Red Pocket and Mint Mobile are both low-cost prepaid carriers. The main difference is the network: Red Pocket lets you pick, and Mint is T-Mobile only.
Key takeaways
Red Pocket offers AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon; Mint is T-Mobile only.
Unlimited costs $30 a month at both (Mint on a 12-month term).
Red Pocket is monthly; Mint is prepaid for 3, 6 or 12 months.
Red Pocket's $10 plan is the cheapest way in for very light users.
At a glance
| Red Pocket | Mint Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon (your choice) | T-Mobile |
| Light plan | $10/mo, 3GB | $15/mo, 6GB (12-month term) |
| Mid plan | $20/mo, 20GB | $20/mo, 17GB (12-month term) |
| Unlimited | $30/mo, 10GB hotspot | $30/mo (12-month term), up to 20GB hotspot |
| How you pay | Monthly | 3, 6 or 12 months upfront |
| Intro offer | Discounted first month | None since the $15 deal ended Sep 30 |
Prices as of October 2026, plus taxes.
Which to choose
- Choose Red Pocket if T-Mobile is weak where you live, or you want to pay monthly.
- Choose Mint if T-Mobile covers you well and you're happy to prepay a year for the lowest price on light plans.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Red Pocket or Mint Mobile? +
Red Pocket if you need AT&T or Verizon coverage or want to pay monthly. Mint if T-Mobile works well for you and you'll prepay.
Who is the carrier for Red Pocket? +
Red Pocket lets you choose AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon when you sign up.
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About the author
Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.
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