Tello Review 2026: The Best Build-Your-Own Phone Plan?

Tired of paying for data you don't use? Tello's build-a-plan system lets you customize exactly what you need – and nothing more. Starting at just $10/month, it's one of the most flexible budget carriers in the market.

Tello's $25 unlimited plan with 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating from 13,984+ reviews

What is Tello?

Tello is a T-Mobile MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that launched in 2016 with a simple mission: let customers build their own phone plan instead of forcing them into preset tiers.

Unlike carriers that offer 3-4 fixed plans, Tello lets you choose your exact data, minutes, and text amounts – creating over 60 possible plan combinations. It's the "Subway sandwich" approach to wireless.

Key facts:

• Parent company: Tello (independent MVNO)
• Network: T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G
• Founded: 2016
• Support: Phone, chat, and email
• Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Tello Plans Breakdown

Tello offers two ways to get service: preset plans or build-your-own.

Tello's four preset plans: Unlimited $25, Economy $10, Value $14, Smart $19

Preset Plans

*Unlimited plan includes 35GB of high-speed data, then reduced speeds

Build-Your-Own Plans

Tello's plan builder: slide to select data and minutes, price updates instantly

This is where Tello shines. Mix and match:

Data options: No data, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 10GB, 15GB, or Unlimited (35GB high-speed)

Talk options: No minutes, 100 min, 300 min, 500 min, or Unlimited

Text options: Free (always included with any plan)

Example builds:

• Light user (WiFi mostly): 1GB + 100 min = ~$8/mo
• Moderate user: 5GB + Unlimited talk = ~$14/mo
• Data focused: 10GB + 300 min = ~$17/mo
• Data only (tablet): 5GB + No minutes = ~$10/mo

Why this matters: If you're a light user who mainly uses WiFi, why pay $25 for unlimited data? Tello lets you pay $8-10 for what you actually use.

Taxes and Fees Reality

Unlike Visible, Tello does NOT include taxes in their prices. Expect to add:

• State wireless taxes: $1-4 depending on location
• Federal Universal Service Fund: ~$0.50
• Total extra: Usually $2-4/month

A $25 "unlimited" plan will actually cost ~$27-29 after taxes.

Our Scoring Breakdown

We rate carriers on 11 objective criteria. Here's how Tello performed:

Bonus factors (not in base score):

• Free international calls: ✅ 60+ countries
• Family discount: ✅ Available
• Referral program: ✅ $10 credit per referral

Network Coverage and Speeds

Tello uses T-Mobile's network – the same towers as T-Mobile postpaid and other T-Mobile MVNOs like Mint Mobile.

T-Mobile coverage strengths:

• Strong in urban and suburban areas
• Best-in-class 5G deployment
• Excellent building penetration (low-band 5G)

T-Mobile coverage weaknesses:

• Rural coverage gaps (especially in Mountain West)
• Congestion in some metro areas
• Less reliable than Verizon in remote areas

Real-World Speed Tests

We tested Tello in various conditions:

The deprioritization reality:

Like most MVNOs, Tello customers are deprioritized behind T-Mobile postpaid customers during congestion. However, T-Mobile's network is typically less congested than Verizon's, so the impact is often minimal.

Why Tello? Key Features

Why Tello? Nationwide 5G, fully customizable plans, family plans, and referral rewards

1. Build-A-Plan Flexibility

No other carrier matches Tello's customization. You're not locked into predefined tiers – you pick exactly what you need. Customize your plan based on your monthly needs and budget, and change it anytime.

Perfect for:

• Light users (mostly on WiFi)
• People with unpredictable usage
• Those who want to optimize every dollar
• Families where each member has different needs

2. Free International Calling

Free calls to 60+ countries including Canada, Mexico, and India – built into every plan

This is a massive perk that most carriers charge extra for. Say hello to your auntie in London or call your friends abroad – free international calls are included in every Tello plan with minutes.

Free calling to:

• Canada and Mexico (unlimited)
• India (unlimited)
• China, UK, Germany, France
• 60+ countries total

For anyone with family abroad, this alone can save $20-50/month compared to international calling plans from major carriers.

3. Nationwide 5G Coverage

Coast-to-coast wireless coverage on T-Mobile's network. Forget about dropped calls, loading issues, or slow data speeds. Unlike some budget carriers that charge extra for 5G, Tello includes T-Mobile 5G access on all plans at no additional cost.

4. Upgrade/Downgrade Anytime Free

Need to add more data? Or need to cancel a line? Do that any time, free of charge. Absolutely no penalties. You're in control of your phone plan.

