By
Moe Long Senior Writer
Updated

Best overall: Unlimited Max
Optimum Mobile
4.5 out of 5 overall

  • 50GB deprioritization threshold
  • 15GB mobile hotspot allowance
Best value:
Unlimited
Optimum Mobile
4 out of 5 overall

  • 20GB deprioritization threshold
  • 5GB mobile hotspot allowance
Best on a budget: 3GB
US Mobile
4 out of 5 overall

  • Low monthly cost
  • Good price-to-performance ratio

Optimum Mobile (formerly Altice Mobile) plans offer access to T-Mobile’s network, but with big savings. This Un-carrier-powered mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) boasts excellent 4G LTE plus 5G coverage for folks in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. There’s also solid international support.

Are you ready to find a package with enough minutes and mobile data for your needs? Our favorite option is the Optimum Mobile Unlimited Max plan due to its generous 50GB deprioritization threshold and 15GB hotspot. And with Optimum internet, you can even bundle home and mobile services. Read on to check out the best Optimum Mobile plans available now.

Best Optimum Mobile plans
Unlimited Max Unlimited 3GB
Talk and text Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
High-speed data threshold 50GB 20GB 3GB
Mobile hotspot allowance 15GB 5GB N/A
Starting monthly price $55 $45 $25
Details View details View details View details

Best Optimum Mobile Plans

Here are the top Optimum Mobile tiers, from all-you-can-use data to its 3GB plan.

4.5 out of 5 overall

Optimum Mobile | Unlimited Max | $55/mo—Best Optimum Mobile unlimited plan overall

At the top of our list, the Optimum Mobile Unlimited Max package sports unrestricted talk, text, and 50GB of high-speed data. There’s also high definition (HD) quality video streaming on mobile internet, so watching Stranger Things on the go looks gorgeous. Plus, you’ll enjoy a generous 15GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data. 

While its starting cost of $55/month for a single line is decent, multi-line savings plunge prices further. Two, three, and four lines go for $40 each, while a five-line bundle sets you back just $35/month per line. Additionally, international perks such as a global travel pass plus unlimited talk and text to Mexico or Canada are available as paid add-ons. 

Although we’d prefer a cheaper one-line rate and a few included perks such as HBO Max or Netflix, Optimum Mobile’s Unlimited Max is an excellent choice for video streamers, mobile gamers, and constantly connected folks.

  • Pros: 50GB deprioritization threshold, 15GB mobile hotspot allowance, HD video streaming on mobile
  • Cons: Not the cheapest single-line pricing, no perks
View plan

4 out of 5 overall

Optimum Mobile | Unlimited | From $45/mo—Best value unlimited data plan

Optimum Mobile’s Unlimited (non-Max) plan starts at $45/month for one line. Lines two through four go for $35 each, while a five-line family plan is just $25 per member. You benefit from 20GB of high-speed premium data, a 5GB mobile hotspot allocation, and unlimited minutes and messages. 

Unfortunately, video streaming quality is limited to standard definition (SD) on mobile internet. Although Charmed re-runs look fine, it doesn’t do justice to Ms. Marvel on Disney Plus—but you can use a Wi-Fi connection to circumvent this restriction. The deprioritization threshold and mobile hotspot allotments are lower than the Max tier, but this plan’s $10/month savings makes it a cost-effective solution.

  • Pros: Fantastic value, 5GB mobile hotspot, sweet multi-line savings
  • Cons: Limited to SD streaming video quality on mobile, only 20GB deprioritization threshold
View plan



4 out of 5 overall

Optimum Mobile | 3GB Plan | From $25/mo—Best budget Optimum Mobile plan

On a budget, Optimum Mobile’s 3GB plan lets you browse your favorite websites, stream The Grateful Dead’s discography on Tidal, and watch the occasional YouTube video. There’s also unlimited talk and text. Mobile internet streaming quality tops out at SD, which won’t disappoint for Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes, but Godzilla vs. King Kong won’t look like eye candy. 

As a decidedly barebones plan, Optimum Mobile sticks to the basics. You don’t get much besides talk, text, and a small data pool. However, its $22/month cost is easier to budget than other options. So if you want to optimize your savings, stick with this Optimum Mobile 3GB monthly data plan.

  • Pros: 3GB monthly data, affordable, includes the basics
  • Cons: Small data allowance, no mobile hotspot
View plan



Check out the best cheap phone plans for maximizing your savings.

Methodology: How we picked the best Optimum Mobile plans

Our mobile enthusiasts analyzed all of Optimum Mobile’s available phone plans. We looked at price, monthly data, mobile hotspot allowances, and included benefits. Then, we leveraged proprietary data to determine which plans are best for certain demographics. After that, we ranked each tier. In our analysis, we also compared Optimum Mobile with its parent carrier and with other MVNOs.

