Straight Talk vs Tello

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

Straight Talk

Straight Talk

Verizon network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Tello

Tello

T-Mobile network

$8/mo

7 plans available

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

Straight Talk vs Tello: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

Straight Talk vs Tello: Reviews

Straight Talk
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ Available at Walmart stores nationwide
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ International calling add-ons available

Cons

  • ✗ Data deprioritization on all plans
  • ✗ Mixed customer service reviews
  • ✗ Higher priced than online MVNOs
  • ✗ Confusing plan structure
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

Straight Talk vs Tello: Plans

Straight Talk Top Plan

Unlimited

$45/mo

Powered by Verizon

See at Straight Talk →

Straight Talk 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 →

Straight Talk vs Tello: Coverage

Straight Talk

Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Straight Talk coverage map →

Tello

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

View Tello coverage map →

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

Straight Talk vs Tello: Features

Feature Straight Talk 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

Straight Talk is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the Verizon 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 Straight Talk

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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