5. Excellent Customer Service

Tello has some of the best customer service ratings in the MVNO space:

• Trustpilot: 4.5/5 stars (13,984+ reviews)
• BBB: A+ rating
• Support options: Phone, chat, and email (not chat-only like Visible)

6. Referral Program

Good friends pay off! Share your unique link to refer a friend, and you both get $10 Tello Dollars. There's no limit to how many friends you can refer – some users have built up significant credit just by sharing their experience.

Hotspot and Tethering

Every Tello plan includes hotspot, WiFi calling, international calls, and free plan changes

Tello includes mobile hotspot on all plans:

Key difference: The Unlimited plan gets a dedicated 10GB hotspot allowance, while other plans share hotspot with your phone data.

Important: Unlike Visible's unlimited hotspot, Tello's hotspot is capped. Heavy hotspot users might find this limiting – consider Visible if you need extensive tethering.

Is Tello Good for Families?

Yes! Tello offers family discounts that make it even more affordable:

Multi-line savings:

• 2 lines: 10% off
• 3 lines: 15% off
• 4+ lines: 20% off

Example family plan:

• 4 lines x $25 unlimited = $100/mo
• 20% family discount = -$20
• Total: $80/month for 4 unlimited lines

That's $20/line for unlimited data on T-Mobile's network. Hard to beat.

Security Assessment

Security is a key part of our 11-point scoring. Here's Tello's security posture:

Tello checks all security boxes: Both 2FA and SIM PIN protection are available – something Visible lacks. Combined with a clean data breach record, Tello is one of the more security-conscious budget carriers.

Customer Service Experience

Unlike chat-only carriers, Tello offers multiple support channels:

Support options:

• Phone support: Available
• Live chat: Available
• Email support: Available
• Knowledge base: Comprehensive

What works well:

• Multiple contact methods
• Generally quick response times
• Helpful phone support
• Simple account management

What could improve:

• Phone support hours limited
• Wait times vary during peak hours
• Some complex issues require escalation

Our experience: We tested Tello support multiple times. Phone support was friendly and resolved issues quickly. Chat was responsive but sometimes required transfers. Overall, significantly better than chat-only carriers.

Activation and Porting

Getting started with Tello is straightforward:

What you'll need:

• Compatible unlocked phone (T-Mobile bands)
• Valid email address
• Payment method
• Account number and PIN from old carrier (for porting)

Steps:

1. Visit tello.com
2. Check phone compatibility
3. Build your plan or choose a preset
4. Order SIM ($0 for eSIM, $0-10 for physical)
5. Follow activation prompts
6. Port your number (usually 10-30 minutes)

Compatibility Requirements

Tello works with phones that support T-Mobile bands:

• LTE bands: 2, 4, 12, 66, 71
• 5G bands: n41, n71 for sub-6GHz 5G

Most unlocked phones from 2018+ work. iPhones from iPhone 7 and later are compatible.

eSIM vs Physical SIM

eSIM advantages:

• Instant activation
• No shipping wait
• Easy to switch phones

Physical SIM advantages:

• Works with all compatible phones
• Better for older devices
• Some users report more reliable activation

Tello vs The Competition

How does Tello stack up against other budget carriers?

Tello wins on: Plan flexibility, international calling, security features, customer service options

Tello loses on: True unlimited data, taxes included, rural coverage

Tello vs Visible

The two are often compared at the $25 price point:

Choose Tello if: You want flexibility, international calling, or better security features

Choose Visible if: You want truly unlimited data, included taxes, or better rural coverage

Tello vs Mint Mobile

Both run on T-Mobile but differ significantly:

Choose Tello if: You want monthly flexibility and no surprises

Choose Mint if: You can prepay 12 months and want the lowest year-one cost

Tello vs US Mobile

US Mobile is another highly-rated MVNO with network flexibility:

Choose Tello if: You want build-a-plan flexibility and free international calling

Choose US Mobile if: You want network choice or need premium Verizon coverage

Tello vs Cricket Wireless

Cricket is AT&T's budget brand with stores:

Choose Tello if: You want lower prices and flexibility

Choose Cricket if: You need in-store support and AT&T's network

Who Should Get Tello?

Final Verdict

Tello delivers on its promise of flexibility. The build-a-plan system is genuinely useful – not a gimmick. Combined with:

• Free international calling to 60+ countries
• Solid T-Mobile 5G coverage
• Strong security features
• Excellent customer service

...Tello earns its 9.5/11 score.

Our Final Ratings

Bottom line: If you want a budget carrier that lets you pay for exactly what you use – and nothing more – Tello is the answer. The international calling perk is a huge bonus for anyone with family abroad. Just remember that taxes aren't included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tello really as cheap as they say? Yes, but add ~$2-4 for taxes. A $25 unlimited plan costs ~$27-29 total. Still cheaper than most competitors.

