Spectrum Mobile Review 2024
We’ll break down the biggest strengths and weaknesses of Spectrum’s mobile phone service.
Spectrum Mobile™ is Spectrum’s wireless services division, offering smartphones and affordable cell phone coverage to Spectrum Internet® customers. Every Spectrum Mobile plan includes features like nationwide service, unlimited calls and texts, 4G LTE mobile data, 5G access, and hotspot tethering support. You’ll also get free international coverage, no service contracts, and mobile access to Spectrum’s hotspot network.
In essence, Spectrum Mobile has competitive features alongside standard pricing and data allowances. We like the Spectrum Unlimited plan because of its ample data and affordability, which makes it suitable for individuals and small families.
If you’re interested in bundling another Spectrum service with your Spectrum Internet plan and saving a few bucks, here’s what you need to know about Spectrum Mobile.
Spectrum Mobile cell phone plans and pricing
| Plan | Monthly price | Data allowance | Overage speed limit | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By The Gig | $19.99/GB/mo. | 1GB/line ($5.00/mo. per additional GB) | 256 Kbps download/upload | View plan |
| Unlimited | $29.99/line | 30GB/line | 1 Mbps download/512 Kbps upload | View plan |
| Unlimited Plus | $39.99/line | 50GB/line | 1 Mbps download/512 Kbps upload | View plan |
Data effective as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum Mobile’s basic cell phone plan is called By The Gig. With this plan, you’ll get one line with 1GB of data for $19.99 monthly. You’ll share the plan’s data across every line on your plan, and you can add more data ($5.00 a month per additional GB) if the plan’s 1GB default is too small for your family’s needs.
By The Gig is a versatile cell phone plan, ideal for those who only make calls or engage in minimal web browsing. But if you anticipate needing more than 2GB to support additional internet use, upgrading to one of Spectrum Mobile’s other plans may be more suitable. For instance, at 3GB of data on By The Gig ($42.00/mo.), you’re better off paying for an Unlimited plan ($29.99/mo.) and its 30GB data cap.
Spectrum Mobile’s other two plans may be called Unlimited, but they don’t quite live up to the title. They’re “unlimited” in the same way that binge-watching Suits until 4:00 a.m. is “a TV night.”
The Unlimited plan has a 30GB cap, while Unlimited Plus has a 50GB cap. Once you exceed these limits, you’ll still be able to use the internet, but Spectrum will lower your speeds to 1 Mbps for downloads and 512 Kbps for uploads.
Spectrum Mobile thankfully doesn’t have too many extra fees, as its biggest standard charge is a one-time $10 activation fee per line. Tablets with mobile data will need their own line, while it’ll cost a $10 monthly fee to add a smartwatch to your mobile data plan.
If you cancel Spectrum Internet (which is required for Spectrum Mobile) at any time, you’ll be hit with an extra $20 monthly charge per line for Spectrum Mobile. You’ll also have reduced Spectrum hotspot speeds (5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload), and you won’t be able to add additional lines to your account.
All of these fees and penalties are permanent for Spectrum Mobile customers who drop Spectrum Internet, and they put a big damper on Spectrum Mobile’s value if you ever decide to change internet providers. You’ll get the best savings from Spectrum Mobile by bundling the service with Spectrum Internet.
Spectrum Mobile data allotments
As mentioned above, each Spectrum Mobile plan comes with different data allotments. There are also distinct conditions that apply for each plan if you exceed your monthly data allowance.
Once a By The Gig line uses more than 5GB of data, Spectrum Mobile will throttle its download and upload speeds to a meager 256 Kbps. At this speed, the only thing you’ll be able to do on mobile data is basic web browsing. Most carriers do speed throttling, and although we’re not fans of the policy, Spectrum Mobile does offer faster throttle speeds on its Unlimited plans.
Ultimately, Spectrum Mobile’s data caps are in line with competitors and suitable enough for many customers. Most people won’t regularly exceed 30GB of monthly mobile data unless they constantly stream videos and download apps on their phones.
Pro tip: J.D. Power ranked Spectrum as their top mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in 2024, and Spectrum was a top provider in our annual internet customer satisfaction survey.
Spectrum Mobile coverage and device availability
Spectrum Mobile delivers extensive coverage by tapping into Verizon’s robust 4G LTE and 5G networks. You’ll find service across most of the continental U.S., Hawaii, and even parts of Alaska. But you can explore a detailed look at coverage in your area by visiting the Spectrum Mobile Coverage Map.
Beyond network coverage, customers can also enjoy device flexibility with two options. You can either bring your own device (a process that’s cheekily named BYOD) or buy a new one.
Bring your own phone
If you choose to BYOD, your device must be running the most up-to-date operating system software and be unlocked before you activate your new service. If you usually put off system updates (we’ve been there!), any new downloads might mean clearing off some space on your phone. Make sure you remember to back up anything important.
To check if your device is compatible with Spectrum Mobile, enter your device ID into Spectrum’s BYOD eligibility tool.
Buying a new phone through Spectrum
Spectrum carries the most recent popular phones, like the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. You can even get a Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if you feel like reliving the flip-phone days of yore.
