| Our Score | 4.75/11 (Poor) |
| Best For | Users who need international calling and refuse to try Tello |
| Price Range | $15-$49/month + taxes |
| Network | T-Mobile |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
Ultra Mobile has built its entire brand around one feature: international calling to 83+ countries included in every plan. For immigrants, expatriates, and anyone with family abroad, this is a meaningful selling point. It addresses a real need that most carriers ignore or charge extra for.
But international calling is one feature. It is not a phone plan. And when you evaluate Ultra Mobile as a complete wireless product -- data, security, pricing, flexibility, customer service -- the picture deteriorates rapidly. No two-factor authentication. No true unlimited data. No build-a-plan options. Prices that are uncompetitive when measured against Tello, which offers the same T-Mobile network with free international calling to 60+ countries, full security features, and build-your-own plans.
Ultra Mobile's parent company also owns Mint Mobile. The corporate DNA shows: the same missing security features, the same lack of flexibility, the same gap between marketing and product quality. A shared corporate umbrella rarely means shared corporate improvements.
Bottom Line: Ultra Mobile scores 4.75/11 -- poor. International calling to 83+ countries is the one genuine selling point, but Tello covers 60+ countries on the same T-Mobile network with 2FA, SIM PIN, build-a-plan flexibility, and a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating. Visible offers unlimited Verizon data for $25 with taxes included. Ultra Mobile's $49 "unlimited" plan caps at 40GB -- a hard limit on data that Visible blows past for nearly half the price. The international niche does not justify the security gaps, the overpriced data, or the missing features. Tello is the better international calling carrier. Visible is the better overall carrier. Ultra Mobile is neither.
- International calling to 83+ countries included
- T-Mobile 5G network access
- SIM PIN protection available
- No data breach history
- Plans from $15/month
- Unlimited talk and text
- No contract required
- NO TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
- No true unlimited data (40GB max)
- Taxes and fees NOT included
- No build-a-plan options
- Same parent company as Mint Mobile
- Overpriced for domestic-only users
- T-Mobile rural coverage gaps
- Tello offers similar international on same network
The International Calling Angle
Ultra Mobile's international calling feature is not a gimmick. It is a legitimate service that provides real value to a specific audience. Every plan includes unlimited talk and text to 83+ countries, which is broader coverage than most competitors offer.
Countries Included
Ultra Mobile covers major calling destinations including:
- Mexico, Canada (like most carriers)
- India, China, Philippines (high-demand destinations)
- UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain
- Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria
- 70+ additional countries
For someone calling family in India or the Philippines multiple times per week, this can save $20-$50 per month compared to international add-ons from major carriers.
The Problem: Tello Does It Too
Tello includes free international calling to 60+ countries on every plan. The country list is slightly smaller than Ultra Mobile's 83+, but it covers the vast majority of high-demand destinations. And Tello does it while also offering:
| Feature | Ultra Mobile | Tello |
|---|---|---|
| International countries | 83+ | 60+ |
| 2FA | No | Yes |
| SIM PIN | Yes | Yes |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes |
| Data for $25 | 6GB | 35GB |
| Customer service | Decent | Excellent (4.5/5) |
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 |
Unless you specifically need one of the ~23 countries Tello does not cover, there is no reason to choose Ultra Mobile over Tello. You get dramatically more data, full security, plan flexibility, and superior customer service on the same T-Mobile network.
The Mint Mobile Connection
Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile share a parent company. This is relevant because the same security deficiencies appear in both products:
- Neither offers SIM PIN protection as a standard security tool. (Correction: Ultra Mobile does offer SIM PIN; Mint does not.)
- Neither offers 2FA. (Ultra Mobile does not offer 2FA.)
- Neither offers build-a-plan flexibility.
- Neither offers true unlimited data.
When two carriers under the same corporate roof share the same weaknesses, it suggests corporate-level decisions rather than individual product oversights. The parent company has chosen not to invest in these features across its portfolio.
What the Mint Connection Means for You
- Shared infrastructure concerns: If Mint has problems, Ultra Mobile may be affected
- Shared security posture: Corporate decisions about 2FA affect both brands
- Shared customer service resources: Support quality is determined at the corporate level
- No competitive pressure: Ultra Mobile does not need to outperform Mint because they are not competing
Ultra Mobile Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Price | Data | International | Per-GB Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $15/mo + tax | 1GB | 83+ countries | ~$17.25 |
| 3GB | $19/mo + tax | 3GB | 83+ countries | ~$7.00 |
| 6GB | $29/mo + tax | 6GB | 83+ countries | ~$5.33 |
| 15GB | $39/mo + tax | 15GB | 83+ countries | ~$2.87 |
| 40GB | $49/mo + tax | 40GB | 83+ countries | ~$1.35 |
The Pricing Problem
Ultra Mobile's pricing only makes sense if you view international calling as a premium feature worth a significant markup. But Tello offers international calling for free on plans that cost far less:
| Usage Level | Ultra Mobile | Tello Equivalent | Annual Savings with Tello |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3GB) | ~$22/mo (with tax) | ~$12/mo (with tax) | ~$120/year |
| Moderate (6GB) | ~$33/mo (with tax) | ~$16/mo (with tax) | ~$204/year |
| Heavy (Unlimited) | ~$54/mo (with tax) | ~$28/mo (with tax) | ~$312/year |
At every usage level, Tello costs significantly less for similar or better service on the same network. The international calling "premium" that Ultra Mobile charges evaporates when your primary competitor includes it for free.
