| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.5/11 (Excellent) |
| Best For | Users who want network flexibility |
| Price Range | $10-$54/month + taxes |
| Networks | Verizon (Warp), T-Mobile (Light Speed), AT&T (Dark Star) |
| Contract | None -- cancel anytime |
| Taxes & Fees | NOT included in price |
US Mobile is one of the most technically impressive MVNOs on the market. It gives you access to all three major US networks, solid security features, and a build-your-own plan system that most carriers cannot match. But there is a catch -- and it shows up on every single bill.
Bottom Line: US Mobile scores 9.5/11 in our testing thanks to multi-network access (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T), strong security (2FA + SIM PIN), a clean data breach record, and genuinely helpful customer service. The problem? Taxes and fees are not included in any advertised price, adding $3-6/month to your bill. That means US Mobile's "$25 unlimited" plan actually costs $28-31. For Verizon users, Visible offers true unlimited with taxes included at $25 flat. For T-Mobile users, Tello matches US Mobile's score at a lower total cost. US Mobile is a quality carrier -- but you are paying a premium for flexibility most people do not need.
Pros
- Access to all 3 major networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T)
- Build-your-own plan customization
- Strong security: 2FA + SIM PIN protection
- No data breaches on record
- Good customer service (live chat, social media)
- 35GB premium data on base unlimited plan
- eSIM support on all networks
- Family plan discounts available
- 5G included on all three networks
Cons
- Taxes and fees NOT included in any price
- No true unlimited data (all plans have caps)
- Premium data capped at 35GB on base plan
- Hotspot data is limited (10GB on Starter)
- Network switching requires a new SIM
- Three network brands create confusion
- More expensive total cost than Visible or Tello
What is US Mobile?
US Mobile launched in 2014 out of New York City with a bold idea: let customers pick their network instead of being locked into one. While most MVNOs lease capacity from a single carrier, US Mobile operates on all three major US networks under distinct brand names:
- Warp 5G -- Runs on Verizon's network (best rural coverage)
- Light Speed 5G -- Runs on T-Mobile's network (best urban 5G)
- Dark Star 5G -- Runs on AT&T's network (added January 2025)
The company has earned a loyal following among tech-savvy users who appreciate the granular control. US Mobile also deserves credit for taking security seriously -- SIM PIN protection and two-factor authentication are both available, and the company has never suffered a data breach. That is a stronger security posture than most carriers in the industry.
Key facts:
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: New York, NY
- Network: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T (user's choice)
- Support: Live chat, social media, email
- Stores: None (100% online)
US Mobile Plans and Pricing
US Mobile offers two categories of plans: unlimited tiers and build-your-own options.
Unlimited Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Premium Data | Hotspot | Available Networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Starter | $25 + tax | 35GB | 10GB | All 3 |
| Unlimited Premium | $44 + tax | 100GB | 50GB | All 3 |
| Unlimited Plus | $54 + tax | Unlimited | Unlimited | Warp (Verizon) only |
Build-Your-Own Plans
| Data Allotment | Monthly Price | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $10 + tax | Unlimited |
| 5GB | $15 + tax | Unlimited |
| 12GB | $20 + tax | Unlimited |
| 18GB | $25 + tax | Unlimited |
Every price shown above is before taxes and fees. Depending on your state, expect to add $3-6 per line per month. This is the single biggest issue with US Mobile's pricing.
