Looking to cut your phone bill without losing reliable coverage?
Boost Mobile and Ultra Mobile are both solid options when it comes to budget-friendly prepaid plans, though they offer distinct approaches to delivering value.
Let's explore the details so you can decide which one is the better fit for your needs.
Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile offers straightforward monthly plans, with 35GB of high-speed data.
Ultra Mobile focuses on international calling with every plan, which is great if you have family overseas. However, their pricing isn't quite as low as Boost Mobile's for similar data amounts.
Takeaway: Boost Mobile wins for value for money, while Ultra Mobile's international calling perks make it better for frequent international callers.
Boost Mobile plans
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Ultra Mobile plans
Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $15/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $24/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $30/mo |
Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile coverage
Winner: Boost Mobile
Both Boost Mobile and Ultra Mobile operate on T-Mobile's network, so they deliver the same coverage and speeds.
T-Mobile's network ranks first for 5G availability in OpenSignal's 2025 mobile network experience report, making both carriers a great option for city and suburban users.
Takeaway: Boost Mobile just edges the win here as they also offer access to the AT&T network. However with both carriers operating on T-Mobile you'll get the same coverage with either low-cost carrier, so your choice comes down to plan features and price.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Ultra Mobile coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Ultra Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers faster performance?
Winner: Both
Since both carriers use T-Mobile's network, you get access to the same fast 5G and 4G LTE speeds. T-Mobile's network consistently ranks among the fastest in the country, according to the Speedtest Global Index 2025.
Takeaway: You won't notice a speed difference between the two-but you'll pay less for the same speeds with Boost Mobile.
Features and extras: Who gives you more for your money?
Winner: Ultra Mobile
Boost Mobile includes free hotspot access on all plans and offers affordable international add-ons if you need them.
Ultra Mobile, however, builds international calling into every plan so if you regularly call family overseas, this is a big win. Ultra also includes hotspot access.
Takeaway: If you need international calling baked into your plan, Ultra Mobile has the edge. If you just want affordable domestic service, Boost Mobile gives you more for your money.
Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Boost Mobile | Ultra Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T & T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm | 6am to 6pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | Yes |
| International Calls | No | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier offers better value?
- Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
- Best for international calling → Ultra Mobile
- Best for 5G coverage → Tie
- Best for network flexibility→ Boost Mobile
Bottom line: If you want simple, low-cost service with no unnecessary extras, Boost Mobile is the better value. If you need to call internationally often, Ultra Mobile could be worth the slightly higher price.
See if Boost Mobile fits your needs with our Boost Mobile review.
See if Ultra Mobile fits your needs with our Ultra Mobile review.
Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Boost Mobile and Ultra Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T & T-Mobile and Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile.
Most modern phones are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Boost Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Ultra Mobile. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
I've spent more than 15 years in the telecoms industry. Over the last 8 years I've been running MoneySavingPro helping people save money on their phone bills and exposing the sneaky fees and confusing plans that the big 3 hope you'll just accept.
I test carriers like Boost Mobile and Ultra Mobile to see how they perform in real life-so you get the facts, not the marketing fluff.
If you're tired of overpaying for your phone plan, I'm here to help you cut your bill without sacrificing service.
Boost Mobile comparison guides
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Ultra Mobile comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Ultra Mobile
- Tello vs Ultra Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular
- Ultra Mobile vs Cricket Wireless
- Ultra Mobile vs Lycamobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Straight Talk
- Ultra Mobile vs Total by Verizon
- Ultra Mobile vs US Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Xfinity Mobile
