Visible may not offer as many Android phone deals as some carriers, but when it does, the Verizon-owned mobile provider goes BIG. Case in point: new and existing Visible customers who sign up for the Visible Plus Pro plan today will be eligible for $480 in promo credits when they buy the Samsung Galaxy S26, no trade-in required. That amounts to a retroactive discount of over 50%! 

So what's the catch? Well, the savings will appear in the form of $20 credits over 24 months, and you'll need to pay the full price of the phone upfront (or sign up for monthly financing through Affirm) to be eligible. The good news is that the Visible Plus Pro plan is only $45 per month before the discount, and it's easily one of the best unlimited plans on the market, making this deal a great opportunity if you've been eyeing the Samsung flagship anyway. 

Just released on March 11th, the new Samsung Galaxy S26 boasts a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while under the hood you get a long-lasting 4,300mAh battery and top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. 

The flagship phone also comes with 12GB of RAM and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. We were pretty disappointed that the Galaxy S26 didn't feature any significant camera upgrades, but you'll still get to enjoy some fun new AI-boosted software features straight out of the box. 

The Plus Pro plan from Visible, on the other hand, gives you unlimited talk, text, and premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus you'll get an unlimited mobile hotspot and a ton of international benefits.

We've seen a lot of great Google Pixel deals lately, but any offer that carves 50% off a flagship phone is going to be a cause for celebration. That's exactly what's happening over at Visible Wireless, as the Verizon-powered carrier is currently offering half off the Google Pixel 10 series when you pair the purchase with an annual plan and use the code GOOGLE at checkout. 

The Google Pixel 10, Google Pixel 10 Pro, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL are all included in the deal, so you can take your pick. No trade-in is required, and all three of Visible's unlimited plans will land you the discount when you use the code. 

The catch, of course, is that you'll have to pay for a full year of wireless if you want the discount. Going with Visible's Basic plan will cost you $275 upfront, which shakes out to $23 per month for 12 months. Add that to the Google Pixel 10 with a 50% discount and you're looking at a total payment of $675 out the door. Not too shabby when you consider that the phone usually costs $799 on its own!

Powered by Google's very own Tensor G5 chipset, the Pixel 10 boasts a lovely OLED display, full Qi2 magnetic support, and the excellent haptic feedback that we've come to expect from the brand. You also get some versatile AI-boosted camera tech with an upgraded telephoto lens, not to mention seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. 

All of Visible's unlimited plans get you unlimited talk, text, and data powered by Verizon's legendary 5G/4G LTE network, plus you'll get an unlimited mobile hotspot, spam protection, and talk/text in Mexico and Canada. Going with the carrier's more-premium Visible Plus or Visible Plus Pro plans will land you some extra benefits, such as unlimited premium data and additional perks abroad. 

If you're anything like me, the arrival of a new year means it's time to revisit your phone plan and (hopefully) save a little cash in the process. Fortunately, many of the best wireless carriers in the biz run special limited time offers this time of year, and the Verizon-owned Visible Wireless is no exception.

Sign up today with the promo code SWITCH26 at checkout and you could save up to $12 per month for 26 months. That may not sound like a lot, but Visible's plans were already pretty affordable, so this deal could seriously alter the way you view your phone bill in 2026 (and beyond). Let's break it all down so you can see what I mean.

Although it's not technically an MVNO, I still consider Visible Wireless to be one of the best prepaid carriers in the business, thanks to the company's straightforward plan system and the fact that it operates using Verizon's 5G network. 

The carrier offers three plan options starting at the Basic Visible plan (usually $25 per month) and going up to the comprehensive Visible Plus Pro plan ($45 per month without the deal). Using the code SWITCH26 at checkout knocks $6, $9, and $12 off the Visible Basic, Visible Plus, and Visible Plus Pro plans, respectively, and the deal locks in the discounted rate for over two years with no hidden fees whatsoever.

In other words, if you use the deal to save $12 per month on the Visible Plus Pro plan, you're basically getting six months of Verizon-powered wireless for FREE across 26 months. That plan also gives you unlimited premium data on Verizon's Ultra Wideband network, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and uncapped coverage to over 85 countries worldwide.

Even if you go with one of the Visible's less comprehensive data plans, you'll still get unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's legendary network, a free mobile hotspot, discounts on home internet, and much more.

Why should I switch to Visible?

Visible Wireless is unique in that it offers the convenience and flexibility of a prepaid carrier with the support and coverage of a Big Three provider. There are only three straightforward plans to choose from, and all three offer unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G network. There are no hidden fees to worry about, unlimited hotspot data is a given, and the fact that Verizon owns and operates the carrier means that de-prioritization is uncommon.

Does Visible Wireless have a free trial?

Yes! Visible Wireless offers a 15-day free trial that lets you explore the ins and outs of its service with zero hassle or commitment. You can even run it directly alongside your existing phone plan without any interruptions. 

Does Visible Wireless sell smartphones?

Yep! Although I don't love its phone deals as much as the offerings from, say, Mint Mobile, Visible Wireless does run occasional phone deals throughout the year that get you the latest Android devices for cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right. 

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

The Cyber Monday sales are nearing an end, but I just uncovered a Visible Wireless deal that could completely alter your phone bill in 2026. Sign up for the top-rated Visible Plus Pro annual plan using the code BLACKFRIDAY50 at checkout and you'll get 50% off your entire year of coverage. That's $225 in savings, no strings attached. Just be sure to sign up before the deal expires on December 9th! 

Score 50% OFF one year of coverage with this Visible Cyber Monday deal

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a new wireless carrier and you don't mind committing to a year in advance; you live in an area with good Verizon coverage.

❌Skip this deal if: you're happy with your current wireless provider; you don't want to commit to a full year of one data plan; you don't think you'll use all of the extra features included in the Visible Plus Pro plan.

Usually priced at $45 per month, the Visible Plus Pro plan is among the best unlimited plans we've ever used. You get unlimited talk, text, and premium data on Verizon's vast 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus a free mobile hotspot and monthly discounts on Verizon Fios home internet. 

It's also a popular plan for travelers, as the Plus Pro plan will also hook you up with unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada, unlimited calls to over 85 countries, and unlimited texting to over 200 destinations worldwide. You even get two free GlobalPass days every month (a $20 value). 

This Cyber Monday deal may offer great value to customers, but if you're not ready to commit to a full year of Visible, you're in luck. The Verizon-owned wireless carrier is also offering a 15-day free trial that lets you try out the service with no strings attached. 

Need a new phone too?

Cyber Monday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday Samsung Galaxy deals
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday Google Pixel deals
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday Motorola deals

To be honest, Visible Wireless deals are never as straightforward as I would like, but occasionally an offer comes along that's worth all the fine print. Buy any Google Pixel 10 series phone and sign up for the Visible Plus Pro plan and the Verizon-owned wireless carrier will hook you up with $480 of service credit over 24 months. No promo code or trade-in required, just good old-fashioned savings on wireless. 

That means you're getting a full two years of one of our favorite unlimited plans for only 25 bucks per month, and that's without even considering the value of the Pixel phone. The base model Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and the gargantuan Pixel 10 Pro XL will all land you the full discount, so take your pick.  

• See the full list of deals at Visible Wireless today

✅Recommended if: you want unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast network for cheap; you want an AI-boosted smartphone with some of the best camera tech in the biz.

❌Skip this deal if: you're happy with your current phone bill; you're looking for a straight discount or trade-in opportunity; you need a powerful smartphone for gaming. 

We've said a lot of good things about the Google Pixel 10 series since it was revealed last month. From the sophisticated design and AI-boosted camera tech to the incorporation of Qi2 charging support, it's clear that Google has the title of best Android phone firmly in its sights. 

Sure, the flagship phones aren't built for serious gaming and Samsung may be using a slightly more-powerful chipset, but the Google Pixel 10 lineup offers one of the best Android experiences around, especially if you can find a good deal. 

The Visible Plus Pro plan is no slouch either, offering users unlimited talk, text, and premium data on Verizon's vast 5G / 4G LTE network, plus an unlimited mobile hotspot, a ton of international benefits, and 4K UHD streaming support. Pair this top-rated data plan with one of Google's new phones and you're setting yourself up an unparalleled wireless experience — one that doesn't break the bank. 

This week's best Android sales - quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, dorm appliances, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

The Pixel 9a hit the scene this spring as an cheaper alternative to Google's flagship series, but a lower price tag also means that deals on the phone can be fairly uncommon. Fortunately, Visible is here to change all of that, offering $300 OFF the midrange masterpiece when you sign up for the Visible Plus Pro annual plan using the promo code DEALTIME. 

✅Recommended if: you want a sleek, flagship-level smartphone with great cameras and long software support; you don't mind paying for a full year of wireless service in advance; you need premium data and international perks.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer unlocked phones or trade-in deals; you're happy with your current wireless carrier; you don't need a lot of perks from your phone company.

Don't let its striking appearance fool you: the Pixel 9a is quite similar to its flagship counterparts when you look under the hood. Just like the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9a is powered by the Tensor G4 chipset and comes with seven years of OS and security upgrades, plus you get Gemini AI features, a 6.3-inch pOLED display, and a remarkably long-lasting battery. At $499, the phone was already quite well-priced, but this deal could knock the Pixel 9a to as low as $199 when you use the promo code.

The catch is that you'll need to pay for a full year of the Visible Plus Pro plan to receive the savings, which will set you back $450 before the phone is added to your cart. Considering that the plan usually costs $45 per month, you're actually getting two months free by purchasing the annual plan, and that doesn't even include the value of the discounted smartphone.

So yes, there are some strings attached, but if you've been looking to change your wireless setup anyway, this Visible deal presents an excellent opportunity. The plan in question also gets you unlimited talk, text, and premium data on Verizon's legendary 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus free calls and texts to over 85 countries worldwide, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and more.

After all, there's a reason we called Visible one of our favorite MVNO carriers (even if it isn't technically an MVNO). And of course, there's also something really nice about making a single payment today and not worrying about your phone bill again until 2026. The choice is yours. 

It's important that you get one of the best wireless plans for international travel before embarking on any overseas trip, as the last thing you need to worry about while being in a different country is network connectivity. Thankfully, most (if not all) of the wireless carriers these days provide (at least) some kind of international coverage to their consumers. All you have to do is pick up a plan that suits your requirements and budget.

Only a few years ago, overseas connectivity used to be a feature restricted to the priciest of unlimited data plans. However, with the continued advancements in wireless technologies like 5G and growing competition in the field, things have changed quite a lot. The 'Big Three' service providers (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) already offer roaming functionality in Mexico and Canada, but if you want faster connectivity and data access while traveling outside North America, you're going to need more. To that end, here are some of the best data plans from both MVNO carriers and mainstream operators, and these should help in making your upcoming international trip a smooth and fuss-free experience.

At a glance

Best overall

Verizon's plan structure is primarily based around customization. You start off by choosing a plan at the starting price and then mix and match perks depending on your requirements for any month. These add-ons are priced $10-15 a month. It can be quite convenient if you have a trip coming up soon, as you can easily plan ahead by adding goodies such as TravelPass and extra hotspot data, all without any real commitment beyond the month in question.

The Unlimited Ultimate plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and 15GB high-speed data in more than 210 countries worldwide. Once those 15GB run out, you still get unlimited data at 1.5 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for most everyday tasks. Having a starting price of $95 per month (before taxes and fees, and autopay and paper-free billing discounts), the Unlimited Ultimate plan can be pretty expensive if you're signing up for one line, but the price drops considerably when you bring over your family members.

Alternatively, you could sign up for a more affordable Verizon plan and simply use TravelPass. This add-on feature costs $12 per day and offers you unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries. Once you add TravelPass to your Verizon account, you'll only be charged for the days you actually use the service, which can come in handy if you generally rely on Wi-Fi calling when traveling overseas.

Best budget

As the top-tier plan by the Verizon-owned wireless carrier, Visible Plus Pro offers you unlimited talk, text, and premium data access on the 'Ultra-Wideband 5G' network. You get up to 4K UHD resolution video streaming, as well as unlimited mobile hotspot data usage at 15Mbps, automatic blocking of spam and robocalls, and bundled smartwatch service for some of the best Android smartwatches out there.

Travelers get to enjoy free talk, text, and 2GB data in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, after which speeds are reduced to 3G. With the Visible Plus Pro plan, you also get two days of the 'Global Pass' add-on every month, and it gives you unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of high-speed data in over 140 countries around the world. That may not seem very generous, but you can also save up to 12 (at a time) of these Global Pass days to utilize when traveling, which is a pretty good deal for only $45 per month (inclusive of taxes and fees, and before regular discounts). Alternatively, you can pay upfront for an entire year of the Visible Plus Pro plan and receive 24 Global Pass days to use at your convenience. Global Pass can also be purchased a la carte for $10 per day if you're on the base Visible plan. This plan also includes calling to over 85 countries and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries around the world.

Best premium

If you can afford it, T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan is pretty much the perfect wireless offering, including access to a bounty of generous benefits like unlimited premium data, free streaming on Netflix (with ads) and Hulu, free satellite service wherever it's available, unlimited mobile hotspot usage with 250GB high-speed data, and a whole lot more.

Experience Beyond becomes even more impressive if you travel a lot, as the plan will also hook you up with unlimited texts and high-speed data (capped at 15GB, then unlimited at 256 Kbps) in more than 215 countries around the world. There are also a few surprising perks that I haven't seen anywhere else, like discounted hotels and rental cars if you book through T-Mobile Travel. International calls will still cost you $0.25 per minute, but it's easy enough to just use Wi-Fi calling when you're overseas. Oh, and you also get 30GB high-speed data when in Canada and Mexico.

The problem is that the Experience Beyond plan is quite expensive, costing over $100 per month for a single line, that too before factoring in taxes and fees, and a $35 device connection charge per line. Do all the fancy benefits justify the price? Well, that's between you and your bank account.

Best for Latin America

Even though it's not a great choice if you're heading to Europe or beyond, AT&T's recently rechristened Premium 2.0 plan is a surprisingly comprehensive pick for visitors going to Central and South America.

This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries, provided the international usage doesn't exceed domestic. Apart from that, you'll enjoy standard AT&T perks like 100GB high-speed mobile hotspot data per month (then unlimited at 128 Kbps) per line, 4K UHD resolution streaming, as well as unlimited talk, text, and data in/between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Similar to Verizon, if you are planning to travel overseas you can also pay $12/day for the carrier's International Day Pass add-on. It can be activated on your data plan whenever you want and comes with unlimited talk, text, and data in more than 210 countries worldwide, along with in-flight connectivity (on select airlines). And if you pay $20/day, this add-on will give your phone coverage on more than 400 cruise ships.

Sure, $90 per month (before taxes and fees) for one line is fairly expensive but you can easily lower the rate by bringing along your entire family, which will take the single line price to just $50 per month, for a maximum of six lines.

Best perks

Google Fi is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile's 5G network to offer incredible service at relatively lower costs than the competition. The most expensive of its offerings is the Unlimited Premium plan, which gives you a range of compelling perks like 100GB free cloud storage (via Google One), six months of free YouTube Premium subscription, full connectivity on selected smartwatches, and much more.

The plan also offers a bunch of international benefits that may sound familiar if you compare them with T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. I'm talking about unlimited texts, and 50GB high-speed data (then 256 Kbps) access in more than 200 destinations worldwide, and free calls, texts, and data in Mexico and Canada. Use a 5G-compatible Android phone and you can even enjoy 5G service in several countries around the globe.

Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan starts at $65 per month (before factoring in taxes and fees) for one line, but you can save some cash by adding a maximum of six lines in total. All that said, it's a pretty reasonable price for what you're getting, as long as you don't rack up costs overseas with those $0.20/minute phone calls.

• Back to the top^

How to choose

There are plenty of great phone plans for people who regularly travel abroad, but that doesn't mean there's a one-size-fits-all solution. Before you settle on a plan, it's important to consider your requirements as a device user, your budget, and of course, your destination(s) of choice.

For starters, it's best to look at your current wireless plan and see what benefits it has. Do you only require talk and text on your travels? If so, how much? Do you need data for navigation or surfing the web? Asking yourself these questions is a great way of starting off when selecting a plan for your upcoming trip. And who knows, maybe your carrier already has a great option that'll work out well for you.

If you can't get coverage from within your destination of choice, you could also look into your carrier's Wi-Fi calling policy. Wi-Fi is readily available in majority of the countries across the globe, and if you don't frequently send texts or use data while traveling, it could be sufficient for your requirements while abroad.

Another piece of advice I'd like to offer is to watch out the language that carriers use to describe their international coverage. For example, there's a big difference between "free calls in XX countries" and "free calls to XX countries". Both are quite useful but mean very different things. The former allows you to make calls from inside another country, while the latter means that you can only call to the other countries from inside the United States. It may seem like an obvious distinction, but it's easy to get mixed up if you aren't careful.

Lastly, it's very important to remember that most wireless carriers have a la carte international coverage, so you may not need to switch to an entirely new plan to use your provider's network overseas. Verizon, for instance, offers its TravelPass in over 210 countries worldwide. It costs just $12 per day and can easily be activated with any of the carrier's data plans just for the duration of your upcoming travel.

Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly column about the things we use and how they work. We try to keep it simple here so everyone can understand how and why the gadget in your hand does what it does.

Things may become a little technical at times, as that's the nature of technology — it can be complex and intricate. Together we can break it all down and make it accessible, though!

You might not care how any of this stuff happens, and that's OK, too. Your tech gadgets are personal and should be fun. You never know, though, you might just learn something ...

What is an MVNO?

MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator, and it's another company that offers service for all your connected gadgets. You've heard of them even if you didn't know it; companies like Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile, and Google Fi are all MVNOs.

What that really means is that they lease giant amounts of usage rights from bigger carriers with actual infrastructure like towers and cables in place. Take Google Fi Wireless, for example. It's a separate company, but it runs on T-Mobile's U.S. network, with many agreements outside of the U.S., allowing it to operate almost anywhere in the world.

The agreement means they are sort of like you, a customer of a major cellular carrier. Of course, they do things a lot differently and use a lot more of the network than you or I ever will.

Things get a little murky with some of these arrangements. What I mean is that a physical network carrier like Verizon can also run an MVNO that uses its network (in this case, Visible).

The company books are kept separately, and there are different plans and rules, but the big company also owns the small company. I don't know why they choose this route versus offering different plans with similar pricing, but I'm sure it's a wise business decision. Carriers are really good at those.

So what's the difference?

While they seem to be duplicates of each other, they really aren't. There are three major differences between an MVNO and a "regular" carrier.

The first one, and what you might have read about on the internet, is that an MVNO can offer service at much cheaper rates. In some cases, prices are almost cut in half for what sounds like the same service plan on the same network. That's kind of true, but you need to know about the other two differences as well.

Next is the difference in customer service. Now I'm not saying that big carriers like AT&T or Orange offer excellent customer service, but they do offer more help than you'll get from a typical MVNO. Cutting back on customer support staff is one of the ways that an MVNO can offer such cheap service. They won't leave you high and dry, but don't expect expert answers for every question you might have or a quick solution to every problem.

Finally, we have to talk about network deprioritization. What sounds like a made-up word is a real thing, and it happens frequently in some places. When a network location gets really crowded and it starts to affect the quality of your connection, MVNO customers take a backseat to customers of the parent network.

I know that sounds confusing, so here's a real-world example of it in action: I use Google Fi for my carrier, but until recently, my wife used T-Mobile. Google Fi uses the T-Mobile network, so coverage and quality are the same 99% of the time. The one percent difference? If we take a trip to downtown D.C. for any sort of event, like seeing the cherry blossoms or for the July 4 fireworks show, my phone service sucks.

T-Mobile customers have priority when it comes to using the network, and MVNO customers, like me and my Google Fi phone, get to use what's left over. When it's super crowded and people are densely packed into a smaller area, your MVNO carrier connection can suffer. It's a real thing, even though you won't see it very often.

