The Verdict Is In: CNET Readers Trust These Mobile Carriers More Than the Major Networks

Our readers rant and rave about mobile virtual network operators, but what about major networks, like AT&T and Verizon?

Between the latest news of inconvenient network outages and rising smartphone costs due to a RAM shortage caused by the AI boom, mobile carriers are vying for your money and business. So which one do your fellow readers recommend? 

CNET’s People’s Picks is a community awards program that surveys our readers to get their opinions on the tech gadgets and services they use and love the most, like internet service providers, headphones and TVs. The latest People’s Picks awards zoom in on what readers think about their mobile carriers — that includes everything from price to signal reliability and even data. 

The results are surprising. We hear a lot about major network carriers with lots of perks, data and infrastructure. However, our readers’ opinions indicate that mobile virtual network operators have more to offer than cellphone plans from the big three carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

CNET readers chose Mint Mobile as CNET’s People’s Picks overall mobile carrier winner. It has a strong overall satisfaction average rating of 4.68 out of 5.

“Customer satisfaction in general is a fuzzy metric, and Mint Mobile has done an excellent job of reinforcing to its customers that they’ve made the right choice,” said Jeff Carlson, CNET senior editor. “I chalk a lot of that up to its marketing, led by actor and former part-owner Ryan Reynolds, which elevates Mint in a crowded market. But Mint remains affordable and reliable, which solidifies its customers’ choice.”

Mint Mobile beats out other MVNOs and major network carriers, giving you the best bang for your buck. It offers flexibility without costing a fortune. 

Mint Mobile offers several phone plans depending on your term and data needs. It offers three, six and 12-month plans starting at $15 per month for some plans, but an upfront payment is required. Mint Mobile also offers family plans that let you choose the data amount for each included line at one set price. You’ll also have the option to use your existing phone or buy one through Mint Mobile.

“The position of Mint Mobile and the other MVNOs on this list really shows how much people value simplicity in pricing and features,” said Carlson. “Yes, Mint requires up-front payment to get the best value, but customers can see what that is. They can budget a set amount for the next six months, pay it, and then not worry about fluctuations during that time.”

Carlson also noted that Mint Mobile isn’t trying to load up its plans with features to justify higher costs. It has core features such as 5G coverage and high-speed data, which is what most people are looking for.

Comparatively, major networks struggle in this category. For comparison, Verizon and AT&T are 2.98 and 3.05, respectively. It’s also worth noting that readers are happy with Mint Mobile’s pricing — 90% say their bill has remained consistent over the past year, and 5% say it has decreased. 

Usually, if your carrier’s cellular data connection isn’t reliable enough, you’ll go looking for a Wi-Fi network. Most CNET readers with Mint Mobile service (70%) give the mobile carrier high ratings for how well they’re able to rely on Mint Mobile’s cellular data without connecting to a Wi-Fi network. 

Over half (59%) of CNET readers with Mint Mobile service rarely have that problem, and for some, not at all. Eleven percent of CNET readers with Mint Mobile service say they leave Wi-Fi off entirely because their cellular data is faster.

Carlson said it is surprising that MVNOs, including Mint Mobile, win against major network categories for cellular data connection, but there are many reasons people connect to Wi-Fi instead of relying on their mobile carrier — like downloading files quickly or watching YouTube videos. 

Consumer Cellular wins a few categories in CNET’s People’s Picks, including signal reliability, customer service and the mobile carrier that’s least likely to drop calls. It also comes close to winning in two categories: cellular data connection and unlimited data. 

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