The Hidden Cost Problem
Let us do the math. US Mobile's Unlimited Starter plan is advertised at $25/month. After taxes and fees:
- US Mobile Unlimited Starter: ~$28-31/month actual cost
- Visible Basic (Verizon): $25/month -- taxes already included
- Tello Unlimited (T-Mobile): ~$27-29/month after taxes
Over a full year, those extra dollars matter:
| Carrier | Monthly (actual) | Annual Cost | Savings vs US Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile Starter | ~$31 | ~$372 | -- |
| Tello Unlimited | ~$28 | ~$336 | $36/year |
| Visible Basic | $25 | $300 | $72/year |
That $72 annual savings with Visible adds up -- and you get true unlimited data with no cap, something US Mobile cannot offer on any plan at that price.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
We evaluate every carrier using our objective Brain Framework methodology. Here is how US Mobile performed:
| Criteria | US Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes (before taxes) | 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | Yes (35GB on Starter) | 1/1 |
| Premium data quality | 35GB cap on base plan | 0.5/1 |
| Unlimited talk & text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | Yes | 1/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes (4-digit PIN) | 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | 1/1 |
| Network coverage quality | Excellent (3 networks) | 1/1 |
| No data breaches | Clean record | 1/1 |
| True unlimited data | No (all plans have caps) | 0/1 |
| Good customer service | Yes | 1/1 |
| Total | 9.5/11 |
A 9.5/11 is an excellent score. US Mobile earns it legitimately -- the multi-network access, security features, and build-a-plan flexibility are real strengths. But context matters. Visible scores 10/11 with true unlimited data and taxes included. Tello matches US Mobile's 9.5/11 with a lower total monthly cost.
Network Coverage and Speed Tests
US Mobile's biggest competitive advantage is network choice. Here is what each option delivers:
Warp 5G (Verizon Network)
- Strongest rural coverage nationwide
- Premium data priority (not always deprioritized like Visible's $25 plan)
- Ultra Wideband 5G in cities
- Best option for travel and road trips
Light Speed 5G (T-Mobile Network)
- Excellent urban and suburban coverage
- Fastest mid-band 5G deployment
- Strong building penetration with low-band 5G
- May struggle in remote rural areas
Dark Star 5G (AT&T Network)
- Solid nationwide footprint
- Good urban-rural balance
- Newest option (launched January 2025)
- Still expanding 5G coverage
Important limitation: You cannot switch networks freely. Each SIM is locked to one network. Changing from Warp to Light Speed requires ordering a new SIM and potentially adjusting your plan. This is not a seamless "best signal wins" system.
Real-World Speed Tests
We tested US Mobile across multiple conditions using the Warp (Verizon) network:
| Scenario | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban (low congestion) | 110 Mbps | 18 Mbps | 25ms |
| Suburban | 75 Mbps | 12 Mbps | 30ms |
| Urban (rush hour) | 35 Mbps | 8 Mbps | 35ms |
| Rural (Verizon) | 40 Mbps | 7 Mbps | 50ms |
These are solid speeds across the board. US Mobile's Warp network delivers premium data priority on the Unlimited Starter plan, which means you get 35GB of full-speed data before any potential deprioritization. This is a genuine advantage over Visible's $25 plan, which is always deprioritized.
However, after you burn through that 35GB, you are in the same deprioritized boat as everyone else. And unlike Visible, your data is not truly unlimited -- heavy users will notice the throttle.
Security Assessment
Security is where US Mobile genuinely shines. In an industry plagued by data breaches and SIM swap attacks, US Mobile checks every box:
| Security Feature | US Mobile | Visible | Tello | Industry Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2FA available | Yes | Yes | Yes | ~60% offer |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | No | Yes | ~70% offer |
| Data breaches | None | None | None | Many have had |
| Account security alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
US Mobile offers both two-factor authentication and SIM PIN protection -- a combination that puts it ahead of Visible, which lacks SIM PIN. The clean data breach record is equally important. In an era where carriers like T-Mobile and Cricket have been compromised, US Mobile's track record is spotless.
That said, Tello offers identical security features at a lower total price. Security alone is not a reason to pay US Mobile's tax premium.
Customer Service
US Mobile has built one of the better support experiences in the MVNO space:
- Live chat: Responsive, available on the website
- Social media: Active on Twitter/X and Reddit (r/USMobile)
- Email support: Available for non-urgent issues
- Knowledge base: Comprehensive self-help documentation
In our testing, US Mobile's support team was knowledgeable and resolved issues without excessive transfers or scripted runarounds. Response times were generally under 10 minutes during business hours. The company's active Reddit presence is a genuine asset -- real employees engage with customers publicly, which builds accountability.