Should you use one or should you stick with the big companies?

If you make the switch to an MVNO, you will save money, that's for sure. But you need to be aware of and OK with the drawbacks.

Are you the type of person who doesn't want to hassle with problems? If you would rather carry your phone into the carrier store and let them fix whatever is wrong, then an MVNO might not be for you.

A bigger issue is the coverage. I live way out in the suburbs and never see any depriorization issues in my day-to-day life. But as mentioned, they are there, and it does happen. If you live or work somewhere like Manhattan or Los Angeles, you might not get the quality of service you want when you use an MVNO, especially during peak times when people are using their mobile devices.

What you really need to do is try it for yourself. All MVNOs offer a month-to-month service plan, and many even allow you a risk-free trial for just this purpose. Don't shut off your current service, but order a SIM card from any of the popular MVNOs that seem like a good fit and give it a try. If you can test under the worst conditions, like a holiday or during a sporting event, even better. Make sure you have service when and where you're going to need it.

If it doesn't work for you, that's OK. You can always try again next year, because the improvements carriers make to their networks also benefit the MVNOs that use their infrastructure.

If it does work, and you're okay with being your own first level of support, you can save yourself a significant amount of money.

Given the current economic situation, it's no wonder that many folks are switching wireless carriers to save money on their phone bill. Fortunately, we're currently in the golden age of MVNOs, and there is no shortage of excellent wireless deals to check out today. Keep reading for a selection of my favorites from this month.

An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) is an alternative carrier that utilizes the vast networks of larger companies — such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T — so you get the same great coverage for cheap, without the hassle of a complicated contract or loads of hidden fees. Some of these companies might even sell you one of the best Android phones at a serious discount. If you aren't totally sold on the prospect, it's also worth noting that many of the best MVNO carriers also offer free trials with zero hassle or commitment whatsoever. In other words, if you want to save some cash on your phone bill, there's almost no reason not to try an MVNO.

Quick links

• Mint Mobile: Save $400 on the Pixel 9, 50% off Unlimited
• Visible: Free phones with code SWEETDEAL
• Straight Talk: Walmart Plus membership included with select plans
• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Tello | Cricket

My top MVNO deals

• Back to the top^

Should I switch to an MVNO?

Most MVNOs provide the same great coverage as a mainstream carrier at a much lower cost, but of course, they aren't for everyone. Many companies will deprioritize you when the network becomes busy, and you may miss out on some international perks. In many cases, these alternative carriers are also digital-only, which means you won't get the convenience of a company with a local retail presence.

That said, if none of those things is a problem to you and you're sick of paying hundreds on your wireless bill every month, it might be time to switch!

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Are you a Verizon customer? Not sure if you're ready to make the switch to prepaid? You might be able to keep your existing coverage and save some money in the process with one of the best Verizon deals of the month.

The reveal of the Google Pixel 9a appears to be just days away (if you believe the latest rumors), but retailers are already prepping for the occasion by dropping some of the best Pixel 9 deals this side of Black Friday. 

Two of our favorite wireless carriers, Mint Mobile and Visible, are dropping 50% off the popular flagship when you bundle your purchase with one year of wireless, but which deal is best? Well, the answer isn't exactly simple, so let's break it down. 

Visible vs. Mint Mobile: which Pixel 9 deal is better?

I'll start by saying that both of these deals are pretty remarkable. Mint Mobile's offers are noteworthy due to the sheer amount of cash you can save by paying for a year of the Unlimited plan in advance. 

You're looking at one of the best Android phones on the market AND 12 months of wireless for significantly less than it would cost to buy the phone unlocked from Best Buy or Amazon. Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan is no slouch either: for what amounts to $15 per month, you're getting unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast network, plus a mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi calling, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. 

That being said, if you don't mind paying a little more for a premium wireless experience, Visible might be the better option here. Priced at $395 for a year (about $33 per month) the Visible Plus plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's legendary 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus HD streaming, 50GB of premium data every month, and a bounty of international benefits that you'd usually expect to get from a Big Three carrier. Just be sure to use that code SWEETDEAL during checkout if you want the 50% discount on the Google Pixel 9.

Needless to say, if you simply can't choose between the two carriers, check out our Visible vs. Mint Mobile guide for a more comprehensive look. 

Looking at pure dollars and cents, buying the Google Pixel 9 and one year of wireless from Visible will set you back $794, while Mint Mobile's identical bundle will cost around $579, making Mint the more cost-effective choice. Is it worth it to pay that extra $215 to get 5G Ultra Wideband, international benefits, and more? It's totally up to you, but I'd argue that you're getting a great deal either way. 

On a final and perhaps less-important note, it might be worth mentioning that Visible still has the Google Pixel 9 in its Obsidian, Wintergreen, and Peony color variants, while Mint Mobile only has Obsidian in stock. No matter which carrier deal you choose, you'll be getting an excellent AI-boosted smartphone with a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, outstanding camera tech, and seven years of OS/security updates guaranteed.

The good folks at Visible don't do a lot of sale events, but when they do, they pull out all of the stops with excellent phone deals and cheap wireless opportunities alike. Case in point: buy the Motorola Razr (2024) with 12 months of the Visible Plus plan and you'll get the phone for completely free, no trade-in required.

One of our favorite foldable phones and a year of our favorite unlimited plan for only $395? That's a match made in heaven. Of course, this deal isn't for everyone, so Visible has launched a few other offers as part of the big event. Keep reading for all my favorite promos included in the sale.

• Visible kicks off 2025 flash sale: see the full list of deals

Editor's pick

More *NEW* Visible deals 

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

It's no secret that we consider Visible to be one of the best wireless carriers in the biz, and now the Verizon-owned phone company is offering an equally-legendary deal for new customers. Sign up for the carrier's Visible Plus plan and you'll score a $15 discount every single month for 25 months, no strings attached. All you need to do is use the code SWITCH25 at checkout and the savings are yours. 

Our favorite unlimited plan gets a historic discount

The Visible Plus plan is our top pick for the best unlimited plan that money can buy, coming complete with premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and free smartwatch service (a $10/month value). You also get a ton of international perks, including unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data in Mexico and Canada and free calls to over 30 countries worldwide. 

The carrier will even throw in a free Global Pass day every month (a feature that's usually reserved for Verizon users). There's a reason we called Visible a "phenomenal value for heavy users" in our 4.5/5-star review. The Visible Plus plan usually costs $45 per month, but this deal knocks the price down to only $30 monthly for over two years. 

Of course, none of the best MVNO carriers are perfect. You won't get any multi-line discounts if you're signing up for the whole family, and you'll want to be in an area with great Verizon coverage to get the most out of the service. But if you're a heavy data user looking for international perks on a budget, this deal on Visible's Plus plan is hard to beat. 

If you're trying to switch carriers but Visible's offers aren't working for you, check out our guide to Mint Mobile's best deals of the month to see if you can save some major cash by shopping in bulk.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

If you've been trying to compare Visible vs. T-Mobile but can't seem to decide which one to go with, we don't blame you. Choosing a wireless service provider isn't exactly a cakewalk these days, especially with the 'Big Three' facing increasingly tough competition from some of the best MVNO carriers out there. No matter what your requirements or budget, there is no dearth of options in the market.

Of course, Visible and T-Mobile are two such options. While the former is a no-contract service provider offering just two prepaid plans, the latter is a mainstream carrier having no less than five full-featured plans. Visible's plans let you save quite a lot of money, but they stick to the basics. On the other hand, T-Mobile's plans pack a plethora of perks, but they also cost significantly more. There are several other factors worth taking into consideration as well, including everything from network coverage to device compatibility. So, the question is, which one is the better fit for your needs? Let's see how these two service providers stack up against each other and find out.

Visible vs. T-Mobile: Visible's plans

Offering just two straightforward plans, Visible—which is owned and operated by Verizon—keeps things exceedingly simple. Its basic plan is just called Visible, and gives you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's combined 5G/LTE network. You also get unlimited shared mobile hotspot usage at a speed of 5Mbps, as well talk & text to Mexico and Canada. Even with all that, the starter Visible plan costs a mere $25 per month, that too with all the taxes and fees included.

Then there's the higher plan, which is called Visible Plus. Along with all the benefits of the basic Visible plan, it unlocks access to Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network, 50GB of premium data, unlimited shared mobile hotspot usage at an increased speed of 10Mbps, and 2GB of daily data in Mexico and Canada. Priced at $45 per month—again with all the taxes and fees included—Visible Plus further adds international calling to over 30 countries and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries around the world.

Although the monthly prices for both plans are quite affordable, you can save even more if you decide to pay for a full year of service in advance.

Visible vs. T-Mobile: T-Mobile's plans

With T-Mobile, you get a total of five primary plans to pick from, with all of them offering a number of common benefits. These include unlimited talk, text, and data on the carrier's nationwide 5G/LTE network, unlimited shared mobile hotspot usage at 3G speeds, usage in Mexico and Canada, no annual service contract, and access to exclusive perks via T-Mobile Tuesdays.

Starting things off is the Essentials Saver plan, which costs $55 per month (before all the taxes and fees) for a single line and gives you 50GB of premium data on T-Mobile's high-speed 'Ultra-Capacity' 5G network. You also get SD quality (480p) video streaming, unlimited data at up to 128Kbps in Mexico and Canada, and roaming usage in over 215 countries. The next plan is just called Essentials and costs $65 per month (excluding all the taxes and fees) for a single line. Interestingly, it offers exactly the same benefits as Essentials Saver, with the only difference being a higher number of lines eligible for multi-line discounts.

Then you have the Go5G plan, which offers 100GB of premium data, along with 15GB of dedicated high-speed mobile hotspot data. Priced at $80 per month (including all the taxes and fees) for one line, it also bundles up to HD quality (720p) video streaming, 10GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, and six months of Apple TV+ subscription. The two highest plans—Go5G Plus and Go5G Next—unlock access to unlimited premium data, 50GB of dedicated high-speed mobile hotspot data, device upgrades, and up to UHD quality (4K) video streaming, while also throwing a number of additional goodies (e.g., up to 15GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, in-flight connectivity, and T-Mobile Scam Shield Premium) into the mix. Go5G Plus and Go5G Next are priced $95 per month and $105 per month, respectively for one line – with both prices being inclusive of all the taxes and fees.

It's worth noting that all of the above-mentioned prices are before relevant autopay discounts, and you can save even more by signing up for multiple lines. T-Mobile also offers many of these plans at reduced prices to senior citizens (aged 55 years and above), military personnel and veterans, as well as first responders.

Visible vs. T-Mobile: Network coverage

As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, Visible uses the network infrastructure of Verizon, its parent company. Verizon's primary low-band 5G network offers fairly reliable nationwide coverage, with the carrier's legacy LTE network filling in the gaps wherever necessary. This means that you can get more-than-decent speeds just about everywhere, including in rural areas, even if you go for the base Visible plan.

However, it's the carrier's mid-band 5G network (including the C-band) that gives you blazing-fast speeds, in case you get the Visible Plus plan. This 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network isn't as widespread as the low-band network, but with continued deployment, it's bound to get better in future.

Talking about T-Mobile, the carrier's network infrastructure is arguably the best among the 'Big Three' wireless service providers. You can expect excellent low-band 5G network coverage throughout the United States, regardless of the plan you go for. The mid-band 'Ultra-Capacity' 5G network is also significantly better than the competition, although you might face some issues in rural areas.

Visible vs. T-Mobile: Phone compatibility

Although Visible sells a number of smartphones through its website, but the selection is somewhat limited. That being said, you have quite a lot of phones that'll work with the MVNO just fine, since it ultimately utilizes Verizon's network.

While that's a good thing, Visible just can't match up to T-Mobile when it comes to device compatibility. As a matter of fact, nearly all of the best Android phones will work sans any issues on T-Mobile's network. These include top-tier flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, affordable options like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G, and everything in between.

Both Visible and T-Mobile also let you bring your own unlocked phone, as long as it's compatible. To that end, you can simply enter your smartphone's IMEI number on the online compatibility checker tool provided by each carrier and see if it'll work.

Visible vs. T-Mobile: Which should you go for?

Comparing Visible vs. T-Mobile and everything that they offer, it's evident that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to picking a wireless service provider. As an MVNO, Visible primarily focuses on maximizing your savings. Its two plans have all the essentials, along with some nice bonus features. Conversely, T-Mobile is a traditional carrier that simply gives you more. Its five main plans not only include all the basics but also come bundled with a diverse range of perks such as streaming services, in-flight connectivity, and much more. There's no wrong choice here, but we suggest going for the option that suits your individual use case the best.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck(s) and don't care about things like high-speed mobile hotspot functionality and regular phone upgrades, go ahead and get Visible. Its base plan offers exceptional value, and you can even get premium data and solid international usage benefits by paying only a little more. That being said, Visible works well only if you want to sign up for one line, as there are no multi-line discounts available with it.

However, if money is no object and you simply want the most out of your wireless service, we suggest going for T-Mobile. Yes, it doesn't come cheap, but even the base plans give you loads of high-speed data access, unlimited texting while roaming in hundreds of countries across the globe, and multi-line savings. If you sign up for one of the higher plans, you also get additional goodies like subscription services and up to UHD quality (4K) video streaming support.

The Black Friday deals are officially in full swing across the world wide web, and Visible has just joined the party with an intriguing offer of its own. Join the Verizon-owned wireless carrier before December 2nd and type in the code SAVE24 during checkout and you'll be guaranteed to receive two years of coverage for as little as $20 per month for the base plan or $35 per month for Visible Plus. Only new members are eligible for the deal, but that's basically where the fine print ends.  

Our favorite unlimited plan gets cheaper

Visible Wireless, while not technically an MVNO, remains a great alternative for folks who want a simpler solution for their wireless needs. There are only two plan options, both of which come with unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G network, plus you get some premium perks, such as a free mobile hotspot and unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada. 

Going with the Visible Plus plan will get you everything above alongside unlimited Ultra Wideband 5G data, 50GB of premium data from Verizon, and free smartwatch data with select wearables (a $10/month value). That plan also hooks you up with increased hotspot speeds and some additional international perks, including free calls to over 30 countries, free texts to over 200 countries worldwide, and one day of Verizon's Global Pass every month.

That's a lot of perks for only $35 per month. If you're still on the fence about Visible, it's also worth noting that the carrier offers a 15-day free trial that lets you explore the service at no additional cost, just don't forget that the Black Friday deal expires on December 2nd.

Preferred partner (What does this mean?)

Are you on the fence thinking about Visible vs. AT&T? We've tried both, and while each carriers offers its advantages, the right company for you is going to depend on your individual needs as a wireless user. No matter who you are, this guide was built to help you make the right decision when you're choosing between these two very different phone companies.

First off, when you're looking for a new wireless carrier, you'll inevitably be faced with an important decision: should you go with a "Big Three" phone company or try out one of the more-affordable alternatives? MVNO carriers have become mainstream in recent years, and while Visible doesn't technically fall under that category, it remains an excellent option for folks who don't want to be stuck with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon proper. You get to choose between two very straightforward unlimited plans, both of which come with some pretty basic perks and no contracts or hidden fees. They're also pretty cheap. On the other hand, if you don't mind paying a little more or dealing with an annual contract, AT&T offers one of the best experiences around. So which one is right for you? Let's dive in.

Visible vs. AT&T: What are Visible's plan options?

Owned and operated by Verizon, Visible takes the vast network of its parent company and delivers it to consumers in the form of two plans: Visible Basic and Visible Plus. Starting at $25 per month, the Visible Basic plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus a free mobile hotspot and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.

The Visible Plus plan costs $45 per month and comes with everything above, plus extra perks like premium data and some added international benefits. Both plans come with zero hidden fees and you can cancel at any time. You can also save money by paying for your phone bill annually.

Visible vs. AT&T: What are AT&T's plan options?

AT&T offers three main unlimited plans with a few extra options for single-line users on a budget. As with most of the big phone companies, the best way to save money with AT&T is to add multiple lines. For example, AT&T's most expensive plan — Unlimited Premium PL — starts at $85.99/month per line but drops down to $50.99/month when you add four lines (with AutoPay and paperless billing). You can also utilize AT&T's Unlimited Your Way to mix and match plans for each line without sacrificing those savings.

It's also worth noting that AT&T offers prepaid service for folks who want something a little simpler and more affordable. To learn more about that, check out our guide to Visible vs. AT&T Prepaid.

Visible vs. AT&T: Network coverage

As a "Big Three" carrier, AT&T maintains its own 5G and LTE network while Visible simply accesses its parent company's stellar coverage. Verizon delivers speedy coverage all over the United States with roaming areas should you hit a dead spot, while AT&T is well-known for its coverage in rural areas. Regardless of which carrier you choose, it's important to check Visible's coverage map and AT&T's coverage map to see how far the service extends.

While it's true that AT&T falls behind T-Mobile and Verizon when it comes to 5G coverage, the carrier's LTE network is more than speedy enough for most folks. If that's a concern to you, however, check the coverage map to see if your area has 5G or 5G Plus coverage. Similarly, if you're interested in trying the Visible Plus plan, be sure to check the map to ensure your area will have access to 5G Ultra Wideband.

In most cases, Visible's Basic plan won't hold a candle to the speeds provided by AT&T's Unlimited options, so consider upgrading to Visible Plus if data speeds are important to you.

Visible vs. AT&T: Deals and phone compatibility

AT&T supports all of the best Android phones around, and the carrier will often hook you up with some major discounts if you trade in a device or purchase a phone through its website. For example, you can get the new Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for free when you sign up for a qualifying data plan and trade in an old device. Of course, there's a lot of fine print involved, but if you can afford to meet the eligibility requirements, AT&T is the place to be for the latest smartphones. If you'd rather bring your own device, connecting to AT&T's 5G network should be extremely simple.

Visible, on the other hand, has a much more limited selection of smartphones for sale, and you won't usually find activation deals or trade-in opportunities on the website. The Verizon-owned carrier has gotten a lot better about phone compatibility in recent years, however, so you shouldn't have any issues if you're bringing your own unlocked device. You can always look at Visible's compatibility checker if you're unsure.

Visible vs. AT&T: Which should you get? 

In many ways, looking at AT&T vs. Visible feels like comparing apples and oranges. It all comes down to what you're looking for in a phone company.

If you just need a single line and you want something straightforward and affordable, then Visible is the best value, by far. Assuming you live in an area with Verizon coverage, the Visible Plus plan's 5G Ultra Wideband and 50GB of premium data is a steal for $45 per month, while the unlimited hotspot and international perks are just icing on the cake. There's also a 15-day free trial that lets you try out the Verizon-owned company for free with zero hassle.

So yes, Visible offers better bang for the buck, but I wouldn't call the fight in its favor just yet. AT&T might be a better option if you're signing up for multiple lines and need strong rural coverage. It's also the only carrier in this match-up to offer HD streaming with select unlimited plans, and you'll find way better phone deals if you're looking to pick up a new device.

Now's a good time for a deal on a phone plan, and if you're a T-Mobile customer who was already thinking about switching, this might just convince you. Visible by Verizon is offering five-year, $15/month plans to T-Mobile customers who switch, and you can keep your current phone and phone number. The deal represents a discount of $10/month from the carrier's current unlimited pricing model, so it's perfect for those who don't mind leaving T-Mobile and want to score some long-term savings.

✅Recommended if: you have T-Mobile and you were already thinking about switching; you're looking for the most affordable phone service you can find; you have a smartphone and/or number that you're still planning to use.

❌Skip this deal if: you aren't a T-Mobile customer, or you aren't willing to switch from T-Mobile to a different carrier; you're looking for a deal on a phone plan that also includes a cheap smartphone.

Visible by Verizon already offers fairly cheap phone plans, but with this deal, new customers who switch from T-Mobile stand to save even more. With 5 years of service for just $15 a month, Visible is offering a line for $10 cheaper per month than a plan would normally cost.

