GoKawiilCNET Reader Survey Names Mint Mobile Top-Rated Carrier Over AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
CNET's People's Picks survey found readers rated Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator, as their most satisfying carrier with an average score of 4.68 out of 5, outranking the three major network carriers. CNET senior editor Jeff Carlson attributed part of Mint's high marks to its marketing, including actor Ryan Reynolds' past involvement, alongside its affordable pricing plans starting at $15 a month.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The results suggest that budget-focused MVNOs can compete with major carriers on customer loyalty despite lacking perks like device upgrade programs, which could sway holiday-season shoppers weighing new phone purchases. Because satisfaction surveys reflect self-reported reader sentiment rather than independent network testing, the rankings may say as much about branding and price sensitivity as about actual service quality.
- Mint Mobile topped CNET's reader satisfaction survey with a 4.68/5 rating, beating AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
- CNET editor Jeff Carlson credited Mint's marketing and affordability for its strong reader loyalty.
- Mint Mobile offers plans starting at $15/month across three, six and 12-month terms.
Mint Mobile SIM Kit — Since Mint Mobile came out on top in CNET's reader survey, grabbing a Mint Mobile SIM kit is an easy way to try the carrier yourself without committing to a new phone. It's a simple way to test affordable, flexible cellular service before your next upgrade.
See Mint Mobile SIM Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Dashia Milden, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “The Results Are In: CNET Readers Trust These Mobile Carriers More Than the Major Networks”
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