VS

With the massive number of prepaid MVNOs and carrier options, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of it all and even harder to compare and decide which company is the right one for you. So, every once in a while we’re going to go through and do a Face-off of two popular companies, comparing plans and services to help you better decide. Today, we’ll look at Lycamobile, and MetroPCS. MetroPCS is owned by T-Mobile and obviously runs on their network while Lycamobile is an MVNO which also uses T-Mobile’s network. Here’s how they compare:

Plan Prices – Price range? What is included?

Lycamobile – Plans range from $19 – $59

Lycamobile plans are all very geared towards international calling, and all plans include some form of international calling or texting in addition to nationwide talk, text, and data. Plans are all renewed on a monthly basis. View plans here.

MetroPCS – Plans range from $30 – $60

MetroPCS plans all include unlimited talk and text and the prices also include all taxes and fees. All plans come with a set amount of high speed data and unlimited lower speeds. Many also include hotspots. View plans here.

Unlimited Talk/Text – Is it offered? What is the lowest price?

Lycamobile – Yes, all plans include unlimited talk and text. The lowest priced plan is $19 which includes unlimited nationwide talk and text, unlimited international text, unlimited minutes to 60+ countries, and 100 MB of data.

MetroPCS – Yes, all plans include unlimited talk and text. The lowest price is $30, which includes 1 GB of data and the ability to use your device as a hotspot.

Data Ranges – What is the most and least data available?

Lycamobile – Data plans vary greatly from as little as 100 MB to unlimited data (the first 3 GB are high speed, the rest reduced). High speed allotments go up to 10 GB as well, and data add-ons are available at the rate of $10 per GB.

MetroPCS – Data ranges from 1 GB to unlimited, although the top 3% of users (28 GB or more) will be throttled during times of congestion. Hotspotting is available on the unlimited plan, but only for the first 8 GB of data.

Pay-As-You-Go Rates – What are the pay-as-you-go per minute rates?

Lycamobile – Pay-as-you-go is available, but rates vary depending on country. Pay-as-you-go requires a SIM and compatible phone.

MetroPCS – Not available.

International Calling – What options are available? What does it cost?

Lycamobile – Lycamobile’s international calling options are exhaustive, and virtually all plans come with unlimited international text and unlimited international calling to select countries. Which countries depends on the plan. Many plans also come with specific minute allotments to specific countries, and additional minutes for various countries can also be added. You can check the international pay-as-you-go rates here.

MetroPCS – International calling is available. For $5, customers can purchase unlimited calling and texting to either Canada or Mexico. For $10, customers can purchase unlimited landline calling to more than 75 countries, and 200 mobile-to-mobile minutes to select countries. These are both add-ons which must be purchased separately. Learn more here.

Activation Fees – How much do they cost?

Lycamobile – N/A; There is no fee

MetroPCS – N/A; There is no fee

BYOD – Can you activate your own device?

Lycamobile – Yes, you can activate any unlocked GSM device, although you will need a SIM card.

MetroPCS – Yes, you can activate any unlocked GSM device, although you will need a SIM card. Check device compatibility here.

Network/Coverage – What network does it use?

Lycamobile – T-Mobile | Coverage Map

MetroPCS – T-Mobile | Coverage Map

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