Trump Mobile Math Doesn't Add Up: We Found Better Phone Plan Deals

CNET

27-06-2025

When the Trump Organization announced its upcoming gold-hued T1 phone, it threw up a number of red flags for us. There was the poorly Photoshopped image along with technical claims that didn't add up -- including the boast that the phone would be 'designed and built in the United States.' (That claim has since been walked back, without explanation.) The phone was originally expected to launch in September 2025, but there's currently no confirmed release date.
To run the T1 phone, the organization also announced the Trump Mobile 47 Plan, a prepaid phone plan with unlimited text, calls and data, which appears to be active now. After looking at the specifics, we've concluded there are better options elsewhere. Let's break it down.
Clever pricing, but better deals abound
The Trump T1 phone gives us flashbacks to the Freedom Phone, which launched in 2021 and was more of a political statement than a groundbreaking smartphone. But it's the Trump Mobile phone service that seems like an odd fit in 2025. At a time when there are hundreds of mobile virtual network operators -- think Mint Mobile or Google Fi -- Trump Mobile is trying to break into a crowded market with a curious value proposition: pay $47.45 a month (a nod to Trump being the 45th and 47th president) for unlimited text, calls and data.
However, that's just the base price. In a video titled I Signed Up for Trump Mobile So You Don't Have To, internet personality Stetson Doggett discovered an additional hefty "plan telecom tax" of $14.52, bringing the monthly price up to $61.97 (and recurring autopay is automatically enabled).
You can find what's included in the Trump Mobile 47 Plan for much cheaper with other wireless providers.
In fact, Liberty Wireless Mobile -- the MVNO that powers Trump Mobile -- offers the same service for just $40 a month. That includes 10GB of high-speed data, compared to 20GB with the 47 Plan, before speeds are likely throttled. But I haven't used Liberty Wireless, and if the numerous instances of "Lorem ipsum" text on its FAQS page are any indication, it's likely best to look elsewhere.
Of course, Trump Mobile's 47 Plan includes other perks that could help justify the higher price -- such as telehealth sessions provided by Doctegrity (normally $29 a month) and roadside assistance through Drive America. That said, it's unclear what services are covered or whether spending limits apply. The 47 Plan even includes "device protection" -- which would be great, if not for the fine print clarifying that "device protection is not insurance."
So could Trump Mobile be a good deal? If we ignore all the vagueness surrounding the 47 Plan, then maybe. But there are too many unknowns for us to recommend it. How much is an additional line? Does the 47 Plan include hotspot data? Is there an autopay discount? Do we get streaming service perks like with other carriers? Are there discounts for seniors? We reached out to Trump Mobile for clarification.
Luckily, between the three major US carriers and hundreds of US-based MVNOs, you have plenty of options. Here are a few wireless plans that are available now and offer a better price -- or value -- than Trump Mobile, from providers with strong track records for service. Be sure to also check out our list of best phone plans that cover other features and pricing.
Trump Mobile vs. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and US Mobile Plan Cost 1 line (autopay) High-speed data Hotspot data limit Price guarantee Max number of lines Streaming resolution Trump Mobile The 47 Plan $47.45 (no autopay discount) 20GB n/a n/a n/a n/a US Mobile Unlimited Flex $17.50 10GB 5GB n/a Unlimited 480p (SD) T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 $45 50GB Unlimited 3G n/a 2 480p (SD) Mint Mobile 15GB $20 15GB 10GB n/a n/a 480p (SD)
Alternatives to Trump Mobile
US Mobile Unlimited Flex Best value for a single line (prepaid) Like Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed
Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
10GB of hotspot data Don't like Limited times you can switch networks for free
The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up
Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
With the three major carriers in the US, you're using their infrastructure, and if there aren't any high-speed towers in your area, you're out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They're given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it's a good way to see which one works best in your area.
OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp plan, data speeds are at that QCI 8 higher priority regardless of congestion. And the Light Speed level is even higher (QCI 7).
The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it's $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you're traveling you'll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $45 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts).
Why we like it
It's an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area.
Who it's best for
Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn't expect to use much data.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It's also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don't want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: [phone]
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android $17.50 at US Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB Best phone plan for 15GB of data or less Like Runs on T-Mobile's network
More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals
Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK Don't like Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers
Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment
Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data, and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount.
Mint Mobile's 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total).
Why we like it
With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale.
Who it's best for
People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data.
Who shouldn't get it
Someone who obsesses over data usage or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit.
Customer service options
• Online: Mint Mobile Help Center
• Phone: [phone]
• Store: n/a
• App: Mint Mobile $20 at Mint Mobile