Plus, the basic plan included in this promotion offers 4G LTE and 5G data, along with unlimited talk and text in North America. No matter which Android phone you have, this is a certifiably good deal—and one you won't want to miss if you need affordable phone service.

Maybe I just haven't been paying attention, but it feels like it's been a while since we've seen a good Visible deal on cheap wireless. Fortunately, the Verizon-owned carrier is attempting to change all that with this promotional offer that drops $5 and $10 off its Base and Plus plan, respectively. The catch is that the discount is only applied to your first two years of service, you have to be a new member, and you'll need to use the promo code CHAMP at checkout to receive the savings. It's as simple as that.  

Although both of the Visible discounts included in the promotion are a welcome sight, I'm particularly interested in the $10 off Visible Plus deal. After all, we're talking about two years of one of the world's best unlimited data plans for a mere $35 per month. With this offer, new customers are getting unlimited talk, text, and 5G data powered by Verizon, plus 50 GB of premium data, unlimited calls to Mexico, Canada, and 30 other countries, and unlimited texting to over 200 international destinations worldwide. Sure, you could get the same perks by going with a Big Three carrier, but you can expect to pay at least twice as much.

That being said, Visible isn't the only great alternative carrier on the block. Mint Mobile could be an even better option if you have good T-Mobile coverage in your area, and there are usually some Mint deals that could save you serious cash if you bundle the purchase of a new phone with your data plan. The battle between Mint Mobile and Visible has been waging for years, but if you can get a good deal, there's really no bad option.

It may be one of Android Central's favorite wireless carriers, but Visible deals aren't quite as common as I'd like. Fortunately, the Verizon-owned carrier has just launched an offer that should send prospective customers flocking in droves. Sign up for the Visible Plus plan today and you'll score $20 off your first month when you use the code VIP20 at checkout. That makes the popular unlimited plan the same price as Visible's introductory Basic plan, no strings attached!

The Visible Plus plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and 5G Ultra Widebrand data on Verizon's vast network, plus you'll enjoy a free mobile hotspot and 50GB of "premium data" every month, which basically just means you can't get deprioritized if the network becomes busy. 

The affordable wireless plan also includes some international perks, such as unlimited talk/text and 2GB of data in Mexico and Canada, 500 minutes of calling (and unlimited texting) to over 30 countries worldwide, and one day of Verizon's Global Pass feature every month. If you're an Apple Watch user, the carrier will even hook you up with free service on the wearable. 

All of these perks (and more) for only $25 this month? That's a Visible deal worth celebrating. 

Need a new phone too?

Does Visible offer a free trial?

Yes! If you're not totally sold on the Verizon-owned carrier, skip this deal for now and sign up for Visible's 15-day free trial. If your smartphone is eSIM-compatible, simply download the app and follow the prompts and you'll get over two weeks to explore Visible's service in full. The carrier even provides a temporary phone number so you don't have to worry about interrupting your current service.

That said, before you check out the free trial, consider reading through our Visible review for another perspective. 

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

If you're looking to make the switch to Visible Wireless, we may have just found the perfect smartphone deal for you. From now through May 13th, new customers who join Visible and purchase the Google Pixel 8 will score a $240 discount when they use the code GOOGLE during checkout. A bunch of other Pixel devices are also eligible for the $240 off deal, including the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel Fold, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro — so you can take your pick. There's no trade-in required and both of Visible's unlimited plans will get you the savings. 

Considering that Visible's plans start at just $25 per month, this is one of the best Google Pixel 8 deals on the web for folks looking to change carriers.

Even before launching these new Visible deals, the Verizon-owned carrier had spent the last few months adding some pretty awesome updates to its service. The Visible Plus plan has been expanded to include additional international perks and a faster mobile hotspot, plus new members can now pay for either plan annually to receive some additional savings.

The best part is that the prices on both of Visible's plans haven't changed a penny, so you still get to enjoy all of the same benefits that made the company one of our favorite wireless carriers. 

The Visible Basic plan starts at $25 per month while Visible Plus will set you back $45 per month. Both plans include unlimited talk, text, and data from Verizon, plus you get a free spam filter, the aforementioned mobile hotspot, and unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada. Paying for the more-expensive Visible Plus plan will get you everything above along with unlimited talk and text in over 30 countries, 5G Ultra Wideband data, and more. 

But wait, what about Mint Mobile's Google Pixel 8 deal? (A brief side note)

Yes, you might have a dilemma here. If you've read our Mint Mobile vs. Visible guide, you'll know that Mint and Visible are two of our favorite carriers if you want reliable, straightforward wireless service for cheap. Mint is (now officially) owned and powered by T-Mobile, while Visible is entirely under the banner of Verizon. 

Just like Visible, Mint Mobile is currently running a great deal on the Google Pixel 8 that comes with six months of free wireless service when you buy a six-month plan. 

Which offer is better? It's ultimately going to depend on your needs and whether your area has better coverage from T-Mobile or Verizon. It's a tough decision, but no matter who you choose, you'll be getting an outstanding smartphone and wireless service from one of the best MVNO carriers in the biz. 

Visible has been quite busy lately, and they just launched another wireless deal that you shouldn't miss if you're hoping to save some cash on your phone bill. New customers who use the code MOOLAH during checkout will save $10 per month on their first three months of wireless service at Visible, regardless of the plan. That discount drops the price of the Visible Basic plan down to only $15 per month for three months (taxes and fees included), while the top-rated Visible Plus plan descends to just $35 monthly for the first three months. 

✅Recommended if: you've been thinking about switching wireless carriers; you get good Verizon coverage in your area. 

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for a family plan; you're already a Visible user or you're happy with your current phone bill. 

This new customer deal comes on the tail of a few other recent updates from the Verizon-owned wireless carrier. Last month, for example, Visible improved its popular Plus plan by boosting the speed of its mobile hotspot and throwing in one free Global Pass day every month. They've also added a way for your to pay your phone bill annually, thereby saving some serious cash in the process (I'm talking 26% off yearly when you sign up for Visible Plus). 

Visible deals like this are fascinating because there's so little fine print involved. Taxes and fees are included in every price you see on the site, and you can cancel at any time with zero hassle. There's even a 15-day free trial if you want to explore service before you commit. It's for these reasons that Visible ranked as one of our favorite MVNO carriers long before the recent updates — even though they aren't technically an MVNO — but these new offers might send the carrier straight to the top.

Visible Wireless is a full-stack carrier owned and operated by Verizon. They offer two simple data plans that include unlimited talk, text, data, a mobile hotspot, and free talk and text in Mexico and Canada. They also work with many of the best Android phones on the market. The slightly more-expensive Visible Plus plan comes with everything above, plus 50GB of premium data every month, unlimited talk and text in over 30 countries worldwide, and much more. Starting at only $45 per month (without this deal), it's no wonder we called the Visible Plus plan the best unlimited data plan that money can buy.

What you need to know

• Starting in May, Visible will allow customers to pay for a full year of wireless service in advance instead of paying monthly. 
• Both of Visible's wireless plans are included in the update, with up to 26% in savings when you pre-pay for a full year. 
• This update comes only a month after Visible upgraded its Plus plan to include new perks at no additional cost. 

The Verizon-owned wireless carrier Visible Plus has been offering some of our favorite data plans for years now, but they somehow keep getting better. Starting in May, customers will be able to pay for a full year of wireless service in advance and receive up to 26% in savings. A full year of the basic Visible plan will cost $275 while 12 months of the Visible Plus plan will set you back $395 when you prepay. Since those two plans usually cost $25/month and $45/month, respectively, you could be looking at some serious savings. 

The best value here is obviously the Visible Plus plan. Paying for a full year in advance will save you a whopping $145, and you still get all of the monthly perks included in the plan, such as unlimited talk and text in over 30 countries worldwide, unlimited data on Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network, and 50GB of premium data every month.

Now that the March update has been implemented, the Visible Plus plan also comes with an unlimited mobile hotspot that's twice as fast as the basic Visible plan, and you'll get one Global Pass day per month (that's unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data across 140 countries).

If Visible wasn't home to the best MVNO deals before, it certainly is now. Will 2024 see more changes from the Verizon-powered wireless carrier? Only time will tell, but in the meantime, there's never been a better time to switch.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

What you need to know

• The Verizon-owned carrier Visible has added some new perks to its Visible Plus plan, including free smartwatch coverage (Apple Watch only), one Global Pass day every month, and an unlimited mobile hotspot with twice the speed as before. 
• These changes are permanent and the price of the Visible Plus plan will remain the same ($45/month).

It's no secret that Visible is one of our favorite wireless carriers, but we just learned that the Verizon-owned company has permanently improved its best plan to be an even better deal for customers. 

Starting today, the Visible Plus plan will include some new features to enhance your wireless experience, such as free smartwatch coverage (Apple Watch only, unfortunately) and one free Global Pass day every month. All of the existing talk, text, and perks will remain unchanged, and the price of the Visible Plus plan will remain just $45 per month. 

Here is everything that the March 2024 update adds to the Visible Plus plan:

1. One Global Pass day per month

Powered by Verizon, the Global Pass can be activated in the Visible app at any time and gives users unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data across 140 countries worldwide. The 2024 update gives you one free Global Pass day per month, beyond which you can add more coverage by paying $10 per day. 

The existing international features included in the Visible Plus plan — free calling in over 30 countries and texting in over 200 countries — will remain unchanged. 

2. Increased mobile hotspot speeds

The Visible Plus plan already came with an unlimited mobile hotspot, but this update increases the data speeds from 5Mbps to 10Mbps at no additional cost.

3. Smartwatch connectivity (Apple Watch only)

Although the March 2024 update doesn't benefit folks who own Android smartwatches, if you're a Visible user with an Apple Watch, your device service will now be covered by the Visible Plus plan (a $10 value). 

If you're looking for more ways to save money on your prepaid wireless service, check out our guide to the best MVNO deals of the month.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

With one of the best prepaid phone plans, you get high-end features like unlimited high-speed data access, hotspot functionality, bulk savings, international usage perks, and a lot more, all at (relatively) affordable prices. These plans are available from almost all of the best MVNO carriers and work well with most (if not all) of the unlocked phones available out there. What's even better is that there are no contracts involved, so you're free to switch between plans/carriers as you like.

Many popular 'alternative' service providers have now been acquired by the 'Big Three' network operators and thus, work on the network infrastructure of their parent carrier. Although your connectivity is often deprioritized with prepaid carriers if there's quite a lot of traffic and you also don't get some bonus extras (e.g., streaming platforms), but if you don't care about any of that, going with a prepaid carrier makes a lot of sense. Mint Mobile remains our top choice, as it lets you save by offering excellent wireless service in chunks of multiple months. You should also consider Visible if you prefer Verizon's network, and there are several other options too.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket Wireless

At a glance

Best overall

For a prepaid carrier offering four plans and a number of service durations, Mint Mobile is surprisingly easy to understand. The basic idea here is that the longer the term you're willing to buy, the cheaper your monthly cost will be. Sure, it does mean signing a bigger check upfront, but then, you won't have to pay again for multiple months. Owned and operated by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile uses its parent carrier's vast network infrastructure with full 5G access so for most customers, coverage and speeds will be great.

Mint Mobile's cheapest plan comes with 5GB high-speed data, complete with unlimited talk and text. If you're a light user, this is the place to start. And if you end up going over 5GB, there's no need to worry as there are 15GB and 20GB per month plans available as well. Our Mint Mobile review found that the speeds do slow down to about 500kbps after you've used up all your data, but we're sure it has improved now. This includes the unlimited plan too, which now has no data cap, although speeds are throttled if you use up over 50GB data in a month. If you need more data than that on a regular basis, Mint Mobile likely isn't the right option for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that Mint Mobile offers low introductory prices for a period of three months, which you can lock by paying for an entire year. You can also sign up for six months, but the prices go up slightly if you do so. Mint Mobile also has a penchant for regular promotions, so there's a good chance you can try it for even less, especially if you bundle your wireless service with one of the best Android phones available in the market.

Best budget

Tello manages to be an extremely value-for-money wireless carrier, thanks to its straightforward plans and super low costs. It even lets you tailor your plan to a fit via its 'Build Your Own Plan' online tool, which you can use to decide how much data (starting from 2GB) and talk time (starting from 300 minutes) you need. You can save quite a lot by going for a plan with the bare minimum number of talk time minutes, even more so if you mostly use the best text messaging apps to stay connected with family and friends.

Tello offers four pre-configured plans as starting points, with the base 'Starter' plan coming in at $10 per month with unlimited minutes, texts, and 2GB data. If you spend majority of your time connected to Wi-Fi, this plan could be all you'll ever need. The unlimited 'Max' plan costs $25 per month and offers 50GB high-speed data. While the other perks are somewhat lesser than what competitors like Mint Mobile offer, most consumers shouldn't have any issues at all.

Since Tello uses T-Mobile's network, you get to enjoy full 5G (including mid-band coverage), provided you have a compatible phone. Speaking of which, T-Mobile's network means that just about any of the best unlocked phones should work on Tello just fine.

Best for unlimited

Visible is a prepaid carrier fully owned and operated by Verizon, and it offers a trio of well-priced yet feature-laden unlimited plans. Unlike other prepaid unlimited plans, there's no hard cap with slower data and you can use as much data as you want. This is because the data on Visible gets a lower priority than the data on Verizon, which means in a side-by-side comparison a Verizon plan will almost always come out ahead. Still, our Visible review found the carrier to offer plenty of speeds for everyday usage, though this will vary based on how Verizon's network is in your area.

The base plan is simply called 'Visible' and has a regular price of $25 per month. It includes unlimited high-speed 5G access, unlimited hotspot usage at 5Mbps, SD video streaming, and more. Next up is the 'Visible Plus' plan, which costs $35 per month and upgrades your hotspot usage speed to 10Mbps, while also giving you access to Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband 5G' network. Lastly, you have the 'Visible Plus Pro' plan that has unlimited hotspot usage at 15Mbps, up to 4K video streaming, as well as a bunch of extra perks. The prices of all the plans include all taxes and fees, and you can save even more by paying for a full year of service in advance. Not only that, Visible has frequent deals and promotions that can help you sign up for the service at even more affordable prices.

Perhaps the biggest drawback with Visible is that it has a much more limited list of compatible phones as compared to a T-Mobile-based MVNO, which is why we suggest checking your phone's compatibility before signing up. Still, for the most part, the latest iPhones, as well as high-end Android devices like the Google Pixel 10 series and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will work well on the network. Some older phones might be compatible too, so it's worth checking them on the IMEI Checker portal on Visible's website.

Best for customization

As US Mobile uses the networks of all the 'Big Three' carriers, it allows you to pick which base network you'd prefer for coverage. However, to get the most out of it, Verizon is the preferred choice. You do get differing amounts of data and hotspot usage based on your choice. While US Mobile used to come with a fully custom plan structure, its current unlimited plans are quite incredible when it comes to overall value. You can save even more when you bring over multiple lines.

The two main plans are called 'Unlimited Starter' and 'Unlimited Premium' and have regular single-line costs of $25 per month and $44 per month, respectively. Both include unlimited talk and text (both in the U.S. as well as internationally), mmWave and C-band 5G access, and lots of dedicated hotspot data. Unlimited Starter gives you at least 70GB of high-speed data, while Unlimited Premium makes it, well, unlimited. The higher plan also makes you eligible for multi-line subscription perks (if you get three lines), through which you can add a bundle of services (e.g., Audible, Hulu, and Xbox Gamepass) to your plan for $15 per month.

There's also a third 'Unlimited Flex' plan that effectively costs $17.50 per month, but it's available only as an annual option. US Mobile's 'By the Gig' feature allows you to get chunks of data which can be shared among devices across multiple lines, and the cost also includes the price of the first line.

Best for families

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid carrier owned and operated by AT&T, and remains a fabulous choice for getting more affordable service on the former's network. The fact of the matter is that some users just get a more consistent coverage through AT&T, so it's nice that Cricket Wireless has competitive rates, as well as the option of unlimited high-speed data on its highest plan. That said, the carrier's cheaper plans are quite compelling too.

Cricket Wireless has four primary plans, with the base plan offering 10GB data at $30 per month. Next, the $35 per month plan increases the data allowance to unlimited. That said, both these basic plans lack hotspot functionality, and don't have usage in Mexico and Canada, either. Next are the two unlimited plans, with the cheaper one priced at $45 per month and offering 15GB hotspot data, 100GB cloud storage, and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries and territories. The higher plan increases both hotspot usage and cloud storage, while throwing in ad-supported HBO Max into the mix as well. Apart from these, you can sign up in advance for either three or 12 months of service at effective monthly prices of $15 and $25, respectively. This will give you benefits like unlimited data, 2GB cloud storage, Mexico and Canada usage, and more. The carrier also has a trio of data-only plans if you don't require calling functionality.

If you want to get multi-line discounts, Cricket Wireless is definitely worth taking a look at. For example, if you get five lines, you can grab the lower unlimited plan at a mere $32 per month for each line.

Best high-speed data

As the name suggests, Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile and offers plans that are quite similar to the parent carrier's offerings, along with a few extras. For one thing, the prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees for all the main plans, so what you see is what you have to pay. You get some nice perks as well, which are generally available with the best T-Mobile plans, without having to get into any contracts.

The starter unlimited plan costs $40 per month and packs unlimited high-speed data and a five-year guarantee, but it's a web exclusive option. Of course, you get unlimited talk and text too. Next up, the $50 per month plan has 8GB dedicated hotspot data, 100GB cloud storage via Google One, and some other perks. Then there's the $60 per month plan, which increases the dedicated hotspot data to 25GB and also adds unlimited texting to more than 210 destinations around the world, along with Amazon Prime and high-resolution video streaming.

It's worth mentioning that all plans of Metro by T-Mobile include some exclusive benefits like 'T-Mobile Tuesdays' promotions, and 'Scam Shield' for blocking spam and robocalls.

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How to choose

Get the right prepaid plan for your requirements

Even though the best prepaid phone plans offer a wide range of perks, you must consider your individual requirements before picking one up. To start things off, consider how you use your phone. You'll also want to get a good Android phone so that you can take advantage of the latest 5G networks. Of course, the phone has to be unlocked so you can take it with you if you decide to switch carriers in the future.

If you need a ton of data for cheap, Visible is a great starting point. However, it will struggle in more congested areas, so getting a plan having some premium data like US Mobile's Unlimited Premium option may be well worth the extra cost for you. If you don't need truly unlimited data, you can just go for Mint Mobile's 15GB or 20GB plans. These will help save you a lot of cash in the long run, and phone compatibility won't be an issue either.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket Wireless

If you've been waiting for the right time to update your phone service, we've got some good news for you: the Verizon-owned wireless carrier Visible just launched a deal that'll take $10 off the Visible Plus plan every month when you use the code HAPPY. To be extra clear, I'm not talking about a $10 discount for one month or even one year; nope, this $10 off the Visible Plus plan will last for as long as you keep the service active (or until Visible notifies you that the rate is being discontinued).

Considering that we're talking about our top pick for the best wireless plans that money can buy, this is no small feat. The only catch is that the deal is ONLY available today, February 15th. Once the clock strikes midnight EST tonight, the $10 off deal will be gone for good. 

The Verizon-owned MVNO-esque carrier offers two plans, Visible Basic for $25 per month and Visible Plus for $45 per month. Both plans give you excellent coverage from Verizon, you can cancel at any time, and taxes and fees are included right there in the price. Thanks to 5G Ultra Wideband, signing up for the Visible Plus plan also ensures that you won't get deprioritized if the network becomes busy, which is typically the main issue that users have with MVNOs. Pair that with an unlimited mobile hotspot and a ton of international benefits, and you're essentially getting the mainstream carrier experience at a prepaid carrier price. 

