| Our Score | 4/11 (Poor) |
| Best For | People who refuse to shop online for a carrier |
| Price Range | $25-$60/month (taxes included) |
| Network | T-Mobile |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | Yes |
| Owner | TracFone (Verizon subsidiary) |
Simple Mobile has one genuinely good feature: taxes are included in its advertised prices. In an industry where hidden fees and tax surprises are the norm, that transparency is worth acknowledging. But here is the problem -- when the plans themselves are overpriced and feature-bare, including taxes in a bad price does not make it a good price. Simple Mobile is a TracFone brand (now owned by Verizon) that runs on the T-Mobile network, sold primarily at Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. It is designed for people who buy phone plans in the checkout aisle, and the pricing reflects the assumption that those customers will not comparison shop.
Bottom Line: Simple Mobile scores 4/11 -- a poor rating earned through missing security features, no true unlimited data, no plan customization, and plans that are overpriced even with taxes included. The one advantage (taxes included) is completely neutralized by the fact that Tello also includes taxes, uses the same T-Mobile network, offers 35GB for $25/month, and scores 9.5/11. Visible offers unlimited data for $25 taxes included and scores 10/11. Simple Mobile's single selling point is not actually unique, and everything else about it is worse than the competition.
- Taxes and fees included in all prices
- T-Mobile network coverage
- SIM PIN protection available
- No data breach history
- No contract required
- Available at major retailers
- Unlimited talk and text on all plans
- NO TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
- No true unlimited data (all plans throttle after cap)
- No build-a-plan customization
- Poor customer service ratings
- Overpriced per-GB compared to competitors
- No eSIM support
- Limited online account management
- TracFone ownership means minimal innovation
The Tax Inclusion Illusion
Simple Mobile's marketing leans heavily on one message: what you see is what you pay. No surprise taxes, no hidden fees. This is genuinely better than carriers like Straight Talk, Cricket, or Boost that advertise one price and charge another. Credit where it is due.
But here is where the argument falls apart. Simple Mobile is not the only carrier that includes taxes. Tello includes taxes. Visible includes taxes. Metro by T-Mobile includes taxes. The "taxes included" differentiator stopped being unique years ago, and the carriers that also include taxes happen to offer dramatically better plans.
The Real Price Comparison
| Carrier | Advertised Price | Taxes Included | Actual Cost | Data | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Mobile | $25/mo | Yes | $25 | 3GB | 4/11 |
| Tello | $25/mo | Yes | $25 | 35GB | 9.5/11 |
| Visible | $25/mo | Yes | $25 | Unlimited | 10/11 |
| Metro by T-Mobile | $30/mo | Yes | $30 | 5GB | 6.5/11 |
All four carriers include taxes. All four use major networks. But Simple Mobile delivers a fraction of the data for the same price. The tax inclusion is not a feature -- it is a distraction from the fact that the underlying plan is terrible.
What $25 Should Buy in 2026
The average American smartphone user consumes roughly 15GB of data per month. Simple Mobile's $25 plan provides 3GB -- one-fifth of typical usage. Tello's $25 plan provides 35GB -- more than double the average. Both include taxes. Both run on T-Mobile. The only difference is that Simple Mobile has better shelf placement at Walmart.
Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Price (taxes in) | Data | Hotspot | Per-GB Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 Plan | $25/mo | 3GB | No | $8.33 |
| $30 Plan | $30/mo | 5GB | No | $6.00 |
| $40 Plan | $40/mo | 15GB | Yes | $2.67 |
| $50 Plan | $50/mo | 25GB | Yes | $2.00 |
| $60 Plan | $60/mo | 50GB | Yes | $1.20 |
Every plan includes unlimited talk and text. None include truly unlimited data -- even the $60 plan throttles after 50GB. The per-gigabyte cost on the entry plan is staggering: $8.33 per GB when Tello charges approximately $0.71 per GB for its $25 plan. That is a nearly 12x markup.
The Missing "Unlimited" Tier
Simple Mobile does not offer a true unlimited plan. The maximum data allocation is 50GB on the $60 plan, after which speeds are throttled. For comparison, Visible offers genuinely unlimited data -- no cap, no throttle -- for $25. You would pay $60 for 50GB on Simple Mobile or $25 for unlimited on Visible. The math is not ambiguous.
Speed Test Results
Simple Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, so raw speed potential is solid. However, as an MVNO, Simple Mobile customers receive lower priority than T-Mobile direct customers.
| Location | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 55 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 28ms |
| Suburban | 40 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 32ms |
| Urban rush hour | 12 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 42ms |
| Rural | 20 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 55ms |
These speeds are acceptable when you have data. The issue is not speed -- it is that you run out of data quickly on most plans. Fast speeds mean nothing when your 3GB allowance is gone by day five.
