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Quick Summary
Americans pay an average of $70–80/mo with the Big 3. Both Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular run on T-Mobile towers at $13/mo and $20/mo respectively — both substantially cheaper. Ultra Mobile leads on price: international calling to 80+ countries included — T-Mobile network from $13/mo. The right pick depends on which plan features matter most for your usage.
Key Takeaways
- Both Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular run on T-Mobile towers — same coverage area, the decision comes down to price, plan flexibility, and features
- Ultra Mobile starts at $13/mo vs Consumer Cellular from $20/mo — price difference is meaningful on identical or equivalent network infrastructure
- Ultra Mobile: international calling to 80+ countries included — T-Mobile network from $13/mo
- Consumer Cellular: AARP members save 5%, US-based phone support, no credit check — best for light data users
- Americans pay an average of $70/mo with the Big 3 — both Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular offer lower-cost alternatives on major US networks
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Ultra Mobile or Consumer Cellular is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular plans
Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular comparison
Ultra Mobile plans start at $20* and Consumer Cellular plans start as low as $50. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular.
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $9/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $12/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $14/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $24/mo |
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area by using our coverage checker.
Ultra Mobile coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Ultra Mobile coverage map
Ultra Mobile coverage map
Consumer Cellular coverage
Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Consumer Cellular coverage map
Consumer Cellular coverage map
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
Enter your ZIP code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular plan features
| Carrier Features | Ultra Mobile | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 6am to 6pm | Mon-Fri 5am to 6pm / Sat-Sun 6am to 5pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular customer service
Ultra Mobile customer service
Contact Ultra Mobile customer care
(888) 777-0446
Consumer Cellular customer service
Contact Consumer Cellular customer care
(888) 345-5509
Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular FAQs
The main difference between Ultra Mobile and Consumer Cellular are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular runs on T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Ultra Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Consumer Cellular. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
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