Choosing an Optimum Mobile Plan


Here’s what to look for when selecting an Optimum Mobile plan.

Monthly price

Consider your monthly bill. Optimum Mobile’s plans range from $5–$55/month, depending on the number of lines and data allotment. Generally, you’ll pay more for an unlimited data plan than for a limited data package.

Data deprioritization threshold

Even Optimum Mobile’s unlimited plans aren’t truly unrestricted. Instead, you’ll enjoy a set amount of high-speed data before deprioritization kicks in. Think about how much data you burn through and pick an appropriate plan. Activities like mobile gaming and video streaming consume more data than other tasks such as web browsing and social media scrolling.

Mobile hotspot data

Both of Optimum Mobile’s unlimited tiers feature dedicated mobile hotspot allowances. You’ll get 5GB with the standard Unlimited plan and 20GB with Unlimited Max. For occasional use like connecting to your laptop from an airport terminal, 5GB suffices. But for remote work, gaming, or constant video streaming with your phone as a hotspot, the Unlimited Max plan is a better choice.

Multi-line savings

Grab some family or friends and bundle your phone plans together for savings. Both of Optimum Mobile’s Unlimited packages offer competitive multi-line savings of up to $20 with five lines.

Home internet service

In addition to its mobile offerings, Optimum is a television and internet service provider (ISP). While anyone can sign up for Optimum Mobile, using Optimum for an ISP helps you save up to $30 per billing cycle.

Regional support

Whereas Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile remain limited to ISP subscribers, Optimum Mobile is available to virtually anyone—so long as you reside in an Optimum home internet area. Optimum’s offers the best coverage in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Head over to Optimum Mobile’s mobile service checker and punch in your zip code to determine your eligibility. 

Despite its small customer service area, Optimum provides nationwide coverage, including a best-in-class 4G LTE footprint with blazing fast 5G speeds where available. You'll enjoy an average of 10Mbps download speeds on a 4G LTE connection with up to 1Gbps over 5G.

Optimum Mobile rivals

Aside from Optimum Mobile, you’ll find a slew of other T-Mobile MVNOs. Our favorites include Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Google Fi. We recommend Visible Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile for discounted Verizon service. And the best AT&T alternatives include Cricket Wireless and Consumer Cellular.

Cell Phone Plans

#1
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile

Unlimited Data Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • 20GB mobile hotspot data
  • Deal: Get this plan for just $25/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
#2
US Mobile
US Mobile

Unlimited Starter Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • 10GB mobile hotspot data
  • whistleOut Exclusive: Get this plan for only $45 for 3 months ($15/mo.) with new number activation OR $5 off per month for 6 mo. (up to 3 lines) OR 30 Days FREE Trial
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
#3
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile

Unlimited Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • No mobile hotspot data
  • Deal: Get this Unlimited plan for only $10/mo. for the first 3 months of service with Boost Mobile!
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
#4
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)

$40 Period Unlimited Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • No mobile hotspot data
$40.00/mo
Taxes and regulatory fees included.
#5
Tello
Tello

Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes, and 2GB Plan

  • 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data
  • 2GB mobile hotspot data
$8.00/mo

Best Optimum Mobile Hotspot Plans: FAQs


Optimum Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network.
Altice USA debuted in 2019 and rebranded to Optimum Mobile in 2021.
Our favorite Optimum Mobile plan is the Unlimited Max option. For $55/month, you’ll get unlimited talk, text, and a generous 50GB deprioritization threshold. Additionally, there’s a 15GB mobile hotspot allowance and HD video streaming on mobile internet.
Yes! Optimum customers enjoy an outstanding 5G network, good 4G LTE service, and reasonable monthly prices. Bundling Optimum home internet makes its mobile offering even more enticing with up to $30 savings per bill cycle.
No, you don’t need Optimum home internet to sign up for Optimum Mobile. However, bundling home and mobile internet lets you save up to $30/month. (And you do need to live in an Optimum service location.)
Although Optimum Mobile delivers nationwide mobile coverage, only residents in select areas of operation can enroll. Optimum largely provides internet in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. However, there’s select availability in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Moe Long

Senior Writer

Moe Long
Moe is a Senior Staff Writer with a passion for all things tech. As a writer and editor for over a decade, he specializes in researching and testing smartphones, gaming devices, and connected smart home systems. He’s been featured in publications including MakeUseOf, SmartHomeBeginner, TechBeacon, and more.

Read full bio


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