If you’re looking to upgrade your phone, changing plans is a great excuse to do so, since a lot of providers will offer a perk or discount when you trade-in your old device.
Currently, Spectrum is offering an extra $100 (on top of the value of your phone) towards a new device when you trade in your old phone.
To start the trade-in process, pick out a new phone through Spectrum’s online store. During checkout, you’ll be asked questions about your old phone, which will tell you your phone’s value.
If you like the number they offer, send in your old device within 21 days of purchasing your new phone and plan. Once they receive your old device, you’ll get your compensation (either in one lump sum or monthly, depending on how you chose to finance your new phone).
Spectrum Mobile features
Most of Spectrum Mobile’s operational features depend on your device. But the service offers additional benefits that are particularly useful for anyone constantly on the go.
International calling and texting
With Spectrum Mobile, staying connected internationally is a breeze. Whether in the U.S. or abroad, the service offers seamless international coverage at competitive rates for calling and texting in 200+ countries. Additionally, all Unlimited plan customers get a combined monthly allotment of 2,000 minutes per line for calls to Canada and Mexico. Texting from the U.S. to any country is also free of charge, giving you peace of mind wherever your friends and family are.
For traveling abroad, Spectrum offers two international roaming rates: Global Day Pass and Global Pay-Per-Use. But depending on your trip’s length and destination, you may want to consider getting a prepaid international SIM card.
Mobile hotspots
If you’re away from home or nearing your monthly data limit, you can hop onto a complementary Wi-Fi access point. Spectrum Mobile’s expansive hotspot network is available to all customers. It’s a great way to conserve cellular data, but some limitations exist depending on your data plan.
To learn more, check out our comprehensive Spectrum Hotspots guide.
Optimized video streaming
Have you ever binged nine seasons of a sitcom on your phone only to get hit with a data bill that feels like a punchline?
That’s an oddly specific scenario. But there’s no need to worry too much because Spectrum Mobile automatically optimizes video quality to use less data when streaming via the cellular network.
Spectrum Unlimited Plus customers can also adjust video quality preferences using the My Spectrum App. Though, most Android and iPhone users can already do that in the device settings.
Is Spectrum Mobile worth it?
MVNOs are built around value-friendly plans that’ll save money, and Spectrum Mobile is no different. With excellent coverage, sizable data caps, and affordable monthly plans, Spectrum Mobile has a lot to offer customers who want to bundle internet and smartphone service from Spectrum.
Spectrum Mobile FAQ
Is Spectrum Mobile owned by Verizon?
No, Verizon doesn’t own Spectrum Mobile. While Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s cell phone network, its parent company is Charter Communications.
Is Spectrum Mobile expensive?
With plans starting at $19.99 per month, Spectrum Mobile is not expensive for a smartphone provider.
Is Spectrum Mobile truly unlimited?
Spectrum Mobile has data caps of 30GB and 50GB on its Unlimited plans. Once you hit this cap, you’ll still have internet access, but it’ll be slower for the rest of the month.
Will Spectrum Mobile pay me to switch?
Spectrum Mobile won’t pay you to switch phone providers, but Spectrum Internet will cover up to $500 in early termination fees if you switch from another internet provider. Check out our Spectrum Deals page to learn more about this offer.
What carrier is Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s network for its phone plans. This means that you can bundle your Spectrum phone service with your Spectrum internet and/or cable bill and still access Verizon’s coverage across most of the U.S.
However, since resources are finite, Verizon has the final say over which customers get prioritized—and spoiler alert, they’re going to choose their own. The major downside of bundling mobile service through a separate TV and/or internet provider is that Verizon can throttle your speeds if you’re in an area with a lot of usage.
Why you should trust us
We analyzed Spectrum Mobile data including user reviews, pricing information, our annual internet customer satisfaction survey, and competitor plans to figure out how Spectrum Mobile stacks up as a phone provider. For more on our methodology, see our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
Spectrum Mobile service not available in all areas. Per line activation fee, Spectrum Internet and Auto-pay required. Other restrictions apply.
Mobile Offer Details: Limited time offer; subject to change; offer applies to qualified residential customers without any outstanding obligation to Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Mobile devices excluded from offer. Standard rates apply after promo period or if qualifying services not maintained. Both lines must be ordered at same time. Additional lines available at standard rate. Tablets not eligible for promotion. SPECTRUM MOBILE: Reduced speeds after 30 GB (Unlimited) and 50 GB (Unlimited Plus) of usage per line. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Per line activation fee, Spectrum Internet and Auto Pay required. Restrictions apply.
Trade-In Offer: Trade-in offer requires customers to trade in qualifying device, purchase and activate a new device. Credit reflected over 36 mos on the bill statement. Trade-in device must have a value greater than $0. If the value of the trade-in device exceeds the cost of the new device, credit will be reflected on bill statement within 2-3 bill cycles. Visit spectrum.com/mobile/trade-in for details. Restrictions apply. Subject to change.
Restrictions Apply: To access 5G, 5G compatible phone and 5G service required. Not all 5G capable phones compatible with all 5G service. Speeds may vary. Visit spectrum.com/mobile/5g for details.