Does Tello work with my phone? Most unlocked phones from 2018+ work. Your phone needs T-Mobile LTE bands (2, 4, 12, 66, 71). Check compatibility at tello.com.

Can I keep my phone number? Yes. Port your existing number during activation. You'll need your account number and transfer PIN from your current carrier.

Is Tello owned by T-Mobile? No. Tello is an independent MVNO that leases T-Mobile's network. They're based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Does Tello have 5G? Yes. All Tello plans include T-Mobile 5G access at no extra cost. Your phone needs to support T-Mobile 5G bands.

Is Tello good for international calls? Excellent. Free unlimited calling to 60+ countries including Canada, Mexico, India, China, and most of Europe. This is a standout feature.

What's the difference between Tello and Mint Mobile? Both use T-Mobile, but Tello offers monthly flexibility while Mint requires 3-12 month prepayment. Tello also includes free international calling; Mint charges extra.

Does Tello have hotspot? Yes, but it shares your data allowance. A 5GB plan gives you 5GB total for phone + hotspot combined. Unlike Visible, there's no separate unlimited hotspot.

Can I change my plan anytime? Yes. Change your plan at any time with no fees. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle, or you can pay prorated for immediate changes.

Does Tello have family plans? Yes. Get 10-20% off with multiple lines: 10% for 2 lines, 15% for 3 lines, 20% for 4+ lines.

Is Tello's unlimited plan really unlimited? It's 35GB of high-speed data, then reduced speeds (not stopped). You can still use data after 35GB, just slower. This is standard for T-Mobile MVNOs.

What happens if I run out of data? On capped plans, you can add more data or wait until next cycle. On unlimited, speeds reduce after 35GB but data continues.

Does Tello have WiFi calling? Yes. WiFi calling is available on compatible phones at no extra cost.

Is Tello good for rural areas? Mixed. T-Mobile's rural coverage has improved but still lags behind Verizon. Check T-Mobile's coverage map for your specific area.

How long does Tello activation take? eSIM: Usually 5-15 minutes. Physical SIM: 1-2 days shipping, then 10-30 minutes activation.

What's Tello's Trustpilot rating? 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 13,984+ reviews – one of the highest in the MVNO industry.

Does Tello have WiFi calling? Yes. Free WiFi calling is included on all Tello plans. It helps with spotty reception and eliminates extra costs when traveling abroad (uses your monthly allowance).

Can I use Tello for a tablet or data-only device? Yes! Build a data-only plan by selecting "No minutes" in the plan builder. You'll get just data and texts – perfect for tablets, hotspot devices, or secondary phones.

Does Tello offer eSIM? Yes. eSIM is available for instant activation on compatible devices. Physical SIM is also available if preferred.

What happens to unused data at the end of the month? Unused data does not roll over. Your data allowance resets each billing cycle. This is standard for most MVNOs.

Can I bring my own phone to Tello? Yes. Any unlocked phone compatible with T-Mobile's network works with Tello. Most modern smartphones (2018+) are compatible.

Does Tello have any hidden fees? No hidden fees, but taxes and regulatory fees are added at checkout (typically $2-4 extra). The price shown is the plan price only.

Is Tello good for seniors? Many seniors love Tello because they can build a minimal plan that fits their actual usage. Light users can get a plan for $8-10/month instead of overpaying for unlimited data they don't need.

Can I pause my Tello service? Yes. You can pause your plan if you're traveling or don't need service temporarily. This is great for seasonal users or travelers.

Does Tello work with Apple Watch or smartwatches? Tello doesn't offer cellular Apple Watch plans. You'll need WiFi or your phone's connection for smartwatch connectivity.

What's Tello's return policy? Tello offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund.

Real User Reviews

Here's what actual Tello users say:

"I switched from Verizon and cut my bill from $85 to $14. Same coverage in my area, no issues. The plan builder is genius." — Trustpilot review

"The free international calling sold me. I call my parents in India weekly and it costs nothing extra. With AT&T I was paying $15/month for an international add-on." — Google Play review

"Customer service is surprisingly good for a budget carrier. Had an issue with porting and they resolved it same day via phone support." — Trustpilot review

Common praise:

• Build-a-plan flexibility
• International calling value
• Customer service quality
• Easy to switch/port

Common complaints:

• Taxes not included in advertised price
• Rural coverage gaps (T-Mobile issue)
• No truly unlimited data option

How to Sign Up

Ready to try Tello? Here's the process:

1. Visit tello.com
2. Check your phone's compatibility
3. Build your custom plan or choose a preset
4. Order eSIM (instant) or physical SIM
5. Port your number or get a new one
6. Start saving immediately

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't affect our ratings – Tello earned its 9.5/11 score through our objective 11-point methodology.