Mint Mobile just dropped a bombshell in the prepaid wireless world with its new truly unlimited 5G data plan, priced at $25/month for new customers who prepay for a year (regularly $30/month annually). Backed by T-Mobile’s muscle after its $1.35 billion acquisition in May 2024, Mint is stepping up to compete with carrier-owned prepaid brands and smaller MVNOs alike. But how does this shiny new unlimited plan stack up against Mint’s other prepaid offerings—and the competition? Let’s dive in and break it all down.
Mint Mobile’s Full Lineup of Prepaid Plans
Mint Mobile keeps things simple with a handful of prepaid plans, all requiring you to pay upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months. Here’s the current roster, including the new unlimited option, as of April 2025:
1. 5GB Plan
- Data: 5GB of 5G/4G LTE, then unlimited 2G speeds
- Hotspot: Included (uses your 5GB)
- Streaming: No specific cap
- Pricing: $15/month (annual), $20/month (6 months), $25/month (3 months)
- Best For: Light users who mostly browse and text
2. 15GB Plan
- Data: 15GB of 5G/4G LTE, then unlimited 2G speeds
- Hotspot: Included (uses your 15GB)
- Streaming: No specific cap
- Pricing: $20/month (annual), $25/month (6 months), $35/month (3 months)
- Best For: Moderate users who stream occasionally
3. 20GB Plan
- Data: 20GB of 5G/4G LTE, then unlimited 2G speeds
- Hotspot: Included (uses your 20GB)
- Streaming: No specific cap
- Pricing: $25/month (annual), $35/month (6 months), $45/month (3 months)
- Best For: Streamers and social media buffs
4. Unlimited Plan (New Truly Unlimited)
- Data: Unlimited 5G/4G LTE, with speeds possibly slowed after 35GB during congestion
- Hotspot: 10GB separate allowance
- Streaming: Capped at 480p
- Pricing: $25/month (promo, annual for new customers), $30/month (annual), $35/month (6 months), $40/month (3 months)
- Best For: Heavy users who need it all
The New Unlimited Plan vs. Mint’s Other Plans
The new unlimited plan is a clear upgrade over Mint’s previous flagship, which capped high-speed data at 40GB before throttling to 3G speeds. Now, “truly unlimited” means you keep going after 35GB, with only potential slowdowns during peak network times—no harsh 3G drop-off. That’s a game-changer for power users.
- Data Freedom: The 5GB, 15GB, and 20GB plans are great for budgeters, but they’re capped—hit your limit, and you’re crawling at 2G speeds (think dial-up vibes). The unlimited plan’s 35GB soft cap blows them out of the water for anyone who streams, games, or works remotely.
- Hotspot Edge: The unlimited plan’s dedicated 10GB hotspot allowance is a standout. The other plans let you tether, but it eats into your main data bucket. For hotspot fans, the unlimited option is the clear winner.
- Price Value: At $25/month (promo) or $30/month (regular annual), the unlimited plan matches or beats the 20GB plan’s pricing while offering way more data. The 5GB and 15GB plans are cheaper, but you’re sacrificing flexibility for savings.
- Streaming Trade-Off: The 480p video cap on the unlimited plan is the only real catch—Mint’s lower-tier plans don’t mention streaming limits, so you might get higher quality there if your data holds up.
For anyone needing more than 20GB, the unlimited plan is a no-brainer over Mint’s other options. It’s the best bang for your buck if you’re willing to pay upfront.
How It Compares to the Competition
The $25/month price point is a battleground for carrier-owned prepaid brands, and Mint’s new plan holds its own:
- Metro by T-Mobile: Offers a $25/month unlimited plan (often promo-based or multi-line), with no hotspot on the base tier and a 35GB soft cap. Mint’s 10GB hotspot gives it an edge.
- Visible (Verizon): $25/month unlimited, no hotspot unless you upgrade to Visible+ ($35/month). Mint’s cheaper hotspot inclusion and T-Mobile’s 5G network outshine Visible’s base plan.
- Cricket Wireless (AT&T): $25/month unlimited for new customers paying a year upfront, but no hotspot and a tighter throttle policy. Mint’s promo matches this price with more perks.
- Total Wireless/Straight Talk (Verizon): $25/month unlimited plans exist, but hotspot varies by offer, and Verizon’s 5G isn’t as widespread as T-Mobile’s in some areas. Mint pulls ahead with consistency.
Smaller MVNOs like Boost Mobile or US Mobile can’t touch this—they stick to capped plans (e.g., 20GB for $25/month) without the unlimited promise or hotspot generosity.
Bundles That Seal the Deal
Mint sweetens the pot with phone bundles: a Google Pixel 9 with the unlimited plan for $579 ($49/month) or a Samsung Galaxy A16 5G for $360 ($30/month). The plan’s advertised as $15/month in these deals, making it a steal. Competitors offer bundles, but Mint’s pricing and T-Mobile’s 5G network give it a leg up.
Why Mint’s Unlimited Wins
Mint’s new unlimited plan isn’t just keeping pace—it’s redefining value. You get truly unlimited 5G data, a solid 10GB hotspot, and flexible prepaid terms, all on T-Mobile’s top-tier network. Compared to Mint’s own capped plans, it’s a leap forward for heavy users. Against rivals, it shines with hotspot perks and competitive pricing. Taxes and fees are extra, and the 35GB soft cap might slow you down in busy areas, but those are small gripes for $25/month. Expect a quirky Ryan Reynolds ad hyping this soon—grab it here before the promo fades!
