Two of the best budget MVNOs in the USA, each with a distinct advantage. Lycamobile dominates international calling; Tello offers unmatched plan customization. Which one is right for you?
Best for: International callers and families
Best for: Budget users who want full control
| Category | Lycamobile | Tello | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | AT&T | T-Mobile | Both major US networks with 5G |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | $5/mo | Tello is 67% cheaper to start |
| Unlimited Plan | $49/mo | $25/mo | Tello is half the price |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes | Both include 5G at no extra cost |
| eSIM Support | Yes | Yes | Both support instant eSIM activation |
| Intl Calls Free | 100+ countries | 60+ countries | Lycamobile covers 40% more countries |
| Data Rollover | No | Yes | Tello rolls unused data forward |
| Hotspot | $23+ plans only | All data plans | Tello includes hotspot free on every plan |
| Family Plans | Yes ($29+ plans) | No discounts | Lycamobile offers multi-line savings |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes | Both support WiFi calling |
The pricing gap between Lycamobile and Tello is significant and consistent across every tier. Tello's entry plan starts at $5/month for basic talk three times cheaper than Lycamobile's $15/month minimum. At the unlimited tier, Tello charges $25/month vs Lycamobile's $49/month nearly half the price.
However, raw price comparison doesn't tell the full story. Lycamobile's $15/month plan includes unlimited international calls to 100+ countries a feature that would cost extra (or be unavailable) on Tello. If you make even one or two international calls per month, Lycamobile's higher base price may actually save you money.
| Usage Level | Lycamobile | Tello | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal (talk only) | $15/mo ($180/yr) | $5/mo ($60/yr) | Tello saves $120/yr |
| Light (2-5 GB) | $19-29/mo | $10-14/mo | Tello saves $60-180/yr |
| Moderate (10-15 GB) | $29-33/mo | $19/mo | Tello saves $120-168/yr |
| Unlimited | $49/mo ($588/yr) | $25/mo ($300/yr) | Tello saves $288/yr |
Note: Lycamobile prices do not include taxes/fees (~5-20% extra). Tello prices include a ~$0.30 cost recovery fee.
This is the single biggest differentiator between these two carriers. Lycamobile includes free unlimited calls and texts to over 100 countries on every plan even the $15/month entry tier. The list covers virtually every major destination: Canada, Mexico, India, UK, China, Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and dozens more across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Tello also offers free international calling, but to a smaller list of 60+ countries. The core destinations (Canada, Mexico, India, UK, China) are covered, but if you regularly call less common countries in Africa, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia, you will want to check Tello's specific country list before signing up.
For users who make frequent international calls to diverse destinations, Lycamobile is the clear winner here and this advantage alone can justify its higher monthly price. If your international calling is limited to the major countries on Tello's list, the savings from Tello's lower pricing may be more valuable.
100+
Lycamobile Free Countries
Includes Africa, Middle East, SE Asia
60+
Tello Free Countries
Covers major destinations
Lycamobile runs on the AT&T network (switched from T-Mobile in September 2025), while Tello uses T-Mobile. Both are major nationwide networks with extensive 5G coverage. The choice between them often comes down to which network has better coverage in your specific area.
AT&T (Lycamobile) tends to have stronger rural coverage and more consistent signal in some parts of the Southeast and Midwest. T-Mobile (Tello) leads in 5G mid-band deployment and typically offers faster peak speeds in urban areas. Both networks cover approximately 330 million people.
Both carriers are MVNOs, meaning their data is deprioritized during network congestion. In practice, most users rarely notice this. Tello publishes its typical speeds: 79-357 Mbps on 5G and 13-61 Mbps on 4G LTE more than sufficient for any mobile use case.
For most users, Tello is the better value. It wins on pricing, flexibility, data rollover, hotspot inclusion, and customer satisfaction. The build-your-own plan system is genuinely unique and ensures you never overpay. However, if international calling is your primary need, Lycamobile is the clear winner with 100+ free countries and family plan discounts. The right choice depends entirely on how you use your phone.
🌍 Best for International Calling
Unmatched 100+ country free calling. Best for immigrants, expats, and families who call abroad.
Visit Lycamobile →🏆 Best Overall Budget Plan
Cheapest plans, full customization, data rollover. The smartest choice for domestic value.
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