Metro by T-Mobile Versus T-Mobile: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, differentiating Metro by T-Mobile versus T-Mobile can seem a little confusing. But it’s actually pretty simple.
In 2013, T-Mobile acquired what used to be MetroPCS, a top no-contract carrier. Over time, however, the name was eventually changed to Metro by T-Mobile. It is a subsidiary of T-Mobile and runs on the T-Mobile network. Although both carriers are part of the same brand, there are some key differences in terms of pricing, phone selection, coverage, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know.

Metro by T-Mobile Overview

The main selling points of MetroPCS were their affordable prepaid plans and no-contract phones. And that’s carried onto their current manifestation in Metro by T-Mobile.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of this carrier is its affordable plans and cheap phones. Plans, for example, start at $40 per month, with unlimited high-speed data and access to T-Mobile’s 5G network. For $50 a month, you can get that along with other perks like 5G of hotspot data and a 100 GB Google One membership. And for $60 a month, you can get 15GB of hotspot data, a 100GB Google One membership, and an Amazon Prime membership.
As for phones, “the overwhelming majority of its inventory costs less than $200,” Wirefly explains. “So for a low price, you’ll be able to snag a decent smartphone that meets your particular needs.” While the selection isn’t as robust as T-Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile doesn’t always have the newest, slimmest phones, it’s still respectable and sufficient for many consumers.
Another benefit of this carrier, as opposed to T-Mobile, is that it offers a wider variety of plans to match nearly every price range. We just mentioned the three basic plans. But there are numerous other options where you can easily add lines and receive discounts for adding multiple lines.

T-Mobile Overview

Using T-Mobile as a carrier offers three key advantages. First, it has a wider selection of the newest, most cutting-edge smartphones. As of August 2022, T-Mobile had 49 different phones to choose from, including the iPhone 13, Google Pixel 6a, and Samsung Galaxy S22. Metro by T-Mobile, by comparison, only had 34 phones, most of which were older than what T-Mobile offered. So if you want the latest and greatest smartphones, T-Mobile is likely the better choice.
Wirefly notes, “T-Mobile prioritizes its own customers over Metro customers. This means Metro customers sometimes experience slower data speeds, especially during periods of network congestion.” While this doesn’t usually result in dramatically lower performance, it’s worth noting, especially if you’re a heavy data user and want the fastest speeds around. If you fall into this category, you’ll want to lean toward T-Mobile as a carrier.
Third, T-Mobile has some of the best customer service in the industry. Although Metro by T-Mobile has satisfactory customer service, it simply can’t compete with T-Mobile in this department. For instance, T-Mobile allows customers to communicate by phone, chat, and social media whenever they have a problem or question. T-Mobile also offers comprehensive consumer guides and support on its website for quick answers around the clock.

Metro by T-Mobile Versus T-Mobile: The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly carrier with plenty of plans but don’t necessarily need the newest phones or lightning-fast speeds, we suggest Metro by T-Mobile. It offers solid service, has a reasonable phone selection, and is part of the T-Mobile network. It’s just that Metro doesn’t quite have the same inventory of brand new phones, and speeds aren’t always as fast as T-Mobile.
If, however, you’re all about the newest, most cutting-edge phones, want ultra-fast speeds, top-of-the-line customer service, and don’t mind paying a bit more (a single line starts at $45 per month, while more popular plans are $75 or more), T-Mobile is the best choice. It just boils down to your needs and preferences.

What About Smartphone Insurance?

A common question many consumers have when buying a phone is whether or not they should add on T-Mobile insurance. The simple answer for most shoppers is no.
While it’s important to have extended coverage, T-Mobile insurance isn’t the best way to get it. That’s because it can be costly and only has limited coverage. Deductibles can also be confusing and it’s not always clear what your deductible will be.
A more comprehensive and affordable option is to get extended coverage through Upsie. Upsie's warranties cost significantly less than warranties from carriers or stores. For example, a two-year warranty for an iPhone 14 Pro Max costs just $9.99 a month. By comparison, the same coverage from T-Mobile costs $432 for two years. Two years of Upsie's coverage costs almost half of what you would pay for T-Mobile.
Upsie also has some of the best coverage in the industry, protecting smartphones against defects, mechanical failure, screen cracks, drops, spills, and more.

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