PureTalk vs Tello

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

PureTalk

PureTalk

AT&T network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Tello

Tello

T-Mobile network

$8/mo

7 plans available

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

PureTalk vs Tello: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

PureTalk vs Tello: Reviews

PureTalk
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ US-based customer service
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ Veteran-owned company

Cons

  • ✗ Higher priced than some MVNOs
  • ✗ Limited data options
  • ✗ No unlimited premium data
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

PureTalk vs Tello: Plans

PureTalk Top Plan

Unlimited

$55/mo

Powered by AT&T

See at PureTalk →

PureTalk 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 →

PureTalk vs Tello: Coverage

PureTalk

PureTalk is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View PureTalk coverage map →

Tello

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

View Tello coverage map →

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

PureTalk vs Tello: Features

Feature PureTalk 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

PureTalk is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the AT&T 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 PureTalk

  • ✓ You want the AT&T network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View PureTalk 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 PureTalk, 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 PureTalk vs Tello — How Much Could You Save?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PureTalk or Tello cheaper?
PureTalk is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Tello starts at $8/mo.
Which network does PureTalk use?
PureTalk uses the AT&T network. You get the same coverage as AT&T 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 PureTalk 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 PureTalk and Tello offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both PureTalk and Tello include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.