T-Mobile vs US Cellular - which carrier is best?
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if T-Mobile or US Cellular is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare T-Mobile and US Cellular coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
T-Mobile vs US Cellular: Reviews
 View Plans |  |
T-Mobile Review | US Cellular Review |
Pros
| Pros
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Cons
| Cons
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T-Mobile vs US Cellular: Plans
T-Mobile Plans
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magenta | -1 | -1 | $70 | |
| Magenta Max | -1 | -1 | $85 |
US Cellular Plans
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25GB | -1 | -1 | $65 | |
| 50GB | -1 | -1 | $70 |
T-Mobile plans start at $70 and US Cellular plans start as low as $65. With no contract you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans shopping for a deal with MVNO's like T-Mobile and US Cellular.
T-Mobile vs US Cellular: Coverage
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's National 4G LTE Network
US Cellular is powered by US Cellular's National 4G LTE Network
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and US Cellular is powered by US Cellular. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area our coverage checker.
T-Mobile vs US Cellular: Features
| Carrier Features | T-Mobile | US Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | US Cellular |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | ||
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | ||
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | 24/7 | |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | ||
| Taxes/fees included | ||
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | ||
| International Roaming |
Both T-Mobile and US Cellular offer prepaid plans with no contract and you can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. So not only do you get the benefit of saving on a device, but you get the same great service on a cheaper plan.
T-Mobile vs US Cellular: Phone Deals
If you're looking to upgrade, why not save money even more money and buy a refurbished phone?
With most smartphones only making minor changes each year, you can get the great smartphone features with big savings. Find the best unlocked phone deals by comparing phone prices compatible with T-Mobile or US Cellular.
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | 128GB | Verizon | New | $384 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | Verizon | New | $599 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | T-Mobile | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | Verizon | New | $799 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | Verizon | New | $984 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 256GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | Verizon | New | $1,080 |
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T-Mobile benefits
- Fast data speeds
- Strong coverage
- Taxes and fees included in price
- Good international options
US Cellular benefits
- Coverage on the US Cellular network with roaming support on the big four major networks
- Postpaid plans require credit check and activation fee, prepaid plans are no contract and no credit check but may require an activation fee
- 15-day money-back guarantee - if you're unsatisfied, get a refund for the activation fee and any unused service
- Bring a compatible phone or buy a US Cellular phone
- Keep your phone number
- Mobile hotspot/tethering is supported
- International calling is billed at a per minute rate on postpaid plans and available as add-on packages for prepaid plans
- International roaming is supported on postpaid plans only
- Customer support available every day from 7am - 10pm CT
T-Mobile vs US Cellular FAQs
What's the difference between T-Mobile and US Cellular?
The main difference between T-Mobile and US Cellular are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
What networks do T-Mobile and US Cellular use?
T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and US Cellular runs on US Cellular.
What phones are compatible with T-Mobile and US Cellular?
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Does a T-Mobile phone work with US Cellular?
If your T-Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with US Cellular. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