This flash deal is going fast, so if you missed this opportunity to save $10 on your phone bill every month, check out our guide to the best Visible deals to see what else is out there. 

New year, new you, new wireless carrier? Visible, one of our favorite phone companies in the biz, just launched a deal that discounts both of its data plans for 24 months when you use the code VISIBLE24 at checkout. Thanks to this offer, the Visible Basic plan will drop from $25/month to $20/month, while Visible Plus will decrease from $45/month to $35/month for TWO YEARS.

As we detail in our Visible review, both of these data plans come with a mobile hotspot and unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's vast 5G/4G LTE network. If you can afford it, I usually recommend Visible Plus, as that data plan also includes international benefits and 50GB of premium data that won't be deprioritized if your network becomes congested. Either way, you're getting a cheap phone bill that's locked in for two years with no annual contract or sneaky fees. The only real catch is that the promo ends on January 31st — so act fast if you're interested.

✅Recommended if: you want a new wireless carrier with a mobile hotspot and unlimited data on Verizon's network; your current phone bill is too expensive.

❌Skip this deal if: you want to bring multiple lines; you're happy with your current phone bill; your area doesn't have good Verizon coverage.

These discounts may not seem like a lot on paper, but it's a pretty great deal if you've been considering the Verizon-owned carrier anyway. After all, two years is a long time, and with 50GB of premium data on the Visible Plus plan, you won't have to worry about getting deprioritized like you might with some MVNO carriers. 

If you're not totally sold on Visible just yet, it's also worth mentioning that the carrier offers a 15-day free trial that lets you explore the service with zero hassle or credit card required. Sign up for the trial today and you'll still have time to receive the discount if you decide to join once the 15 days are up. 

More New Year deals — quick links

• Amazon: Up to 50% off smartphones, TVs, and more
• Best Buy: Historic price drops on phones, TVs, tech
• Samsung: Up to $1,000 off TVs, Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, trade-in offers
• Walmart: Sitewide deals on appliances, games, tech
• Verizon: Up to $1,000 off Samsung, bundle discounts, free phones
• AT&T: Free S23 Plus, Z Flip 5, iPhone 15 with eligible trade-in/new line
• Lenovo: Up to 77% off PCs, monitors, and more

Trying to decide between Visible vs. Cricket Wireless can be confusing. Both are low-cost, prepaid wireless carriers that leverage their larger networks to give subscribers affordable and reliable service. Cricket Wireless uses AT&T's networks, while Visible uses Verizon's networks. These two carriers trade blows when it comes to coverage, especially in rural areas, but most people should have no issues with coverage on either.

Cricket's offerings are laid out similar to those of other operators, with four primary plans. The three larger plans are eligible for multi-line discounts. Cricket also has two unlimited plans and supports nationwide 5G, but only the more expensive unlimited plan comes with premium data and hotspot usage.

Visible, on the other hand, offers more with its two simple plans. The base option's well-suited to those looking for cheaper unlimited data without needing the fastest speeds out there. Then there's Visible Plus, which comes with faster 5G and 50GB of premium data, which make it a good pick for those in congested areas or users who just want to make the most of a new 5G plan.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: What kind of service do you need?

Visible keeps things very simple, but its choices may be lacking for those looking for some something smaller or wanting to bring the whole family along. Visible has no multi-line discounts, so there's no incentive to bring your whole family. If you're just looking for service for yourself, it's a great option, but if you've got a whole family to get connected, you won't find any discounts.

Cricket Wireless has a more traditional layout of plans, with four main plans starting with 5GB or 10GB of data. The 10GB plan also gets minor multi-line discounts and an auto-pay discount. Moving up to unlimited plans, the cheaper unlimited plan is likely going to be the sweet spot for many families that need a lot of data but want to save on service.

Cricket also allows you to roam in Mexico and Canada for up to 50% of your usage. If you're a frequent traveler or have family/friends abroad, this is definitely something you might be interested in. It's also important to note that Cricket's prices drop when you add more lines, making it almost as affordable (though still more expensive) as Visible.

Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada is included with both Visible plans, but you only get data roaming and international perks with Visible Plus.

Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Visible's plans

Visible offers two plans but sticks to unlimited everything on both. What separates them are data priority and international features. Visible's base plan is most similar to the old plan we tested in our Visible review, though responsiveness may be a bit better thanks to a change in how Visible devices connect to the Verizon network.

The base Visible plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data including hotspot use at 5Mbps. You can connect to 5G though your speed will be limited as compared to Verizon's postpaid plans or Visible Plus. For most people, however, Visible still has plenty of speed for just about anything. Visible also includes calling to Mexico and Canada with the base plan.

If you're looking for a bit more, Visible Plus unlocks 5G speeds with Ultra-Wideband support and even comes with 50GB of premium data to keep your speeds up when network congestion is high. You get the same 5Mbps hotspot usage as the base plan, however. International features get a big upgrade with Visible Plus adding in usage in Mexico and Canada, calling to 30+ countries, and texting to 200+ countries.

Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Cricket's plans

Cricket Wireless uses AT&T's huge 4G LTE and 5G networks with four plans available. The two base data plans come with 5GB and 10GB data. One thing to keep in mind is that the 10GB plan gets multi-line and auto-pay discounts that the 5GB plan doesn't. If you get three lines, the cost ends up being the same for 5GB and 10GB. Even more interestingly, though, at three lines, you could go up to the Unlimited Core plan for the same price.

If you want to get the most out of Cricket Wireless, Unlimited More (also known as Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot Data on their website) plan is the way to go. It's a bit pricey at $60 per month for a single line, but the price comes down pretty quickly with multiple lines. Still, with this plan, your data is upgraded to premium, meaning it will take priority over other Cricket customers. You also get 15GB of hotspot data to share with other devices. Last but not least, this plan comes with ad-supported HBO Max and 150GB free cloud storage. All other plans offer 2GB free cloud storage.

You should check Cricket's coverage map to make sure if it will work in your area, though each Cricket plan comes with roaming. This is especially useful if you travel frequently. If you travel abroad, there are clear advantages to both unlimited data plans (Cricket More and Cricket Core), including unlimited international texting to 37 countries and service in Canada and Mexico—although Canada usage must be less than 50 percent of overall usage.

Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Which is better for you?

There's no denying that Visible is one of the best MVNO carriers available today. With Verizon's network, unlimited data, 5G connectivity, and unlimited hotspot use, it's hard to beat even its basic plan. Visible is one of the best values for those looking for a single line, and it gets even better with Visible Plus. With Visible Plus filling the premium gap for the carrier, you can decide if you can get by on Visible's basic plan or want some of the best speeds of the Verizon network with Visible Plus.

Ultimately both carriers are strong choices, but when it comes to saving money and unlimited data, Visible comes out on the top. Cricket's top plan is worth it if you're looking for a family plan and can sign up for at least two lines. This brings the cost down to $45 per month, or as low as $33 per month if you have four lines. It's a good deal but still pricier than Visible.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

When you go with one of the best MVNO carriers, you can save quite a lot on your phone service, while still being able to enjoy (most of) the perks generally offered by the 'Big Three' carriers. These MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) 'lease' existing network infrastructure from one or more traditional carriers (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), which allows them to save on expenses associated with the development and maintenance of their own network infrastructure. Consequently, they're able to pass on those savings to their consumers, in the form of competitively priced prepaid plans.

Sure, these plans usually don't come bundled with extra benefits (e.g., streaming services), but they're still ideal for anyone who simply wants reliable connectivity on their Android phone and doesn't care much about the added stuff. There are no contracts involved either, so you're free to jump from one carrier to the other whenever you feel like. Our overall pick remains Mint Mobile, an MVNO that's fully owned and operated by T-Mobile. You can also take a look at Visible, which is completely backed by Verizon. There are several other fantastic options worth considering as well.

At a glance

Best overall

Backed by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile still remains the best prepaid carrier out there. It offers excellent coverage through four flexible plans, all of which are available at extremely affordable prices. Mint Mobile is a unique MVNO, as it requires you to purchase at least three months of wireless service upfront. It also manages to keep things fresh by frequently updating its offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. Although Mint Mobile has the same network strengths (and weaknesses) as most other T-Mobile-based MVNOs but for the most part, overall coverage should be solid for majority of the customers. Fortunately, the T-Mobile network is among the fastest in the country, and with 5G, one of the most advanced too.

You can purchase service for up to a year, which is how you get to save the most, at an effective price of $25 per month for 20GB of data. If you only need 5GB of data, you can go for the base plan that costs $15 per month. On the other hand, if you require more data each month, you can get the unlimited plan that now has unlimited high-speed data (with speeds getting reduced if you use over 50GB in a month) and 20GB of dedicated hotspot data. This plan has an introductory rate of $30 per month for first three months, with renewals costing $35 per month for six months. But if you sign up for an entire year, you can lock in this price (before any limited-time promotional discounts) for the full year.

You can bring your own T-Mobile device to Mint Mobile as long as it has 4G LTE as well as VoLTE support. If you're not sure, you can confirm it via the carrier's online compatibility tool, but most unlocked GSM phones should work just fine. As soon as you get the SIM card, you can activate it using the Mint Mobile app. If you want to buy a new phone you can do that as well, as the carrier sells a variety of phones ranging from budget options to flagships.

Best cheap pick

Tello is a super simple and straightforward prepaid carrier that lets you configure data and talk time minutes for your plan, just how you want. Texting is unlimited on all plan combinations and as we saw in our Tello review, overall compatibility is also quite strong, thanks to T-Mobile's network. If you primarily use Wi-Fi at home and just need a bit data every now and then, the 2GB 'Starter' plan will suit your requirements just fine. Even with unlimited calling, it'll cost you $10 per month.

For heavy users, the 10GB 'Everyday' plan is a good starting place, with sufficient data for casual streaming, browsing social media, and some messaging. Should you require more, the unlimited 'Max' plan boosts your total data allowance with 50GB (maximum cap) high-speed data, which should be more than enough for most use cases. Even if you use it all up, you're not cut off; just the speeds are a bit reduced. While it may not be fast enough for YouTube, you can text and email just fine. You also have 10GB of dedicated hotspot data with this plan. Do note that all other plans have shared mobile hotspot data allowance.

Tello's plans can be customized but if you want to keep it simple, just pick one of the four pre-configured plans. Among them, the 'Starter' plan mentioned above costs $10 per month, with 2GB of data and unlimited talk and text. Then there's the 'Everyday' plan with 10GB and 'Power' plan with 20GB data, at monthly costs of $15 and $20, respectively. The unlimited 'Max' plan costs $25 per month (before any promotional discounts) and features a high-speed data cap of 50GB. It's also worth noting that all the prices detailed above are before taxes and fees.

Best for unlimited

Owned and operated by Verizon, Visible keeps things easy and straightforward. It offers a trio of incredible unlimited plans for you to choose from, and very little to complicate your decision. The starter plan (just called Visible) is quite comparable to the carrier's old plan that we tested in our Visible review. It offers you unlimited data on Verizon's LTE and 5G networks, even though the data gets a lower priority than other traffic on the carrier. Even so, the speeds should be sufficient for most consumers to use their smartphones without any noticeable restrictions. There's a good reason Visible has one of the best cell phone plans out there, all thanks to unlimited talk, text, and data. It also packs unlimited hotspot data at a speed of 5Mbps, and all this costs just $25 per month, before any limited-time discounts.

The next plan (called Visible Plus) adds unlimited premium data to keep speeds as fast as possible even in congested areas. Visible Plus has a regular price of $35 per month before discounts and also gives you access to Verizon's faster 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G, for blazing-fast speeds with C-band or mmWave coverage. It adds some international roaming and international calling options too, upgrades the unlimited hotspot data speed to 10Mbps, and has up to Full-HD video streaming. Finally, there's the top-of-the-line plan (called Visible Plus Pro) that has unlimited hotspot data at 15Mbps, bundled smartwatch service, calling to over 85 countries and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries, along with up to 4K video streaming. Priced at $45 per month before promotional discounts, it's perfect for anyone who requires lots of data.

Device compatibility on Visible is a bit more limited than some other carriers, as your phone will need to be compatible with VoLTE on Verizon and support all of the required bands with the carrier. Most of the top-selling Android phones will work on Visible fine, but some older or more obscure phones may or may not be compatible, so do make sure you utilize the carrier's BYOD tool before moving forward.

Best for customization

US Mobile starts things off with a fairly basic 'Light' plan that's priced at just $10 per month and packs in 2GB of premium data, complete with unlimited talk and text. You can also add international calling to this plan. Moving forward, you have a trio of unlimited plans offering a wide range of goodies. However, do note that the most affordable of these, called Unlimited Flex, is only available if you sign up for a full year of service. It's available for $210 per year, or $17.50 per month.

The next two higher unlimited offerings, called Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Premium, have monthly prices of $25 and $44, respectively, before any limited-time promotional savings. They offer everything from unlimited talk and text to loads of premium and hotspot data. They're also available annually for improved savings, if you prefer that. If you sign up for three lines with the top-tier plan, you can also pick one of the many offered subscription services (e.g., Audible, Netflix Standard, and Xbox Game Pass) and get up to $15 of service credit towards it. It's worth noting that both higher unlimited plans offer even more discounts if you sign up for multiple lines.

Another interesting offering by US Mobile lets you buy chunks of data (e.g., 2GB at $10 per month), which can be then shared across lines (the first line's price is included) on multiple devices, including tablets. US Mobile uses the networks of all the 'Big Three' carriers for its wireless service, and its prices are inclusive of all the taxes and fees as well.

Best for families

There are three mainstream carriers in the U.S., with each having a largely similar level of network coverage by the numbers. However, if you reside or work in the country, there might be some areas where AT&T's network reaches a bit better in comparison to the networks of Verizon or T-Mobile. In such a case, you (and your family) can take advantage of prepaid savings with Cricket Wireless. Owned and operated by AT&T, this carrier gives you four main phone plans, starting out with a 10GB 'Sensible' plan, then three unlimited options. All but the base plan include good multi-line discounts, but you do get autopay savings with all the plans.

The $45 per month middle 'Smart Unlimited' plan keeps things straightforward with unlimited talk, text, and data. It has 15GB hotspot data, 100GB cloud storage, Mexico and Canada usage, and unlimited texting to over 200 countries and territories. If you want even more, the top-of-the-line $55 per month 'Supreme Unlimited' plan upgrades your hotspot data to 50GB, and gives 150GB cloud storage along with ad-supported HBO Max. All of these plans can access AT&T's nationwide 5G network. There are also two multi-month plans available at $15 and $25 per month, if you sign up for three or 12 months, respectively. They come with unlimited talk, text, and data, Mexico and Canada usage, and 2GB cloud storage.

AT&T's network is compatible with most of the unlocked phones so if you have a device, there's a good chance you can bring it over. That said, the carrier also sells a range of mid-range and premium devices, including both Android phones and iPhones that you can take a look at.

Best international perks

Majority of the best MVNO carriers are lower-cost alternatives that don't offer a lot more when compared to their base carrier(s). However, Google Fi Wireless utilizes the T-Mobile network in the United States for great overall coverage. While only a few phones are compatible with its 'Designed for Fi' feature (allowing automatic switching to open Wi-Fi networks whenever they are available), if you happen to have a compatible device such as the Google Pixel 10 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, you should get solid network range with full 5G access.

Google Fi Wireless comes with three unlimited plans called Unlimited Essentials, Unlimited Standard, and Unlimited Premium. These plans give you 30GB, 50GB, and 100GB high-speed data, respectively. You also get connectivity for select smartwatches, Google's VPN, and other features like spam blocking. Of these, the higher two plans come with loads of dedicated hotspot data, international data usage in Mexico and Canada, and a lot more. If you get the highest plan, you get international data usage in more than 200 countries, 100GB cloud storage via Google One, and a free six-month subscription of YouTube Premium. Apart from these, there's a Flexible plan that costs a mere $20 per month. With this plan, you still only pay for the data you use up and never for more than 6GB (for one user), thanks to the 'Bill Protection' feature. After 15GB on the Flexible plan, data speeds will be reduced, but you can always add more high-speed data at the time for $10 per GB.

Arguably the biggest feature that sets Google Fi Wireless apart is its international service on the Unlimited Premium plan. If you're traveling in any of the over 200 supported countries, your data costs will be the same as they're back home. You will also get unlimited texts but will need to pay $0.20 per minute for calls, along with 50GB high-speed data.

Best for students

For students who want to save on phone service, Ultra Mobile is arguably among the best options to go with. This MVNO uses T-Mobile's network infrastructure to offer reliable nationwide coverage and has six affordable prepaid plans to choose from. The base plan offers 4GB high-speed 5G data, unlimited talk and text, usage in Mexico and Canada, shared mobile hotspot, and more, for just $19 per month. Going up, the higher plans come with anywhere from 8GB to unlimited (capped at 35GB) high-speed 5G data, with the top two plans also offering up to 10GB or 25GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data.

All of Ultra Mobile's plans come with unlimited talk to more than 90 international destinations around the world. In addition to that, the starter plan packs $1.50 of international calling credit (monthly), as well as $5 of international roaming credit (one-time), with the top-tier plan increasing both of the credit allotments to $15. This makes Ultra Mobile a solid choice for international students wanting to stay in touch with friends and family back home. You can also pay upfront for a longer service duration (three, six, or 12 months) to save even more.

Apart from these primary plans, Ultra Mobile also comes with a lightweight plan that has unlimited talk service to more than 90 international destinations across the globe, and 500MB of high-speed data, at the lowest effective price of just $10 per month. However, this plan is only available if you pay upfront for at least three months of service.

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FAQ

Should I switch over to an MVNO?

Moving away from the 'Big Three' carriers is a good way of saving on your phone bill by stripping away services you don't require. You can find an MVNO that has good coverage in your area and uses a base network you already know of, such as Verizon or T-Mobile. It can also be a good way to try out a new network with one of the best Android phones, without spending too much money or time moving over numbers.

What is the best MVNO?

Overall, Mint Mobile continues to be among the better choices, as long you don't mind paying upfront for at least three months of service. Mint Mobile's offerings come in four sizes so just about anyone should be able to find something that fits their needs. On top of that, Mint Mobile's family plans make your service renewals easily manageable by offering you 12-month rates at three-month renewals. Now that it's fully owned by T-Mobile, we might see some changes in the future but at least for now, we can recommend Mint Mobile to most users.

How do I make the switch to an MVNO?

Signing up with an MVNO is as simple as going online and selecting a plan that fits your requirements. Majority of the phones have eSIM support these days, so you can get your service activated in a matter of minutes. Many MVNOs also offer exclusive deals to new customers, so be sure to check each carrier's site carefully before you commit to one.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket Wireless

What you need to know

• Visible's eSIM support for Android devices now includes a free trial.
• This means that if you have a supported device, you can sign up for a 15-day free trial with Visible, with no credit card required.
• But, at this point, support is limited to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

While the Verizon sub-brand Visible has been supporting eSIM on iOS and Android, iOS users have had an extra leg up with the ability to try out the service in a temporary free trial. To date, Android users haven’t been extended the same courtesy, but it looks like that’s about to change.

The prepaid carrier is expanding its free eSIM-based trials to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. So now, if you have a supported device, you can sign up for a 15-day free trial with Visible, with no credit card required. 

Having eSIM support means you can try Visible without using a physical SIM card or even disconnecting from your current service. The trial works via eSIM, which allows users to simply download their eSIM card, hot-swap from one to the other, and start using the network. But you will need a compatible phone, and you can be a current Visible customer or have used the trial within the past year.

At this point, Visible’s eSIM support is limited to Pixel and Galaxy phones. So, owners of the OnePlus, Motorola, Asus, and Sony devices are unfortunately out of luck. Right now, it works on the Pixel 4a or higher — including the recently launched Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — as well as most modern Samsung devices, including foldables, the Galaxy S20 and newer, and the Galaxy A54.

