Ultra Mobile’s $20 “unlimited” deal – a killer trial for switchers or a three-month honeymoon?

Ultra Mobile is running a limited-time promo that drops its “Uncapped Unlimited” plan to $20 per month for your first three months (you prepay $60). It’s a legit value play for anyone curious about T-Mobile-network MVNOs, with unlimited talk/text, international calling, and a usable hotspot bucket—but taxes/fees aren’t included, video is SD, and heavy users may see slower speeds after ~35GB when the network is busy. My take: great try-before-you-commit pricing; just know the bill jumps to regular rates afterward.

What the deal includes (in plain English)

• $20/month for 3 months on Ultra’s Uncapped Unlimited, billed upfront as $60 total for new customers. After the promo period, you move to standard pricing unless you change plans.
• Unlimited talk & text in the U.S. plus unlimited international texting and calling to 90+ countries included.
• High-speed data with a soft cap: heavy users (roughly >35GB in a cycle) may be deprioritized during congestion; video streams at ~480p.
• Hotspot included: the Unlimited plan comes with up to 10GB hotspot (the pricier Unlimited+ is 25GB, not part of this $20 promo).
• Taxes/fees are extra. Out-the-door cost will be higher than $20 depending on your location.
• eSIM/SIM ready on the T-Mobile network (bring an unlocked phone).

Why this matters to consumers

• Low-risk network test: Three months for $60 is a roomy trial window to judge coverage where you live, work, and commute – better than a 7-day eSIM test.
• International-friendly perks: baked-in calling to 90+ countries and global texting make Ultra a standout if you dial abroad regularly.
• Hotspot that’s actually useful: 10GB won’t replace home internet, but it’s enough for travel days, maps, and a few meetings if you manage video quality.
• Clear expectations on speed: SD video + congestion slowdowns are standard across MVNO “unlimited” – nice to see it spelled out up front.

The catches and fine print

• Price jump after month 3: once the intro period ends, expect a return to regular rates (the deal saves about $72 over standard pricing for the first three months).
• Taxes/fees not included in the $20 headline; factor that into your comparisons with brands that bake fees into the sticker price.
• Coverage reality: Ultra runs on T-Mobile – great in many cities, spottier in some rural zones. Check your ZIP and band support on your phone before you port.

Who should jump on it

• Switch-curious single-line users who want an inexpensive, real-world trial of a T-Mobile-network MVNO.
• International callers/texters who can actually use the 90-country calling and global texting every month.
• Light-to-moderate hotspot users who need backup connectivity without paying for a higher-tier plan.

Who should skip

• Power tetherers & heavy streamers: 10GB hotspot + 480p video will feel tight; consider plans with larger hotspot buckets or postpaid priority.
• Folks who need taxes-included pricing for predictable bills – this promo doesn’t include them.

How to claim it (quick steps)

• Go to Ultra Mobile’s site and choose the 3-Month Uncapped Unlimited promo at $20/mo.
• Pay the $60 upfront, activate via eSIM (instant on supported phones) or order a physical SIM.
• After three months, reassess: stay on regular pricing, switch plans, or port out if it isn’t a fit.

My take

• As a prepaid trial, this is one of the cleaner offers out right now: real unlimited with transparent limits, international calling baked in, and enough hotspot to matter. If you’ve been MVNO-curious, or you want a travel line, it’s an easy three-month experiment. Just set a reminder before your renewal so the “$20” doesn’t quietly become the regular price.