Both are real options, and the right one depends on your coverage area, how much data you actually use, and whether you will tolerate a credit check. Here is the full breakdown with World Mobile in the mix, because if you are on the T-Mobile or AT&T network, a no contract prepaid option is usually the cheapest way to keep the same coverage.
| World Mobile | Tello | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | T-Mobile or AT&T (strongest signal) + in-house (where deployed) | T-Mobile |
| Best value plan | $40/mo Unlimited (25GB fast, then unlimited) | $25/mo Unlimited (55GB fast, then unlimited) |
| Cheapest plan | $15/mo Starter (2GB) | $5/mo Text-only tiers available |
| Contract | No contract on any plan | No contract |
| Credit check | No credit check | No credit check |
| eSIM | Instant eSIM, or physical SIM | Yes |
| Keep your number | Yes | Yes |
| International | Free calling to 60 countries on Unlimited and Unlimited+ | Cheap international calling, per-minute or daily |
Prices as of October 2026. Promo pricing changes. Verify before you sign up.
World Mobile runs on T-Mobile or AT&T, whichever has the strongest signal, with its own network expanding where deployed, no contract and no credit check. Unlimited 25GB fast data for $40, or 2GB for $15 if you use little. Keep your number when you switch.
See World Mobile Plans →No contract. No credit check. Keep your number.World Mobile best value is $40/mo, Tello is $25/mo. Tello runs on T-Mobile from $5 for tiny plans up to about $25 for unlimited (55GB fast data), with the cheapest international calling rates here and full control down to the gigabyte. World Mobile is $40 with 25GB fast data, then unlimited at reduced speed, on T-Mobile or AT&T whichever has the stronger signal, no contract and no credit check, plus a built in VPN and free calling to 60 countries. Tello is the cheapest bill if you use very little data and you are comfortable with community and email support. World Mobile is the better all round plan for most people who want a simple bill, two networks to fall back on, and real extras.
World Mobile: No credit check. Tello: No credit check. World Mobile requires no credit check on any plan.
Yes. Port the number during activation and keep your old account active until the port completes. It usually takes 15 minutes to a few hours. See how to switch carriers for the full steps.
Yes. World Mobile runs on T-Mobile or AT&T, whichever has the strongest signal, with its own network expanding where deployed, at $40/month for unlimited 25GB fast data, no contract, no credit check, with a built in VPN and identity protection on top plans. Mint and Visible also ride the T-Mobile network.
See the full 2026 prepaid ranking or learn how to lower your phone bill.