Prepaid cell phone plans from Tracfone and Simple Mobile offer affordable ways to stay connected without signing a long-term contract.
But which one is the better option for your needs? This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Tracfone and Simple Mobile to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Tracfone | Simple Mobile |
| Network | Uses Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile | Uses T-Mobile only |
| Coverage | Nationwide through multiple carrier networks | Good coverage if T-Mobile network is strong in your area |
| Plans | Start at $10/month for talk & text only. Data add-ons available. | $25/month for unlimited talk & text. Unlimited data options. |
| Phones | Huge selection from basic to latest smartphones. Bring your own compatible phone. | Latest iPhones and Galaxy. Must be T-Mobile compatible device. |
| Data Speeds | May be slower than postpaid plans | High-speed unlimited data options |
| International Features | Calling cards and international calling add-ons | Free calling to 70+ countries and global texting |
| Account Management | Online or app account management | Online and app account management |
| Activation | Required on new devices | Just swap in your SIM card |
Overview of Tracfone
Tracfone is one of the biggest players in prepaid wireless services in the US. It’s been around since 1996 and operates as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) on the networks of major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Some key things to know about Tracfone:
- No contract required. Pay only for service you use.
- Bring your own phone or buy one from Tracfone.
- Plans start as low as $10/month for talk and text.
- Data options available but not required.
- Nationwide coverage through major carrier networks.
- Access to America’s largest 4G LTE networks.
- Rollover minutes and service days keep your plan active.
- Plenty of plan add-ons like international long distance.
Tracfone is a great option if you don’t need much data and want low-cost service. The ability to bring your own device also makes it flexible.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tracfone And T-Mobile
Overview of Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile is another big prepaid wireless provider in the US ever since launching in 2009. It’s an MVNO that operates on T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE network.
Here’s what you need to know about Simple Mobile:
- No annual contract required.
- Bring your own compatible T-Mobile device.
- Plans from $25/month for unlimited talk & text.
- Data options from 5GB to unlimited 4G LTE.
- Mobile hotspot capability included free.
- International roaming in over 70 countries.
- T-Mobile perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays and free Gogo in-flight WiFi.
- Taxes and fees included in advertised plan prices.
If you need lots of high-speed data, Simple Mobile has appealing options. And you’ll enjoy T-Mobile’s excellent nationwide coverage.
Key Differences Between Tracfone And Simple Mobile
- Plan Options Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Tracfone and Simple Mobile is in their plan options. Let’s compare what each offers:
Tracfone Plan Highlights
- Talk & Text Only – Starts at $10/30 days for talk & text. Additional minutes can be added.
- Talk, Text & Data – Starts at $20/30 days for talk, text and 1GB data. More data can be added.
- Unlimited Talk & Text – $50/90 days of service. Add data as needed.
- Unlimited Talk, Text & Data – $50/30 days. Includes 1.5GB data.
Simple Mobile Plan Highlights
- Unlimited Talk & Text – $25/30 days. No data included.
- Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data – $40/30 days.
- Unlimited Talk, Text & 15GB Data – $50/30 days.
- Unlimited Everything – $50/30 days. Unlimited high-speed data.
Simple Mobile focuses on unlimited options with plenty of data. Tracfone has more flexibility for low data users or talk/text-only usage.
- Network Coverage Comparison
When choosing a carrier, it’s important to consider network coverage. Here’s how Tracfone and Simple Mobile compare:
Tracfone Network Info
- Uses Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
- Access to nationwide 4G LTE on all three carrier networks.
- Strong rural coverage through Verizon.
- Roaming on partner networks outside of coverage areas.
Simple Mobile Network Info
- Runs on T-Mobile’s network exclusively.
- Solid 4G LTE coverage nationwide.
- Good coverage in urban areas and along highways.
- More limited rural coverage than Verizon.
- Roaming in Canada, Mexico and other countries.
In general, Tracfone offers better overall nationwide coverage by combining multiple carrier networks. Simple Mobile is limited to just T-Mobile but may be a good option if T-Mobile coverage is strong in your area.
