Metro by T-Mobile vs. US Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?



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US Mobile is an MVNO that operates on major wireless networks. It provides fast data, impressive data allocation, and a hotspot for its customers. On top of that, US Mobile has a lot of plans at different price points with different data allowances. There is something for everyone! U.S. Mobile utilizes both Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks, and they have crafted their plans to utilize the fastest network in the area and switch between them when necessary.
Metro by T-Mobile is an MVNO that operates on T-Mobile’s network. It provides affordable plans with the caveat that it is more likely to experience data deprioritization than major wireless providers. Metro has a more expensive set of plans (relative to MVNOs) that come with a good data allocation, which is pretty high relative to other MVNOs.
In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:
- What the coverage of both carriers looks like
- How do the prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
- The features each carrier offers for their plans
Coverage & Reception
US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are both MVNOs. US Mobile purchases network service access in bulk from Verizon and T-Mobile. This model allows US Mobile to offer customers lower-priced plans while leveraging the extensive networks of two major wireless providers. Verizon’s nationwide coverage is exceptional, and its 5G network, which is available, provides unbelievable data speeds. T-Mobile has greater 5G coverage, but their overall network leaves more holes than Verizon’s. Combined, these two networks just about ensure you always have high-speed coverage. By leveraging those networks, US Mobile has the same coverage, but data speeds are less reliable.
Metro by T-Mobile operates completely on T-Mobile’s network. This gives US Mobile the upper hand regarding coverage, but the total coverage provided by one network versus two networks is not double the coverage. If you look at local coverage maps, you will see that Verizon and T-Mobile cover many areas. If you check your area and you see spotty T-Mobile coverage, however, then US Mobile has a huge advantage.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) experience less consistent data reception compared to major networks. MVNOs rent bandwidth from major wireless networks, but data consumption, especially in major metropolitan areas, often exceeds these networks' capacity. As a result, major networks have divided data priority into three tiers: premium major network data, basic major network data, and MVNO data.
MVNOs always use the lowest-priority data, meaning MVNO users experience slower data speeds during times of high network usage. This can be unpredictable, leading to potential data slowdowns throughout the day when using mobile data. To understand the quality of coverage in your area, we recommend checking local reviews for MVNO carriers, as users of services like Metro by T-Mobile can provide valuable insights about their experiences.
Interested in a detailed breakdown of major wireless networks and MVNOs? Check out our website!

Plan Options
US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile offer various plans with limited high-speed data. Along with high-speed data, both carriers offer unlimited talk and text along with various features and add-ons. First up, let’s talk about Metro’s cell phone plans.
Metro Mobile Cell Phone Plans
Metro by T-Mobile’s unlimited plan provides unlimited high-speed data, which separates them from other MVNOs. Few MVNO data plans offer the same. Metro Mobile has four cell phone plans. Three are unlimited plans, and the last is a 10 GB plan. Each plan comes with unlimited talk and text, as well as the same 5G and 4G LTE coverage that T-Mobile users get. The phone plans at Metro Mobile are competitively priced and come with a variety of benefits and shortcomings, just like their competitors. Their four major plans are:

