Worried about switching to a low-cost carrier and ending up with slow speeds or bad service? Many people hesitate to make the switch, assuming that paying less means sacrificing quality.
US Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile both offer affordable prepaid plans, and provide the same service at a fraction of the cost.
While US Mobile is all about customization, priority data, and premium perks like free international roaming and streaming subscriptions, Metro by T-Mobile, is a T-Mobile-owned carrier that keeps things simple.
US Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile plans
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile gives you more plan flexibility with access to all three major networks; AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. If you opt for an unlimited plan you'll also get priority data.
Metro by T-Mobile keeps it simple with plans at set prices offering up to 35GB high-speed data, but its lower-tier plans may include fewer perks.
If you want control over your network and extra perks, US Mobile is the best choice.
US Mobile plans
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 2GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| US Mobile 5GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $17.50/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $44/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile plans
Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
US Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile operates on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile's networks, giving you the option to choose the strongest service in your area.
Metro by T-Mobile runs exclusively on T-Mobile's network, which means you're out of luck if T-Mobile coverage isn't great where you live.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, making either US Mobile or Metro a great choice for city dwellers. However, Verizon's network still provides stronger coverage in rural areas, which US Mobile gives you access to.
If you want the flexibility to choose between any network, US Mobile is the winner here.
US Mobile coverage
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Metro by T-Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Will your connection slow down?
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile offers priority data on its Unlimited Premium plan, meaning you won't experience slowdowns even during network congestion.
Metro by T-Mobile includes up to 35GB of high-speed data before possible slowdowns.
If you want the fastest speeds with the most premium data, US Mobile is the better choice. If you don't need more than 35GB of data a month Metro by T-Mobile still provides solid value.
Features and perks: Who offers more with their plans?
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile stands out for its premium perks, making it a great choice for users who want more than just basic wireless service.
Some of the extra benefits include:
- Priority data on Unlimited Premium
- Free international roaming on select plans
- Streaming perks like free Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ on family plans
Metro by T-Mobile keeps things simple, offering taxes and fees included in its pricing, but lacks premium perks like international roaming and priority data.
If you want extra perks and better performance, US Mobile is the better pick.
US Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | US Mobile | Metro by T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM & CDMA | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 100 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | No |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for priority data → US Mobile
- Best for international roaming → US Mobile
- Best for network coverage → US Mobile
If you want a premium phone plan with priority data, streaming perks, and international roaming, US Mobile is the better choice. If you prefer a simple plan with taxes included, Metro by T-Mobile is a solid alternative.
See if US Mobile is right for you
Check out if Metro by T-Mobile works for you
US Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile FAQs
The main difference between US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T and Metro by T-Mobile runs on T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your US Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Metro by T-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 know how overwhelming it can be to compare phone plans and find the best deal. That's why at MoneySavingPro, we test carriers, analyze real-world speeds, and break down pricing so you don't have to.
I've tested US Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible and other prepaid carriers to compare coverage, features, and pricing. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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