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Max data, domestically
Visible
Pros
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)
- Bigger Verizon LTE network
Cons
- No Canada or Mexico option
- No international roaming
Visible offers a simple plan with unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S. With Verizon's robust network providing the backbone, you'll be able to confidently stay connected even on the move. However, you might have some issues internationally.
Max data, even in Mexico
Boost Mobile
Pros
- Mexico service
- Unlimited talk and text
- Save with more lines
Cons
- Smaller hotspot
- More expensive for unlimited
- Smaller Sprint LTE network
Making use of Sprint's LTE network, Boost mobile offers a lot of data at a great price. If you're covered, this can be a great network. Boost is also a much stronger option for customers that may want to call or travel to Mexico.
Visible offers the strongest overall package between the two, with a stronger domestic network and a simple pricing structure that makes it a great fit for most people. Boost offers more internantional service specializing in Mexico with one of the best offerings for people that often travel between the two countries.
Domestic vs. International coverage
Comparing these two providers is going to always come back to coverage. Boost Mobile uses Sprint's LTE network and Visible uses Verizon's LTE network. Your choice between Visible and Boost Mobile could just come down to where you're located.
There are a few other things you might need to know. For one, a lot of Sprint customers might not realize just how much of Sprint's coverage map is made up of LTE roaming. This LTE roaming looks and acts almost exactly like Sprint's own network, so this wouldn't even be obvious unless you were keeping a close eye on it. Boost doesn't get to take advantage of this roaming. It's paramount that your double check your coverage even if you already know you have good Sprint service.
Visible rules this category even though it is similarly unable to access roaming networks. The main difference is that the Verizon LTE network is more complete than Sprint's, so it has a much larger coverage area. This is going to be important for people that travel within the U.S.
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The tables are turned for international coverage where Visible, true to its simple nature, doesn't have any coverage. Not even an add-on. This makes sense since Verizon works best in the U.S. and can often be expensive or impossible to use internationally.
Boost has a plan that allows 8GB of data in Mexico as well as the ability to call international numbers at a per minute rate or as part of an add-on.
How do they compare?
| Visible | Boost Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Verizon | Sprint |
| Talk and text | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data | 3GB to Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International calling | None | Yes |
| Hotspot | Included (5Mbps) | Available |
| Starting price | $40/mo. | $35/mo. |
| BYOD | Yes (check phones) | Yes (check phones) |
Boost Mobile's plans
Boost Mobile plans start at just $35 per month for 3GB of data and unlimited calling and texting. This can be upgraded to unlimited data with more speed and features going up. Unlimited starts at $50 per month, but with two lines it's only $80 or $40 per line. Actually, one of Boost Mobile's biggest strengths is that you can save more money with more lines on your plan.
| 3 Gigs | Unlimited Gigs | Unlimited Plus | Ultimate Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talk and Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Tidal service | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Hotspot | uses data | 12GB | 30GB | 50GB |
| Video quality | SD | SD | HD | HD |
| Price 1 Line | $35 | $50 | $60 | $80 |
| Lines 2-5 | $60, $90, $120, $150 | $80, $110, $140, $170 | $100, $140, $180, $220 | $140. $200, $260, $320 |
HD video streaming can be added to the plans without it for $10 per month, though this won't be worth it to many people since using Wi-Fi will also result in HD videos. Boost also offers device insurance to give you replacement options if your device is damaged, lost, or stolen. There would be a deductible of $20, $50, $100, or $150 depending on the device in question.
Visible's only plan
Visible has only one plan and it's unlimited. Visible's plan includes unlimited talk, text, and LTE data on the Verizon network. At $40 per month this is a really good value and can only really be compared to Boost at more than one line.
Thanks to the simplicity of this plan and the strength of the underlying Verizon LTE network, knowing if this is the right plan for you is very straightforward. If you need a lot of data and don't need to call or travel outside of the US the Visible will work well for you.
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If you get your phone through Visible, you can sign up for an insurance program called Visible Protect for $10 or $12 per month. Cracked iPhone screens are repaired for $29 and Android screens are $99. You can also get your device replaced for more serious damage or loss. You can see the deductibles here. Finally, device failure is covered for no cost.
What phones are available?
Each carrier offers device sales as well as a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Both carriers are a bit restricted in compatible phones but you can check your device IMEI for compatibility online and Boost even has a process for activating Sprint phones.
- Check out the phones at Visible. Check for BYOD compatibility.
- Check out the phones at Boost Mobile. Check for BYOD compatibility.
Both carriers' phones trend towards mid to low range devices such as the Visible R2 but they also have some high-end offering such as the iPhone XS. For Android, Visible offers the entire Pixel 3 series of phones and Boost offers up to the Galaxy S10e.
For either carrier you should be able to find something that suits you.
Which should you get?
Boost Mobile definitely has some features that Visible cannot match such as international calling and service in Mexico. Boost also offers upgrades to customize your plan to suit each person a little more. If you need that international service, there really is no competition.
The fact of the matter is that most Americans will be fine with service in the U.S. only. Not to mention that apps like Facebook or Line offer free calls if your use their apps over Wi-Fi. If that is you then Visible offers the most compelling package with better U.S. coverage and far simpler plan that lets you forget about minutes and megabytes altogether since you know your bill won't change.
Max data, domestically
Visible
Max data, domestically
Visible is as simple as possible. It offers good speeds for browsing and streaming and no surprise fees, accessing Verizon's LTE coverage with no contract.
Max data, even in Mexico
Boost Mobile
Sign up more lines to save
If you call or travel to Mexico, Boost is one of the best options. With a ton of flexibility and saving for multiple lines, it is a great value.
by Samuel Contreras