MetroPCS vs. T-Mobile: What‘s the Difference and Which Carrier is Best for You?

Deciding between MetroPCS and T-Mobile for your wireless service? This comprehensive guide compares the two carriers across all essential factors to reveal the key differences and help you determine the best choice for your needs.

As two of the top prepaid providers, MetroPCS and T-Mobile both offer attractive plans and pricing. However, there are some notable differences between these carriers that could make one a better fit depending on your priorities.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll look in-depth at how MetroPCS and T-Mobile stack up in crucial categories like network performance, plan options, features, phone selection, pricing, and customer satisfaction. By the end, you‘ll have the information you need to decide if MetroPCS or T-Mobile is the right wireless provider for you.

Let‘s dive in!

Network Coverage and Reliability

When you‘re choosing a wireless carrier, one of the most important factors is the breadth and quality of their network coverage. You want to enjoy solid connectivity wherever you live, work, and travel.

Both MetroPCS and T-Mobile offer nationwide 4G LTE coverage by leveraging T-Mobile‘s network infrastructure. Let‘s look at how their network performance compares.

Network Scope

T-Mobile‘s LTE network reaches over 320 million people in the US.
Their 4G LTE coverage spans 1.9 million square miles across the country.
T-Mobile has rapidly expanded their 5G coverage, now reaching over 310 million people.

Network Speeds

T-Mobile ranks as the fastest network among major carriers, with average download speeds of 35.7 Mbps according to 2021 data from Ookla Speedtest.
MetroPCS has decent speeds, but T-Mobile customers get higher priority which can result in 15-20% faster downloads during congested times.
In OpenSignal‘s testing, T-Mobile download speeds averaged 33 Mbps while MetroPCS managed 27 Mbps.

Network Reliability

T-Mobile scores very well for both 4G and 5G reliability, with OpenSignal reporting scores of 86.3% and 87.5% respectively.
MetroPCS lags slightly behind with 4G reliability of 82.4% per OpenSignal‘s measurements.

The takeaway? Both MetroPCS and T-Mobile provide excellent nationwide coverage by utilizing T-Mobile‘s robust LTE and emerging 5G networks. However, T-Mobile edges out MetroPCS when it comes to faster speeds and network reliability.

Plan Options and Features

When choosing a wireless plan, you want one that fits your data needs and budget. MetroPCS and T-Mobile offer different sets of plan options and features that are worth comparing.

MetroPCS Plans

$40/month – Unlimited talk & text, 2GB high-speed data
$50/month – Unlimited talk & text, unlimited high-speed data
$60/month – Unlimited talk & text, unlimited high-speed data, 15GB hotspot
$70/month – Unlimited talk & text, unlimited high-speed data, HD video streaming, 15GB hotspot

MetroPCS Plan Features

Data Maximizer – Streams video at 480p to conserve your high-speed data
Music Unlimited – Stream music from 40+ apps without using your data allowance
Mobile hotspot – 15GB high-speed tethering data available on $60+ plans
Family discounts – Additional lines cost just $30/month on unlimited plans
International options – Calling and texting to over 100 countries can be added

T-Mobile Plans

Essentials – $60/month for unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data
Magenta – $70/month for unlimited talk, text, and 4G/5G data, 3GB hotspot
Magenta MAX – $85/month for unlimited premium data, 40GB hotspot
55+ – $70/month for two lines of unlimited data for customers 55 and older

T-Mobile Plan Features

Netflix – Free Netflix Basic (2+ lines) or Standard (2+ Magenta MAX lines)
International – Unlimited texting and 2G data in 210+ countries
Mobile Without Borders – Use talk, text & 5GB LTE data in Mexico/Canada
T-Mobile Tuesdays – Weekly freebies and exclusive deals
Mobile hotspot data – 3GB (Magenta) or 40GB (Magenta MAX)

In terms of variety, MetroPCS offers more core plan options starting from just $40/month. Their $50 unlimited plan is an excellent value. But T-Mobile offers more features like Netflix, global data roaming, and hotspot data. Overall, MetroPCS edges out T-Mobile when it comes to affordability while T-Mobile provides more perks.

