Tello review

Tello is the cheapest way on this list to keep a phone line for calls and texts. The Starter plan costs $10 a month for unlimited talk and text and 2 GB of data, which covers most people who use Wi-Fi at home. Everyday adds 10 GB for $15 a month after a $10 introductory price, Power gives 20 GB for $20, and the unlimited plan costs $25 with 50 GB at full 5G speed and 10 GB of hotspot. Tello also lets you build your own plan, including options with 300 minutes or no data. Every calling plan includes free calls to 60+ countries, and Wi-Fi calling and hotspot use come at no extra cost. You can upgrade, downgrade or cancel a line any time without penalties. The trade-off is that Tello sells online only, so there is no store to visit, and seniors who are new to smartphones may want a family member to help with activation.

Who it is for

Light users who mostly call and text and want the lowest monthly bill.

Price

Starter plan $10 per month for 2 GB and unlimited talk and text; unlimited data $25.

Starter 2 GB Data + Unlimited Talk & Text $10 /mo
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Build your own plan from no data up to unlimited, with 300 or unlimited minutes
• Unlimited text included with every plan
• Free calls to 60+ countries with any calling plan
• Free Wi-Fi calling and hotspot included
• Change or cancel a plan anytime with no penalties

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $10 a month for unlimited talk and text with 2 GB
• Strength: Free international calls to 60+ countries
• Strength: Unused high-speed data rolls over on the unlimited plan
• Weakness: Online-only, with no stores
• Weakness: Unlimited data plan slows after 50 GB
• Weakness: Building a custom plan means a few choices to make

Key facts

• Cheapest plan: Starter, 2 GB plus unlimited talk and text, $10/mo
• Unlimited plan: $25/mo, 50 GB at full speed, 10 GB hotspot
• International: Free calls to 60+ countries
• Contract: None, change or cancel anytime

Where it ranks

Tello is No. 3 in our Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors verdict and No. 4 in Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans.