Mint Mobile and Metro are both owned by T-Mobile and use its network, so coverage is the same. Metro's unlimited plan costs $25 a month with taxes included and no prepayment. Mint's costs $30 a month on a 12-month prepay, plus taxes. Metro is the cheaper unlimited plan. Mint is better if you need fast hotspot data, use little data, or call Mexico, Canada or the UK.
The short answer
| If you... | Pick |
|---|---|
| Want the cheapest unlimited, paid monthly | Metro, $25 |
| Need fast hotspot data | Mint Unlimited |
| Use under 6GB a month | Mint 6GB, $15 |
| Call Mexico, Canada or the UK | Mint |
| Want a cheap phone or store help | Metro |
Plans compared
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint 6GB | $15 (12 months) + taxes | 6GB | Uses plan data |
| Mint 17GB | $20 (12 months) + taxes | 17GB | Uses plan data |
| Mint Unlimited | $30 (12 months) + taxes | Unlimited, 50GB premium | Up to 20GB |
| Metro 6-Month Unlimited | $20/mo ($120 upfront) | Unlimited | 3G speeds only |
| Metro $25 | $25, taxes included | Unlimited, may slow past 35GB | 3G speeds only |
| Metro $30 | $30, taxes included | Unlimited, may slow past 35GB | 10GB |
Price over a year
Metro $25 is $300 a year with taxes included. Mint Unlimited is $360 plus taxes, paid upfront. Metro is about $60 to $90 cheaper. New customers can do even better with Metro's 6-month plan at $120. After year one, check what Mint charges at renewal.
| Plan | Year one | Taxes |
|---|---|---|
| Mint 6GB | $180 | Extra |
| Mint Unlimited | $360 | Extra |
| Metro $25 | $305 | Included |
| Metro $30 | $365 | Included |
| Metro 6-Month Unlimited | $120 for 6 months | Included |
$25 a month with AutoPay, taxes included ($30 the first month), on T-Mobile's network. No prepay.
See Metro's $25 plan →Prices checked October 25, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Hotspot
Mint Unlimited includes up to 20GB of high-speed hotspot. Metro's $25 plan only allows hotspot at 3G speeds. Metro's $30 plan has 10GB, so for hotspot users Mint is the better deal.
Small data users
Metro has no small plan. If you use under 6GB a month, Mint's $15 plan costs $10 less than Metro's cheapest. See how much data you need on Mint.
Phones, stores and support
Metro has thousands of stores and often discounts phones for people who switch. Mint is online only and you usually bring your own phone.
Two lines and families
On Mint, each line has its own plan, so two Unlimited lines are $60 a month on 12-month terms, plus taxes. You can mix sizes, like one Unlimited and one 6GB line for $45. Metro's best family price is its 4 lines for $100 offer with taxes included. For two lines, see our best plans for 2 lines.
Travel and calling abroad
Mint includes free calling to Mexico, Canada and the UK on every plan. Metro Unlimited Premium includes texting to 210+ countries; check Metro's add-ons for calling.
Extras
| Mint Unlimited | Metro $25 | Metro Unlimited Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 + taxes | $25 | $55 |
| Premium data | 50GB | No | Yes |
| Hotspot | Up to 20GB | 3G speeds only | 25GB |
| Other | Free calls to Mexico, Canada, UK | T-Mobile Tuesdays | Google One 100GB, HD video, $5 watch lines |
Switching from Metro to Mint
- Check your phone works on Mint's network and is unlocked (is my phone unlocked?).
- If you're paying off a phone, the remaining balance becomes due when you leave. Pay it off or plan for it (hidden costs of switching).
- Get your account number and number transfer PIN from Metro. Don't cancel Metro yourself: the move cancels it.
- Sign up with Mint and choose to keep your number. Most newer phones can use an eSIM, so you're often live within minutes (how to switch to eSIM).
- Unlock your Metro phone first: see Metro unlock requirements. Both use T-Mobile's network, so the phone will work.
Support
Metro has stores. Mint is online, with chat and phone support.
The bottom line
For unlimited data you pay for monthly, Metro is cheaper and includes taxes. Get Mint if you need hotspot, use little data or call Mexico, Canada or the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mint or Metro cheaper? +
Do Mint and Metro use the same network? +
Which has better hotspot, Mint or Metro? +
Do I have to prepay for Mint? +
Can I use my Metro phone on Mint? +
Is Mint or Metro better for two lines? +
Does Metro include taxes? +
Keep reading
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Jean has tested carrier plans independently since 2019, running SIMs on all three networks and paying for every line himself. He ranks carriers on the bill you actually get, taxes and fees included, not the price on the ad.