Phone Selection and Deals

For many people, choosing a wireless provider goes hand in hand with picking a new phone. Here‘s how MetroPCS and T-Mobile compare when it comes to device options and deals:

MetroPCS offers around 30 smartphones, focused on budget and mid-range models.
Flagship phones are available, but often at full retail cost without installment pricing.
Deals like the Moto G Stylus 5G for $159 make MetroPCS ideal for bargain hunters.
In comparison, T-Mobile sells over 40 devices spanning flagships, mid-range, and budget phones.
Top sellers like the iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 series are available for $0 down and $41/month over 24 months.
T-Mobile also offers discounted devices like the OnePlus N200 for just $216.

When it comes to premium devices like the newest iPhones and Galaxy models with installment pricing, T-Mobile clearly has the advantage. However, if you want an unlocked device at the lowest possible price, MetroPCS can‘t be beaten.

Here‘s a sampling of current deals to showcase the impressive affordability of MetroPCS phones:

Phone	MetroPCS Price
Moto G Stylus 5G	$159
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G	$149
TCL 30 XE 5G	$99

Based on your preference for premium versus budget devices, T-Mobile or MetroPCS may be the better choice.

Customer Service and Satisfaction

Having issues with your wireless service? You‘ll want to be able to get prompt support. Here‘s how MetroPCS and T-Mobile compare when it comes to customer service reputation and options:

MetroPCS

Customer service channels include phone, online, and social media support.
According to surveys, satisfaction with MetroPCS support is just average.
Phone menus can be tricky and information inaccurate at times.
Limited online chat availability and slower social media response times.
According to 2021 data from the ACSI, MetroPCS ranks 7th among wireless carriers with a customer satisfaction score of 70 out of 100.

T-Mobile

Customers can get support via phone, online chat, knowledge base articles, and social media.
T-Mobile ranks higher for helpful support and quick response times.
Their customer satisfaction rating is 73 out of 100 based on ACSI survey data.
T-Mobile is lauded for friendly and knowledgeable customer care representatives.

While both carriers offer a range of customer service options, T-Mobile is regarded as superior based on various consumer surveys, reviews, and feedback. But MetroPCS still provides decent support through their different channels.

MetroPCS vs. T-Mobile: Pros and Cons

Now that we‘ve compared MetroPCS and T-Mobile across several key factors, let‘s summarize the main pros and cons of each carrier:

MetroPCS Pros

Very affordable unlimited data plans
Generous discounts for adding extra lines
Data Maximizer and Music Unlimited features
Excellent deals on budget-friendly phones

MetroPCS Cons

Slower data speeds compared to T-Mobile
Less extensive phone selection
More limited features and perks
Customer service lags behind T-Mobile

T-Mobile Pros

Faster network speeds and performance
More features – Netflix, international roaming, T-Mobile Tuesdays
Wider range of phones including all flagships
Highly rated for customer satisfaction

T-Mobile Cons

Slightly more expensive plans than MetroPCS
Less appealing for budget device seekers
Fewer base plan options to choose from

Which Carrier is Best for You: MetroPCS or T-Mobile?

So which provider comes out on top in this comparison – MetroPCS or T-Mobile?

If saving money is your top priority when choosing a wireless carrier, MetroPCS provides tremendous value with affordable talk, text, and data. The $50 unlimited plan is packed with everything most individuals need. You can also get deep discounts when adding extra lines for family members.

However, frequent travelers may want to give the edge to T-Mobile for extras like free international data roaming and hotspot allowance. T-Mobile also better caters to customers who want the latest iPhones and top Android devices with 0% financing. Their superior network speeds are ideal if you stream lots of high-def video and mobile games.

Here are some recommendations based on different user priorities and needs:

For individuals on a budget – MetroPCS offers a great unlimited plan at just $50/month. Plus you can find excellent cheap MetroPCS phones under $200.
For families seeking savings – MetroPCS shines with affordable multi-line discounts. Two unlimited lines are only $90/month total.
For travelers wanting global connectivity – T-Mobile provides free 2G data and texting in 210+ countries.
For tech enthusiasts craving speed – T-Mobile has the fastest network with average speeds over 35 Mbps.
For streamers and gamers – T-Mobile includes generous hotspot data and HD streaming.
For customers valuing support – T-Mobile edges MetroPCS in customer satisfaction and service options.

At the end of the day, assessing your specific needs and priorities will determine whether MetroPCS or T-Mobile is the better fit. But this in-depth comparison equips you with the knowledge to decide which affordable prepaid carrier deserves your business.

Whichever you choose, enjoy the savings and convenience that come with prepaid wireless service!