Optimum Mobile vs Tello

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

Head-to-head comparison of plans, features, and pricing

Optimum Mobile

Optimum Mobile

T-Mobile network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Tello

Tello

T-Mobile network

$8/mo

7 plans available

Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Optimum Mobile or Tello is better? Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Optimum Mobile and Tello coverage, features, plans, and prices side-by-side, so you can decide which carrier offers the best deal.

Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

  1. 1. Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Reviews
  2. 2. Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Plans
  3. 3. Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Coverage
  4. 4. Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Features
  5. 5. Our Verdict
  6. 6. FAQ

Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Reviews

Optimum Mobile
Our Rating:
3.2/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ Bundled savings for Optimum Internet customers
  • ✓ No contract

Cons

  • ✗ Requires Optimum Internet
  • ✗ Limited availability
  • ✗ Mixed customer service
Tello
Our Rating:
5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • ✓ Free international calling to 60+ countries
  • ✓ Free mobile hotspot included
  • ✓ Excellent score on Trustpilot
  • ✓ eSIM compatible

Cons

  • ✗ No international roaming
  • ✗ No multi-line discounts

Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Plans

Optimum Mobile Top Plan

Unlimited

$45/mo

Powered by T-Mobile

See at Optimum Mobile →

Optimum Mobile Plans

Tello Top Plan

Unlimited

$25/mo

Powered by T-Mobile

See at Tello →

Tello Plans

Unlimited Talk & Text

Talk & Text · 5G

$8

See Plan →

1GB

1GB · 5G

$9

See Plan →

2GB

2GB · 5G

$10

See Plan →

5GB

5GB · 5G

$14

See Plan →

10GB

10GB · 5G

$19

See Plan →

15GB

15GB · 5G

$24

See Plan →

Unlimited

Unlimited · 5G

$25

See Plan →

Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Coverage

Optimum Mobile

Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Optimum Mobile coverage map →

Tello

Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Tello coverage map →

Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Tello is powered by T-Mobile. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.

Optimum Mobile vs Tello: Features

Feature Optimum Mobile Tello
Networks — T-Mobile
Data Speed — 5G & 4G LTE
3G Network — GSM
Mobile Hotspot — ✅
5G — ✅
VoLTE — ✅
WiFi Calling — ✅
Visual Voicemail — ✅
Bring Your Phone — ✅
Keep Your Number — ✅
Contract — Prepaid
Credit Check — ❌
Taxes Included — ❌
Multi-line Discounts — ✅
Multi-month Discounts — ❌
Money Back Guarantee — ❌
Customer Service — Mon-Sun 8am-11:45pm ET
International Calls — Yes - 60+ countries
International Roaming — Yes - As add-on

Our Verdict

Optimum Mobile is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the T-Mobile network. Tello is better if you want plans on the T-Mobile network starting at $8/mo. Both carriers offer the same tower coverage as Big Wireless at a fraction of the price.

Who Should Choose Optimum Mobile

  • ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Optimum Mobile Plans →

Who Should Choose Tello

  • ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $8/mo
  • ✓ 7 plan options to choose from
View Tello Plans →

Why You Can Trust This Comparison

I've spent years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.

I've personally tested Optimum Mobile, Tello, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the Big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.

— Rob Webber, Founder & Editor

Compare Optimum Mobile vs Tello — How Much Could You Save?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Optimum Mobile or Tello cheaper?
Optimum Mobile is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Tello starts at $8/mo.
Which network does Optimum Mobile use?
Optimum Mobile uses the T-Mobile network. You get the same coverage as T-Mobile customers at a lower price.
Which network does Tello use?
Tello uses the T-Mobile network. You get the same coverage as T-Mobile customers at a lower price.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Optimum Mobile or Tello?
Yes. Both carriers support number porting. You can transfer your existing phone number in about 10-30 minutes during the sign-up process.
Do Optimum Mobile and Tello offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both Optimum Mobile and Tello include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.