The expanded eSIM support comes after the carrier previously barred Android users from the free trial, only supporting iPhones. At the time — more specifically, early last year when Visible launched its eSIM-based free trial program — iPhones were the only devices supported by eSIM through the carrier.

Later on, in 2022, Visible proceeded to add eSIM support to Android devices, expand to newer models, and now, finally, extend its free trial support too. 

Although the phone technically came out in late June, buying the Google Pixel Fold has been a challenge for some folks, with retailers and wireless carriers continuously delaying orders and running out of stock. Luckily, those days appear to be over, as Visible has just launched a Google Pixel Fold deal that rivals some of the best offers on the web. Transfer an existing number to Visible and buy the Pixel Fold, and the Verizon-owned carrier will hook you up with a $200 gift card after you make three months of service payments. 

The gift card can be redeemed at a ton of retailers online, from Amazon and Best Buy to Southwest Airlines and Uber Eats. Of course, with a starting retail price of $1,799, the Pixel Fold is still very expensive, but this deal should lighten the burden if you were planning on ordering one anyway. You can also pay Visible about $50 per month to pay down the phone over 36 months. Not too shabby for a groundbreaking smartphone that literally just hit store shelves. 

Visible is giving out $200 gift cards with the Pixel Fold

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

It's important to mention that this deal is only available when you sign up for the Visible Plus plan. That plan starts at just $45 per month and includes unlimited talk, text, and data, plus 50GB of Premium Network Data provided by Verizon, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and international calling to over 30 countries. Sign up before the end of July and you'll get your first three months of the plan for $35 per month when you use the code SUMMER. 

Is the Google Pixel Fold worth it?

If you're at all interested in exploring the world of foldable phones — and you can afford it, of course — you shouldn't miss out on the Google Pixel Fold. The phone is stunning, lightweight, and as thin as can be, with a ton of premium specs under the hood. You'll get the same Google Tensor G2 processor found in the Pixel 7 series, plus some excellent camera tech and an ultra-durable hinge that actually folds flat. We even went so far as to call it "possibly the most beautiful folding phone of all time" in our Pixel Fold review.

Again, like most foldables, the device is far from cheap, which is why Pixel Fold deals like this offer from Visible are so important. 

A new Visible deal just landed in our inbox that really shouldn't be missed if you're thinking about switching to the Verizon-owned carrier. New customers who use the code 5OFF3MO will get their first three months of the Visible Basic plan for a mere $20/month. Similarly, if you purchase the more-premium Visible Plus plan with the promo code, your monthly rate will drop down to $30/month for the first three months, the same as the Basic plan's usual rate.

The promo code works on top of the Welcome Discount that's automatically applied to your purchase ($5 off Visible Basic and $10 off Visible Plus), so the savings here can really add up. Keep in mind that BOTH of these promotions will only be around until May 31st, after which the plans will return to their old rates of $30/month and $45/month for Basic and Premium, respectively. 

Use this code and get Visible for just $20/month

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

The Visible Basic plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus access to Verizon's massive 5G network, an unlimited mobile hotspot (speeds up to 5Mbps), and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.

If you're willing to spend a little more, the Visible Plus plan comes with everything above, alongside 5G Ultra Wideband and 50GB of premium network data provided by Verizon, international calling to over 30 countries, and texting to over 200 countries worldwide. 

If you're still on the fence about this Verizon-owned prepaid carrier, go check out our Visible review to learn everything you need to know. 

Visible deals are certainly not a rarity, but the Verizon-owned wireless carrier just launched a pretty interesting promo, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. For the entire month of March, Visible wireless is slashing prices on both of their popular wireless plans, knocking the price of their Basic plan to just $25 per month (down from $30 per month) and their Visible Plus plan to a mere $35 per month (from $45 per month).

It's no secret that Visible is one of our all-time favorite wireless carriers, and for good reason. Both of the plans above come with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus 5G and 4G LTE access, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada. The slightly more-expensive Visible Plus plan has some added goodies, such as premium network data, international calling to over 30 countries, and texting to over 200 countries. It's also worth noting that, although they aren't technically an MVNO carrier, Visible has all of the benefits of prepaid, such as no contract or hidden fees whatsoever. That means you can try out the service for a month and cancel without any penalties. 

Visible drops prices all month long

•  MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

New members and existing users who are willing to upgrade to Visible Plus are eligible to receive the savings for as long as they keep their plan. Visible is wholly owned by Verizon and uses that giant carrier's network to provide great coverage at a much lower cost. Most of the best Android phones are compatible with Visible, and even when this month's promotion wraps up, there are always plenty of great Visible deals to explore. Suffice to say, there's never any reason you should be paying an arm and a leg for wireless service nowadays, especially when a carrier like Visible is around. 

Samsung's newest flagship series has been out for less than a month, and yet we've already seen some pretty spectacular Galaxy S23 deals. The issue is that most of the best promotions so far have required you to trade in an old device to get real money back, which is why we were particularly excited to see this offer from Visible. Pick up any Galaxy S23 phone and transfer your number, and the Verizon-owned carrier will give you a $200 gift card that can be used nearly anywhere online, from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon to Uber Eats and even Southwest Airlines. 

All you need to do is make three months of on-time service payments and the virtual gift card will land in your email. Plus, you'll get one of the best Android phones on the market and a membership with one of our all-time favorite wireless carriers. 

Get a $200 gift card from Visible — no trade-in required

• More phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

As we detail in our Visible buyer's guide, the Verizon-owned prepaid carrier has two plans: the basic Visible tier that costs just $30 per month and the premium Visible Plus plan that costs $45 per month. Both give you unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's massive network, alongside unlimited hotspot data and no contracts or hidden fees whatsoever. The Visible Plus plan even gives you international calling to over 30 countries. 

Suffice to say, when you pair great wireless service with a great phone and free money, we consider the deal to be a win-win-win.

Once you get your hands on your new Samsung Galaxy S23, you'll want to get all of your files over as quickly as possible. Use our step-by-step transferring Android to Android guide to make sure you don't lose any of that precious data!

With the best unlimited data plans, you get to play your favorite online games, binge-watch the latest movies and TV shows, scroll your way through social media platforms for hours on end, and do much more, all without ever having to worry about running out of data. These plans are primarily designed for demanding users who want high-speed data access on not just their smartphones, but also a range of other smart devices like tablets. With network infrastructure improving by the day and wireless technologies such as 5G reaching out even the most remote parts of the country, getting an unlimited plan no longer requires you to spend a fortune. Whether you want to go for a mainstream carrier (e.g., T-Mobile) or a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (e.g., Mint Mobile), there are quite a few reasonably priced options to pick from.

Some of the more premium phone plans pack bundled extras (e.g., streaming services, in-flight connectivity) to justify their price tags, but you may or may not need that additional stuff. Consequently, the best unlimited plan for you is going to be the one that fits your individual use case the best. Among the finest overall choices is Visible's middle-level plan, which offers just about all of the essentials on Verizon's high-speed network. Then there's Mint Mobile's top-level plan, if you prefer T-Mobile's high-speed network. In addition, you can take a look at proper plans from these traditional carriers, as well as some other alternatives.

At a glance

Best overall

With a standard price of just $35 per month (that too with all taxes and fees), the middle-level 'Visible Plus' plan gives you many premium features that are usually not found with prepaid carriers, including unlimited high-speed 5G data and full access to Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network.

The 'Visible Plus' plan has a number of international perks too, such as unlimited calls and texts to Mexico and Canada (as well as 2GB high-speed roaming data per day in these two countries), unlimited mobile hotspot usage at 10Mbps, spam and robocall protection, video streaming at up to 1080p (Full-HD) resolution, and one day (per month) of the 'Global Pass' international roaming add-on feature. If you want even more, you can go for the top-tier 'Visible Plus Pro' plan. It's priced at $45 per month (including all taxes and fees, and before any promotional discounts) and offers all the perks of the mid-level plan, in addition to benefits such as unlimited mobile hotspot use at 15Mbps, video streaming at up to 2160p (4K) resolution, international calling to over 85 countries and texting to more than 200 countries, and a lot more.

Unlike traditional MVNO carriers that piggyback off larger networks, Visible is a full-stack digital carrier owned and operated by Verizon. This means that you get (nearly) all the benefits of a big service provider, without having to pay the big carrier's prices. In addition to that, there are no hidden fees, and you can cancel the service at any time if you don't like it. Visible also offers some incredible deals quite frequently, so make sure to check those out before signing up. You can also pay upfront for a full year of service to save even more cash.

Best premium pick

Verizon now features an excellent mix-and-match system that lets you customize your plan's benefits using a wide variety of add-ons, with prices of these ranging between $10-$15 per month. Among these extras are popular streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max), 100GB dedicated mobile hotspot data, Apple One, unlimited cloud storage, and more.

This means that the plans themselves are now pretty stripped-back. However, if you can afford it, you really won't be missing out on anything with the top-of-the-line 'Unlimited Ultimate' plan. Starting at $95 per month (before taxes and fees, as well as autopay and paper-free billing discount) for one line, this plan gives you unlimited premium data, 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network access, up to 200GB high-speed mobile hotspot data (after which the speeds are reduced) usage, as well as video streaming at up to 2160p (4K) resolution when on the 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network.

You also get a number of amazing international benefits, including talk, text, and high-speed (up to 15GB) data in more than 210 countries around the world. Now, $95 per month (that too taxes and fees) isn't really a small amount, but like most of Verizon's plans, you can save by signing up for more lines. Apart from that, you can take advantage of one the many Verizon deals that are frequently available.

Best prepaid option

If you're interested in going the MVNO route, Mint Mobile is easily one of the best carriers to go with. Fully owned and operated by T-Mobile, this MVNO utilizes its parent service provider's extensive network infrastructure to give you simple and reliable coverage at much lower costs. With the top-tier 'Unlimited' plan, you get unlimited high-speed 5G/LTE data, with speeds getting reduced after you hit the 50GB limit. Of course, there are also many other benefits like free calls to the UK, Mexico, and Canada, dedicated 10GB mobile hotspot data usage, and 480p (SD) resolution video streaming included in the mix. These make Mint Mobile one of the best MVNO carriers in the country.

Mint Mobile is quite a unique Mobile Virtual Network Operator, as it requires you to buy service in chunks of three, six, or 12 months in advance. However, you end up saving a lot of money by paying upfront for multiple months. If you're unsure, you can even try the prepaid carrier for a full week before committing, thanks to a convenient free trial that can run alongside your existing service without any interruptions. New customers have to pay just $90 (before taxes and fees, as well as any promotional discounts) for the first three months of the 'Unlimited' plan, which comes down to a fairly affordable $30 per month. You can save even more via regular deals and promotions. After three months, the cost goes up to $210 for six months (or $35 per month, under the standard pricing structure), but you can sign up for an entire year at the same monthly price as the three-month pricing.

Best budget plan

With carriers like Tello, you can easily go fully unlimited even when shopping on a shoestring budget. For a price of only $25 per month (before taxes and fees), Tello lets you have 50GB high-speed 5G/LTE data on T-Mobile's network before speeds are reduced, full Wi-Fi calling, 10GB dedicated mobile hotspot data usage, as well as free international calling to more than 60 countries including Canada, Mexico, and India.

Tello is very much a no-frills carrier so don't expect a lot of fancy perks. However, if you value simplicity and transparent business practices more, it might just be the perfect MVNO for all your needs. It's also worth mentioning that all of Tello's plans are quite customizable via its online 'Build Your Own Plan' tool. That said, you can simply go for one of the pre-configured plans, including the unlimited 'Max' plan (with a regular pricing of $25 per month) detailed above. Tello is ideal for anyone with basic phone usage requirements.

Need less data in a month? Simply adjust the plan via Tello's app and see all the changes instantly go into effect. That means you can use the $25 per month plan for a while and then switch to the $10 per month 'Everyday' plan, all without any penalties.

Best for travelers

Google Fi is an MVNO that utilizes T-Mobile's network to give you reliable network coverage everywhere, including abroad. Its 'Unlimited Premium' plan offers free calls to more than 50 countries around the world, free data (50GB at high-speed, with speeds getting downgraded to 256kbps after that limit is reached) in over 200 countries, and unlimited free texts in any country where Google Fi's coverage is available. Naturally, speeds will vary depending on the country you're in, but it still beats international coverage offered by most competing carriers.

You also get several additional goodies with the 'Unlimited Premium' plan; these include unlimited hotspot tethering with 50GB dedicated high-speed data, free 100GB cloud storage (via Google One), and 100GB high-speed premium data. The MVNO will even hook you up with six months of YouTube Premium at no extra cost. Like all other Google Fi plans, this one also includes spam blocking, family location sharing, content filters, and more.

One issue with Google Fi Wireless is that you'll only get full access to everything it has to offer if you pick up a 'Designed for Fi' phone to use with it. These include most of the newer Samsung Galaxy devices, Pixels, and Motorola phones as they can seamlessly switch between wireless networks and Wi-Fi hotspots utilized by Google Fi Wireless. Although the majority of unlocked phones will still work, the experience may not be as smooth as you expect it to be.

Best T-Mobile

With its 5G infrastructure arguably among the best in the United States, T-Mobile is perfect for anyone who wants reliable wireless network coverage throughout the country. If that includes you, we recommend taking a look at the 'Experience More' plan.

Usually priced at $90 per month for one line (before autopay discounts, any taxes and fees, and per line device connection charge), it certainly doesn't come cheap. However, you get unlimited premium data access on T-Mobile's high capacity 5G network, and a price guarantee for five years (again, before taxes and fees). It also includes 60GB dedicated high-speed mobile hotspot data, with speeds getting reduced once you go over the limit. Streaming services like Netflix (with ads) and Apple TV (for $3 per month) are also available, as are in-flight connectivity and video streaming at up to 2160p (4K) resolution. If you want to buy a fresh phone, there is a wide range of smartphones worth taking a look at.

T-Mobile's 'Experience More' plan further includes 15GB high-speed data when in Canada and Mexico, as well as unlimited data usage (at 256 kbps) in more than 215 countries and destinations around the world. There are multi-line discounts as well, with the third line being free if you bring over friends or family members.

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How to choose

What's the best unlimited data plan for me?

As you can tell by going through the all the options listed above, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution when getting an unlimited plan. Instead, you must consider your own needs when picking a wireless service provider. Do you prioritize oodles of premium data? Do you prefer flexibility? What about affordability? Once you have the answers to these questions, you'll be able to decide which of these best unlimited data plans will fit your requirements the best.

But even more importantly, you'll need to know how much data you actually use and need. If you can't decide, we recommend 'Visible Plus' as it's easily the most well-rounded mid-level plan out there that offers sufficient amount of data, along with several benefits on Verizon's solid network infrastructure. If you don't really care about the bill, Verizon's 'Unlimited Ultimate' plan not only includes loads of premium data and international perks but also lets you customize things further via a range of practical add-ons. T-Mobile's 'Experience More' plan is also similar to what Verizon has and might be a better fit for you. Then there's Mint Mobile's 'Unlimited' plan, which lets you save quite a lot via upfront payments for multiple months of wireless service.

We've seen plenty of great Visible deals over the years, but the carrier just launched a wild promotion that has stopped us in our tracks. Pick up a select Android phone while transferring your existing phone number and the Verizon-owned carrier will hook you up with a virtual gift card worth up to $200 and a pair of Anker Soundcore wireless earbuds for 100% free. They'll even slash an additional $100 off the price of the phone, just for kicks. They're calling it the "New Year, New Price" promotion, and it might just be the best Visible deal that we've ever seen. 

Sure, premium Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are included in the flash sale, but plenty of affordable phones are in there as well. For example, if you've had your eye on the Google Pixel 6a for a while, simply join Visible and transfer your number, and you'll get a total of $335 in savings and free stuff. Since the Pixel 6a typically retails for around $449, that's one heck of a deal. 

Switch to Visible and get up to $300 in savings when you buy an Android phone

This flash sale is only around until February 17th, so the clock is ticking. You'll receive the virtual gift card via email after making three months of on-time service payments, but once you get it, you can spend that money almost anywhere online, from Amazon and Best Buy to Uber Eats and Southwest Airlines. Keep reading for a list of our favorite Android phones that are included in the promotion.

• Samsung Galaxy S22: $816 $716, plus $150 gift card and earbuds
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus: $1,008 $907, plus $150 gift card and earbuds
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: $1,200 $1,100, plus $150 gift card and earbuds
• Google Pixel 7: $599 $499, plus $200 gift card and earbuds
• Google Pixel 7 Pro: $899 $799, plus $200 gift card and earbuds
• Google Pixel 6a: $449 $349, plus $200 gift card and earbuds
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: $1,000 $900, plus $200 gift card and earbuds

If you're still on the fence about the Verizon-owned wireless carrier, check out our official Visible buyer's guide, where we go over everything from plan options to deals of the month. 

Most folks know that signing up for any prepaid carrier can help you save a ton of cash on your wireless service, but Visible just launched a promotion that elevates the Verizon-owned company far beyond the competition. Bring your own device and switch to Visible from a competing carrier, and you can save $15 per month for an entire year when you use the code 15OFF12. 

That's a whopping 50% off if you sign up for the basic Visible plan (usually $30 per month) or enough to make the more premium Visible Plus plan a mere $30 per month for an entire year. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can change over your SIM and activate the new service directly in the Visible app, a process that only takes a few minutes to complete (that said, if you need a physical SIM, they'll overnight one to you). Convenient and affordable? Count us in.

Save $15 on your wireless service every month for a year

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

Visible is a digital-only prepaid carrier owned by Verizon Wireless. They offer two excellent wireless plans — Visible Basic and Visible Plus — both of which come with unlimited talk, text, and 5G/4G LTE data, an unlimited mobile hotspot, spam protection, and even free calls and texts to Mexico and Canada. The Visible Plus plan brings other premium features into the fold, such as unlimited international calling to over 30 countries and texts to over 200 countries worldwide, plus premium network data and monthly discounts on home internet.

This deal only works if you bring your existing device to the carrier, but if you're interested in picking up a new phone, check out our Visible buying guide to see what other excellent offers are available. 

If you'd rather go with a traditional carrier, it's also worth noting that there are plenty of Verizon deals out there as well. Since Verizon owns Visible, you'll be getting the same great coverage either way. 

With our comprehensive Visible Wireless review, you'll have a well-rounded idea about this Mobile Virtual Network Operator. If you’ve been looking to save some cash on your phone bill, you must've come across an ad for Visible and the unlimited data plans that it offers. Moreover, if you like everything unlimited and have been a customer of one of the mainstream carriers (e.g., T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T), Visible's prices can seem a bit too good to be true. However, before you make the jump, be sure to know what you’re getting and not getting with Visible.

With three simple yet feature-laden plans to pick from, Visible takes away all the effort and confusion from the picture. Fully owned and operated by Verizon, Visible uses the former's incredible LTE and 5G network infrastructure for coverage. Although it's true that the speeds you get with Visible might not match up to what you'll get with one of Verizon's premium plans, but the difference won't be a big issue. With Visible, you'll be getting unlimited data, access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network, unlimited hotspot connectivity, international usage, and much more.

Visible Wireless Review: Price and availability

Visible has three plans called Visible, Visible+, and the recently introduced Visible+ Pro. Of these, Visible is the starter plan and costs $25 per month for one line, with all taxes and fees included. It comes with unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's LTE and nationwide 5G networks, but you might experience slower speeds when the network traffic is high. The plan also has unlimited hotspot data functionality at a fairly modest speed of 5Mbps, but it's still better than nothing. You also get video streaming at up to 480p (SD) resolution.

Then there's Visible+ (or Visible Plus), which costs $35 per month for one line, again with all taxes and fees included. This plan enables access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network for blazing-fast speeds, while also giving you unlimited premium data. You get unlimited hotspot data functionality at an increased speed of 10Mbps, and among other notable additions are unlimited talk, text, and data while roaming in Mexico and Canada, as well as video streaming at up to 1080p (FullHD) resolution. There's also one day (per month) of 'Global Pass' roaming add-on thrown into the mix.

