Twigby vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Which carrier is better?

Twigby and Metro by T-Mobile are popular prepaid carriers that offer several amazing deals with their phone plans. Each carrier has its positives and negatives, but which offers better phone plans? Let’s put them head to head and see which brand comes out on top. 

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

• What the coverage of both carriers looks like
• How prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
• The features each carrier offers for their plans 

Unsure of what you need out of a plan? Check out our guide on how to choose the best phone plan. 

Coverage & Reception

Twigby is on the Verizon network, while Metro by T-Mobile is on the T-Mobile network. 

Twigby and Metro by T-Mobile are mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. Twigby is an MVNO of Verizon, while Metro by T-Mobile is an MVNO of T-Mobile.

Often, the quality of coverage comes down to your area. One carrier’s coverage may be better in New York, while another’s coverage may be better in California. It’s important to compare between providers on a coverage map of your specific city. Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers. 

However, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. 

Plan Options

Twigby offers several limited plans, and Metro by T-Mobile offers separate hotspot data. 

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, both carriers offer unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Twigby offers several limited data plans along with an unlimited plan and a plan without data. Metro by T-Mobile’s unlimited plans all offer additional data specifically for hotspot access. Both carriers deprioritize data, which means your connection may slow down during times of high traffic, such as a concert or a crowded parking lot. 

Twigby Plans

Twigby plans give you a discount for the first three months of service. 

Twigby offers 5 plans, ranging from plans with no data included to unlimited data. All plans offer unlimited talk and text, and all data plans offer hotspot access. All plans allow up to 50 lines on an account. All Twigby plans are on QCI tier 9. 

If you purchase your phone from Twigby, your device will be sold to you unlocked after activation. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. 

No Data Plan

This plan does not have data access. 

With this plan, you do not have access to any data. This means you must have a WiFi connection in order to browse the internet, send emails, stream videos, and play games. According to Twigby, you also need to have WiFi access to use iMessage on iPhones. You also do not have access to group messaging on basic or Android phones. 

You do not have hotspot access on this plan either. 

The plan costs $10 per month, and $5 for the first 3 months. 

2GB Plan 

This plan gives you 2GB per month before slowing down. 

This plan gives you 2GB per month, which slows to 2G speeds after the cap. This slower speed allows you to send texts and emails or browse the internet, but playing games and streaming video. The plan also allows for mobile hotspot access included. This access stops at the 2GB cap.

The plan costs $15 per month. At this rate, you get 2GB at $7.50 per GB. This plan costs $5 per month for the first 3 months. 

5GB Plan 

This plan gives you 5GB per month if you use their service. 

This plan gives you 5GB of data to use per month, which then slows to 2G speeds after you reach the cap. 

The plan costs $20 per month. At this rate, you get 5GB at $4 per GB. The plan also gives you the first 3 months of service at $10 per month. 

8GB Plan 

This plan gives you 8GB monthly. 

This plan gives you 8GB per month of service, which slows to 2G speeds after this cap. You also get access to mobile hotspot data, which stops at 8GB. 

The plan costs $26 per month. At this rate, you get 8GB at $3.25 per GB. The plan also gives you service at $16 per month for the first 3 months. 

Unlimited Plan 

This plan gives you 20GB before slowing speeds. 

This plan gives you 20GB of data before slowing down to 2G speeds. You also get 20GB of mobile hotspot data access, which stops at the cap. 

The plan costs $35 per month. At this rate, you get 20GB at $1.75 per GB. You get service at $25 per month for the first 3 months. 

Metro by T-Mobile Plans

Metro by T-Mobile offers several varying unlimited plans with different hotspot options. 

Metro by T-Mobile offers 3 unlimited plans and 1 limited data plan. Their unlimited plans vary with the number of features and GB of hotspot data included in the plan. You can add up to 5 lines per plan. You also get a $5 Autopay discount per month when you sign up, but the first month is full price. As a T-Mobile MVNO, this carrier is on QCI tier 7. All plans with this carrier are deprioritized. 

You also can get a 5GB plan. 

If you purchase your phone from Metro by T-Mobile, your device will be locked for 180 days after activation. Then, it will be unlocked automatically. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are included with the advertised price. 

5GB

This plan does not include hotspot access. 

This plan includes 5GB of data, but no hotspot access or extra features. With this plan, data stops after the 5GB cap. 

The plan costs $35 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 5GB for $7 per GB.

Unlimited 

This plan gives you unlimited data without hotspot access. 

This plan gives you unlimited data with no cap, meaning you can use as much data as you want without any slow downs. However, this plan is still deprioritized. You’ll experience slower connections in times of heavy traffic.  

The plan costs $45 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Unlimited + 8GB hotspot 

This plan gives you 8GB of hotspot data included. 

This plan includes unlimited deprioritized data with no cap, as well as 8GB of hotspot data. Hotspot data is deprioritized as well, and stops after 8 GB. 

The plan costs $55 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Unlimited + 25GB hotspot

This plan is their biggest and most expensive plan. 

As their biggest plan, you get unlimited deprioritized data with no cap. You also get 25GB of hotspot data included with the plan. It’s deprioritzed data, and data stops after 25GB. 

The plan costs $65 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Features

Metro by T-Mobile offers streaming service perks, but Twigby includes international calling capabilities. 

If you’re looking for a plan with more included features, such as international connection or domestic roaming data, it’s best to compare carriers with what they offer.

Domestic Roaming Data

Metro by T-Mobile and Twigby do not offer this feature. 

Mexico & Canada Connection

Twigby plans allow unlimited talk in Mexico and Canada, but not text or data. Metro by T-Mobile offers an additional add-on to include Mexico and Canada connection, called “Mexico and Canada Unlimited”. 

International Connection

Twigby allows unlimited talk in up to 80 countries, but not text or data. None of Metro by T-Mobile’s plans include international roaming. However, their Unlimited + 25GB hotspot plan includes international texting. Metro by T-Mobile also offers an additional add-on for international talk, called “Metro by T-Mobile Global Voice+”.

Video Streaming Quality

All Twigby data plans stream at 720p High Definition resolution. Their No Data plan requires WiFi to stream video. Metro by T-Mobile’s plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. 

Streaming Services

Twigby does not offer this feature. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans offer a free one year subscription to ViX Premium. 

Cloud Storage

Twigby does not offer this feature. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited + hotspot plans offer 100GB of Google One.  

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from Twigby, the carrier allows you to pay for your device in installments over time with PayPal. Metro by T-Mobile does not offer this feature.  

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception. 

Spam Protection

Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans include Scam Shield. Twigby does not offer this feature. 

Free Trial

Metro by T-Mobile and Twigby do not offer this feature.    

Customer Service 

Twigby does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country.

Twigby is a digital-only carrier, meaning they only offer customer support online. They offer chat support from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST Mon. through Fri. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Sat. through Sun. You can also email Twigby Customer Support at [email protected]. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country. Metro by T-Mobile has locations across the country, and you can use their store locator to find the closest one. If you’d like to call their customer service line, call 888-8-METRO-8. 

The Verdict

Twigby offers better limited data options, and Metro by T-Mobile’s unlimited plans are hard to beat.

When it comes to limited data plans, Twigby offers the better deal because of the price per GB with included hotspot access. On the other hand, Metro by T-Mobile’s unlimited plan selection offers great deals with included features and additional hotspot access. 

We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

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