Should you go with a major mobile carrier, or is an MVNO a better option? Mobile devices have become a common choice for accessing the internet. But choosing a provider for them can be a tough decision to make when there are multiple options.
We have created this guide to compare the main features of Spectrum Mobile™ and T-Mobile. Let’s find out which prominent mobile carrier is a better option.
Spectrum Mobile™
You might already know Spectrum as a cable Internet and TV service provider. However, it has recently launched a mobile phone service, Spectrum Mobile™. Spectrum collaborates with Verizon to provide this service through its wireless network infrastructure and gets high-priority data, unlike other MVNOs operating on Verizon. But this service is exclusively available to Spectrum Internet® customers. So, if you already use Spectrum Internet, you can subscribe to this service to get the best internet deals.
Pros
- Extensive coverage.
- Free unlimited WiFi hotspots.
- Economical unlimited data plan.
- Flexible by the gig plan.
Cons
- Limited to Spectrum Internet users.
- Does not support eSIM.
Affordable Spectrum Internet Plans
- Free Advanced WiFi
- Free Unlimited Mobile Line
- Up to 1 Gbps Download Speed
- Plans Start as Low as $49.99/mo for 12 mos*
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is one of the major mobile carriers with impressive coverage. While not as powerful as Verizon or AT&T, T-Mobile still provides decent plans packed with incredible perks. It offers fast 4G speeds, more un-throttled data than others, and has one of the largest 5G networks. The main downside of this network is its 4G coverage.
Pros
- Solid 5G coverage.
- Available in rural areas.
- Excellent unlimited plans.
Cons
- Expensive plans.
- Spotty coverage in rural areas.
Spectrum Mobile™ vs. T-Mobile: Which is better?
Availability
T-Mobile has the weakest 4G coverage among the three major mobile networks. And although it has an impressive 5G coverage, it is primarily limited to metropolitan areas.
On the other hand, Spectrum uses Verizon’s infrastructure to deliver its services. Verizon has the most comprehensive coverage area as it has invested a lot in expanding its network in most parts of the country, including rural areas. Therefore, Spectrum Mobile™ takes an edge in this regard, as you can find it in many parts of the country.
Eligibility
T-Mobile wins this case as it is available to every individual. You can join this network with a physical or a digital SIM card and enjoy its prepaid service without requiring a credit check.
On the other hand, Spectrum Mobile™ is exclusively available to Spectrum Internet customers. And if you cancel its internet service, Spectrum will add a monthly surcharge fee of $20 to your bill. Additionally, Spectrum Mobile™ requires qualified credit for applying for multiple lines as it currently doesn’t support the eSIM.
Plans & Pricing
Spectrum Mobile™ keeps it simple by offering two plans at affordable pricing. It is one of the few providers offering an unlimited plan at an economical rate. Depending on your internet activities, Spectrum gives you the choice of an affordable unlimited package and a flexible by-the-gig plan. Each mobile plan comes with a specific amount of data and unique features. Spectrum Mobile™ accommodates your requirements and allows you to add multiple lines to your chosen package. The prices may vary with your location.
Spectrum Mobile™ Plans
| FEATURES | BY THE GIG | UNLIMITED | UNLIMITED PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Price (multi-line) Restrictions | $14/GB per month | $29.99/Line per month For additional lines or 2+ lines added within 30 days of initial service. | $39.99/Line per month For additional lines or 2+ lines added within 30 days of initial service. |
| Plan Price (single-line) | $14/GB per month | $45/Line per month | $55/Line per month |
| All Taxes & Fees Included | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access (req. 5G device) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Mobile Data | 1 GB included – $14 for each additional GB | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full Speed Mobile Data Allowance | After 5 GB/line of data usage speeds were reduced to 256 Kbps up/down & data was de-prioritized. | After 20 GB/line of data usage speeds were reduced to 1 Mbps down/512 Kbps up & data was de-prioritized. | After 30 GB/line of data usage speeds were reduced to 1 Mbps down/512 Kbps up & data was de-prioritized. |
| Call Now | Call Now | Call Now |
On the other hand, T-Mobile offers a decent variety of plans, including prepaid and postpaid plans. Although its plans come at a higher price point, they drop significantly once you exceed three lines. Hence it is a suitable option if you want a family plan
T-Mobile Plans
| Features | 10 GB (Prepaid) | Unlimited (Prepaid) | Unlimited Plus (Prepaid) | Essential | Magenta | Magenta MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price for a single line | $40/month | $50/month | $60/month | $60/line per month | $70/line per month | $85/line per month |
| Price for 2-line | $70/month | $80/month | $90/month | $45/line per month | $60/line per month | $70/line per month |
| All Taxes & Fee Included | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Priority Data | N/A | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB | 100 GB | Unlimited |
Perks
As Spectrum Mobile™ is an MVNO, it skimps on perks, but it gives you some decent benefits. It offers unlimited talk and text, 5G mobile hotspot data, and 5G coverage. It also makes it easier to switch over by allowing you to keep your existing phone. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about unexpected charges or fees with Spectrum.
On the other hand, T-Mobile provides various perks with its plans like free Netflix subscription, mobile hotspot data, high-quality video streaming, and more. The quality and features of these perks may vary depending on the number of lines and plan’s tier.
Throttling
Both Spectrum Mobile™ and T-Mobile offer prioritized data. While T-Mobile provides high-speed data on its postpaid and prepaid plans, it enforces data caps on all of its packages, except for Magenta Max, and throttles your speed once you exceed the set limit.
Spectrum Mobile™ also has data caps on all plans, throttling your speed once you exceed the set limit.
Phones & Discounts
You can bring your device with the Spectrum BYOD offer, covering all the latest phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google. You can also purchase iPhone 14 from Spectrum now.
Meanwhile, T-Mobile offers various smartphone deals, including trade-in and BOGO (buy one, get one) offers. It also gives you partial discounts on specific phones and is one of the few carriers offering free phones when you switch to prepaid services.
Network Roaming
Both carriers offer domestic and international network roaming at competitive rates. However, T-Mobile has a slight edge over Spectrum Mobile™ on international roaming rates. Its postpaid plans offer free text and 2G data to 210+ destinations.
Customer Service
Major reviewers don’t cover Spectrum Mobile™, making it difficult to evaluate its customer service. However, we can use other methods to get an idea. Considering the 4.7 rating of Spectrum Mobile™ App on the Apple store and 4-star rating on the Google Play Store, we can conclude that customers are satisfied with this service.
Meanwhile, T-Mobile has mixed reviews about its customer service and is trying to improve it.
Final Call
In conclusion, both Spectrum Mobile™ and T-Mobile offer unique features and benefits with their services. And while T-Mobile is a suitable choice for many people depending on their internet activities, Spectrum Mobile™ is ideal for customers already subscribed to Spectrum Internet plans. Additionally, you can benefit from its high data speeds, extensive coverage, and cheap unlimited plan with no contracts or extra charges.
FAQs
