In today’s world, cell phone service is considered a necessity for most people. However, the major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile can be quite expensive, especially for individuals or families trying to stick to a budget.
That’s where discount wireless service providers like PureTalk and Straight Talk come in. They offer affordable cell phone plans on the nation’s largest networks, but with fewer frills.
Both PureTalk and Straight Talk aim to provide no-contract cell service at a fraction of the cost of the major carriers. But there are some key differences between the two discount providers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare PureTalk and Straight Talk’s plans, network coverage, phone selection, features and more. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to determine which budget-friendly wireless company is the best fit for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | PureTalk | Straight Talk |
| Cellular Network | AT&T | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint |
| Monthly Plans | 1GB – $20; 3GB – $30; 5GB – $40; Unlimited – $50 | 5GB – $35; 15GB – $45; Unlimited – $55 |
| Taxes/Fees | Included | Additional fees |
| Data Rollover | On some plans | No |
| Mobile Hotspot | 5GB high-speed | 15GB high-speed |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Phone Selection | Good | Excellent |
| Retail Stores | Limited | Extensive national presence |
| Customer Service | Good | Excellent |
| Multi-Line Discounts | $5 off per additional line | None |
PureTalk Overview
PureTalk is a relatively new player in the discount cell service game.
The company launched in 2014 and has quickly grown to serve over 500,000 subscribers nationwide.
PureTalk operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on AT&T’s network. This means PureTalk doesn’t own any cell towers itself.
Instead, it purchases network access from AT&T at wholesale rates and then sells plans directly to consumers under its own brand.
Some key facts about PureTalk:
- Runs on AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE network
- No contracts required
- Family plans available
- Unlimited talk & text on all plans
- Mobile hotspot included
- Stream Saver feature for music/video
- Rollover data on some plans
- Wifi calling capable phones supported
- iPhone and Android options
- Certified pre-owned phones available
- Reasonable activation and upgrade fees
The prices are very competitive compared to AT&T’s own plans. You get access to the same extensive network for way less. PureTalk also simplifies your bill by including taxes and fees in its advertised rates.
Straight Talk Overview
Straight Talk has been offering discount wireless services since 2009 across all four major U.S. networks – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. The company is a subsidiary of TracFone and has over 20 million subscribers to date.
Some key details on Straight Talk:
- CDMA (Verizon) and GSM (AT&T) networks available
- No-contract cell phone plans
- Individual and family options
- Unlimited talk & text
- Mobile hotspot on select plans
- Video streaming at standard definition
- Carryover data on some plans
- Certified pre-owned iPhone & Android phones
- Reasonable activation cost
- Taxes and fees additional for some plans
One advantage Straight Talk has over PureTalk is the ability to choose between Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint networks when you activate.
If coverage is a concern, you may have more options to find something that works.
Coverage Map Comparison
When comparing discount cell phone companies, network coverage is usually the top priority. You want to be sure you’ll get reliable service where you live, work and travel.
Both PureTalk and Straight Talk use the major carrier networks, but there are some subtle differences in overall coverage.
PureTalk only provides service on AT&T’s network. AT&T has excellent nationwide coverage with over 400,000 cell towers and antennas across the country. Speeds and reliability are great for an MVNO. But there are still some remote rural areas lacking in AT&T coverage.
With Straight Talk, you can choose plans on the Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint networks. This gives you more flexibility if one carrier has better service where you need it.
Verizon is the overall leader in nationwide coverage and rural areas. But Straight Talk limits video streaming speeds on all its plans, which can affect coverage experience.
To compare coverage for your specific location, check the providers’ maps or test out the service. PureTalk and Straight Talk both offer free trial SIM cards with no activation required.
Cell Phone Plan Comparison
Now let’s compare the PureTalk and Straight Talk rate plans available. Both offer unlimited talk & text on all options, so the main differences come down to data amounts and prices.
Here’s an overview of PureTalk’s core plans:
- 1GB – $20/month
- 3GB – $30/month
- 5GB – $40/month
- Unlimited – $50/month
The 5GB and Unlimited plans also include mobile hotspot functionality. PureTalk offers discounts for 6-month and 12-month plan prepayment. Taxes and fees are included in these prices.
And here are Straight Talk’s base plan options:
- 5GB – $35/month
- 15GB – $45/month
- Unlimited – $55/month
Straight Talk has limited time promotional plans as well. You’ll pay the advertised rate plus taxes and fees, which can add $5-10 typically. Mobile hotspot is available on the Unlimited plan only.
Comparing the two side-by-side, PureTalk has better rates in the 1-5GB data range. But Straight Talk is more affordable if you need 15GB or unlimited high-speed data.
Both carriers will slow speeds after the monthly data allotment is used up. Straight Talk reduces speeds to 2G for the billing period. PureTalk slows speeds to 128kbps until the next cycle. Performance is quite limited at reduced speeds, but basic usage is possible.
For a family on a budget, PureTalk would likely be the most affordable. You can mix and match the lower data plans to suit every need. Heavy data users may come out ahead with Straight Talk’s Unlimited plan.
Also Read: Differences Between Ooma Telo And Ooma Telo Air 2 Phone.
