- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 75+ countries
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- Extra cost for international roaming
- Doesn’t support eSIM
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At a glance
- Value for money: Lyca Mobile is known for international options that add value to their already low-priced.
- Coverage: Excellent coverage on the T-Mobile network.
- Customer experience: Lyca Mobile customers like the price and variety of plan options, but some report trouble with dropped calls and mixed customer service expereinces.
- Transparency: The price you see is what you pay with Lyca Mobile. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Range of choice: With a wide variety of plans, especially great for international travel and use. No unlimited plan, but easy to recharge data.
Lyca Mobile review: An in-depth analysis
Lyca Mobile is one of the most international-friendly MVNOs out there. Operating in 60 countries, if international features are a must for you, this is one low-cost carrier that can cater to your needs.
I understand that with so many wireless providers available today, choosing the right one for your needs can be daunting.
In this review of Lyca Mobile, I'll examine their plans, network, performance, customer service, and other options to help you make a well-informed decision.
What is Lyca Mobile?
Lyca Mobile, an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), operates as a low-cost carrier powered by the T-Mobile network, ensuring reliable coverage. With almost two decades of experience, they've been helping customers slash their wireless bills and saving hundreds of dollars a year.
What makes Lyca Mobile different?
Lyca Mobile plans stand out from other MVNOs due to their affordable international service offerings. It was originally created to cater to British expat communities in Europe and has subsequently grown its presence globally since 2006.
With a mission of helping people stay connected to loved ones around the globe, this carrier makes it easy to keep in touch without breaking the bank.
With a wide range of plans, including long-term options and international eSIMs to save even more money and switch instantly, this MVNO has positioned itself firmly among the most competitive low-cost carriers out there.
Plans & pricing
What are the best Lyca Mobile plans?
Lycamobile 6GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Lycamobile 9GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
How does Lyca Mobile compare to T-Mobile?
How much does Lyca Mobile cost?
They offer a range of plans, with prices varying from $19 to $49 per month. Your exact plan price depends on factors such as your data requirements and whether you pay monthly or every three months.
Are Lyca Mobile plans good value?
This MVNO can be a great value, especially for those with family or friends overseas. You stand to save up to $600 per year on the same coverage as a plan direct from T-Mobile. Its plans are competitively priced and provide unique features, making them a solid value for your money.
Compare Lyca Mobile vs other carriers
During my research, I found numerous carriers with significantly cheaper plans:
- Boost Mobile vs Lycamobile
- Mint Mobile vs Lycamobile
- Tello vs Lycamobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Lycamobile
- US Mobile vs Lycamobile
Network coverage
What network does Lyca Mobile use?
This budget-conscious carrier provides T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage. Not sure about T-Mobile's network coverage in your area? Check our Lyca Mobile coverage map before making your decision.
Does Lyca Mobile have good coverage?
If T-Mobile is one of the networks that provides the best coverage in your area, you're in luck.
Does Lyca Mobile have 5G coverage?
If your device is compatible with 5G, you can access T-Mobile's 5G network (where available) at no additional charge. According to the OpenSignal 5G Experience Report from 2023, T-Mobile's 5G network offers the fastest 5G experience.
Lyca Mobile 5G coverage map
Customer service
Does Lyca Mobile have good customer service?
Customer care experiences vary widely because they are individual and unique to each person and situation.
Lyca Mobile Trustpilot scores reflect mostly positive reviews, while the BBB has documented negative experiences.
How do I contact Lyca Mobile customer service?
There are a few ways to contact Lyca Mobile customer support:
- Call: 612 from Lyca Mobile phone
- Call from any phone: 1-866-277-3221 Daily (Mon-Sat 8am to 10pm ET and Sun 9am to 8pm ET)
- Email: cs@Lyca Mobile.us
- Chat: Virtual assistant on the bottom right-hand side of the website
User experience
What are reviewers saying about Lyca Mobile?
The majority of reviews are typically favorable regarding the available plans, pricing, transparency, and coverage. However, individual experiences may vary.
Lycamobile customer reviews roundup
- Lycamobile MoneySavingPro rating: 3.9 stars (21)
- Lycamobile Trustpilot rating: 4.4 stars (7,400+)
- Lycamobile Amazon rating: 3.4 stars (16)
- Lycamobile Google rating: 2.4 stars (2,500+)
What are some common complaints about Lyca Mobile?
While most individuals have positive encounters, a few common issues have emerged.
Some people have reported trouble with incoming calls and some intermittent coverage issues.