Lastly, there's Visible+ Pro (or Visible Plus Pro), which is the MVNO's newest offering. It costs $45 per month for one line, including all taxes and fees. In addition to having all the perks of Visible+ (Visible Plus), this plan packs unlimited hotspot data at a speed of 15Mbps. Other noteworthy goodies are calls to over 85 countries and unlimited texts to more than 200 countries, two days (per month) of 'Global Pass' roaming add-on, video streaming at up to 2160p (4K) resolution, and bunded smartwatch service.

As affordable as all three plans are, what's even better is that you get the choice to pay upfront for a full year of service. If you choose to do that, you can save even more cash, no matter which plan you choose.

If you need international features, Visible Plus or Visible Plus Pro make more sense but if you stay in touch with your overseas friends or family primarily via chat apps such as Telegram, you could save some money with the base Visible plan.

Visible does not have physical stores and is not available at Verizon stores either, so if you’re looking to get signed up, you’ll need to do it online through Visible’s website, or via the Visible app. Luckily, support for eSIM activation means you can get signed up in just a few minutes. If you have a phone with eSIM support, you can even try Visible and its network for free for 15 days.

Visible Wireless Review: What works well

If you’ve been following Visible for a while, you might be familiar with the carrier’s old plan which started at $40 per month with Party Pay bringing the monthly price down to $25. That plan is now gone, having been replaced with the base Visible plan, which itself has undergone quite a few changes over the past few months that now make it a fabulous value.

With the old plan, your phone needed to connect through one of Visible’s servers, and that often led to underwhelming speeds and higher ping times. Visible has changed that with these newer plans, which means that your smartphone can now access the network the same way any Verizon phone would. This also means your experience will be much closer to someone using a Verizon prepaid plan, and if the network isn’t that much congested, you can get some really fast LTE/5G speeds even on the starter plan.

Visible’s new plans came with a bump in speeds that was immediately noticeable. I put Visible through its paces by taking a drive through the countryside to a small town in the middle of some large hills. Visible’s coverage remained strong and never missed a beat as I used Google Maps for navigation, along with music streaming on my stereo system.

The speeds weren’t as fast or consistent as my AT&T connection in that area, but I only experienced a single dead zone tucked in between some buildings. For the most part, I was happy with the performance and would have been perfectly happy using it as my main line. I had multiple tests come in over 50Mbps and even some topping 100Mbps on LTE. After finding a spot on Verizon's nationwide 5G, speeds were solid at around 50Mbps.

Keep in mind that we really don’t need a ton of speeds on our phones, and the most important thing is that they remain consistent. Whether you’re downloading an app, making a video call, or just browsing online, Visible’s speeds are going to be more than fast enough for you to have a solid experience.

When Visible launched, it was harder to recommend as its network demands VoLTE support for calling. At that time, VoLTE was also inconsistent across versions of phones, but things are a lot better these days making it easier to bring your phone to Visible's network. You can check your IMEI on Visible’s site to be sure, but majority of the best Android phones like Samsung's Galaxy devices, Google's Pixels, and iPhones should work perfectly fine. I tested Visible via my Samsung Galaxy S20+, a phone that's quite old at this point, and it took less than a minute for the phone to get connected after I put the SIM in. With the much newer devices, your experience is likely going to be a lot better.

The phone I used doesn’t support Verizon’s C-band 5G network, so I was only able to test the so-called nationwide 5G network but overall, performance was quite good. I was also able to use Visible’s hotspot feature with no issue. Visible includes unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps on the base plan, so you can effortlessly share your data with another device like a laptop or a tablet, as much as you want. Just keep in mind that the speeds won’t be enough to replace fixed home internet, but it’s great to have in a pinch. Visible’s hotspot even worked well as a backup connection with eero Internet Backup. As noted before, if you go for one of the two higher plans, your mobile hotspot speeds are to 10Mbps (Visible Plus) or 15Mbps (Visible Plus Pro), thus ensuring an even better experience.

I can’t praise Visible’s unlimited hotspot enough. While some carriers stick to chunks of high-speed data with severely limited speeds after, Visible’s consistency can make it a lot more useful in a pinch. One of my good friends switched to Visible on my recommendation a little over a year ago. Since then, he has had some medical issues that have seen him in and out of numerous hospitals and recovery centers.

His Visible hotspot was an invaluable ally throughout the whole thing allowing him to download the latest Nintendo Switch games (with some patience), keep his PC up to date, and even play some online games. Sure, the connection wasn’t perfect, but I’m extremely grateful he was able to fire up Sea of Thieves with some Discord with his friends who live hundreds or thousands of miles away when his other Wi-Fi option was overloaded to the point of being unusable.

As far as the basics of a phone plan go, calls and texts also worked as expected with no trouble receiving mass texts or completing calls. Calls were reasonably clear, and I had no trouble hearing the person on the other line.

Visible Wireless Review: What falls short

One of the ways Visible keeps people from wasting data on its service, at least on the base plan, is by limiting video streaming to 480p (SD) resolution. That’s good enough for YouTube and while it might be sufficient for many users, it's probably not sufficient today. If you're someone who can't compromise on video quality, it's recommended to go for either Visible Plus or Visible Plus Pro, which offer video streaming at up to 1080p (FullHD) or 2160p (4K) resolutions, respectively.

Visible's unlimited hotspot data is one of its key highlights, especially if you also have a number of other devices in your daily carry, such as a tablet, laptop, or gaming handheld. The 5Mbps speed restriction on the hotspot connection on the starter plan is noticeable in everything from browsing the web to downloading apps. And while it's great to see that the new Visible Plus Pro plan has a hotspot speed of 15Mbps, it would have been nice to also see the base plan get a little boost in this department.

Finally, the base Visible plan has access to Verizon’s UWB 5G signal. This makes a lot of sense because that network has more capacity than the low-band nationwide network, but Visible limits the speed to be more in line with nationwide 5G and LTE. While that's reasonable for the price of the plan, it seems odd after the way carriers like Verizon hyped the capacity and speeds of 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G. No wonder they don't show the 5G UW logo on the base plan.

It’s also worth noting that despite its low-cost focus, Visible does not offer a plan with ACP. ACP stands for Affordable Connectivity Program, and it gives cheap or free data access to those in need. This government assistance is available with a number of carriers such as Metro by T-Mobile, but not with Visible.

Visible Wireless Review: The competition

If you’re looking for unlimited data on Verizon's network, one of your next best bets after Visible is US Mobile. US Mobile has both a custom plan for light users, as well as two unlimited plans for heavier users. US Mobile's 'Unlimited Starter' plan is most similar to the base Visible plan, but it has a few differences that may make the carrier a better pick for some. Unlimited Starter starts at $25 per month and offers unlimited talk, text, and data with at least 35GB of high-speed data on Verizon’s network. Then there's the 'Unlimited Premium' plan, which is similar to Visible Plus and costs $35 per month, offering at least 100GB of premium data, as well as a few subscription perks if you bring three lines. US Mobile offers both multi-line and multi-month discounts as well for further savings, and its prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees.

If you’d rather go for the T-Mobile network, Mint Mobile should easily be one of your top considerations. As I noted in my Mint Mobile review, this prepaid carrier offers four data plans, all of which are fantastic. The highest unlimited plan has now removed its data cap, which makes it comparable to Visible's higher plans. Mint Mobile saves its consumers money by offering discounts to those who buy the service upfront in bulk. For example, Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan is only $30 per month (before limited-time promotions) if you pay for the entire year upfront.

Google Fi is a favorite for Android enthusiasts but hasn’t always been the best in terms of value. Luckily, Google Fi’s current plans are more competitive than ever with its 'Simply Unlimited' plan sticking out for domestic users. This plan trims all the fat and leaves you with 35GB of high-speed data and 5GB of hotspot data. It’s pricey at $50 per month for a single line but has multi-line discounts available so you can pay as little as $25 per month with four lines. Google Fi also makes it easy to upgrade to its premium plan if you end up needing to travel internationally.

Visible Wireless Review: Should you sign up?

You should buy this if...

• You need a high-speed data plan with no restrictions.
• You require unlimited hotspot data usage.
• You only have one line to get connected.
• You want to save on Verizon Home Internet.

You should not buy this if...

• You require high-speed hotspot connectivity.
• You are bringing over the whole family.
• You want HD quality streaming on the starter plan.
• You qualify for the ACP government assistance.

Signing up for Visible is really a rather easy choice when you get down to it. If you need unlimited high-speed data on your phone line and don’t want to deal with the nickel-and-dime tactics of postpaid carriers, Visible is arguably one of the best choices, with transparency on exactly what you’re paying upfront with all taxes and fees included.

Astute readers may have also noticed that quite a few carriers are offering service that seems to be modeled after Visible’s success such as US Mobile’s unlimited plans, and Google Fi Simply Unlimited. Visible has more competition than ever but it still offers one of the best values in wireless service. All this with a single line also makes it one of the best plans for one user; even with the lack of any multi-month discounts, you are never trapped with Visible. If you need unlimited wireless service and live in an area with strong Verizon coverage, preferably C-band 5G, Visible should be at the top of your list.

Review Changelog

This review has been updated with the latest information about Visible, including the recent introduction of the Visible Plus Pro plan, international features like Global Pass, and the option to pay upfront for an entire year of service. I tested Visible in months of November and December of 2022.

If you're looking to switch wireless carriers, the Verizon-owned Visible Wireless remains one of the best options for folks who want great phone service without spending an arm and a leg on a bunch of perks they don't need.

Unlike traditional MVNO carriers that simply "borrow" network access from one of the big three providers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile), Visible is wholly owned and operated by Verizon and has all of the capabilities of a full stack carrier. This means you're getting the benefits of a MVNO (simplicity, affordability) with the extensive infrastructure of a Big Three phone company. In other words, it's the best of both worlds.

Plus, Visible is 100% digital, which means they're able to provide exceptionally affordable service with all of the benefits of a mainstream wireless network. They're also known to offer great promotions that rival Verizon's best deals, so whether you're considering switching to Visible or you've been with them for years, you'll find everything you need to know about the carrier below.

Visible deals

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Visible plans

The Visible Basic plan

Visible has the simplest set of plans of any carrier. It's currently $25 per month (or $275 for a year), and you get unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S. on Verizon's network. Unlike some other prepaid unlimited plans, it's truly unlimited with no fine print or data caps. In reality, Visible is an all-digital carrier meaning all of its services work over the data network. This means that even your calls and texts are routed through LTE or 5G. While many other carriers are moving towards this setup, Visible has gone all-in on the concept.

Visible is also unique for including an unlimited hotspot. It's unlimited in the sense that you don't need to worry about how much data you actually use. It is limited in the sense that your maximum download speeds will only ever be 5Mbps. For this reason, Visible isn't a good replacement for a home connection. Still, it's a fantastic companion to a great Chromebook or Android tablet when you're away from your home Wi-Fi connection. 5Mbps is enough for basic streaming and web browsing but don't expect large files to download or upload quickly.

The Visible Plus plan

Like we mentioned above, in August 2022, Visible got rid of their popular Party Play plan and made two significant changes to their service. First, they dropped $10 off their standard Visible plan (which is surprising, since many companies are currently raising their prices, not decreasing them), bringing it down to just $25 per month. Additionally, they added a totally new plan called Visible Plus.

The Visible Plus plan offers all of the great Unlimited benefits of the basic plan, plus extras that include 5G Ultra Wideband, data roaming in Mexico and Canada, international calling from the United States to over 30 countries, and international texting to over 200 countries. This premium plan is currently $45 per month, which is only $5 more than the basic plan's old price. You can also pay $395 for a year of the Visible Plus plan and save 26% on your purchase.

In March 2024, Visible also updated their Plus plan to include one Global Pass day per month (which gives you more comprehensive international coverage), faster hotspot speeds, and free smartwatch service if you use an Apple Watch. All of these new extras come at no additional cost.

Coverage and 5G

Visible is an all-digital carrier meaning it uses a data connection for everything. It also only uses LTE and 5G with VoLTE and VoNR for calls. This isn't as bad as it seems at first, as Verizon has been able to deploy LTE to most of its towers. Still, if you live in a rural area, it's worth double-checking Visible's coverage map to ensure you've got solid coverage everywhere you go.

Visible also includes 5G at no extra cost, including Verizon's nationwide 5G and the incredibly fast Ultra Wideband mmWave network. 5G speeds are limited to 200Mbps, but realistically, this is more than most people will ever need for the next few years at least.

All of this means that Visible customers will have no access to Verizon's old 3G network or even older analog network. For most people, that's not an issue as LTE has been the main focus of cellular expansion for years now, but it can affect some rural areas. You also don't get access to Verizon's roaming partners. While Verizon's network covers most people, it still buys some coverage from other carriers to fill in a few gaps. Visible customers will have no service in these areas.

Visible does not limit its connection speed, though Visible customers will be deprioritized compared to Verizon customers. This means that when the network gets crowded, your data speeds will drop much lower than you might expect. This will affect people living in dense areas more than suburban customers, but if your main tower sees a lot of traffic at specific points during the day, you may notice your speed tanking. This is noted in Visible's terms, but it's worth keeping in mind.

Phone compatibility

Visible requires your phone to support digital services like VoLTE, so support for older phones is quite limited. Still, most iPhone models released after the iPhone 6 will work without issue. iPhones with eSim support, iPhone 8, and later, can also be activated without ordering a SIM with the Visible app. Android eSIM support is due later but hasn't been released yet.

Visible supports most of the most popular Android phones as well as iPhones, with VoLTE as a requirement. Still, some unlocked Android phones that would seem to work won't have compatible software and won't be compatible. When you sign up for service, Visible will help you check your phone by IMEI to be sure you can use the service. You can also check this list of the best phones for Visible.

If you want to use 5G on Visible, newer devices like the Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Samsung Galaxy A54 all work. Visible also sells a wide range of phones, from cheap-but-good Androids to high-end Galaxy phones and Pixels. If you have an older phone that's not compatible with Visible, you can also take advantage of Visible Swap to get a free and compatible Android phone when you sign up. You'll need to send in your old phone within 15 days of receiving your new one so don't forget.

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Competition

Visible isn't the only unlimited plan around and not even the only unlimited prepaid carrier on Verizon. There are a ton of plans to consider, including Visible vs. Verizon postpaid. Verizon offers premium data and a slightly larger network with roaming, though it's much more expensive, while Visible vs. Verizon Prepaid is a bit more similar but has a much greater focus on lighter users with smaller data plans.

If you have good T-Mobile coverage, Visible vs. Mint Mobile is worth considering, thanks to large data packages that work for most and great multi-month savings. Mint Mobile will also work with more unlocked phones. Similarly, Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile offers plenty of data on the T-Mobile network with competitive rates with a family plan. Visible vs. Boost Mobile shows what's possible with the T-Mobile and Sprint network with a wide range of plans and great support for calling and roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Visible vs. Google Fi showcases Google Fi's unparalleled international roaming options and impressive network switching in the United States. Finally, Visible vs. Cricket Wireless demonstrates how a prepaid unlimited plan on the AT&T network stacks up with more multi-line options.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Going with one of the best Verizon MVNO carriers is the easiest way to enjoy Big Red's countrywide wireless network coverage without having to shell out a fortune. These MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are basically alternative service providers that 'lease' existing infrastructure from one or more traditional carriers (in this case, Verizon) and offer their services via a wide range of prepaid plans.

Since MVNO carriers don't have to spend cash on development and maintenance of their own network, their phone plans tend to be priced quite competitively, and there are no pesky contracts involved either, so you're free to jump between operators with no hassles.

Now, these prepaid cell phone plans aren't without their trade-offs. As is the case with MVNOs, your data speeds get deprioritized when then network is busy. Their plans usually also don't come with additional perks such as streaming services. But even with all that, an MVNO using Verizon's network makes perfect sense for anyone who just wants reliable network connectivity. Visible remains our top pick as the best Verizon MVNO, thanks to a trio of feature-laden plans and a whole lot of goodies that you can avail. You can consider US Mobile, Ting Mobile, and some other alternatives.

At a glance

Best overall

Visible deserves to be on just about any list of alternative carriers, since it's one of the best options in the market. Fully owned and operated by Verizon, it's quite a unique carrier that handles everything through its mobile app or website, rather than requiring you to walk into a retail store to get started with your new wireless service. This includes creating your account, paying bill(s), and everything else.

In addition to the basic plan that's simply called Visible and costs $25 per month, you can consider the middle Visible Plus plan, which costs $35 per month, or the top-tier Visible Plus Pro plan, which has a cost of $45 per month. It's worth noting that all these prices are inclusive of taxes and fees, and don't take into account all the promotional discounts that run almost throughout the year. While the three plans come with unlimited data, as well as talk and text, the two higher plans also give you access to Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network. Apart from that, you get unlimited shared mobile hotspot usage at 5/10/15Mbps (based on the plan) unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, video streaming at up to SD/Full-HD/4K resolutions (again, depending on the plan you go for), and a lot more. Visible Plus Pro also comes with unlimited calling to over 85 countries and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries around the world.

That said, make sure you're using a compatible Visible phone before switching to it. Visible regularly runs promotions and allows you to save more by paying for an entire year of service in advance.

Best perks

An MVNO that's been increasingly getting popular, US Mobile offers a balanced range of plans and good device compatibility. Interestingly, it uses the networks of all the 'Big Three' carriers to drive its service and even supports C-band 5G. It's nice that US Mobile will work with most (if not all) of the best Verizon phones, as well as with phones that are unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile. Make sure you select the 'Warp' option, as that's the branding US Mobile utilizes for Verizon's network infrastructure.

Service plans with US Mobile are fairly well-rounded, so you can simply pick one of the two fully unlimited plans. There is also a 10GB plan (Unlimited Flex) that's only available if you sign up for an entire year of service. US Mobile's top-of-the-line plans, called Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Premium, are priced at $25 and $44 per month, respectively. The fact that these prices include taxes and fees and don't factor in regular discounts is already amazing, but the deal gets even better if you sign up for multiple lines.

Unlimited Premium comes with up to unlimited premium data, access to both C-band and mmWave 5G, 50GB dedicated mobile hotspot data, and even gives you a smartwatch plan. And with 20GB international data via an eSIM, this is a great plan for heavy users on the move. If you're making it your family plan, you can get $15 per month credit for a subscription service of your choice, provided you sign up with at least three lines on the top plan. There are a variety of services such as Pandora Plus, Hulu, and even Xbox Game Pass. US Mobile also has a basic 2GB plan that'll cost you a mere $8 per month (all taxes and fees included) if you sign up for a full year of service.

Best international features

Straight Talk has been around for long time now and has made quite a name for itself as a cheap alternative carrier, offering lots of data and good coverage. This is helped by the fact that it's now a part of TracFone Wireless, which itself is owned by Verizon. With a variety of plans, including three strong unlimited options and a well-balanced starter plan, Straight Talk stands out as a competitive pick for the demanding users.

The plans are graded like Olympic tiers with names like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and even Platinum. Bronze is quite basic at a price of $35 per month, offering 10GB of high-speed data and calling to Canada and Mexico. Then you have Silver, which is priced at $45 per month and upgrades your data to unlimited high-speed, allows 5G access, along with the same calling to Canada and Mexico. It also comes with 10GB hotspot data. Next up is Gold, which costs $55 per month and packs 30GB hotspot data, 100GB cloud storage and even a Walmart+ membership. And if you want more, you can select the top-of-the-line Platinum plan. It's priced at $65 per month and comes with unlimited hotspot data as well as device protection and 500GB cloud storage. The top two plans include 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G access, and Straight Talk lets you save more with multi-line discounts for up to five lines.