Phone Selection
Another big factor is the variety and quality of phones offered by each low-cost provider. With PureTalk and Straight Talk, you’ll need to purchase a device upfront. There are no contract subsidies here.
But you can often save money versus buying from a major carrier.
PureTalk sells a modest selection of relatively current iPhone and Android devices. You’ll find popular models like the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S20 and Google Pixel 5.
PureTalk also offers certified pre-owned phones in excellent condition for even greater savings. Devices are available fully unlocked.
Meanwhile, Straight Talk has one of the largest inventories of phones among discount carriers. All the flagships from Apple, Samsung, Google and more are available.
Straight Talk also sells lower-cost Android phones if you want to spend as little as possible. Most devices are locked initially, but can be unlocked after 12 months of service.
For the biggest selection and latest models, Straight Talk comes out ahead on phone options. But PureTalk still has quality smartphones at reduced prices. Either provider can save you hundreds on your device purchase.
Additional Features
Beyond coverage and plans, there are some smaller feature differences to compare between PureTalk and Straight Talk:
- Stream Saver: PureTalk can optimize streaming video and music resolution to 480p and 500kbps. Saves on data usage.
- Rollover Data: Unused data rolls over on select PureTalk plans and stays valid for 30 days.
- Mobile Hotspot: Included on higher-priced plans for both providers. Up to 5GB on PureTalk, 15GB on Straight Talk.
- WiFi Calling: Supported on PureTalk for improved connectivity. Not available with Straight Talk.
- Multi-Line Discount: PureTalk offers $5 off per month per line when you add multiple lines. Straight Talk doesn’t advertise a multi-line deal.
- International Roaming: Pay by the day for talk, text and data on both networks. Rates are similar between the two.
For the most part, PureTalk and Straight Talk have comparable extra functionality for the discount wireless segment. The ability to roll over data and leverage WiFi calling on PureTalk plans adds some nice flexibility. Overall the user experience is solid on both carriers.
Customer Support Comparison
Hopefully you’ll never need to contact customer support with your wireless provider. But when issues inevitably come up, PureTalk and Straight Talk offer decent options to get help:
- Phone Support: Both feature 24/7 call centers based in the U.S. Straight Talk also has online chat available.
- Store Locations: Straight Talk has over 50,000 authorized retail locations around the country. PureTalk has limited in-person support centers.
- Online Resources: The Straight Talk and PureTalk websites have extensive self-help and knowledgebase materials. Submitting support tickets is also an option.
- Social Media: PureTalk seems more active responding to questions and feedback on Facebook and Twitter. But both can provide assistance via social channels.
- Returns: Phones can be returned within 14 days to Straight Talk and 7 days to PureTalk. Plans are refundable within 7 days on PureTalk and not specified for Straight Talk.
User reviews indicate Straight Talk’s support options are overall more extensive and effective. But PureTalk still provides plenty of ways to get your issues resolved both online and over the phone.
Which Carrier Is Better Overall?
So when it comes down to choosing the best budget carrier, is it PureTalk or Straight Talk? Here’s a quick rundown of key advantages for each provider:
PureTalk Pros
- Low prices for talk, text & smaller data amounts
- Clear pricing with taxes/fees included
- AT&T’s established, reliable network
- Roll over data and WiFi calling
- Simple plan structure
Straight Talk Pros
- Network flexibility across 4 carriers
- Very large phone selection
- Generous 15GB data tier
- Extensive retail store presence
- Solid customer support options
In the end, it depends on your personal needs and priorities. Here are a few recommendations on which service may suit you better:
- If you want maximum coverage flexibility – Go with Straight Talk
- If you mainly use under 5GB of data – PureTalk is likely cheaper
- If you need 15GB+ high-speed data – Straight Talk is a better value
- If you want to use WiFi calling – PureTalk supports this feature
- If you prefer buying phones in stores – Straight Talk has wider retail availability
Also Read: Is Your Phone Hotspot Better Than Verizon Jetpack For The Road?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your specific needs. Straight Talk offers more network flexibility and lower prices on unlimited data. PureTalk has better rates for light data users under 5GB. Overall coverage, phone selection, and customer service are comparable between both discount carriers.
Yes, PureTalk is a reliable discount wireless carrier. They operate on AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE network which provides excellent coverage and data speeds to customers. Reviews indicate few issues with call quality or network performance for most PureTalk subscribers.
PureTalk operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on AT&T’s network infrastructure. So AT&T is the underlying carrier that provides the cell tower coverage for PureTalk’s wireless plans.
Verizon is generally considered to have the most widespread and reliable network coverage in the most areas of the United States, particularly in rural locations. AT&T would be the second strongest overall for coverage and speeds.
Final Thoughts
No matter which provider you select, there’s an excellent chance you’ll save significantly over sticking with the major carriers. Prepaid plans from PureTalk and Straight Talk offer premium wireless service at a fraction of the regular prices.
Just be sure to evaluate all the key considerations like network coverage in your area, data amounts needed and phone selection priorities. By understanding these factors, you can determine the best low-cost cell phone service for your needs.
