Do you want the cheapest domestic data? Prefer streaming-friendly plans? Or do you want your plans to be short-term? These are a few questions that are heard when buying network services. Today at the Phones Counter, we are going to compare the services of two very famous services. So, get ready for a clear discussion on Ultra Mobile vs Mint Mobile.
As we know, Ultra Mobile plans are a little bit more expensive than Mint Mobile. Unlike Mint, however, Ultra Mobile also features options for single-months.
Ultra Mobile
Ultra Mobile is a US-based MVNO(Mobile Virtual Network Operator) known for its internationally focused plans. It was founded in 2011. It is best suited to international callers with plans starting from $10 to $59/month. Ultra Mobile offers free international calling and texting to over 80 countries. Its plans include
| Plan | Price/Mo | Data | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $19 | 1GB | 100 int'l mins |
| Unlimited | $39 | Unlimited* | 300 int'l mins + Global SMS |
| World | $59 | 50GB | Unlimited international calls + 10GB global roaming |
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget-friendly MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) operating on T-Mobile’s network. It was founded in 2016. It is suited to data users seeking low-cost plans, with plans starting from $15 to $30/month. You can also check Mint Mobile pros and cons for more details. Let’s have a look at its plans.
| Plan | 3-Month Price | 12-Month Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB | $25/mo | $15/mo | Basic browsing |
| 15GB | $35/mo | $25/mo | HD streaming |
| 20GB | $45/mo | $30/mo | Gaming/4K |
| Unlimited | $60/mo | $40/mo | 40GB priority data |
Ultra Mobile vs Mint Mobile
Now that we know the basic details. Let’s learn about Ultra Mobile vs Mint Mobile differences:
Target Audience Comparisons
Mint Mobile Target Audience:
- Mint Mobile focuses on budget-conscious users. It is best suited for low-cost data usage..
- If you are okay with annual prepaid commitments (3,6, or 12-month plans), then you are made for Mint Mobile.
Ultra Mobile Target Audience:
- For users who are frequent travelers and immigrants who need affordable international calls, Ultra Mobile is the ultimate plan.
- The users who need to make frequent calls to other countries, here’s the news: Ultra Mobile allows you to stay in touch with 80+ countries, including Canada, Mexico, etc.
Pricing & Plans
Here’s a list of Mint Vs Ultra Mobile plans with their prices and offers. You should always use the platform and the plan that best suits your needs.
| Feature | Mint Mobile | Ultra Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | $15/month for 5GB (12-month) | $19/month for 5GB + international minutes |
| Unlimited Data | $30/month (35GB priority data) | Not offered |
| International | Add-ons: $5–$15 for international credit | 100–300 mins included in base plans |
| Multi-Line Discount | None | Save $5/line for 3+ lines |
Network Performance
- Both Mint and Ultra Mobile are MVNOs operating on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, so they offer the same coverage as T-Mobile’s coverage map, excluding ultra-rural areas, and both networks face deprioritization during congestion.
Speeds
- Mint Mobile offers an average of 79Mbps and 357Mbps download speeds and upload speeds between 6 and 30Mbps. The latency lies between 17 and 32ms.
- Ultra Mobile offers an average of 150-500Mbps download speed and an upload speed between 6 and 30Mbps.
International Features
Ultra Mobile:
- Free calls to 80+ countries (e.g., 300 mins/month to Mexico on a $25 plan).
- Low-cost roaming in 15 countries (e.g., $0.10/MB in Canada).
Mint Mobile:
- International credits via add-ons ($0.01–0.10/min to Europe/Asia).
- No roaming; Wi-Fi calling recommended abroad.
Drawbacks
| Mint Mobile | Ultra Mobile |
|---|---|
| No pay-as-you-go options | Limited high-data plans (max 25GB) |
| Annual prepaid only (no monthly) | Extra fees for voicemail ($1.99) |
| Basic customer support (chat/email) | Slower SIM activation (24–48 hrs) |
Now that you know the basic deals, Mint vs Ultra Mobile comparisons. It is quite clear that if you are a Budget-focused person, or a user who prefers Wi-Fi over cellular data or has low data usage( as low as <40GB), you can choose Mint Mobile with plans starting as low as $15/month. And if you are someone who loves travelling or makes abundant international calls or a moderate data user with data use that might sometimes exceed 50GB, then definitely go for Ultra Mobile with plans that offer 100–300 mins.
You can also check here the Pure Talk vs Patriot Mobile comparison.