Best for Xfinity customers

Xfinity Mobile offers mobile plans that've been designed exclusively for those who use Xfinity for their home internet. It offers unlimited nationwide calling/texting and access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots. For mobile data, there are quite a few options. If you've been a customer before April 2026, you can go with Xfinity's 'By the Gig' plan. This option allows you to have 1GB data at $20 per month, going up to 10GB at $65 per month. If you go over the limit, your data usage is rounded up to the next GB and you're charged $20 more.

There are also two unlimited plans, and they both give you access to nationwide 5G network, video streaming, and multi-line discounts. The lower Unlimited plan (called Mobile Select) has unlimited high-speed data that's slowed after 50GB is used up, along with up to 720p video streaming, and 15GB high-speed hotspot data. The higher Unlimited plan (called Mobile Plus) gives unlimited premium data, as well 50GB high-speed hotspot data and up to 4K video streaming. With both these plans, you can enjoy talk, text, and data in more than 215 international destinations around the world. The higher plan also offers spam call blocking.

Although unlimited plans have multi-line savings, your per-line discounted cost remains the same for two to four lines. You can add up to five more lines (for up to 10 lines) at discounted prices.

Best on a budget

Ting Mobile uses the network Verizon for providing you coverage at exceptionally good prices. What's more, 5G is now included with all its plans for free, so you can get reliable coverage if you have the right phone for it. Hotspot coverage is also included with all plans.

Ting Mobile's plans are reasonably straightforward, starting with a Flex plan with unlimited talk and text plan at just $10 per month. You can add shared data at $5 per GB, to this plan which remains a solid value if you use under 3GB in a month. Ting Mobile also has plans for more modern devices, starting with Set 5 and Set 12. As you'd expect, these offer 5GB and 12GB high-speed data, respectively. Then there are two higher plans called Unlimited and Unlimited Pro, which have 22GB and 35GB high-speed data, respectively. All plans provide nationwide LTE and 5G coverage. There's also an Unlimited 25 plan with 25GB high-speed data, and a lot of other goodies.

Ting will work with most (if not all) of the best unlocked phones in the market, so if you have a fairly recent smartphone that's unlocked, you can continue to use it. You can also buy a new phone through Ting's website too, but device selection is not exactly the best.

Best for families

Another alternative to consider when looking for a Verizon MVNO carrier is Total Wireless. Its plans are quite affordable, starting with a $35 per month (with auto pay) option that packs in 5G access, unlimited talk and text with high-speed data, as well as 10GB hotspot usage, roaming in Mexico and Canada, and international calling and texting perks. The two higher plans increase your allotment of high-speed data to unlimited (without any speed reductions) and mobile hotspot to unlimited too, at 5/10Mbps. Both the higher plans also unlock roaming access in more than 140 countries, unlimited calling and texting to over 200 countries, as well as spam protection and 100GB/1TB cloud storage. There's ad-free Disney+ Premium as well, but the lower of the two plans gives you that subscription for only six months. The top-tier plan packs in a $10 long-distance credit as well.

Total Wireless offers multi-line discounts (up to five lines) on all its plans, and you can save quite a bit depending on how many lines you get with a plan. The top-tier offering, which costs $60 per month for one line, costs just $29 per month if you go for five lines. It also gives access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network.

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How to choose

These are the best Verizon MVNO carriers worth considering

Verizon's network is an excellent choice for just about any prepaid carrier, thanks to its reliable coverage and constantly improving 5G network. Coverage gaps are often more pronounced on prepaid carriers as they usually don't have access to roaming agreements, so it's always a good idea to make sure that you're on the strongest possible network for your area. With these best Verizon MVNO carriers, you can use most (if not all) of the best Android phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, without any effort.

Our top vote goes to Visible, as the Verizon-owned prepaid carrier makes things easy as pie with three feature-laden plans for you to pick from. All give unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot at 5/10/15Mbps, and more, with the higher Visible Plus and Visible Plus Pro plans also giving access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network, smartwatch service, and a bunch of international benefits. Even better, the prices for all plans include fees and taxes, so you pay what you see. On the other hand, US Mobile offers a bunch of perks that make its plans stand out. The two highest unlimited plans offer lots of premium data, dedicated hotspot data, as well as international calling and texting benefits. The highest plan even makes you eligible for a $15 monthly credit towards one of the several available subscription services like Spotify Family, Max, and PlayStation Plus, provided you sign up for three lines.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket Wireless

Even though the big day is still over a week away, many of the best Black Friday sales have started early, with wireless carriers and retailers alike sharing some pretty hefty discounts on popular devices and data plans. On great example of this just landed up on my desk from the good folks at Visible Wireless: sign up for the carrier's Visible Plus plan and bring your own device, and they'll hook you up with a $15 discount every month for the first three months of service. 

Since the Visible Plus plan usually costs just $45 per month, you're looking at a hefty 33% discount for three months of wireless service. In other words, you're saving a total of $45, which is the same as getting one month of service for 100% free. Keep in mind that you'll need to use the code 15OFF during checkout to receive the savings.

With or without this Black Friday deal, the Visible Plus plan is no slouch. You'll get 5G/LTE and Ultra Wideband provided by Verizon's massive network, plus unlimited talk and text, a free mobile hotspot, and international calling to over 30 countries worldwide. Again, you'll need to use the promo code and bring your own phone to see the savings. Would you prefer to buy a new phone when signing up? Luckily, there are plenty of other Visible deals worth checking out, including a few offers that'll give you a free virtual gift card with the purchase of a smartphone.

Looking for more holiday deals? Go check out our early Black Friday live blog, where we're actively sharing all the best prices on tech from every corner of the web. 

The best phones for Visible let you enjoy all the benefits of Verizon's 5G network infrastructure, but at excellent prices. Visible introduced the option to pay annually in April 2024, allowing you to save even more. Owned and operated by Verizon, Visible is a prepaid carrier that keeps things simple by giving you two fully loaded plans—Visible and Visible Plus—to choose from.

The two plans share many similarities. Visible Plus gives you added benefits like premium 5G data, blocks high-risk spam and robo calls, unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada, and access to Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network.

Visible supports the best Android phones (and even some iPhones) that you can buy via the carrier's website. Alternatively, you can use your existing unlocked device with Visible, provided it's compatible. Our top vote is Google's Pixel 9 Pro, a well-rounded flagship smartphone. You can also go for Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A54 if you want something more affordable. With that said, here are the best phones for Visible that you can get!

At a glance

Best overall

While cameras aren't the only thing Google got right with the Pixel 8 Pro, they're the headlining feature. We praised the Pixel 9 Pro XL in our review for its oustanding AI features, brilliant cameras, and faster charging speeds. The primary camera includes a 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide/macro cameras. It also has a 48MP 5x telephoto for great upgraded zoom detail. That's before you remember some of Google's AI-powered software tricks, such as Magic Editor and Photo Unblur.

Under the hood, you get Google's latest-gen SoC—the Tensor G4—essential to the phone's AI tricks and keeping Google Assistant ready. The power is more than adequate for anything you need today. Luckily, 5G support is strong with sub-6 and mmWave, including C-band, which makes up most of Verizon's (and thus, Visible's) fast 5G coverage.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL launches with Android 14 and can easily last the day on a charge. This is good as the smartphone only supports 37W wired charging speeds. It's also worth noting that Google has decided not to include a USB-C charger in the box this time, so you'll need to find your own.

Best flagship

Although the Pixel 9 Pro impresses with its high-end features, it ranks among the most balanced Android phones on the market today. It boasts many of the same great characteristics found on the more expensive Pro XL model, such as the Tensor G4 chipset, a stunning design aesthetic, and a clean Android 14 build, all at a lower price and more compact size.

As we noted in our Google Pixel 9 Pro review, the phone features a ton of incredible camera tech. The Pixel 9 Pro has a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, 48MP 5X zoom, and a 42MP selfie camera. You also get many fantastic camera features that Pixel is known for, such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur.

With its 6.3-inch AMOLED display, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is a bit smaller than its Pro XL counterpart, but the 120Hz display is still vibrant and pleasant. Visible sells the Pixel 9 Pro directly via its website, but if you want to save a little money, you can check out the best deals on the Google Pixel 9.

Best on a budget

While Google's flagship Pixel 8 series is easy to recommend, it might feel a little pricey and has hardware features many people don't need. The Pixel 8a refocuses on the core Pixel experience and has hardware that offers plenty of speed for Android 14 thanks to the same Tensor G3 SoC found in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones.

It has a comfortable fit in the hand with nicely rounded corners and a model with an upgraded 256GB of storage. The display now has a fast 120Hz refresh rate with up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, so you can use it outdoors when it's sunny. Even if it starts to rain, you've got nothing to worry about with IP67 water and dust resistance.

You can take great pictures with the 64MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide camera and still capture some excellent images, thanks in no small part to Google's image processing enabled by the Tensor SoC. When it comes to battery life, you get a 4492mAh pack that should last the day with normal usage, though charging is still slow at just 18W wired and 7.5W wireless.

Best small phone

Want a top-of-the-line smartphone that you can easily use with one hand? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S24. The smallest member of the S24 family brings many improvements over the last-gen model while keeping the overall design and in-hand feel largely the same. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it features 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of internal storage. Up front, there's a slightly bigger 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel that looks as stunning as you'd expect.

If you compare Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S23, you'll see that the triple-lens primary camera system hasn't changed much. It still features a 50MP wide-angle module, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto unit capable of 3x optical zoom. The smartphone supports all modern connectivity standards (including 5G) and comes with Android 14 out of the box.

Even better, it's guaranteed to get up to seven years of major OS updates, so you'll be able to use it for a really long time. The Galaxy S24 is backed by a 4,000mAh battery and supports both wired (25W) and wireless (15W) charging, provided you get the right charger for it.

Best midrange phone

Samsung has decided to aim for affordable mid-range phones with the Galaxy A series, and the Galaxy A54 5G continues to be among the best in that line-up, even though it's a bit old. Although the phone isn't going to break any records for performance, its Exynos 1380 SoC is perfectly fine for everyday tasks such as web browsing and even some gaming. The phone has already been updated to Android 14 and is still eligible for three more OS updates, so it'll continue to serve you well for years.

The Galaxy A54's camera setup may not be the best in the business, but it more than gets the job done. You'll get excellent 5G connectivity on Visible, and many other goodies are also included in the mix. Regarding battery life, the Galaxy A54 features a 5,000mAh battery capable of keeping it going for at least a day of moderate use on a single charge. If you decide to get it, we suggest looking at the best Samsung Galaxy A54 deals to save even more money.

Best premium flagship

Packed with just about every high-end feature you could possibly think of, the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the absolute best the world of Android has to offer. Although it looks a lot like its predecessor, the new titanium frame and Corning's Gorilla Armor allow for improved durability. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is a delight to look at and interact with and now comes with an anti-reflective coating. Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sports Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, complete with 12GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB of internal storage.

Easily one of the best Android camera phones available out there, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a quad-lens rear camera setup having a 200MP wide-angle lens, a 10MP telephoto unit, a 50MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultrawide module. It's one of the first Samsung smartphones to get up to seven years of guaranteed OS updates and includes the full Galaxy AI suite of software-based tools to help you get the best smartphone experience.

You get full 5G support on Visible, as well as a bevy of other connectivity features, and the whole thing is backed by a 5,000mAh battery that can be juiced up — both wired (45W) and wirelessly (15W) — in little to no time.

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How to choose

Which Android phones work best with Visible?

There's no denying that Visible is one of the best MVNO carriers in the market. With a relatively decent selection of Android phones (and even iPhones) to choose from, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants to take advantage of Verizon's 5G network infrastructure at (relatively) affordable prices.

Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL being one of the best Visible phones shouldn't be surprising, as the phone is a fully loaded flagship that offers everything from top-tier cameras to a clean software experience. If you like what it has to offer but find the price a bit too high, we suggest getting the regular Pixel 9 Pro, which offers most of the same stuff at a much better price.

On the other hand, Samsung's Galaxy A54 and Google's Pixel 8a are solid options that give you access to Visible's 5G network at highly affordable prices. They even both promise seven years of OS updates. Then there's the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the perfect choice for anyone who doesn't care about the price tag and wants the best of the best.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Going with an alternative wireless carrier is arguably one of the easiest ways to save on your phone bills. Popularly known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), these service providers 'lease' network infrastructure from one (or more) mainstream carriers and have a wide range of prepaid plans for you to choose from. Although there are numerous MVNO carriers available out there, Visible is hands down one of the best options. Owned and operated by Verizon, Visible uses its parent company's combined LTE and 5G network infrastructure and keeps things simple by offering just three feature-laden plans.

Starting at just $25 per month (including all the taxes and fees, and before any promotional discounts), the base plan of Visible gives you unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as perks such as unlimited shared hotspot use, spam blocking, video streaming, Mexico and Canada usage, and much more. The two higher plans, which have monthly prices of $35 and $45 (again, including all the taxes and fees, and before any promotional discounts), also include access to Verizon's faster Ultra-Wideband 5G network, unlimited premium data, some additional international benefits, and more. What's better, if you pay upfront for an entire year, all the plans get even more affordable. So, if you've decided to go prepaid, here's how you can sign up for Visible and save some cash.

How to sign up for Visible using the official app

Since Visible is an all-digital service provider, it has no stores. Instead, everything is handled through the Visible app. This includes paying your bills, purchasing a new device, and of course, signing up for the service for the first time. Although you can do all these things via the carrier's website too, using the Visible app is easier and more convenient.

1. Open the Visible app and tap on the Get started button. You can now choose to either bring your existing phone or get a new one through Visible to use with the carrier.

2. If you already have a phone, you can enter its IMEI number to see if it'll work with Visible. Alternatively, you can take a look at the phones offered by Visible and buy one that suits your needs and budget.

3. Next up, you'll be asked whether you're a new or existing member. Since you are a new user, tap the New member button to proceed.

4. You'll now be asked to choose between an eSIM and Physical SIM kit. With most of the new smartphones supporting eSIM functionality, it's recommended to go with the first option. Moreover, you can activate your service within a few minutes, without having to wait for the physical SIM to be delivered.

5. Once you make your choice, you'll be presented with the plan options. Choose the one you want by tapping the Select this plan button. At this point, you can also choose whether to pay monthly or annually.

6. Now, you'll see a summary of your shopping bag. Review everything and then tap the Continue button to proceed.

7. At this point, you'll need to create your Visible account. Enter all the required information to do so. Once the account is set up, tap the Continue button again.

8. Next up, you'll need to enter your address for billing/shipping. Once done, you can either port your number to Visible or get a fresh number.

9. Finally, you can set up a payment method and use the downloaded eSIM to activate your service with Visible.

Get Verizon's network coverage and save on phone service with Visible

With three straightforward yet feature-loaded prepaid plans, Visible makes a lot of sense for anyone who wants/prefers Verizon's nationwide network but doesn't want to deal with pesky contracts. The MVNO gives you unlimited talk, text, and data, along with numerous extra benefits such as unlimited shared hotspot use, spam blocking, and more, at extremely reasonable prices. Moreover, with many of the best Android phones compatible with Visible, you have lots of choices to have a great overall experience. Once you're signed up with Visible and activate your service, all you have to do is pick a phone that you like, and you'll be all set.

Tello and Visible each have some of the best cell phone plans available today. While both carriers have many similarities, the most significant difference between the two is the network. 

Tello uses T-Mobile, while Visible uses Verizon to offer 4G LTE and 5G across the country. Coverage should be right at the top of your carrier priority list, but if both have coverage for you, Visible's truly unlimited data on both of its plans is a compelling feature. If you prefer to customize your plan and avoid spending money on data you don't need, Tello makes more sense.

Tello vs. Visible: How do these carriers compare?

Visible started out with just one unlimited plan but has since expanded its offering to include two plans. Visible and Visible+ are both unlimited plans on the Verizon-owned carrier with no data caps, unlimited hotspot data, and access to 5G. Visible+ offers faster service in areas covered by Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network and has several international features.

Tello, on the other hand, has only one core plan that can be customized to fit nearly any customer's needs. You can start with as little as 500MB of data and up to unlimited with 25GB. You get full access to the T-Mobile 5G network on any plan configuration, including the faster mid-band coverage. If you're a light user, you can save some money with Tello, but it's lower data ceiling will be an issue for heavier users.

With both Tello and Visible, no contract is required, and you can cancel anytime. Likewise, if you need more or less data with Tello, you can also make those changes at any time. But keep in mind that Visible includes all taxes and fees, unlike Tello. You can save a bit more with Visible if you're willing to sign up through PayPal.

Tello vs. Visible: Tello's plans

As we saw in our Tello review, the carrier has some of the cheapest cell phone plans out there today, starting as low as $5 per month. This prepaid carrier has a plan for everyone and lets you either build your plan or pick from ready-made options, including 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, and unlimited options. 

If you don't need many minutes but use an average amount of data, a 5GB plan with 100 minutes will only cost $16 per month. Unfortunately, this doesn't include taxes and fees, but it's still an excellent deal.

Each Tello plan comes with a free mobile hotspot, and its unlimited plan for $29 per month includes unlimited talk and text. As long as you purchase minutes, texting is free. Thankfully you don't need a contract and can cancel or make changes to your plan at any point. 

If you want the unlimited plan, keep in mind that once you've consumed 25GB of data, you'll see slower 2G speeds. This plan is $10 less than it was a few months ago, making the plan much more appealing even with its lower high-speed data cap.

Unlike core T-Mobile plans, Tello doesn't offer any international roaming. This means that you'll need to purchase a new SIM card if you plan to travel abroad. However, you can call more than 60 countries abroad, including Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania. 

If you need to call another destination, you're able to do so via Pay As You Go, as long as you purchase credits. If you use a service like WhatsApp or Telegram for voice calls, though, you will only use a bit of data.

Though Tello may not have all the perks or international features of another cell phone plan, it can offer inexpensive service on a fantastic network. With several plan options, Tello makes it easy to pick a plan that is a good fit and won't lure you into paying for more data than you need. Building your plan can also be a great way to save money down the line.

Tello vs. Visible: Visible's plans

Visible is a prepaid carrier owned by Verizon that uses the carrier's network exclusively. Visible offers two plans that both of which come with unlimited data and have access to LTE and 5G. Our Visible review focused on the carrier's old plan, which closely lines up with the base Visible plan. That being said, the new Visible plan could potentially have better responsiveness but lower top speeds. Overall, the average user likely won't notice much of a difference.

Visible+ can be a lot faster thanks to having access to Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network and premium data. Verizon Ultra Wideband 5G includes both mmWave and C-band 5G, which has much more capacity for data than the slower LTE or nationwide 5G network. As a result, the base Visible plan may connect to some Ultra Wideband towers with a speed cap.

Visible+ also has 50GB of premium data. Premium data will be prioritized over other data, so in a congested area, your speeds will be higher than those using a base Visible plan. If you live in a rural area, premium data may not be worth the extra cost for you.

Visible+ has some international features that you would expect for the higher cost as well. Calling to 30+ countries is included with texting to 200+ countries. You'll also be able to roam with data in Mexico and Canada on this plan so if you travel between the two frequently, it could be money well-spent for that feature alone.

Tello vs. Visible: Which phones will work?

Before signing up with either carrier, you should decide whether you plan to bring your device or purchase a new one. If you want to use your current device, you should make sure it's unlocked, supports VoLTE, and is compatible with the respective network.

For Visible, you can head to a compatibility checker on its website to verify whether your unlocked phone will work on its network by typing in your IMEI number. You can also see this list of all the iPhone and Android phones compatible with Visible. If it's fairly modern with VoIP support and designed to work with Verizon, you're more than likely in luck.

If you're hoping to purchase a new phone through Visible, you can easily do so on its website as well. Many of the best Android phones are included, such as the Galaxy S22 series and cheaper 5G phones like the Galaxy A53 5G.

If you want to bring your device to Tello, you can also do so as long as it's a GSM device that supports VoLTE and is compatible with the T-Mobile network. You can check online for compatibility by typing in your IMEI number. 

