Looking to cut your phone bill but not sure which carrier offers the best value? Many people hesitate to switch, worried about hidden fees, poor coverage, or losing features they rely on.
US Mobile and Optimum Mobile both provide lower-cost alternatives to big wireless, but they serve different users.
Optimum Mobile is only available to Optimum Internet customers and offers bundle discounts, whereas US Mobile is designed for those who want a premium experience, offering priority data, international roaming, and streaming perks.
So, should you go with US Mobile for premium features and priority data, or is Optimum Mobile's internet bundling a better deal?
US Mobile vs Optimum Mobile plans
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile gives you more control over your plan, you can choose your preferred network and how much data you need or opt for an unlimited plan with premium perks like high-speed priority data.
Optimum Mobile offers low-cost plans, but only for Optimum Internet customers. Their pricing can be competitive if you bundle with home internet, but you can't sign up if you don't already use Optimum.
Due to Optimum Mobile only being available to Optimum Internet customers, US Mobile is the winner here. With flexible plan options with premium features, US Mobile is the better choice. But if you already have Optimum Internet and want to bundle, Optimum Mobile could be an option.
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 |
Optimum Mobile plans
Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Mobile 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $15/mo |
| Optimum Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $25/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
US Mobile vs Optimum Mobile coverage
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile operates on all networks; AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, meaning you can switch between networks depending on which offers better coverage in your area.
Optimum Mobile runs exclusively on T-Mobile's network, so you're limited to T-Mobile's coverage, which may not be the best in some areas.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, however, Verizon's network still provides better rural coverage.
If you want the flexibility to switch networks, US Mobile is the better choice. If T-Mobile already works well for you and you have Optimum Internet, Optimum Mobile could be a good fit.
US Mobile coverage
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Optimum Mobile coverage
Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Optimum Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Will my connection slow down?
Winner: US Mobile
One of the biggest concerns people have when switching to a prepaid carrier is whether their data will slow down. While both carriers use major networks, US Mobile offers priority data on its Unlimited Premium plan, meaning you won't experience slowdowns even in high-traffic areas.
With Optimum Mobile's Unlimited Max plan you'll get high-speed data of up to 50GB per month.
If you want the fastest speeds and the most premium data, US Mobile is the better choice. If you're an Optimum Internet customer looking for a bundled discount, Optimum Mobile is still a viable option.
Features and perks: Who offers more?
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile stands out for 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
Optimum Mobile focuses more on bundling savings, but it lacks extras like premium data, international perks, and streaming benefits.
If you want premium perks and better performance, US Mobile is the better pick.
US Mobile vs Optimum Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | US Mobile | Optimum 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 | Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm / Sat-Sun 8am to 8pm |
| 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 | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for priority data → US Mobile
- Best for internet bundle savings → Optimum Mobile
- Best for international roaming → US Mobile
- Best for Optimum Internet customers → Optimum Mobile
If you want a high-performance plan with priority data, international perks, and flexible options, US Mobile is the better choice. If you already have Optimum Internet and want to bundle for additional savings, Optimum Mobile could be a good fit.
See if US Mobile is right for you
Check out Optimum Mobile's plans
US Mobile vs Optimum Mobile FAQs
The main difference between US Mobile and Optimum 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 Optimum 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 Optimum 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
Sorting through phone plans can be overwhelming, and many people stick with overpriced carriers just because it seems easier. At MoneySavingPro, we make it simple by testing carriers, analyzing real-world speeds, and breaking down costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested US Mobile, Optimum Mobile, Visible, Mint Mobile 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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