The "Unlimited" Cap
Ultra Mobile's top plan at $49/month includes 40GB of data, marketed as their unlimited tier. After 40GB, speeds are reduced significantly. This is not unlimited. For context:
- Visible offers truly unlimited data for $25/month (taxes included)
- That is $24 less per month for genuinely unlimited data
- Annual difference: $288+ in savings with Visible
The 40GB cap might be adequate for some users, but calling it the "unlimited" plan at $49 plus taxes when a $25 all-inclusive alternative exists on a different network is misleading.
Speed Test Results
Ultra Mobile uses T-Mobile's network. Speeds are standard for a T-Mobile MVNO:
| Location | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban (low congestion) | 75 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 29ms |
| Suburban | 50 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 34ms |
| Urban (rush hour) | 18 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 42ms |
| Rural | 12 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 65ms |
These are identical to what Tello delivers. Same towers, same spectrum, same deprioritization policy. You are not getting faster service from Ultra Mobile. You are getting the same T-Mobile experience with fewer features and higher prices.
T-Mobile's rural coverage remains weaker than Verizon's in many areas. If you are in a rural location, Visible on Verizon's network may provide better coverage than any T-Mobile MVNO, including Ultra Mobile.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Ultra Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes ($15 base plan) | 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | No (40GB only on $49 plan) | 0/1 |
| Data cap quality | Low caps on affordable plans | 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 | Good but rural gaps (T-Mobile) | 0.75/1 |
| No data breaches | Clean record | 1/1 |
| True unlimited option | No (40GB cap) | 0/1 |
| Good customer service | Decent but not outstanding | 0/1 |
| Total | 4.75/11 |
The 0.75 on coverage reflects T-Mobile's rural limitations. In urban and suburban areas, coverage is strong. But T-Mobile still lags behind Verizon in remote and rural regions, and Ultra Mobile inherits that weakness.
Security Analysis
No Two-Factor Authentication
Ultra Mobile does not offer 2FA for account access. This is the same deficiency seen across the Ultra Mobile/Mint Mobile corporate family. Your account security depends entirely on password strength.
For a carrier targeting international users who may be traveling and accessing their account from various locations and devices, the absence of 2FA is particularly concerning. International users face higher risks of account compromise due to accessing services from different networks and regions.
What Ultra Mobile Has
SIM PIN protection is available, and Ultra Mobile has a clean data breach record. These earn two security points.
Security Comparison
| Feature | Ultra Mobile | Visible | Tello |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM PIN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Yes |
| Data breaches | None | None | None |
| Account security | Weak | Strong | Strong |
Both recommended alternatives provide complete security coverage. Ultra Mobile provides only partial protection.
Ultra Mobile vs. The Competition
vs. Visible
| Feature | Ultra Mobile | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Network | T-Mobile | Verizon | Depends |
| Unlimited data | No (40GB cap at $49) | Yes (unlimited at $25) | Visible |
| Price (comparable) | $49 + tax for 40GB | $25 all-in unlimited | Visible |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| International calls | 83+ countries | US only | Ultra Mobile |
| Rural coverage | Weaker | Stronger | Visible |
Verdict: Visible wins on data, price, security, and coverage. Ultra Mobile wins only on international calling. If international calls are essential, consider Tello instead -- it has both international calling and strong scores. If you do not need international calling, Visible is the clear choice.
vs. Tello
| Feature | Ultra Mobile | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.75/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| International countries | 83+ | 60+ | Ultra Mobile (marginal) |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Tello |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Data for $25 | Not available | 35GB | Tello |
| Customer service | Decent | Excellent (4.5/5) | Tello |
| SIM PIN | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Verdict: Tello wins in every category except international country count, where Ultra Mobile has a marginal lead (83+ vs 60+). Unless you specifically need one of the ~23 additional countries Ultra Mobile covers, Tello is the superior choice on the same network.
The International Calling Showdown
Since international calling is Ultra Mobile's primary selling point, this comparison deserves deeper analysis:
| Feature | Ultra Mobile | Tello |
|---|---|---|
| Countries included | 83+ | 60+ |
| Major destinations covered | Yes | Yes |
| Additional cost | Included in plan | Included in plan |
| Data with calling | Limited (caps) | More generous |
| Security while abroad | No 2FA | Full 2FA |
| Plan flexibility | Fixed plans | Build-your-own |
For the vast majority of international callers, Tello's 60+ country list covers their needs. The additional countries Ultra Mobile offers are typically lower-demand destinations. Unless your specific calling pattern requires those extra countries, the security and flexibility advantages of Tello outweigh Ultra Mobile's broader country list.
Who Should Get Ultra Mobile?