This is one of the few areas where US Mobile clearly differentiates itself from the competition. Visible is chat-only and can be frustrating for complex issues. US Mobile's support feels more human.
US Mobile vs The Competition
US Mobile vs Visible
| Feature | US Mobile | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.5/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Price (unlimited) | $25 + tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| True unlimited data | No (35GB cap) | Yes | Visible |
| Hotspot | 10GB (Starter) | Unlimited (5 Mbps) | Visible |
| Premium data | 35GB priority | Always deprioritized | US Mobile |
| SIM PIN | Yes | No | US Mobile |
| Network choice | 3 options | Verizon only | US Mobile |
Verdict: If you want Verizon coverage, Visible beats US Mobile for most users. You get true unlimited data, taxes included, and unlimited hotspot for $25 flat. US Mobile's premium data priority is nice, but most people will not notice the difference outside of peak-hour congestion in major cities.
US Mobile vs Tello
| Feature | US Mobile | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.5/11 | 9.5/11 | Tie |
| Price (unlimited) | $25 + tax | $25 + tax | Tie |
| Build-a-plan | Yes | Yes (better) | Tello |
| Networks | 3 options | T-Mobile only | US Mobile |
| International calls | Extra cost | 60+ countries free | Tello |
| Security | 2FA + SIM PIN | 2FA + SIM PIN | Tie |
| Data breaches | None | None | Tie |
| Customer service | Live chat | Phone + chat + email | Tello |
Verdict: For T-Mobile users, Tello is the better choice. You get the same score, similar security, better plan flexibility, and free international calling to 60+ countries. The only reason to choose US Mobile over Tello is if you need Verizon or AT&T coverage.
US Mobile vs Mint Mobile
| Feature | US Mobile | Mint Mobile | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.5/11 | 4.75/11 | US Mobile |
| Security | 2FA + SIM PIN | No SIM PIN | US Mobile |
| Data breaches | None | None | Tie |
| Payment | Monthly | 3-12 months prepaid | US Mobile |
| Flexibility | Build-a-plan | Fixed tiers | US Mobile |
| Networks | 3 options | T-Mobile only | US Mobile |
Verdict: US Mobile is significantly better than Mint Mobile across the board. But if T-Mobile coverage works for you, Tello beats both of them.
Who Should Get US Mobile?
US Mobile is great for:
- Users who need Verizon premium data priority
- Families wanting multi-line discounts across networks
- People in areas where only one specific network works
- Tech enthusiasts who want granular control
- Security-conscious users (2FA + SIM PIN)
- Those who need AT&T coverage without Cricket's breach history
Skip US Mobile if you:
- Want taxes included in your bill
- Need true unlimited data with no caps
- Prefer simple, predictable pricing
- Are happy with T-Mobile coverage (Tello is cheaper)
- Want Verizon unlimited without limits (Visible is better)
- Dislike paying more than advertised prices
How to Sign Up for US Mobile
If US Mobile is the right fit after weighing the alternatives:
- Visit usmobile.com and create an account
- Choose your network: Warp (Verizon), Light Speed (T-Mobile), or Dark Star (AT&T)
- Select your plan: Unlimited tier or build-your-own
- Order your SIM: eSIM activates instantly; physical SIM ships in 2-3 days
- Port your number: Have your current carrier's account number and PIN ready
- Enable security immediately: Turn on SIM PIN and 2FA in account settings
Pro tip: Before ordering, use a coverage checker to verify which network provides the best signal at your address. Choosing the wrong network is the most common mistake new US Mobile customers make.