MetroFlex Plus
Metro Mobile’s most expensive cell phone plan offers a huge selection of add-ons on top of their unlimited high-speed data. The difference between Metro Mobile’s three unlimited cell phone plans is the hotspot data and additional add-ons like international messages and subscription services. With MetroFlex Plus, you receive 25 GB of hotspot data, an Amazon Prime membership, a 1-year VIX Premium subscription, and a 100 GB Google One membership. That’s a lot of add-ons!
The downside, of course, is the price of this plan. A $70 MVNO is a steep price. The multi-line savings are great, but it is still around $44 a month per line.
MetroFlex UP
This cell phone plan comes with 25 GB hotspot data, the Google One membership, the VIX subscription, and unlimited international texting. Along with unlimited high-speed data, this plan and all three unlimited plans have a soft cap of 35 GB. After you use 35 GB of data, you become further susceptible to data throttling in times of congestion. That means you will get slower data speeds than other Metro by T-Mobile customers as well as T-Mobile customers.
MetroFlex Start
The basic unlimited plan from Metro still comes with 8 GB of hotspot data, as well as the Google One and VIX memberships. These are nice, but they add to the significant price tag of this unlimited plan. Paying $50 a month for an MVNO is still a hefty price tag, even if it does come with unlimited high-speed data.
10 GB plan
Coming in at $40 a month with no multi-line savings, Metro’s limited-data plan is not very well priced compared to other MVNO plans that provide this amount of data. This means Metro is best for people who want unlimited high-speed data. If you are interested in limited-data plans where you can save big on your monthly phone bill, we recommend looking at providers like Tello Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Ting Mobile.
Low-data providers have fantastically priced cell phone plans that provide single-digit GB of high-speed data. This data allocation does not give you a lot of wiggle room when it comes to data usage, but it is a fantastic way to get a phone number with unlimited talk and text, and, of course, you can use as much data as you want on WiFi.
US Mobile Cell Phone Plans
US Mobile offers four cell phone plans, each one very different from the last. Understanding the ins and outs of US Mobile phone plans is essential before you decide whether or not this is the right new wireless carrier for you. The four US Mobile phone plans are as follows:
- Unlimited Starter: $15 a month
- Unlimited Essentials: $40 a month
- Unlimited Premium: $50 a month
- Shareable Data: Varied
It should be noted that both Unlimited Essentials and Unlimited Premium also come with 50 GB of mobile hotspot data. Unlimited Starter comes with 10 GB of high-speed data and is excellent for a single-line plan. The downside to this plan is that it is currently only available in year-long contract form, but it is a cheap way to receive quality cell service.
Unlimited Essentials comes with 50 GB a month, starting at $40 for a single-line account and reducing down to $30 a line for a three-line account. These multi-line savings are not as impressive as what’s available at other MVNOs, but they are better than nothing!
Unlimited Premium comes with 100 GB a month, which is a huge selling point in our eyes. This lets you use your phone a lot when out and about before you come close to going over your data allocation.
US Mobile’s shareable data plan is very strange. This plan lets you choose the GBs you get for a number of lines, starting at $50 for 30 GB and adding $2 per extra GB and $8 per extra line. This tool lets you choose GB and the number of lines, displaying the cost per line below the monthly total. If you can configure it to be less expensive than their pre-created cell phone plans, then US Mobile’s shareable data plan might be right for you!
Unfortunately, US Mobile provides multi-line savings, but they are not up to snuff with the competition in the MVNO scene. Many MVNOs with multi-line savings provide, give or take, $20 off each line with four lines, whereas US Mobile only offers $10. While this makes their multi-line plans a bit weaker than the competition, they certainly provide enough data and coverage to justify the cost!