Others have complained about encountering obstacles getting their numbers ported out to another carrier and canceling autopay.
SIM activation
Is it easy to switch to Lyca Mobile?
Because they are internet-based, comparing, selecting, and buying your Lyca Mobile SIM card is fast and convenient. Once you receive your new SIM card, the setup is simple and should take less than 15 minutes to activate your new line.
Does Lyca Mobile support eSIM?
If your phone is eSIM compatible, you can skip the shipping and instantly activate your Lyca Mobile eSIM plan. Most up-to-date smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology, making it even faster and easier to switch to a new carrier.
Phones selection
What phones does Lyca Mobile have?
If you need a new T-Mobile-compatible device, Lyca Mobile offers a small range of new and pre-owned cell phones. Their phones are not combined with the plan purchase and are difficult to find since they are on a different website altogether.
Can I bring my own phone to Lyca Mobile?
If you don't want to invest in a phone upgrade, that's not an issue. Lyca Mobile encourages you to use your current phone. You can also keep your current number with a Lyca Mobile and bring your own phone plan. Just make sure that your device is unlocked and compatible.
Is my phone compatible with Lyca Mobile?
Most modern smartphones can work with any network, but some are locked to a particular network. Use our compatibility checker and enter your phone's IMEI number to double-check before signing up.
Lyca Mobile features
My viewpoint: Is Lyca Mobile any good?
Short answer: Lyca Mobile has been offering low-cost phone plans globally since 2006. By utilizing the T-Mobile network, customers can access high-quality service at an affordable cost, starting around $10-$45 a month. You can instantly switch to this budget-friendly MVNO, most known for its international calling benefits. It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all carrier or plan, so I've thoroughly compared carriers and plans to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
Is Lyca Mobile worth it?
After analyzing plans for 30 carriers, I can tell you that in today's competitive market, paying more than $25-30 per month for a single line of unlimited data, you could cut your bill
Lyca Mobile offers a variety of plan options that are a particularly good value to those who need international calling. If that is high on your priority list, then I definitely recommend trying Lyca Mobile.
The great news is you can switch instantly and know what you're paying for upfront. By using the T-Mobile network, you can enjoy the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage and save up to 50% a year on your bill. Considering that the average consumer spends around $1200 per year on their cell service per the Consumer Expenditure Surveys (2021), it makes sense to weigh your options.
The only way big wireless companies will see the error of their ways is if customers like you refuse to pay over double for the same service. Hit them where it counts – their profits!
Bringing your own phone is also an effective way to save money, and with Lyca Mobile, you can easily switch instantly and keep your current phone number: no credit checks, contracts, or hidden fees.
You can find a budget-friendly plan, whether you need a little data or a lot, easily refill your data as needed, or adjust plans.
Lyca Mobile FAQs
You can buy a Lyca Mobile SIM card kit online. The SIM cards are shipped at no cost and typically reach their destination within 2-3 business days. Additionally, retailers such as Walmart offer them for sale.
If Lyca Mobile isn't the right fit, there are various other prepaid cell phone plans from carriers like Red Pocket Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello.
You can recharge your plan by clicking "Quick Top-Up" at the top of the carrier website or in the app.
At the time of publication, its 40GB plan is available with a multi-line discount. Current rates are $49 for the first line and $25 for lines 2-5. Of course, rates can change at any time.
This carrier frequently offers specials on its plans, typically for a limited time. For example, at the time of publication, it's offering its 3GB plan for $10 a month, with up to 11 renewals at that price.
Yes, it supports Wi-Fi calling, meaning you can use a Wi-Fi connection to send and receive phone calls and SMS while traveling abroad.
International roaming is available on a pay-as-you-go basis. You'll need to add credit to your account, and rates vary based on where you're traveling or calling.
Recap: Is Lyca Mobile the right choice for you?
No single carrier or plan is perfect for everyone, but Lyca Mobile is a great option to consider as a more affordable alternative to major wireless providers. After all, why not access the same coverage as a major network at a significantly lower cost?
Remember these things when deciding on the right phone plan for you:
- Plans: A variety of plans are available to cater to different data allowances, providing users with the freedom to select the option that best fits their requirements.
- Coverage: Service on the T-Mobile network is generally solid for most people across the United States, but it's always worth checking coverage where you live.
- Features: This carrier's competitive edge is its affordable international calling and texting.
- Customer experience: The overall user experience tends to be positive, although there are varying opinions on customer support.
- Promotions: New deals and incentives are constantly being offered, so be sure to check for the latest offers regularly.
How we reviewed Lyca Mobile
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
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