Visible and Tello are both online-only carriers with no contracts, but they're built for different people. Visible sells unlimited data on Verizon's network for $25 with taxes included. Tello sells small plans on T-Mobile's network, starting at $8, with taxes added on top. So the answer depends on two things: which network covers you, and how much data you really use.
The short answer
| If you... | Pick |
|---|---|
| Get better coverage on Verizon | Visible |
| Get better coverage on T-Mobile | Tello |
| Use under 10GB a month | Tello Everyday, $15 |
| Use 10 to 20GB | Tello Power, $20 |
| Want unlimited data | Visible, $25 |
| Need hotspot without a cap | Visible |
| Only need calls and texts | Tello Talk & Text, $8 |
Plans compared
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello Talk & Text | $8 + taxes | None | None |
| Tello Starter | $10 + taxes | 2GB | 2GB |
| Tello Everyday | $15 + taxes | 10GB | 10GB |
| Tello Power | $20 + taxes | 20GB | 20GB |
| Tello Max | $25 + taxes | 50GB, then slowed | 10GB |
| Visible | $25 | Unlimited | Unlimited at 5 Mbps |
| Visible+ | $35 | Unlimited, premium data | Unlimited at 10 Mbps |
Which is cheaper for your data
If you use under 20GB a month (check your phone's settings for last month's number), Tello is cheaper even after taxes: $15 for 10GB or $20 for 20GB. Above that, it flips. Tello Max at $25 plus taxes costs more than Visible's $25, slows after 50GB and has a smaller hotspot. Not sure what you use? Our data calculator helps.
Price over a year
| Plan | Year one | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tello Talk & Text | $96 + taxes | No data |
| Tello Everyday | $180 + taxes | 10GB |
| Tello Power | $240 + taxes | 20GB |
| Visible | $300, or $275 paid yearly | Unlimited, taxes included |
| Tello Max | $300 + taxes | 50GB |
| Visible+ | $420, or $375 paid yearly | Premium data |
Hotspot
Visible's base plan has unlimited hotspot at 5 Mbps: slow, but it never runs out. Tello's hotspot is fast but capped at your data allowance (10GB on Everyday, 20GB on Power, 10GB on Max). For occasional laptop use, Tello's faster hotspot is nicer. For daily use, Visible's never stops.
Taxes included, on Verizon's network, with unlimited hotspot at 5 Mbps. Month to month, no contract, 15-day free trial.
See Visible's plans →Prices checked October 25, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Data priority
Both can be slowed when a tower is busy: Tello behind T-Mobile's own customers, Visible's base plan behind Verizon's. Visible+ at $35 adds premium data. Tello has no premium-data plan.
International
Tello includes free calls to 60+ countries on its plans, which Visible's base plan doesn't. Visible+ adds calls and texts to Mexico and Canada and some roaming there. If you call abroad often, Tello has the edge.
Families
Neither gives a real multi-line discount. Each line is its own plan, so a family on Tello can mix a $8 line for a parent with a $20 line for a teenager. On Visible, every line is $25 or more.
Switching
Both are online only and work with eSIM on most newer phones. Check your phone is unlocked, get your number transfer PIN from your current carrier and sign up on the new one; don't cancel first. Visible has a 15-day free trial; T-Mobile's 30-day trial shows how Tello would work, since Tello uses the same network.
The bottom line
Pick the network that covers you first. If both do, Tello is the cheaper choice for light and medium users, and Visible is the better plan once you'd pay $25 anyway, because it's unlimited, includes taxes and never cuts off your hotspot.
Frequently asked questions
Is Visible or Tello cheaper? +
What network does Tello use? +
What network does Visible use? +
Does Tello include taxes? +
Which is better for hotspot? +
Can I keep my number? +
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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.