Tello review: What to consider before switching

Tello is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). This alternative carrier uses the same T-Mobile network you're accustomed to for up to 90% less. That's a cost-saving that is difficult to ignore.

They offer great value, flexible plans, and stand-out customer service. Founded in 2016, Tello has rapidly grown from a small startup to one of the most recommended MVNOs in the US, largely due to word-of-mouth from satisfied customers.

Tello customers have the freedom to choose the plan that best fits their needs, whether it's unlimited across the board or specific amounts of data, talk, and text. Unlike most carriers that offer a fixed menu of 3-5 plans, Tello lets you build your own plan from scratch — choosing your exact data, minutes, and text amounts independently.

Tello leases space on T-Mobile's 5G & 4G LTE networks. As an MVNO, Tello doesn't own cell towers — instead, it purchases network access from T-Mobile at wholesale rates and passes those savings directly to you.

Tello prepaid plans are some of the best on the T-Mobile network, which means you pay for service upfront, eliminating any surprise charges or additional fees. There are no contracts, no credit checks, and no activation fees — you can start, stop, or change your plan at any time.

Of all the dozens of MVNOs I've reviewed over the years, Tello stands out for its 100% custom plans.

The website and app have sliders for data, talk, and text. You can mix and match in each area and know the price you'll pay without any hidden charges.

Both platforms are clear, simple, and easy to use.

T-Mobile's unlimited plan costs $75/mo ($900/yr). Tello's unlimited plan costs $25/mo ($270/yr). That's a savings of $50/mo or $630/yr — for the exact same T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE coverage.

In addition to unlimited, you can also choose differing amounts of talk minutes. They have 100 min, 300 min, and 500 min options (all include free text). You may also decide a data-only plan with no talk or text may be the perfect fit.

Adding additional GB of data or minutes to your plan at any time is easy. It lets you adjust your plan according to your usage. This feature is especially useful for customers with changing cellular data needs from month to month.

Tello's plans are budget-friendly, with prices starting at just $5 per month. Their transparent pricing structure has no hidden fees or extra charges. What you see is what you get, allowing customers to plan their monthly budget without surprise expenses.

Their custom plans make it one of the most versatile plans in the industry, making it attractive to individuals with any budget. All plans include taxes and service fees, so no unexpected charges exist.

Tello prices and plans are competitive with other MVNOs like Mint Mobile and US Mobile. However, Tello is half the price of alternate carriers like Cricket Wireless.

High ratings for customer satisfaction with plans, service, and customer support enhance its value. Additionally, comparing these plans to other major carriers like T-Mobile can provide a better perspective on the value Tello brings to the table.

Tello operates on the T-Mobile network, which covers approximately 99% of the US population. This means you get the exact same cell towers, the exact same coverage footprint, and the exact same call quality as a T-Mobile customer — just at a fraction of the price.

The Tello coverage map allows you to check service availability in specific locations, giving you peace of mind that you will have coverage where you need it most. T-Mobile has invested billions in expanding its 5G network, and Tello customers benefit from every new tower that goes up.

You can utilize America's fastest 5G network at no additional charge. Every Tello plan includes 5G access — there's no premium tier or upcharge required.

According to the latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report, T-Mobile's network ranks top in the United States for overall 5G user experience, including download speeds, upload speeds, and availability. Access depends on your coverage area and a compatible device.

T-Mobile's 5G network uses a combination of low-band (600 MHz), mid-band (2.5 GHz), and mmWave spectrum, giving it the broadest 5G footprint of any US carrier.

The data speeds offered by Tello phone plans are well-suitable for everyday use, ensuring smooth browsing, video streaming, and app usage. So you will be covered whether you use a lot or a little data.

You may experience slower data speeds during network congestion, but that's true of any carrier. During peak times in densely populated areas, T-Mobile prioritizes its own postpaid customers, which can mean temporarily reduced speeds for MVNO users like Tello.

I ran my own speed test using the Ookla app for my son's phone line, and the result averaged just above 80 Mbps for download speeds. That's more than enough for HD streaming, video calls, and everything in between.

For context, Netflix recommends just 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 15 Mbps for 4K. At 80 Mbps, Tello delivers speeds that are 5-16x what you need for typical use.

You can use your talk minutes to make international calls to over 60 countries across the globe — at no additional cost. This includes popular destinations like Mexico, Canada, UK, India, China, and many more.

If the country isn't included in that list, you can make Wi-Fi calls using the MyTello app. You can also purchase pay-as-you-go credits for call minutes to countries not on the free list.

One important note: Tello does not offer international roaming. This means you cannot use your phone service while traveling outside the US. If you're abroad, you can use Wi-Fi calling or the MyTello App to make phone calls while connected to Wi-Fi.