Major Wireless Network vs. MVNO
This article covers two MVNOs. This kind of carrier has some critical differences from major wireless networks, and we will highlight some of those differences so you understand the pros and cons of MVNOs.
Data Throttling and Data Deprioritization
Both data throttling and deprioritization result in slow data speeds. Throttling happens when you hit your cell phone plan's high-speed data maximums. It depends on the carrier, but data throttling normally reduces you to 3G data speeds. Some carriers shut off your data completely.
Deprioritization, which is also common among MVNOs, happens when a network experiences high traffic. In these cases, the network starts slowing the data of low-priority users (tier 3) so their high-priority data users can continue enjoying high-speed data.
MVNOs have much higher data speed fluctuations than major wireless networks. MVNO customers are more frequently subjected to data deprioritization because these carriers must yield bandwidth to the major wireless networks' direct customers during times of network congestion. This makes US Mobile and other MVNOs less reliable in terms of consistent data speeds, but they are much more affordable.
Customer Service
You can call Metro’s customer service line on this number: 888-8-METRO-8. You can reach Metro’s help pages following this link, which has answers to frequently asked questions, the option to chat, and more.
For US Mobile, you can contact them here: (878) 205-0088 or access their help page here.
The Verdict
US Mobile is on the expensive side for MVNOs, but the 100 GB data maximums provide an impressive amount of data. We believe that most people can work with 100 GB of high-speed data each month without needing to try to limit data usage, but checking your last few months may reveal that 100 is not enough! This is common for people who have long commutes or spend a lot of time outside of a WiFi network. If that’s the case, then we recommend sticking with major wireless networks.
We recommend US Mobile over Metro by T-Mobile because US Mobile has more valuable cell phone plans with better data caps for the price.
We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan. Being able to limit your data consumption opens up the option for far more low-data plans that are a fraction of the cost of major wireless unlimited high-speed data plans. The downside, of course, is that it is difficult to keep data consumption low.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Metro and US Mobile?
The main difference between Metro by T-Mobile and US Mobile is that Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile offering straightforward plans with taxes and fees included, while US Mobile is a more customizable MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that operates on both T-Mobile and Verizon networks, allowing users to build their own plans with more flexibility.
How does coverage compare between Verizon and T-Mobile?
Verizon and T-Mobile offer strong nationwide coverage, but they excel in different areas. Verizon typically provides better overall coverage, especially in rural and remote regions, making it a reliable choice for those traveling outside urban areas. T-Mobile, on the other hand, has a robust network in urban and suburban areas and has been rapidly expanding its 5G coverage, often surpassing Verizon in 5G availability and speed. While both carriers provide solid service, Verizon is known for its extensive reach, whereas T-Mobile is recognized for its advanced 5G network and competitive pricing in metropolitan areas.

What are data priority tiers, and how do they affect service?
Data priority tiers determine the order in which users experience slowdowns during network congestion. Major wireless networks offer Tier 1 and Tier 2 data, ensuring higher priority and faster speeds. MVNOs use Tier 3 data, which is the first to be slowed down in high-traffic situations, resulting in slower speeds for its users.
Depending on how much you rely on your cell phone, this data throttling can be incredibly annoying. It always feels like it happens at the worst times.
Which carrier is better for rural areas?
Verizon typically offers better coverage and reliability in rural areas compared to other major wireless networks. Verizon may provide more consistent service if you live or frequently travel to rural regions.
Can I use my existing phone with US Mobile?
Yes, most unlocked phones compatible with Verizon’s network can be used with US Mobile. However, it’s recommended that you check with US Mobile for specific compatibility requirements.
Do both carriers offer 5G coverage?
Yes, both Verizon and US Mobile offer 5G coverage in many areas. However, the extent and quality of 5G service can vary, so it’s advisable to check 5G availability in your specific location.
When you use your data allocation on US Mobile, you will no longer have access to high-speed data from Verizon’s network.
Which carrier offers better customer service?
Customer service experiences can vary widely, but generally, Verizon has a strong reputation for customer support. US Mobile’s customer service is also highly rated, but cell providers are often difficult to work with when you run into problems.
How do I decide which career is better for me?
Consider your budget, coverage needs, and tolerance for potential data slowdowns. If you prioritize nationwide coverage, high data speeds, and don’t mind paying a premium, Verizon may be the better choice. If you seek a more affordable option and are okay with potential slowdowns during peak times, US Mobile could be a better fit. Checking local coverage maps and comparing plan details will help in making an informed decision.
Are T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile the same?
No, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are not the same. T-Mobile is a major wireless carrier, while Metro by T-Mobile is its prepaid subsidiary. T-Mobile offers a few prepaid cell phone plans that offer limited high-speed data, like these MVNOs, but those are still a part of T-Mobile proper, where users have a higher data priority and access T-Mobile’s robust support network.