Helium Mobile: What Are the Pros and Cons?
- Low cost
- Get paid MOBILE cryptocurrency tokens for allowing Helium to track your location to map their network
- Uses multiple networks, T-Mobile's network plus Helium hotspots for coverage
- May be selling plans at a loss, long term viability questionable
- Helium Mobile does not disclose certain features like how fast data speeds are throttled to
- Online only brand, limited customer support options
Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Helium Mobile before you subscribe. I’ll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of Helium Mobile so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Prepaid Phone Plans – No Credit Check
How Helium Mobile Plans Work
Helium Mobile launched with nationwide coverage using the T-Mobile network in 2023. It was founded by Nova Labs, which itself was formed in 2013. The company aims to build a decentralized wireless network through the use of cryptocurrency and hotspots. The hotspots will act like a cell tower for Helium Mobile subscribers. When near one, Helium Mobile subscribers will connect to them for coverage, and when they are not near one they will connect to the T-Mobile network for coverage.
Whether you are a Helium Mobile subscriber or not, you can buy a hotspot device from Helium (currently $249) to help power the network for yourself and others. Those who operate 5G hotspots can accumulate cryptocurrency in the form of MOBILE Tokens. On old plans, customers who enabled “Discovery Mapping” on their cell phones to allow Helium to track their locations and coverage in a given area also earned MOBILE tokens through the Solana blockchain. The tokens could be used to pay for their wireless plan or converted to a Helium Network Token (HNT) cryptocurrency which can be traded, invested or converted to cash. Per the Helium Mobile website, “Discovery Mapping allows subscribers to earn rewards by sharing their location. This allows us to understand where Helium Mobile subscribers are using our network.” At the end of January 2025, Helium stopped paying out Mobile tokens and instead began to pay in HNT.
In early February 2025, Helium Mobile released three new plans including a free plan. All plans except the free plan give customers the option to earn “Cloud Points” with their plans by allowing Helium Mobile to track their location and usage. Cloud Points can be redeemed for gift cards to restaurants, movies, and more. Helium no longer issues crypto based rewards with the new plans. Customers on the free plan which includes 3GB of data, 100 minutes, and 300 text messages are required to participate in the Cloud Points program. The free plan does not require a payment card, however, customers may have to share a valid driver’s license and photo with Helium in order to subscribe to it.
Helium Mobile first launched in Miami, Florida, as a test market in August 2023. Their first plan included unlimited talk, text and 30GB of high-speed data before throttling, as well as 5GB of mobile hotspot for $5/month. It wasn’t until December 2023, that Helium Mobile launched nationwide.
Taxes and fees cost extra with Helium Mobile (excluding the free plan) and can differ widely based on where you live. A high-speed data top-up is available priced at $7.50/GB.
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
Helium Mobile News
By Joe Paonessa • 05/02/24
Helium Mobile, a startup that operates as both an MVNO and a carrier, has experienced a...
This article seems half-written. Helium seems very intriguing; would love to have more info.