My two older children don’t have smartphones; instead, they each use an Apple Watch SE with Cellular for essential calling and texting. (We appreciate these guidelines from Anxious Generation.) After using BetterRoaming service for a year, which was the most affordable option available for those not on a primary postpaid plan, I transitioned their Apple Watch plans to the US Mobile Smartwatch Plan.
Having been with US Mobile for a few months, I can confidently say that US Mobile surpasses the competition for our Apple Watch service. It offers better cellular coverage (in my area) through the Verizon network, more competitive pricing, and superior customer support. Here are the specifics, including direct comparisons where relevant to BetterRoaming.
Plan Summary:
- $78 for 12 months when paid upfront ($6.50/month), or $9.50 monthly.
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- Unlimited Data
- WiFi Calling Enabled
- Instant eSIM Activation (True! Setup takes under 10 minutes)
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Compatible with 4G LTE and 5G watches
Experience Using the Apple Watch as a Standalone Phone for Kids: One major observation is that the Apple Watch functions as a mini-phone, equipped with a small cellular antenna. Most users treat Apple Watches as companions to their iPhones, utilizing them primarily as backups while engaged in activities like running or swimming. When used as a primary device, it struggles to receive signals in areas of poor coverage or indoors—akin to the early 2000s for those of us who remember those times.
Honestly, the frequent hiccup was the kids forgetting to charge their watches overnight. Because of this, we can’t always rely on the watch to be operational, necessitating backup plans (e.g., meeting at a specific location, or sending an email via school WiFi). Although the setup is convenient and effective, it takes time for them to learn about service availability and establish the habit of charging the device.
Cellular Network Coverage via Verizon Towers: US Mobile currently provides its standalone Apple Watch plan using “Warp,” which is the name they’ve given to the Verizon network. BetterRoaming, a global eSIM provider, appears to be operating on the T-Mobile network now (after previously using AT&T). Since switching to Verizon, we’ve noticed improved coverage, although there are still moments when the watch fails to acquire a signal, even in proximity to a smartphone that works flawlessly.
Choosing Your Area Code with US Mobile: Unlike BetterRoaming, which assigns you an area code, US Mobile allows you to select one if you’re not porting in your number. This may or may not be important to you.
Competitive Pricing with US Mobile: Upon my annual renewal, US Mobile’s yearly plan was $78 (equating to $6.50 per month) while BetterRoaming was pricing at $99. BetterRoaming has now lowered its price to match, making both plans $78 for the initial year if prepaid. However, it’s unclear if BetterRoaming allows renewals at that rate, as they specify savings are limited to “new customers.” Conversely, US Mobile permits renewals at $78/year, and its month-to-month pricing is more favorable ($9.50 compared to $10.99 per month).
Solid Customer Support and User Interface: Having set up Apple Watches with both companies and worked with multiple MVNOs over the years, I can confidently say that US Mobile offers some of the best customer service among them all. They’ve clearly invested in enhancing this aspect of the user experience. Their tutorial videos are informative, the online chat is prompt, and the representatives appear knowledgeable! In fact, I was so impressed with the experience that I later switched my personal smartphone line from Mint Mobile to their US Mobile Unlimited Plan*. This will be discussed in another post, but the positive customer service experience remained consistent, as the porting and setup with US Mobile went much smoother compared to my previous experience with Visible.
* This is my US Mobile referral link, which provides a $25 credit after maintaining active service for 6 months and spending a total of $100 with US Mobile with a port-in. This offer applies to both traditional smartphone and smartwatch plans; however, please be aware of the port-in requirement, as I didn’t port a number for our Apple Watches. Full fine print:
To qualify for the $25 referral bonus, you must maintain active paid service in good standing for 6 months, port in a new line, and spend a total of $100 on Unlimited, By the Gig, or Smartwatch plans — Other plans, top-ups, devices, add-ons, roaming, and certain promotions (listed at usmobile.com/promo-archive) are excluded. Annual plans will be prorated monthly (e.g., $228 equals $114 after 6 months).
