAP.