Porting Tips
| Common Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Port stuck in progress | Wait 24 hours, then contact support via live chat |
| Wrong account number | Call your old carrier to verify the exact format |
| No data after porting | Reset network settings and restart your phone |
| eSIM activation failure | Request a physical SIM as backup |
How to Leave US Mobile
Leaving is straightforward since there is no contract:
- Find a new carrier and have your US Mobile account number ready
- Get your transfer PIN from US Mobile account settings or support
- Initiate the port with your new carrier -- do NOT cancel US Mobile first
- Wait for the port to complete (usually a few hours)
- Confirm cancellation -- your US Mobile account will auto-close once the number ports out
You will not owe early termination fees. Any remaining balance on your current billing cycle is non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is US Mobile legit? Yes. US Mobile has operated since 2014, maintains a clean security record, and has no data breaches. It is a legitimate MVNO with a solid reputation.
Does US Mobile include taxes in the price? No. All advertised prices are before taxes and fees. Expect to add $3-6 per month depending on your state.
Which US Mobile network is best? Warp (Verizon) for rural coverage and travel. Light Speed (T-Mobile) for urban 5G speeds. Dark Star (AT&T) for a balanced middle ground.
Can I switch networks on US Mobile? Not seamlessly. Each SIM is tied to one network. Switching requires a new SIM card and potentially a new plan setup.
Is US Mobile better than Visible? For most users, no. Visible offers true unlimited data with taxes included at $25/month. US Mobile's advantage is network choice and premium data priority.
Is US Mobile better than Tello? Only if you need Verizon or AT&T coverage. For T-Mobile users, Tello offers the same 9.5/11 score with free international calling and similar pricing.
Does US Mobile have 5G? Yes. All three networks (Warp, Light Speed, Dark Star) include 5G access where available at no extra cost.
How much premium data does US Mobile give you? 35GB on Unlimited Starter, 100GB on Unlimited Premium, and unlimited on Unlimited Plus (Verizon only).
Does US Mobile have hotspot? Yes. Unlimited Starter includes 10GB hotspot, Premium includes 50GB, and Plus includes unlimited hotspot (Verizon only).
Is US Mobile good for families? Yes. Multi-line discounts reduce per-line costs. The ability to put different family members on different networks is a unique advantage.
Does US Mobile have good customer service? Yes. US Mobile is known for responsive live chat and active engagement on Reddit and social media. This is one of their genuine strengths.
Can I use my own phone with US Mobile? Yes. Most unlocked phones work. eSIM is supported on compatible devices across all three networks.
Does US Mobile have data breaches? No. US Mobile has a clean data breach record as of February 2026.
What is the cheapest US Mobile plan? The 1GB build-your-own plan starts at $10/month plus taxes. Actual cost will be approximately $13-16 after taxes.
Can I keep my number when switching to US Mobile? Yes. US Mobile supports number porting from any carrier. The process typically completes within a few hours.
Final Verdict
US Mobile earns its 9.5/11 score with legitimate, verifiable strengths. The multi-network flexibility is unique in the MVNO space. The security posture is among the best we have tested. Customer service is responsive and human. These are not marketing claims -- they are measurable advantages.
But the tax problem is real. Every single US Mobile plan costs more than advertised. That "$25 unlimited" is actually $28-31. Over a year, that gap costs you $36-72 compared to alternatives that include taxes in the sticker price.
Our Recommendation
- Need Verizon coverage? Get Visible -- true unlimited, taxes included, $25/month flat. It scores 10/11.
- Need T-Mobile coverage? Get Tello -- same 9.5/11 score, free international calling, better plan builder.
- Need AT&T coverage specifically? US Mobile's Dark Star is a reasonable choice, especially given Cricket's weaker security record.
- Need to switch between networks regularly? This is US Mobile's niche. If network flexibility is genuinely important to you, US Mobile is the best option available.
For the majority of users, the network flexibility is a feature they will never actually use. Most people pick one network and stick with it. If that describes you, there is a better carrier waiting at a lower price.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings -- US Mobile earned its 9.5/11 score through objective, data-verified testing. Learn more about our methodology.