Welcome to my Tello review. This Tello Mobile review is sponsored.
How much do you pay for your cell phone each month?
If you’re like most people, you may be paying far more than necessary for your cell phone service.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce that monthly expense.
One effective option is to change carriers.
Today it’s easy to find quality cellphone plans for under $50 a month. If your current bill is $100 or more, read on — you could save a lot.
And yes, you can keep your current phone number when you switch, so that transition is seamless.
I recently tried Tello Mobile and tested their service for about a month. During that time I experienced reliable connectivity, fast speeds, the ability to tether my laptop, and plans that didn’t break the bank.
Tello offers no contracts, no hidden fees, plans starting as low as $5 per month, free hotspot/tethering, free calling to more than 60 countries, and flexible plan adjustments so you can upgrade or downgrade as needed to save money.
If you’re considering switching carriers or starting a new plan, Tello is an affordable option with practical features.
In this Tello review I’ll cover their plans and services and answer common questions you might have.
Here is my Tello review
What is Tello Mobile?
Launched in 2016, Tello is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that runs on the T‑Mobile network. They provide voice, text, and data plans similar to any mobile carrier.
Is Tello a good deal? How much does Tello cost?
Yes — Tello can be a great value depending on your needs.
Plans range from about $5 to $39 per month. Tello charges no activation, maintenance, or early termination fees, and there are no long-term contracts. The service uses nationwide coverage via the T‑Mobile network.
Examples of Tello plans:
- $10 per month: 1 GB data, unlimited talk, and unlimited texting.
- $29 per month: 8 GB data, unlimited talk, and unlimited texting.
- $39 per month: unlimited data (up to 25 GB on 4G LTE/5G), unlimited talk, and unlimited texting.
There are many other combinations available. On Tello’s website you can build a custom plan by mixing data and minutes so you pay only for what you need.
Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to Tello?
Yes. Porting your existing number to Tello is free and can be done online. The transfer process typically takes from a couple of hours up to two business days, depending on your previous carrier.
Keeping your number removes a common barrier to switching carriers, making it easier to save money.
Can I bring my own phone to Tello?
Yes, you can bring your own device as long as it’s compatible. Tello’s site offers a compatibility checker to confirm if your phone will work.
You can also buy phones from Tello starting around $129 (examples include the LG Stylo 5). Compatible devices include GSM phones and certain unlocked models such as many iPhones and recent Android devices. Tello sells options like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and refurbished iPhones as well.
I used my existing iPhone with their SIM card without issues.
How does Tello’s Pay As You Go work?
Tello’s Pay As You Go plan requires creating a free account, adding credit, and using that credit for calls, texts, and mobile data. It supports local, national, and international calls as well as texting and data usage on the national network.
Does Tello work with iPhone?
Yes. I inserted a Tello SIM into an iPhone and everything worked: calls, texts, and hotspot use functioned normally.
Does Tello offer hotspot/tethering?
Yes. Tello includes free tethering, so you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot. I used the hotspot feature for several days and it performed reliably.
Does Tello require a contract?
No. Tello operates without contracts or long-term commitments, allowing you to switch or cancel at any time without penalties.
What network does Tello use? Does Tello have good coverage?
Tello uses the T‑Mobile network. Coverage is strong across most of the United States. On Tello’s site you can check coverage at your specific address to confirm service quality in your area.
Which countries can I call for free with Tello?
Tello includes free calling and texting to more than 60 countries. Some examples:
- Mexico
- France
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Japan
- China
- India
- Germany
- Spain
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Italy
- Panama
- Canada
For countries not covered by the free plan, Tello offers pay‑per‑minute international rates. For example, calls to the Bahamas are billed at an example rate of around $0.235 per minute (rates vary by destination).
Do Tello minutes or data roll over?
No. Unused minutes and data do not roll over to the next billing period.
How do I join Tello?
- Visit the Tello website.
- Check the coverage map and choose a plan.
- Decide whether to buy a phone from Tello or bring your own compatible device.
- Receive your Tello SIM card in the mail and activate it.
You can port your existing phone number during activation if you wish.
Tello review summary — Is Tello any good?
Tello Mobile offers plans starting as low as $5 per month, with no contracts or hidden fees and options for unlimited data. The ability to keep your number, use your own phone, and enable hotspot tethering makes it a flexible choice.
In my hands‑on use, Tello delivered solid performance with no major issues. For many people looking to lower their monthly phone bill without sacrificing essential features, Tello is a budget‑friendly and practical option.
How much do you pay for your cell phone plan each month?