Mint Mobile just lit a fire under the single-line market, rolling out a limited-time $15-a-month unlimited plan for new customers. The catch is simple and transparent: you prepay for 3, 6, or 12 months, which works out to $45, $90, or $180 up front. In return, you get unlimited talk, text, and high-speed 5G • 4G data on T-Mobile’s network at a price point big carriers rarely approach for one line.
What the $15 plan actually includes and limits
Despite the low sticker price, this is Mint’s full “unlimited” tier. That means unlimited talk and text, data on 5G • 4G, and Wi-Fi calling where supported. Video streams at SD, there’s up to 20GB of mobile hotspot included, and heavy users—those who cross 50GB in a month—may see lower speeds during congested times due to network management. There are no hard data caps, but performance can be deprioritized after that threshold. Taxes and regulatory fees vary by location and are added at checkout.
The pricing applies to your first term only. After your initial 3-, 6-, or 12-month stint, renewals revert to Mint’s standard rates unless another promotion is in effect. As with most prepaid carriers, you’ll manage your account digitally—eSIM activation is supported on many phones, and there are no walk-in retail stores for troubleshooting.
How it stacks up against rivals on price and perks
For perspective, major-carrier single-line unlimited plans typically start around $60 before taxes and add-on fees. Even value-focused options from carrier-owned brands can hover at $40–$50. Visible’s baseline unlimited is widely advertised at $25 a month, Cricket’s unlimited often starts near $55 without promotions, and Metro by T-Mobile commonly advertises $40 for entry unlimited. Boost Infinite has pushed a $25 unlimited offer, but terms and feature sets vary (hotspot limits, 5G tiers, and premium data allotments can differ).
Mint’s $15 promo undercuts virtually all of them on headline price for a single line. If you usually pay $60 for a big-carrier unlimited plan, a 12-month Mint term at $180 implies potential first-year savings of roughly $540. For many buyers, the math is compelling enough to try an MVNO, especially if you spend most of your time in strong T-Mobile coverage areas.
Network quality and real-world performance
Mint is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that runs on T-Mobile’s infrastructure. That matters because independent testing has frequently shown T-Mobile leading the pack in 5G availability and median download speeds across the U.S. in recent reports from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence and Opensignal. Results vary by city, but T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G (n41) is the workhorse in many markets, delivering faster everyday performance than low-band 5G while maintaining broad coverage.
As with any MVNO, priority during congestion can favor the host carrier’s own subscribers. In practice, that means you might notice slower speeds in packed venues or rush-hour hotspots compared with a premium postpaid plan. Still, for typical web use, social apps, music streaming, and maps, most users on modern phones should see solid results. If you live on the edge of coverage, check Mint’s coverage map and verify your device supports key T-Mobile bands (especially n41 and n71 for 5G, plus LTE bands 2, 4, 12, 66).
Who should jump and what to know before you switch
This deal shines for single-line users, students, and remote workers who want dependable 5G without a $60–$80 bill. It’s also attractive if you prefer managing service online and can afford the up-front payment. Travelers who tether occasionally will appreciate the 20GB hotspot bucket, though heavy laptop users should monitor usage. Video at SD is fine for small screens; cinephiles who insist on HD/4K may find the cap limiting.
Before porting your number, run through a quick checklist:
- Confirm coverage at your home and office.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible (IMEI checks take seconds).
- Consider eSIM activation for a faster, store-free setup.
- Verify Wi-Fi calling and visual voicemail on your device model.
- Keep your current line active until the port completes—most ports finish within minutes, but some take longer depending on the losing carrier.
The bottom line on Mint Mobile’s $15 unlimited offer
At $15 a month for a full-featured unlimited plan, Mint Mobile is taking a direct shot at both discount rivals and the big carriers’ entry plans. You trade in-person support and accept prepaid terms, but you gain one of the lowest effective monthly prices in the market on a network that routinely posts top-tier 5G results. If you’ve been waiting for a low-risk way to cut your phone bill, this is the rare promo where the fine print matches the headline—just remember it’s for new customers, it’s limited-time, and you’ll want to plan for the standard rate when your first term ends.