Ultra Mobile for Seniors: Phones, Prices, and Reviews
|
January 16, 2025
|
Using T-Mobile’s network, Ultra Mobile offers prepaid plans starting at $15 per month for unlimited talk and text. The carrier doesn’t offer a plan specifically for seniors, but Ultra Mobile’s pay-as-you-go service with no long-term contracts or added fees could be a great choice for people looking to save on their wireless bills.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our rundown of the best senior phone plans.
Ultra Mobile Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low-cost unlimited plans: Ultra Mobile offers unlimited talk and text plans for $15 per month, and unlimited data costs $49 per month.
- International service: By piggybacking off T-Mobile towers, Ultra is able to offer talk and text in more than 90 countries for no additional charges.
- Bring your own phone: Ultra allows you to keep your own phone and phone number to use with their plans.
- No-hassle sign-up: Signing up for Ultra Mobile is easy and doesn’t come with any extra fees or long-term contracts.
Cons
- Variable data speeds: Despite advertising unlimited data, speeds will slow after the first 35 GB of data you use per month, especially if T-Mobile's network is busy.
- Customer service: User response to Ultra’s customer service varies, with some people citing long wait times to speak to representatives and inconsistent responses.
Pro Tip: For people looking to stream video frequently, we recommend checking out T-Mobile senior plans.
Ultra Mobile Plans and Pricing
Ultra Mobile offers seven plans, all of which include:
- Unlimited talk and text in the U.S. to over 90 international locations, and while traveling in Mexico and Canada.
- Mobile hotspot.
The differences between the plans are the amount of data you get per month.
| Plan | Monthly price | Talk and text allowance | Data allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 MB | $15 per month | Unlimited | 250 MB |
| 3 GB | $19 per month | Unlimited | 3 GB |
| 5 GB | $24 per month | Unlimited | 5 GB |
| 10 GB | $29 per month | Unlimited | 10 GB |
| 15 GB | $39 per month | Unlimited | 15 GB |
| Ultra Unlimited | $49 per month | Unlimited | Unlimited, but speeds will slow after the first 35 GB |
Ultra Mobile Plans for Seniors
Ultra Mobile doesn’t offer plans specifically for seniors, but the 250 MB plan is the best option for seniors who want a phone plan that includes unlimited talk and text without paying for unnecessary data.
You can save money on Ultra by signing up for a longer contract, such as three months, six months, or 12 months.
Did You Know: If you are an AARP member, check out the discounted plans from Consumer Cellular.
How to Purchase Ultra Mobile
Unlike some smaller carriers, Ultra Mobile has in-person retail options to discuss plans, buy phones, and get everything squared away. If you prefer to buy in person, look up a map of the company’s outlets to see if there is one in your area. Otherwise, the Ultra Mobile website is the main way to purchase a plan.
From the company’s homepage, the first thing you should do is enter your ZIP code to check Ultra Mobile’s coverage in your area. You will then be asked to check your device’s compatibility with Ultra by inputting the brand and model or the IMEI number, which is a 15- to 17-digit number you can find in your phone’s settings.
If you want a new phone instead, you’ll be able to choose one of Ultra’s seven plans and then browse the available devices. Ultra offers expensive phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as comparatively cheap options like the NUU F4L flip phone or the Samsung Galaxy A03s. Currently, the Ultra store offers only Androids, no iPhones.
After selecting an option, you can proceed to checkout with your selections and get estimates on your delivery times and setup instructions for your new Ultra Mobile device or plan.
Ultra Mobile Pricing
Ultra Mobile’s plans cost between $15 and $49 a month. You can pay month to month, but you’ll save money if you sign up for a longer term. You won’t pay overage charges, no matter which plan you choose. If you go over your allotted amount, Ultra Mobile will cut off your service. Unlike some carriers, Ultra Mobile does not offer the option to buy more or less data and keep the same plan. To reactivate service, you’ll simply select a service plan as you did previously.
Extra Fees
Ultra Mobile has none of the following fees:
- Late payment fees
- Early termination fees
- Overage fees
- Activation fees
- International fees, as each plan already includes unlimited calling/texting to over 90 locations and unlimited calling/texting while traveling in Canada and Mexico
The only fees you'll pay, then, are the inevitable government fees, which includes a recovery fee as well as a telecom tax.
Ultra Mobile Network Coverage
Ultra Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network to provide access to one of the most comprehensive 5G networks in the country. You can access 5G with any of the plans, so long as your phone is compatible.
Data Speeds
Within your monthly data allotment, you can expect the following speeds from Ultra Mobile:
- Download speed in Mbps: 79 to 357
- Upload speed in Mbps: 6 to 30
- Latency in ms: 17 to 32
These are the exact same typical speeds you’d get with a T-Mobile plan. That being said, since Ultra Mobile is using T-Mobile’s network, heavy data users who use more than 35 GB of data per month will see reduced speeds during heavy traffic times. During these times, you may not be able to do high-bandwidth activities such as stream a movie or FaceTime with the grandkids.
Ultra Mobile vs. T-Mobile
Ultra Mobile’s plans start at a lower monthly price than T-Mobile’s for the same network coverage, but Ultra doesn’t have as much 5G access due to their data restrictions on T-Mobile’s network.
Ultra Mobile also doesn’t offer a plan just for seniors, but their starting plan is cheaper than T-Mobile Essentials 55+ and might be even more practical for some people.
| Ultra Mobile 250 MB | T-Mobile Essentials 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15 per month | $40 per month |
| Price increases | Potentially | Potentially |
| 5G access | Yes, but limited after 35 GB | Yes |
| Long-term contracts | Optional | None |
| Age requirement | None | Must be 55+ |
Bottom Line
Ultra Mobile offers a quick and painless way to get unlimited talk, text, and data at a competitive price. It shares T-Mobile’s network, which should cover most areas in the U.S.
Customers looking for the most comprehensive 5G coverage may need to use a more established carrier. But those looking for a practical unlimited plan (despite some slowdown periods) could try Ultra Mobile’s pay-as-you-go plans with relatively little hassle — especially if they bring their own devices.
To learn more about our favorite phones and providers for seniors, check out our helpful guides.
Ultra Mobile Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does Ultra Mobile have a senior plan?
Ultra Mobile does not have a plan designed for seniors, but the carrier’s $15-per-month plan should match the needs of most older adults looking for an affordable unlimited data plan.
-
Is Ultra Mobile trustworthy?
Yes, Ultra Mobile is trustworthy, as they use T-Mobile’s network coverage to provide service to their customers. The company doesn’t charge hidden fees and offers flexible monthly contracts.
-
What are the downsides of Ultra Mobile?
Ultra Mobile has variable data download speeds on the high end, which could be an issue for some customers. Their customer service also has received mixed reviews.