- Phone Selection
With both Tracfone and Simple Mobile, you can use your own compatible phone or buy a phone from the carrier. Here are some things to note:
Tracfone Phone Options
- Huge selection of devices from brands like LG, Samsung, Apple, Motorola and more.
- Options range from basic flip phones to latest iPhone models.
- Newer smartphones can be expensive – $200-$500 typical prices.
- Bring any CDMA or GSM unlocked phone.
Simple Mobile Phone Options
- Smaller phone selection available. Mainly iPhone and popular Android devices.
- Latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models offered.
- High-end smartphones around $300-$500.
- Must be a T-Mobile compatible device.
Tracfone definitely offers more options for low-cost basic phones. Simple Mobile focuses on high-end smartphones compatible with T-Mobile.
Watch this review video:
- International Options
For contacting people outside the US, here’s what each carrier provides:
Tracfone International Offerings
- Calling cards for low international calling rates.
- International long distance add-on for $5-$10/month.
- Compatible phones allow texting internationally.
- No free roaming; roaming packages available for some countries.
Simple Mobile International Features
- Unlimited free calling to over 70 countries.
- Unlimited global texting included.
- Free 2G data roaming in Simple Global countries.
- Discounted daily high-speed passes in over 80 countries.
Simple Mobile includes excellent global connectivity options free with their plans. Tracfone has add-ons to enable international calls and texts but no free international roaming.
- Other Differences
Some other things that set Tracfone and Simple Mobile apart include:
- Add-Ons – Tracfone has many add-ons like extra talk minutes, data, and roaming bundles you can add to your core plan as needed. Simple Mobile plans just include set amounts of talk, text and data.
- Phone Number – With Tracfone you can bring your phone number over or get a new one. Simple Mobile requires you to bring your existing number.
- Account Management – Tracfone accounts can be managed online or through their app. Simple Mobile also has online and app account management.
- Activation – Tracfone requires activating service before using a new device. Simple Mobile just requires swapping your SIM into a compatible phone.
Also Read: Comparison Between Visible And TracFone
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, Tracfone and Simple Mobile are two separate prepaid wireless carriers. They operate as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) but use different networks. Tracfone uses Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile while Simple Mobile uses only the T-Mobile network. Their plans, phone selection, and features also differ.
Tracfone utilizes the networks of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile for its service. Areas with Verizon coverage will provide the best overall service quality for Tracfone customers since Verizon has the most expansive nationwide 4G LTE network.
No, as of 2023 Tracfone has not acquired Simple Mobile. Tracfone is owned by Verizon, while Simple Mobile is a wholly owned subsidiary of TracFone Wireless. The two companies continue to operate as independent prepaid MVNO carriers.
Some potential disadvantages of choosing Tracfone include:
Having to purchase airtime in advance before using service. Minutes don’t roll over with some plans.
Data speeds may be slower than postpaid carrier options since Tracfone is deprioritized on partner networks. Advanced features like mobile hotspot or HD calling may not be available. Phones must be activated on Tracfone’s network initially before service can be used. Coverage is dependent on whichever underlying carrier network is utilized in your area. Prepaid billing and account management may be less convenient than postpaid.
However, the benefits like no contract and inexpensive plans often outweigh potential drawbacks for many users.
Also Read: Choose Between Tracfone And Cricket Wireless.
Final Thought
So which prepaid carrier is better for you? Here are a few key points to consider:
Consider Tracfone if:
- You want the widest coverage through multiple networks.
- You need a basic or flip phone.
- You don’t need much data.
- You like flexibility of adding service as needed.
Consider Simple Mobile for:
- T-Mobile coverage is good in your area.
- You want unlimited high-speed data.
- You need international roaming capabilities.
- You use the latest iPhone or Galaxy smartphone.
Both carriers offer affordable prepaid service on a top-tier wireless network. Take some time to evaluate your coverage needs, data usage, device preferences, and budget to determine if Simple Mobile or Tracfone is the best fit. And remember you aren’t locked into a contract with either, so you can switch if needed!