Traditional telecom services are losing their shine as more budget-friendly and tech-savvy options enter the market. Two notable players leading this shift are Helium Mobile and Mint Mobile. Both promise innovative features and affordable plans, but which one is better for the everyday user?
In this guide, we’ll compare Helium Mobile and Mint Mobile regarding affordability, coverage, and standout features to help you decide which best suits your needs.
Overview of Helium Mobile
Helium Mobile is a new kind of wireless carrier that blends blockchain technology with community-powered networks to bring affordable mobile services.
Founded in 2013 by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey under Nova Labs, Helium officially launched its mobile service in 2023.
Helium Mobile offers nationwide coverage in the U.S. thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile and provides a simple unlimited plan for just $20 per month. That price gets you unlimited data, talk, and text without locking you into a contract.
Users can earn MOBILE tokens by helping improve the network. This could mean setting up hotspots or sharing anonymized location data through Discovery Mapping, a feature designed to strengthen the network’s reach and reliability.
Overview of Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a U.S.-based prepaid wireless provider known for its budget-friendly plans and straightforward service. It started in 2016 as a subsidiary of Ultra Mobile, founded by David Glickman and Rizwan Kassim.
In 2019, actor Ryan Reynolds acquired a 25% stake in the company, bringing a lot of attention and humor to its branding. By 2024, T-Mobile US had acquired Mint Mobile for $1.3 billion, with Reynolds receiving $300 million for his share while continuing in a creative role.
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network, offering reliable nationwide coverage. Plans start as low as $15 per month, with options for 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or unlimited data. All plans include unlimited talk and text.
In 2021, Mint Mobile earned the title of "the fastest growing company in America," thanks to its competitive pricing and strong customer focus.
Helium vs Mint Mobile: What’s the Difference?
Both Helium Mobile and Mint Mobile aim to provide affordable and innovative mobile plans. Let’s discuss the key aspects to see how they compare, starting with pricing.
Pricing
Helium Mobile keeps things simple with a flat $20 per month for unlimited data, talk, and text. There are no tiers or complicated decisions to make—it’s a straightforward plan that provides nationwide coverage and international roaming in over 200 countries. For travelers, Helium Mobile's international roaming rates are appealing, costing just $15 per GB of data.
Mint Mobile, however, focuses on flexibility and customization. Its pricing starts as low as $15 per month if you commit to a 12-month plan for 5GB of data.
For users who want more data or shorter commitments, Mint offers options with 15GB, 20GB, or even unlimited data, with prices adjusting based on the chosen tier and duration.
New customers can also take advantage of promotional rates, like $10 per month for a 3-month plan. For international travelers, Mint provides Minternational Passes with rates tailored to short-term needs, offering options such as $5 for 1GB of data or $20 for 10GB.
Data Allowance
Helium Mobile provides unlimited data with a few speed adjustments after heavy usage. After using 28GB of data in a billing cycle, speeds are reduced to 1Mbps. If usage climbs further to 40GB, speeds drop to 512kbps, and at 50GB, they are further reduced to 256kbps.
Mint Mobile, operating on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G networks, also offers unlimited data plans but with slightly different limitations. On its Unlimited plan, speeds remain high for the first 40GB of usage within the billing cycle, after which they drop to 512kbps (3G speeds) for the remainder of the period.
Other plans with lower data allotments experience more significant reductions, with speeds dropping to 2G levels (128kbps) once the high-speed data cap is reached. For users opting for the “Unnecessary” plan with higher limits, speeds are reduced only after 60GB of high-speed usage.
Network Coverage and Performance
When it comes to coverage and performance, both Helium Mobile and Mint Mobile operate on 5G networks.
Helium Mobile claims to leverage the largest 5G network in the country, offering typical download speeds between 80 and 418 Mbps. Mint Mobile also operates on a robust 5G network (via T-Mobile), providing download speeds that range from 79 to 357 Mbps.
Refund Policy
Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on all phone plans, allowing customers to return their plans for a full refund (minus shipping and handling) if canceled within the first week.
Phones purchased through Mint Mobile can also be returned within seven days of delivery, provided they are in their original condition with all packaging and accessories.
Helium Mobile allows customers to cancel their plans anytime, but no refunds are issued for unused service; the plan remains active until the billing cycle ends.
For Pixel handsets, Helium Mobile offers a 30-day return window if the device is in like-new condition with original packaging. However, a $20 restocking fee, a $15 shipping fee, and any bundle discounts are deducted from the refund.
Hotspot Devices
Mint Mobile includes a free mobile hotspot feature with all its plans, allowing users to share their phone's data with other devices without additional costs.
Helium Mobile goes one step ahead by offering dedicated hotspot devices designed to enhance network coverage. These hotspots not only provide connectivity but also reward users with MOBILE tokens for their contributions to the network.
The indoor hotspot covers about 1,500 square feet, making it ideal for small businesses or cafes, while the outdoor hotspot extends coverage up to 800 feet in open spaces.
Earning Crypto Tokens
Helium Mobile stands out by offering its users a unique way to earn MOBILE tokens. Subscribers can participate in Discovery Mapping, where they share anonymized location data through the Helium Mobile app to help improve network coverage.
Additionally, users can deploy Helium Mobile Hotspots to provide network coverage and mine MOBILE tokens based on the coverage's quality and utility. Helium offers both indoor and outdoor hotspot models, making it easy for users to contribute.
In contrast, Mint Mobile does not offer any programs for earning cryptocurrency or similar rewards.
Referral Programs
Both Helium Mobile and Mint Mobile offer referral programs to reward loyal customers for bringing in new users, but they differ in structure and benefits.
Mint Mobile
- Reward Structure: Existing customers earn renewal credits based on the referred friend’s chosen plan:
- $45 for the 5GB plan
- $60 for the 15GB plan
- $75 for the 20GB plan
- $90 for the Unlimited plan
- Friend Benefits: Referred friends receive a $15 credit toward their next renewal.
- Annual Referral Limit: Customers can earn rewards for up to four referrals per year, with a maximum of $360 in credits.
Helium Mobile
- $10 for $10 Program:
- Both the referrer and the referred friend get a $10 bill credit.
- The new subscriber’s first month of unlimited service costs just $10.
- Referral Elite Program:
- Available to subscribers with over six months on the Unlimited Plan.
- Referrers earn up to $100 in MOBILE tokens for each successful referral, distributed over 10 months ($10 in tokens per month).
- Referred friends receive a $10 bill credit after 35 days.
Conclusion
Helium Mobile is perfect for tech-savvy users who want unlimited plans, international roaming, and the opportunity to earn MOBILE tokens by participating in the network through hotspots. On the other hand, Mint Mobile shines with its flexible plans and low entry prices.
If Helium Mobile sounds like your fit, start earning today by exploring their hotspot options to expand network coverage and maximize your rewards!