After the Cap
When you exhaust your data allowance, Simple Mobile throttles speeds to 2G (128 Kbps or less). At 2G speeds, you can technically load a basic webpage, but video streaming, navigation, social media, and most modern apps become essentially nonfunctional. This is better than Straight Talk's hard cap (data stops entirely), but far worse than Visible's approach of never capping at all.
The Security Problem
No Two-Factor Authentication
Simple Mobile does not offer two-factor authentication for account access. This is a significant security gap in 2026. Without 2FA, your account is protected by a password alone. If that password is compromised through a data leak on any other service, your wireless account is vulnerable to unauthorized access, SIM swap fraud, and account takeover.
SIM swap attacks have become one of the most damaging forms of identity theft. An attacker who gains access to your carrier account can port your phone number, intercept your verification codes, and access your banking, email, and social media accounts. 2FA on your carrier account is the first line of defense against this attack vector. Simple Mobile does not offer it.
What Simple Mobile Does Right (Security)
- SIM PIN protection: Available and recommended
- No known data breaches: Clean record to date
A clean breach record and SIM PIN support earn Simple Mobile 2 of its 4 points. But SIM PIN without 2FA is an incomplete security posture. It is like locking your car doors but leaving the windows down.
Security Comparison
| Feature | Simple Mobile | Visible | Tello |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM PIN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Yes |
| Data breaches | None | None | None |
| Account security | Partial | Strong | Strong |
The TracFone Problem
Simple Mobile is owned by TracFone, which itself was acquired by Verizon in 2021. TracFone operates a portfolio of budget brands -- Straight Talk, Total Wireless, PagePlus, Net10, and Simple Mobile -- all targeting the retail prepaid market. The common thread across TracFone brands is minimal investment in features, customer experience, and innovation.
TracFone brands compete with each other more than they compete with modern MVNOs like Visible or Tello. The result is a portfolio of interchangeable, underwhelming products differentiated primarily by retail shelf placement and packaging color. Simple Mobile's green branding sits next to Straight Talk's blue at Walmart, and neither offers a compelling reason to exist in 2026.
Innovation Stagnation
When TracFone brands update their plans, the changes are marginal -- an extra gigabyte here, a dollar reduction there. Meanwhile, carriers like Tello continuously refine their build-a-plan system, and Visible has streamlined unlimited data to a single $25 offering. Simple Mobile's plan structure has barely evolved in years.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Simple Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes ($25 plan) | 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | No (3GB on base, 50GB max) | 0/1 |
| Data cap quality | Throttled after cap, low caps | 0/1 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | No | 0/1 |
| Network coverage | T-Mobile (adequate, not top tier) | 0/1 |
| No data breaches | Clean record | 1/1 |
| True unlimited option | No (50GB max with throttle) | 0/1 |
| Good customer service | Poor ratings | 0/1 |
| Total | 4/11 |
Seven of eleven criteria scored zero. The points Simple Mobile earns come from having a plan at the $25 price point (even though it only includes 3GB), unlimited talk and text (which every carrier offers), SIM PIN protection, and a clean breach record. These are table stakes, not differentiators.
Simple Mobile vs. The Competition
Simple Mobile vs. Visible
| Feature | Simple Mobile | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Best price | $25 (3GB) | $25 (unlimited) | Visible |
| Taxes included | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Data for $25 | 3GB | Unlimited | Visible |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Visible |
| True unlimited | No | Yes | Visible |
| Network | T-Mobile | Verizon | Depends |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Visible |
Verdict: Visible wins in every measurable category. Both include taxes, but Visible delivers unlimited data where Simple Mobile delivers 3GB. Same price, incomparably better product.
Simple Mobile vs. Tello
| Feature | Simple Mobile | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 4/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| Data for $25 | 3GB | 35GB | Tello |
| Taxes included | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Tello |
| Per-GB cost | $8.33 | ~$0.71 | Tello |
Verdict: This is the most damning comparison for Simple Mobile. Both carriers use the exact same T-Mobile network. Both include taxes. Tello provides nearly 12 times more data for the same price, plus build-a-plan flexibility, 2FA, and good customer service. There is no reason to choose Simple Mobile over Tello. None.
Who Should Get Simple Mobile?
Possibly Acceptable For
- Customers who exclusively buy phone plans in physical retail stores and refuse to sign up online
- People already on Simple Mobile who have not yet discovered Tello uses the same network
Not Recommended For
- Anyone who can access the internet (sign up for Tello or Visible instead)
- Budget-conscious users (it is not actually cheap per-GB)
- Users who need more than 3GB of data on a budget
- Anyone who values account security (no 2FA)
- Heavy data users (50GB max, no true unlimited)
- People who want plan customization
- Users who need responsive customer support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Mobile worth it in 2026?