For customers who require internet access on the go, Tello lets users access their phone data for hotspot tethering. You can share your phone's data connection with laptops, tablets, and other devices.

This feature is perfect for customers who travel frequently or need internet access in locations without Wi-Fi. Whether you're working remotely from a coffee shop or need to get online during a road trip, Tello's hotspot has you covered.

And there is no added cost to your monthly bill and no data cap on hotspot speeds. Many competitors either charge extra for hotspot access or throttle speeds significantly — Tello gives you the full speed your plan allows.

Activating Tello SIM cards is a straightforward process that can be completed online in moments by using the Tello app or website.

First, decide what plan best suits your needs and if you want a new number or to port your existing number. You can order a SIM card starter kit or activate it instantly using eSIM. Then, just follow the step-by-step instructions.

The entire process typically takes less than 15 minutes. If you're porting your number from another carrier, have your current account number and PIN ready — the transfer usually completes within a few hours.

Yes, Tello supports eSIM, so you can instantly activate your line from the comfort of your own home. There is no need for a physical SIM card.

Most newer smartphones are eSIM compatible. You can learn more about this technology with our eSIM guide.

Tello Mobile offers a positive customer service experience overall. The team is ready to assist with concerns and find quick, reliable resolutions.

Real customers describe them as efficient and helpful, which has been my experience so far. Customers feel like they get the support they need without feeling pressured.

The general consensus seems to be that Tello offers a great service at a great price, which I agree with from my experience.

But that's not to say there are no complaints; everyone's user experience is unique and subjective.

Customers greatly appreciate this pricing transparency, as it allows them to have full control over their phone bills.

In addition, Tello offers a referral program where customers can earn account credit by referring friends and family. It's yet another way for customers to save a few dollars, making Tello an even more cost-effective option.

Customers highly appreciate Tello's customer service team for its friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive approach. The customer service reps are committed to ensuring user satisfaction by going above and beyond to resolve issues effectively. With a focus on responsiveness, professionalism, and timely support, Tello consistently delivers assistance that customers value.

You have three options to contact the customer support team, which are found here: tello.com/contact.

You can call, email, or chat. They also have a strong social media presence.

• Call: When you click on the blue "Phone," it gives the phone number 866-377-0294.
• Email: Selecting "Email me" will guide you to a contact form to narrow down your question.
• Chat: When you click "Start chat," nothing seems to happen, at least for me. However, the chat feature is readily available on all the pages in the bottom right-hand corner. Just tap the orange icon, and it will prompt you.

Personally, I found chat to be the most helpful, but they are known for great customer care across the board.

While Tello Mobile provides reliable phone service, customers may experience some common issues.

Data speeds and call quality may vary depending on location. Though Tello aims to provide reliable service, some customers have reported slower speeds and dropped calls. There seem to be some coverage gaps in specific regions.

Factors like location, network congestion, and device compatibility can affect coverage and call quality. Customer service response times may vary based on the volume of inquiries.

Also, although you can call 60+ countries free, there are several countries where you have to pay as you go. You buy credits for call minutes to countries not on the free list.

There is no international roaming, so you cannot use your phone minutes outside the US. If this is the case, then you can use Wi-Fi calling or the MyTello App to make phone calls while on Wi-Fi.

Yes, you can bring your own phone to Tello, making switching quick and hassle-free. Tello's service is compatible with most unlocked GSM phones that support T-Mobile's network bands.

This includes most iPhones (6 and newer), Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixel phones, and many others. If your phone is currently locked to another carrier, you'll need to contact them to unlock it first.

The SIM card activation process makes activating your plan instantly and keeping your phone number easy, without any additional complications or delays. You can also check if your specific device is compatible before signing up.

Short answer: With prices starting at $5/month for service on the T-Mobile network, Tello should be on your shortlist. I've done the research to save you time and money in picking the best plan option for your individual needs. However, no one carrier or plan fits all.

With hundreds of plan combinations available, I think you'd be hard-pressed not to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. That, coupled with the excellent customer service ratings and great coverage, makes it worth serious consideration.

I currently have a Tello phone plan. I signed up my son a while back. I love the customizable plan options, ease of activation and plan changes, reliable coverage, and high-rated customer service. And I currently pay just $7/month for his plan — hard to beat!

If you're currently on T-Mobile, or any T-Mobile MVNO, switching to Tello is a no-brainer. You keep the same coverage and potentially save hundreds per year. For those on AT&T or Verizon networks, check the Tello coverage map for your area first — if T-Mobile covers your location well, the savings are substantial.