Possibly Acceptable For
- Users who need to call countries in Ultra Mobile's 83+ list that Tello's 60+ list does not cover
- People who have already evaluated Tello and Visible and prefer Ultra Mobile for specific personal reasons
- Those who received Ultra Mobile gift cards or SIM kits
Not Recommended For
- International callers whose countries are covered by Tello (60+ countries)
- Domestic-only users (no international calling value)
- Security-minded customers (no 2FA)
- Heavy data users (no true unlimited)
- Budget-conscious users (overpriced at every tier vs Tello)
- Users who want plan flexibility (no build-a-plan)
- Anyone in rural areas (T-Mobile coverage gaps)
- People who care about customer service quality
How to Switch from Ultra Mobile
If you are currently on Ultra Mobile and want better value with security, follow these steps:
- Do not cancel Ultra Mobile first -- you will lose your phone number
- Check your calling destinations -- verify that Tello covers the countries you call most frequently
- Choose your replacement carrier:
- Tello for T-Mobile with international calling (60+ countries, same network)
- Visible for unlimited Verizon data (if international calling is not critical)
- Get your Ultra Mobile account number and transfer PIN from account settings or customer service
- Confirm your phone is compatible -- if moving to Tello (same T-Mobile), your phone definitely works
- Sign up with your new carrier and port your number during activation
- Activate your new SIM or eSIM -- typically 10-30 minutes
- Enable 2FA immediately -- the protection Ultra Mobile never gave you
- Set up SIM PIN for complete security
- Test your international calling to confirm your key countries are covered
Ultra Mobile service cancels automatically when the port completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultra Mobile worth it in 2026?
For most users, no. Ultra Mobile scores 4.75/11. Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with international calling to 60+ countries, full security, and build-a-plan flexibility for less money.
What network does Ultra Mobile use?
T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G. Same towers as Tello, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and other T-Mobile MVNOs.
Does Ultra Mobile include international calling?
Yes. Every Ultra Mobile plan includes unlimited calling to 83+ countries. This is the carrier's primary selling point.
Does Ultra Mobile include taxes?
No. All prices are before taxes and fees. Expect to add $2-5 per month.
Does Ultra Mobile have unlimited data?
The top plan at $49/month includes 40GB. After 40GB, speeds are reduced. This is not truly unlimited. Visible offers truly unlimited for $25.
Does Ultra Mobile have two-factor authentication?
No. Ultra Mobile does not offer 2FA for account access.
Is Ultra Mobile related to Mint Mobile?
Yes. Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile share a parent company. Both use T-Mobile's network and both lack certain security features.
Is Ultra Mobile better than Tello for international calling?
Ultra Mobile covers 83+ countries versus Tello's 60+. For most callers, Tello covers their needs. Ultra Mobile is only better if you need one of the additional ~23 countries not on Tello's list.
Does Ultra Mobile have 5G?
Yes. T-Mobile 5G is included on all plans at no extra cost.
Can I build my own plan on Ultra Mobile?
No. Ultra Mobile offers fixed plans only. Tello offers full build-a-plan customization on the same network.
Is Ultra Mobile good for rural areas?
T-Mobile's rural coverage has improved but still lags behind Verizon. If rural coverage is important, consider Visible on Verizon's network.
Can I keep my phone number when leaving Ultra Mobile?
Yes. Port your number to your new carrier during signup. Do not cancel Ultra Mobile first.
Who owns Ultra Mobile?
Ultra Mobile is owned by the same parent company as Mint Mobile. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.
What happens when I hit Ultra Mobile's data cap?
After reaching your plan's data limit, speeds are significantly reduced for the remainder of your billing cycle. Data continues but at much slower rates.
Is Ultra Mobile's customer service good?
Customer service is decent but not outstanding. It does not reach the level of consistency needed to earn a point in our scoring system.
Final Verdict
Ultra Mobile scores 4.75/11. The international calling feature is real and valuable -- but it is not enough to overcome the accumulating deficiencies.
The International Niche Is Shrinking. Tello covers 60+ countries on the same T-Mobile network with dramatically better pricing, full security, and plan flexibility. Ultra Mobile's additional countries become relevant only for a narrow subset of callers.
The Security Gap Is Familiar. No 2FA, same as its corporate sibling Mint Mobile. This is a company-level decision that affects customers across both brands.
The Value Is Not There. At every price point, Tello offers more data for less money on the same network. At the unlimited tier, Visible offers genuinely unlimited data for nearly half the price. Ultra Mobile cannot compete on value with either alternative.
The Verdict Is Clear:
- For international calling on T-Mobile: Switch to Tello -- 60+ countries free, 35GB for $25/month, build-a-plan, 2FA, SIM PIN.
- For unlimited data on Verizon: Switch to Visible -- unlimited data, $25/month, taxes included.
- For multi-network with international: Consider US Mobile -- all three networks, 9.5/11 score.
International calling is a feature. Security is a foundation. Tello offers both. Ultra Mobile offers only one.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings. Ultra Mobile earned its 4.75/11 score through the same objective criteria applied to every carrier we review. Learn more about our methodology.