No. While taxes-included pricing is nice, the plans themselves are overpriced. Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with far more data for the same price, also with taxes included.
What network does Simple Mobile use?
Simple Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network. This is the same network used by Tello, Mint Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile.
Does Simple Mobile include taxes?
Yes. Simple Mobile is one of the few carriers that includes all taxes and fees in its advertised price. However, it is not the only one -- Tello and Visible also include taxes.
Does Simple Mobile have unlimited data?
No. The highest plan offers 50GB for $60/month, after which data is throttled to 2G speeds. There is no true unlimited option. Visible offers truly unlimited data for $25.
Does Simple Mobile have two-factor authentication?
No. Simple Mobile does not offer 2FA for account protection. This makes accounts more vulnerable to unauthorized access compared to Visible and Tello.
Is Simple Mobile owned by Verizon?
Indirectly, yes. Simple Mobile is a TracFone brand, and Verizon acquired TracFone in 2021. Despite Verizon ownership, Simple Mobile has not seen the improvements that Visible (also Verizon-owned) has received.
Is Simple Mobile the same as Straight Talk?
They are separate brands owned by the same parent company (TracFone/Verizon). Simple Mobile uses T-Mobile's network and includes taxes, while Straight Talk primarily uses Verizon's network and does not include taxes. Neither is recommended.
Can I use my own phone with Simple Mobile?
Yes, most unlocked phones compatible with T-Mobile's network will work. However, since the same phones also work with Tello, this is not a differentiator.
Does Simple Mobile have hotspot?
Only on the $40 and higher plans. The $25 and $30 plans do not include hotspot. Visible includes hotspot on its $25 plan.
Is Simple Mobile good for seniors?
Not particularly. The retail availability might seem convenient, but the poor customer service and lack of 2FA make it a questionable choice. Consumer Cellular or Visible would serve seniors better.
How is Simple Mobile's customer service?
Poor. Customer service ratings are consistently low across review platforms. Common complaints include long wait times, unhelpful agents, and difficulty resolving billing issues.
Can I keep my phone number if I leave Simple Mobile?
Yes. You can port your existing number to a new carrier during signup. Do not cancel Simple Mobile before initiating the port -- your number transfers automatically and Simple Mobile cancels once the port completes.
Does Simple Mobile have 5G?
Simple Mobile offers 5G access on T-Mobile's network on select plans, though the implementation and availability lag behind what T-Mobile direct customers receive.
What happens when I run out of data on Simple Mobile?
Your data speeds are throttled to 2G (128 Kbps or less) for the remainder of your billing cycle. This is slow enough to make most smartphone functions impractical but technically still connected, unlike carriers that hard-cap data entirely.
Is 3GB of data enough for $25?
For the vast majority of smartphone users, no. Average monthly data consumption is roughly 15GB. At 3GB, most users would exhaust their data in the first week. Tello offers 35GB for the same $25.
Final Verdict
Simple Mobile scores 4/11 -- a poor rating that reflects a carrier coasting on retail distribution and a single feature (taxes included) that its competitors also offer.
The value proposition has collapsed. When Simple Mobile was one of the few carriers including taxes in its prices, there was a thin argument for its existence. In 2026, with Tello and Visible both including taxes while offering dramatically superior plans, that argument is gone. Paying $25 for 3GB on Simple Mobile when you could pay $25 for 35GB on Tello -- on the same T-Mobile network, with the same tax inclusion -- is objectively irrational.
The security gap is concerning. No two-factor authentication means your account relies on password-only protection. In an era of frequent data breaches and SIM swap attacks, this is an unacceptable omission.
The TracFone ownership guarantees stagnation. TracFone brands do not innovate. They exist to capture retail foot traffic from customers who do not comparison shop. If you are reading this review, you are already doing more research than Simple Mobile's business model assumes.
Our recommendation is unambiguous:
- If you want T-Mobile coverage: Switch to Tello -- 35GB for $25/month, taxes included, build-a-plan, 2FA, good customer service.
- If you want the best overall value: Switch to Visible -- unlimited data, $25/month, taxes included, Verizon network, 2FA.
Simple Mobile's simplicity is not a virtue. It is a limitation marketed as a feature. You deserve better for $25 a month.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. Tom Spark and Prepaid Report may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Simple Mobile earned its 4/11 score through the same objective criteria we apply to every carrier. Learn more about our methodology.