MetroPCS vs. Mint: What’s the Difference and Which is Better for You?

Cell phone plans have become an indispensable component of modern life, allowing us to stay in contact with loved ones while giving us easy access to the web. However, selecting a plan among all the available options can be challenging and time-consuming.

MetroPCS and Mint often receive comparisons, offering affordable plans with good coverage, features, and prices. We’re here to explore the differences between MetroPCS and Mint and help you decide which provider best matches your needs.

So, whatever your cell phone service needs may be, discover which company provides better value for money.

MetroPCS vs. Mint: Side-by-Side Comparison

MetroPCS vs. Mint: What’s the Difference?

MetroPCS and Mint utilize T-Mobile’s network yet differ significantly in pricing, features, and other areas. Therefore, when comparing MetroPCS and Mint service provider options, one must understand the characteristics of both providers.

Here are key differences between them that you should know.

Network Coverage and Reliability

MetroPCS and Mint both use T-Mobile’s nationwide reliable network, which has widespread coverage, so they offer relatively equal access.

Nonetheless, it is important to remember that coverage varies across rural or remote locations depending on where your area falls in their network’s coverage zone. You can assess whether you’re eligible for either provider by going to their respective websites and entering your address or zip code.

Plan Options and Pricing

MetroPCS provides four plans ranging from $30 to $60 monthly. The four options offer different amounts of data, unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot capability, and international roaming. However, taxes and fees are included in the overall pricing to make budgeting simpler for customers.

On the other hand, Mint provides four plans ranging from $15 to $40 monthly that provide unlimited talk/text/data with additional add-on features available. Nevertheless, their plans don’t include taxes or fees, meaning customers must factor those additional costs into the overall amount.

Mint offers discounts to customers who pay upfront for their service plan, which can save customers money over time.

Mobile Hotspot Availability and Usage Limits

MetroPCS’ plans include mobile hotspots for all customers to share data across devices. However, data availability varies by plan, from 5GB to unlimited. Customers should note, however, that after excessive hotspot use, the carrier reserves the right to reduce data speeds.

On the other hand, Mint offers mobile hotspot usage as part of its plans. However, customers may need additional add-on packages to gain more data. Like MetroPCS, Mint also imposes usage caps, potentially slowing data speeds after consuming certain amounts.

Device Options and Compatibility

MetroPCS offers customers various devices, such as midrange and high-end smartphones, that support GSM or networks. Consequently, this makes selection easy if you bring your device or choose from its list.

On the other hand, Mint offers a more limited selection of devices, focusing on budget and mid-range smartphones. Furthermore, this network operates under GSM protocols, so some CDMA-compliant devices may not function with it.

Generally, both carriers allow their customers to bring in devices compatible with their networks, and it’s wise to check this compatibility during selection.

Payment Options and Flexibility

MetroPCS provides multiple payment methods online, in-store, by mail, and over the phone. However, they also offer customized plans such as automatic and extension payments to help customers manage their bills easily.

On the other hand, Mint offers various payment options, such as online and phone payments. Nevertheless, they don’t provide in-store payments or extensions of payment terms. Furthermore, Mint requires customers to prepay for their service, which may turn some customers off.

Additionally, Mint offers discounts to customers who pay upfront, saving customers money in the long run. When purchasing three or 12 months of service upfront, they may qualify for an early bird rate on their monthly plan payment.

Data Speeds and Throttling Policies

MetroPCS now provides 5G coverage in certain areas, which offers faster download and upload speeds than 4G or 3G networks. Unfortunately, its availability can be limited in certain areas. Plus, MetroPCS reserves the right to restrict data speeds after certain usage thresholds have been reached, potentially altering network performance.

Mint operates on T-Mobile’s network, offering 5G coverage in certain areas. However, the amount may differ based on location and usage patterns. Like MetroPCS, Mint reserves the right to impose data usage limits when consuming over a certain amount, which may compromise network speed and performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that both carriers prioritize data usage for customers who haven’t exceeded their monthly data limit. Nevertheless, customers may experience slower speeds during periods of high network congestion.

User Experience and App Functionality

MetroPCS’ app offers numerous features. These include checking account balances and making payments, monitoring data usage, setting alerts/reminders, accessing rewards programs, and participating in promotions.

Mint’s app is designed to be intuitive and straightforward for customers, offering features such as bill pay and account management right from its main screen. However, MetroPCS’s offering proves superior; thus, some may find Mint’s offerings lacking.

Furthermore, carriers offer customer support via their respective mobile apps so customers can contact them for help.

Shared Calling

MetroPCS’ Family Plan allows multiple lines to share data and talk time while using unlimited talk, text, and data. However, pricing depends upon the number of lines added, though customers can add extra lines at additional fees.

On the contrary, Mint does not specifically offer family plans. However, discounts are offered when adding multiple lines to an account.

Both carriers provide unlimited talk and text usage. Nevertheless, after prolonged data use, customers may encounter slower data speeds.

MetroPCS vs. Mint: 6 Must-Know Facts

• MetroPCS and Mint are two prepaid carriers operating on the T-Mobile network, offering unlimited talk/text with plans; however, their data availability varies by plan type, and pricing may change accordingly.
• MetroPCS’ wider selection of devices supports GSM and CDMA networks, while Mint’s budget/mid-range smartphones focus more heavily on GSM networks.
• Both MetroPCS and Mint offer 5G networks in certain locations.
• Both networks also feature mobile hotspot capabilities with different levels of data availability and prices associated with additional usage of data plans.
• MetroPCS’ family plan allows multiple lines to share data and talk time, while Mint offers discounts to customers who add multiple lines.
• MetroPCS offers various payment plans, such as automatic payments and payment extensions. Mint requires customers to prepay service in full up-front and it does not offer in-store payments or payment extensions.

MetroPCS vs. Mint: Which One is Better for You?

To determine whether MetroPCS or Mint is best suited to meet your individual needs and preferences, there are multiple factors you must take into consideration.

Mint may offer more budget-conscious plans and device choices, making them superior to MetroPCS’ plans. Their prices are less costly overall and early payment discounts make paying upfront even more cost-effective. Mint’s focus on budget and midrange smartphones may make the perfect match for customers not needing high-end options.

However, MetroPCS might offer more device and payment plan choices and international roaming capabilities than Mint. Although their devices and plans tend to cost more, MetroPCS provides access to many features. It has more devices available and flexible plans and devices than Mint offers.

Ultimately, by carefully considering each carrier’s benefits and drawbacks, you can more effectively make an informed choice and decide which works best for you.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com.