Ultra Mobile cell phone plans review for 2023
What to know before signing up for Ultra Mobile
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About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Last updated on October 22nd, 2023
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Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Mobile hotspot access included
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
Founded in 2011, Ultra Mobile is a low-cost carrier powered by the national T-Mobile 4G LTE & 5G network.
They offer a range of plans suitable for any budget. All plans (except their basic talk and text) include unlimited talk and text, unlimited talk to 80+ international countries, and are mobile hotspot capable.
To find out if Ultra Mobile is the right MVNO for you, we've broken it down for you below.
Is Ultra Mobile cell phone service any good?
What is Ultra Mobile?
Ultra Mobile is a low-cost carrier offering prepaid cell phone plans that can save you money without compromising quality. Also known as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), they operate on the same major networks.
What are the benefits of Ultra Mobile?
If you fancy a premium wireless service that's inexpensive, Ultra Mobile plans can offer just that.
MVNOs offer the best cell phone plans with a range of affordable options for any budget. Typically, plans start from around $10 a month, depending on what you need from your cell phone plan.
We've listed a range of Ultra's features and benefits to help you decide if Ultra Mobile is the best service for you.
- Quality coverage: Powered by the T-Mobile network, you can expect the same nationwide coverage. To see if T-Mobile's network is the best coverage in your area you can check the Ultra Mobile coverage map.
- Value for money: Ultra Mobile SIM cards offer value and simplicity with their plans. Although you'll find the same features and coverage as a direct plan from T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile could save you up to $600 a year.
- No contracts: Delivering convenient options for everyone, these prepaid plans have no long-term contract. So if you're unhappy with your plan, no restrictions keep you locked into their contract.
- Phone and plan bundles: If you're interested in upgrading your cell phone, you can find a range of the best Ultra Mobile phones to choose from. Just like a phone and plan bundle from one of the major networks, but with affordable options.
- Bring your own phone: If you don't want to upgrade your phone, you can easily bring your own, with Ultra Mobile bring your own phone plans. You'll just need to check your cell phone is fully compatible.
- Easy set up: Being online-based, it's quick to choose and purchase your Ultra Mobile SIM starter kit. Once your SIM card's arrived, it's easy to set up, and you'll be up and running with a few simple steps.
- Unlimited talk & text: Most MVNOs provide unlimited talk and text, and some Ultra Mobile plans include unlimited nationwide talk.
- 4G LTE coverage: You'll receive their 4G LTE data speeds operating on the T-Mobile network.
- 5G high-speed data: If you have a compatible 5G device, you can get access to the fast 5G network (where it's available) at no extra cost with Ultra Mobile 5G plans.
- Unlimited plans: Depending on your data usage, Ultra Mobile unlimited data plans offer unlimited everything at half the price of a T-Mobile unlimited plan.
- Multiple lines: Most prepaid carriers offer a discount for additional lines purchased, making Ultra Mobile family plans a great money-saving option when buying more than one line.
What are the best Ultra Mobile plans?
Ultra Mobile 3GB plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $699 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$19/mo* Only $30 for 3 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
- $440 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 15GB plan vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$31/mo*
$39/mo* 20% Off First Month
Ultra Mobile 10GB plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 10GB data
- $579 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 10GB plan vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$20/mo*
$29/mo* Only $60 for 3 Months Service
Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $322 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$39/mo*
$49/mo* 20% Off First Month
What network does Ultra Mobile use?
Ultra Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network. Although coming in a close third behind AT&T and Verizon, T-Mobile offers strong nationwide coverage.
Does Ultra Mobile have good coverage?
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Does Ultra Mobile have 5G?
You can get access to the 5G network at no extra cost with Ultra Mobile, with a 5G compatible device.
Does Ultra Mobile have good customer service?
- Ultra Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
- T-Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
- AT&T Trustpilot rating: 1.3 stars - Bad
- Verizon Trustpilot rating: 1.2 stars - Bad
Read what customers are saying about this carrier with Ultra Mobile customer reviews.
You can contact their customer support 24/7 via phone or online chat.
Ultra Mobile customer service phone number: (888) 777-0446
How much does Ultra Mobile cost?
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $10/mo $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $13/mo $15/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo $29/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $31/mo $39/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $39/mo $49/mo |
How does Ultra Mobile compare?
T-Mobile vs Ultra Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $322 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $49/mo | $578/yr |
| Savings | $26/mo | $322/yr | ||
Ultra Mobile family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| Ultra Mobile 3GB | $19 | $38$19/line | $57$19/line | $76$19/line |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB | $29 | $58$29/line | $87$29/line | $116$29/line |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB | $39 | $78$39/line | $117$39/line | $156$39/line |
| Ultra Mobile Unlimited | $49 | $98$49/line | $147$49/line | $196$49/line |
What features does Ultra Mobile offer?
- Bring your own phone - Don't want to spend money on a new phone? With Ultra Mobile, you can bring your own phone. Be sure to check the carrier's website to make sure it's compatible.
- International calling & roaming - Ultra Mobile offers unlimited international calling to 80+ countries with all plans. For international roaming, you'll get credits you can use, which you can top up.
- Visual voicemail - Check your voicemail more easily with visual voicemail. View your voicemails through an inbox and choose which ones to listen to or delete.
Ultra Mobile hotspot plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile 3GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $10/mo $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo $29/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $31/mo $39/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $39/mo $49/mo |
What phones does Ultra Mobile offer?
Ultra Mobile offers a large range of phones, including the latest smartphones. But if you're looking to save money, you can bring your own phone.
How to bring your own phone to Ultra Mobile
Ultra Mobile will simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your cell phone and follow the provider's instructions. You need an unlocked phone (your carrier has released it on another network). You can check that your phone is compatible with Ultra Mobile before signing up; the rest is a breeze.
Just ensure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone number to the new carrier.
It's super easy to bring your own phone:
- Order the Ultra Mobile SIM card online.
- Pop your new SIM into your phone, then follow the activation process.
- If you wish to transfer your phone number, the process may take up to 24 hours.
- Enjoy the same phone service at a fraction of the cost of the big networks.
Ultra Mobile FAQs
Ultra Mobile is an MVNO using the T-Mobile network. They provide low-cost plans while giving you nationwide coverage.
Yes. Ultra Mobile does have an unlimited data plan, but it's not the cheapest unlimited plan from an MVNO. Why not use our data usage tool to check if you really need unlimited data.
Verdict - Is Ultra Mobile worth it?
Ultra Mobile offers some of the lowest prices among MVNOs.
They offer unlimited talk, text, and international calls with all plans and a good selection of data options. If you use a lot of data, you can get a great value unlimited data plan.
With a simple and hassle-free switchover process, you can keep your number and bring your own phone.
Ultra Mobile guides
- Ultra Mobile Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
- Best Ultra Mobile Phone Plans
- Ultra Mobile Unlimited Plans
- Best Ultra Mobile Family Plans
- Ultra Mobile SIM Cards
- Ultra Mobile Cell Phone Plans Review
- Ultra Mobile Coverage Map
- Ultra Mobile 5G Coverage Map
- Ultra Mobile Reviews
- Best Ultra Mobile Deals
- Best Ultra Mobile Prepaid Phones
- Ultra Mobile iPhone Deals
- Best Ultra Mobile Phone Deals
- Ultra Mobile BYOP: Phone Compatibility Checker
How we reviewed Ultra Mobile cell phone service
MoneySavingPro reviewed Ultra Mobile's cell phone service and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month or more frequently as necessary.