If you're looking to buy a device from Tello, the selection isn't quite as large as Visible's, but you'll still be able to get your hands on some popular Apple and Android models.

Tello vs. Visible: Which should you get?

Even among the best cell phone plans, If you're looking to save money and find that you don't use that much data, Tello is the better choice for you. A plan with 5GB of data and unlimited talk and text will cost you only $19 per month. You can also build your plan with the amount of data or minutes that works for you, starting as low as $5 per month.

If you're someone that consumes lots of data and gets great Verizon coverage, Visible offers better value. There are no data caps on its unlimited plans, unlike Tello, meaning that you won't have to ever worry about streaming too much. You can even get some more speed with Visible+ and a compatible phone. With two simple and cheap unlimited plans on a network with fantastic coverage, Visible is an easy choice for many.

If you want to save a scary amount of cash this Halloween, we've got just the Visible deal for you. The prepaid wireless carrier is currently running a Halloween-themed promotion called "The Switching Hour" that could get you massive discounts on smartphones, free virtual gift cards, and more, as long as you join Visible before midnight PST on October 31st. If you've been considering the wireless carrier for a while, I seriously can't think of a better (or spookier) time to switch. 

Let's break down all of the advantages of this limited offer (get ready for some cheesy Halloween puns). For one, Visible is slashing a load of cash off some of the best Android phones around, from the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 (currently $310 off) to the S22 Ultra ($372 off). Additionally, as part of the deal you'll be eligible to receive a $200 virtual gift card to spend at stores online, plus you can sign up for a scary sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,031 (see what they did there?) and a free smartphone! 

The catch is that you'll need to switch to Visible from a competing carrier to enjoy the benefits of the promotion, hence the clever name "Switching Hour". Do you want to bring your own device when you switch? While you obviously won't see the instant savings of buying a new phone, you'll be given a $50 gift card just for joining Visible's network. 

Things are about to get spooky at Visible

If you're still on the fence, remember that Visible is one of the best MVNO carriers around. They use Verizon's massive LTE and 5G network to bring you comprehensive coverage and unlimited data at a lower cost. Plans start at just $30 per month and come with unlimited talk and text, a mobile hotspot, and spam protection. You can also pay $45 per month for the Visible Plus plan and enjoy all of the above, plus 5G Ultra Wideband and unlimited international calling to over 30 countries worldwide. 

This might be the scariest promotion you see all day, but if you're a Verizon customer, it might be worth checking out our list of the best Verizon deals of the month to see what the competition has to offer. 

Looking to save some money on your next phone bill? Visible and Metro are two of the best prepaid carriers out there that will get you great coverage at a reduced cost. One thing to note about either carrier is that they're owned and operated by the larger carrier that provides the network connection. In fact, Visible is branded as Visible by Verizon, as is Metro by T-Mobile.

Both carriers offer 5G access, unlimited talk and text, and no contracts or commitments. Both of Visible's plans come with unlimited data at a relatively low rate, making it a great pick for anyone who consumes a lot of high-speed data and wants something simple. Metro by T-Mobile offers four plans with different data offers, perks, and available add-on services, making it a better choice for families seeking multi-line discounts.

Both carriers include fees and taxes in the plan price, so there are no surprises at checkout.

Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile: At a glance

Both Visible by Verizon and Metro by T-Mobile are some of the best prepaid carriers that use the network of their owner. Though Visible only has two quite simple unlimited plans while Metro offers four, each has 5G access with either Verizon's network or T-Mobile's as long as your phone is compatible. You're also guaranteed to get unlimited calling and texting, data, and 480p video streaming. Hotspot data with Visible is limited to 5Mbps, whereas with Metro, you'll get 5GB or 15GB of hotspot data, but only with its two unlimited plans.

Metro has traditional multi-line savings for families, while Visible has no multi-line savings.

Metro is set up much more like a traditional carrier with its range of plans and multi-line perks encouraging customers to stay put. There's a plan for nearly everyone on Metro, whether you're a light or heavy user. The problem is that Visible's cheapest plan is cheap without needing to bring multiple lines. In fact, Visible is cheaper than even Metro's cheapest plan until you get to three lines.

Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Visible's plans

Visible has replaced the single simple plan we tested in our Visible review with two options with a greater focus on 5G and international features. To start, the base Visible plan comes in at $30 per month with unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps, and calling to Mexico and Canada. This plan is the most similar to the old plan but comes in a bit more expensive at $30 per month. If you're looking for a way to match the old $25 price, though, you can still hit that number by signing up via PayPal.

Visible+ gives the carrier a much-needed premium option while still keeping things simple. Visible+ also comes with unlimited data, though 50GB of it is premium, meaning your speeds stay high even in congested areas. You also get faster 5G performance with Verizon Ultra Wideband 5G. To be clear, the base Visible plans will connect to Ultra Wideband towers but will be limited in speed. Visible+ takes off all limiters and gives you the full speed of the network.

Visible+ also comes with some international features, including roaming in Mexico and Canada. Visible+ also comes with calling to 30+ countries and texting to 200+ countries.

Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Metro's plans

T-Mobile's wireless carrier, Metro by T-Mobile, offers four plans you can choose from, all of which decrease in price as you add more lines. Its top plan costs $60 per month and goes as low as $30 per month. But whichever Metro plan you pick, rest assured that you'll get access to T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network — the largest in the country.

Metro by T-Mobile's most expensive plan stands out with unlimited high-speed data, 15GB of hotspot data, and a lot of other neat perks like 100GB of Google One cloud storage (only for Android phones) and an Amazon prime membership. With the $50 unlimited plan, you'll get almost the same deal, but with fewer hotspot data (5GB) and no Prime membership. And if you want to reduce your monthly bill, you can more lines to your plan. For four lines on Metro's top plan, you'll only pay $120 a month. Here's what each plan has to offer.

Keep in mind that these multi-line discounts are only available in-store, so if you try to sign up online, it will be more expensive. Just keep in mind that you don't really need to buy a bunch of accessories when you're in the store. Unless you want to, that is.

Though no Metro plan comes with any international texting or calling, you do have the option of purchasing such options as an add-on. For instance, if you have an unlimited plan, you can purchase Mexico or Canada Unlimited for an extra $5 per month to get unlimited calls and texts, as well as up to 5GB of data or roaming in each country. 

Or if you need international calling and texting to multiple countries, there's Global Voice for an extra $10 per month, as long as you have at least a $30 base rate plan. Add-on services are particularly useful if you like having flexibility or just aren't sure what you'll need down the line.

Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Which one should you get?

If you're bringing multiple lines to a new carrier, Metro can be a great pick with generous multi-line savings when you go to a Metro store. T-Mobile's massive 5G network is perfect for those with a need for speed, and with consistent expansion, will likely remain in first place for quite a bit longer. Metro by T-Mobile is also compatible with the Affordable Connectivity Program. This federal program is designed to help lower-income families stay connected with discounts on data plans.

Visible's simple plan structure makes it an easy pick for someone that just needs one line. The fact that you can take advantage of Visible's best rates alone makes it a great option for those not looking to manage a bunch of lines. Even so, that plan structure may be a bit too simple for some with no option for high-speed hotspot data. It's also worth noting that while Verizon continues to have one of the largest and most reliable networks overall, its 5G is still in second place to T-Mobile. Even so, with good coverage, Visible is an easy recommendation.

Comparing Visible vs. Google Fi is no simple task, since both Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer some great plans. Google Fi's coverage isn't the best fit for everyone but with T-Mobile's growing network and expansive 5G coverage, it'll keep on getting better. Google Fi also stands out on international roaming, being the best carrier for those who travel abroad. On the other hand, Visible is a strong choice that gives you access to Verizon's reliable domestic network. You also get unlimited data, hotspot use, and blocking of spam and robocalls.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Visible vs. Google Fi: Get the right network

The biggest difference between these two prepaid carriers is the network. Visible is one of the best MVNOs that uses Verizon's network. It uses this network to great effect, with LTE and 5G support on selected devices. That said, Visible has no support for 3G or roaming, so you won't have a fallback option if you're in an area with spotty Verizon coverage. Luckily, Verizon's LTE network is one of the strongest in the nation, with great density and reliability. Long story short, Verizon (and by extension, Visible) most likely has you covered.

Google Fi Wireless takes a different approach and gives you three plans to pick from. Smartphones specifically designed for Google Fi can fully utilize the T-Mobile LTE and 5G networks, choosing whichever is best in an area. If you bring in your own unlocked GSM phone to Google Fi, you will connect with just the T-Mobile network.

Both networks now include 5G coverage. While T-Mobile still reigns supreme as a leader in 5G, Verizon's C-band 5G network has been making rapid progress in terms of expansion into suburban and rural areas.

Google Fi's plans

Google Fi Wireless has three plans, with the major distinction being the amount of data you get and international features. The entry-level Flexible plan costs $20 per month for unlimited calling and texting. Beyond that, high-speed data is $10 per GB, which includes a mobile hotspot. Data is added as needed automatically until you hit the 'Bill Protection' threshold.

Bill Protection on Google Fi is a feature that stops charging the standard data rate at 6GB of usage, and nothing changes unless you hit 15GB. After 15GB of use your data is throttled, but you can add high-speed data at, you guessed it, $10 for 1GB.

Google Fi also has two unlimited plans that come with 35GB or 50GB of high-speed data. After you use up your data, the speeds will be reduced until the next billing period. The cheaper Simply Unlimited plan comes in at $50 per month for a single line and includes 5GB of hotspot data.

If you want all of the perks of the Flexible plan with more data, Unlimited Plus comes with 50GB of data and adds unlimited hotspot tethering. You can also order a data-only SIM to put in another device. You get 100GB of Google One cloud storage, one year of YouTube Premium, and free calling to more than 50 countries. All three plans also come with free calls to Mexico and Canada.

For each of these plans, you can bring up to six additional lines with shared data and plan savings available on up to four lines.

Visible's plans

Visible has long been known for having a single simple plan, but the carrier recently expanded its offering with two unlimited plans. The cheaper Visible plan is the most similar to the old plan, with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot data at 5Mbps. Its speed and service will look very similar to the old Visible plan we tested in our Visible review. You also get calls to Mexico and Canada.

Access to 5G is there, though you won't get access to the network's full speeds. Even so, it's plenty fast for just about anything you do on a phone, so if you're looking for ways to save, this is a good plan to start with.

Visible Plus takes things up a notch with 50GB of premium data, faster 5G access, as well as more robust international features. Visible Plus users can call 30+ countries for free and text 200+ countries too. This plan also gets unlimited talk, text, and data while roaming in Mexico and Canada.

If you're on the old Visible plan and are thinking about which new plan to switch to, the best choice will really depend on your personal experience with the carrier. Both plans will see a slight uplift in their responsiveness, thanks to a shift to Verizon core resulting in better pings for many people. Visible Plus may be worth it if you live in a congested area and have often noticed speeds not keeping up in peak times.

Phone support

Google Fi Wireless supports most unlocked phones utilizing T-Mobile's GSM network. If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one from Google Fi that will work with the carrier's network switching. Alternatively, you can bring one of the best Android phones unlocked if you have solid T-Mobile coverage.

Visible's phone support is more limited due to Visible's nature as an all-digital carrier requiring phones to support Verizon's VoLTE network. The device list is growing and includes the most popular Android phones, such as the Galaxy S23 series and the Pixel 8 series. Most recent iPhones are supported as well.

Needless to say, a smartphone on Visible will need to be compatible with Verizon's LTE network. Visible will guide you through checking your phone's IMEI before you pay for the service. If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one directly from Visible or even swap an old Android for a new one with Visible Swap.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Which MVNO carrier is best?

Google Fi is a top choice for many users, especially those with multiple lines. It also has solid phone compatibility which makes it easy for just about anyone to switch. The unique international roaming features won't make sense for many, but for the right user(s), they're unmatched.

For most users, especially those who only need one line, Visible is still the better choice. Even compared to Google Fi's multi-line plan discounts, Visible has one of the cheapest plans around. Its growing phone support makes it an excellent carrier for just about anyone with a new smartphone.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

With the best cheap data plans, you get to enjoy great savings on your phone bill while still getting lots of high-speed data for all your requirements. Sure, these plans often lack some of the bundled extras like subscription services that come with regular unlimited plans, but as far as the basics are concerned, you get everything.

While most of these affordable plans are available through some of the best MVNO carriers in the country, some are also offered by the 'Big Three' service providers. Since these MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) 'lease' network infrastructure from one (or more) mainstream carriers, they don't have to spend money on expenses related to operations and maintenance. This allows them 'alternative' service providers to pass on the savings to consumers, generally in the form of prepaid plans that don't require you to get into any pesky contracts.

My top vote still goes to Mint Mobile, an affordable yet feature-laden MVNO that's owned by T-Mobile and offers its service in chunks of multiple (e.g., three, six, or 12) months. Another solid option is Tello, as it lets you customize your plan just the way you want it. There are quite a few other choices as well, so make sure you read all about them before making a pick!

At a glance

Best overall

Many of the Americans use significantly less amount of data than they think. If that includes you, why not consider reducing your monthly bill by getting just what you need from your phone plan and getting rid of the extra stuff?

Mint Mobile's 5GB base plan is arguably the best cheap cell phone plan overall, offering enough data for most light users, along with unlimited talk and text. Mint Mobile is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that starts you off with a three-month plan at a low introductory price. You can choose to keep this rate if you renew the service for a year, though you have to pay the entire amount in advance. After that, you can opt for a shorter renewal period, but doing so will slightly increase your monthly price.

Mint Mobile is fully owned by T-Mobile and uses its parent carrier's excellent 5G infrastructure to give you nationwide coverage. You can buy a phone through the carrier too, but if your existing device is already paid off and unlocked, you can easily bring it to Mint Mobile, and it'll work sans any issues. In any case, we recommend that you check your phone's compatibility on Mint Mobile's website before moving ahead.

Mint Mobile also allows you to share your data allotment through a hotspot, and calling to Mexico, Canada, and the UK is included with this plan too. If you need more data, you can either add 1GB (priced at $10) or 3GB (priced at $20) at a time or simply upgrade to a higher plan by paying the price difference

Note: Mint Mobile has now removed the 40GB data cap from its top Unlimited plan, making it an even better value. Also, as part of a limited-time offer, you can get any of Mint Mobile's four plans at just $15 per month, provided you sign up for at least three months as a new customer.

Best unlimited

People rely on their phones these days more than ever, and many just want tons of data without having to think about how much they've used up. Luckily, there are quite a few unlimited options to choose from. While most of these plans will likely reduce your speeds if you use too much data, your connectivity won't be completely cut off. Even so, hitting these upper limits is pretty difficult.

Visible uses the nationwide LTE and 5G network infrastructure of its parent company Verizon to offer solid coverage, and all its prices are inclusive of taxes and fees. You'll need a compatible phone with VoLTE support on Verizon to get going, but majority of the new devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 support it.

While the base plan is good enough for most users, we recommend upgrading to the middle Visible Plus plan. Now priced at an even better $35 per month (before any promotional discounts), it not only offers unlimited talk and text, but also unlimited premium data on Verizon's super-fast 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network. Some other perks include unlimited hotspot use at 10Mbps speed, talk and text to Mexico & Canada with 2GB of daily roaming data, 500 minutes of talk time to over 30 countries, unlimited texting to more than 200 countries, and 1080p video streaming. If you want even more, you can go for the newly introduced Visible Plus Pro plan, which has all the benefits of Visible Plus, along with hotspot use at 15Mbps speed, smartwatch service, 4K video streaming, and a whole lot more.

Best affordable

Sometimes less is more, and that is generally the case with data as well. There might be users who don't even need 2GB of data per month, or those who just want a few minutes of talk time. If that sounds someone like you, we suggest checking out Tello, as it can help you save quite a lot on your phone bill.

Tello lets you customize your phone plan almost exactly how you want, both in terms of talk time minutes and data allotment. From just 1GB to unlimited data and from 100 minutes to fully unlimited talk time, there are several options you can mix and match using the carrier's 'Build Your Own Plan' configurator on the website. You can even go for no data or no talk time at all. Some other goodies offered by Tello include free hotspot, free texts, and easy upgrade/downgrade at any time.

Using T-Mobile's network infrastructure, Tello also offers some pre-configured plans to save you the trouble of having to set things up yourself. The base Economy plan gives you 2GB of data and unlimited talk and text for just $10 per month. The highest Data plan is true to its name and includes unlimited data (capped at 35GB), all while costing a mere $25 per month. You even get free calls to Mexico, India, Canada, and many other countries. Tello's selection of phones is somewhat limited and includes mostly refurbished and pre-owned options, but you can bring most of the best unlocked phones over to the network.

Best for seniors

Many carriers offer discounts on the best phone plans for seniors, and it can be a good way (for eligible consumers) to avail wireless service at relatively affordable prices. As such, if you are someone who simply doesn't care much about data or a laundry list of features, these plans guarantee that you'll only get what you actually need.

As one of the 'Big Three' carriers in the United States, T-Mobile offers three plans for users aged 55 and above. Of these, the least expensive is the Essentials Choice 55 plan, which costs $45 per month (taxes and fees extra) with autopay discounts. It also offers a discount of $5 per line, for a maximum of six lines.

Speaking of benefits, T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 gives you 50GB of premium data on the carrier's incredible 5G network, complete with unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot usage at 3G speeds (optional high-speed available), video streaming (at up to 480p quality), unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico (at up to 128Kbps), and unlimited texting in more than 215 countries and destinations across the globe. You also get spam call protection, and there are no service contracts to get into either.

Best for data sharing

Utilizing the network infrastructure of both T-Mobile and Verizon, US Mobile is easily one of the best MVNO carriers in the country. Its portfolio includes three unlimited plans having loads of data (with the starter plan only available as an annual option), but what if you want to share data between multiple devices?

This is where US Mobile's 'By the Gig' offerings come into picture. Basically, this feature lets you buy data in chunks of 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB, at monthly prices of $10, $15, $20, and $35, respectively (for one line). This data pool can then be shared among different devices (including tablets) across multiple lines.

It's worth mentioning that all the above-mentioned prices include one line, as well as all the taxes and fees. You can add more lines at a price of $8 per line, and each line gets unlimited talk and text, premium data, and hotspot functionality. The more lines you get, the more you can save.

As mentioned before, US Mobile offers three unlimited plans as well, and you can pay for an entire year of service for more savings. All these plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data, lots of dedicated mobile hotspot data, and much more.

Best for families

Signing up for multiple lines for your entire family can be a great way of saving on the phone service. While most of the prepaid carriers need you to pay the full price for the first line, postpaid operators like T-Mobile offer significant discounts if you bring in multiple members of your family to the network as well.

T-Mobile's Experience More plan is one of the best family-oriented wireless plans out there. At $85 per month (taxes and fees included) per line with autopay discounts, it's certainly not as cheap as some plans offered by competitors, but there are numerous goodies thrown into the mix that make the price almost seem justified.

Each line on the Experience More plan gets not only unlimited premium data, but also 60GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data. After you use that allotment, unlimited hotspot usage is still available at 3G speeds. You also get multi-line discounts (with the third line being free), unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, full in-flight connectivity, six months of Apple TV+ and Netflix (with ads), and much more. This plan also comes with a five-year price guarantee, and of course, you can choose from the best T-Mobile phones to fully enjoy all the perks that the plan has.

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How to choose

How much data do you really need?

Before choosing a carrier and/or a wireless plan, it's very important to take time for thinking about your requirements. The majority of plans now offer unlimited talk and text, so the primary factor to take into account is data. Fortunately, most (if not all) modern phones can tell you how much data you typically use in their settings. If not, you can simply take a look at your past bill(s) and get an estimate of your mobile data (not Wi-Fi) usage.

If you use a significant amount of data (e.g., more than 30GB) in a month, it might be a good ideal to go for an unlimited plan such as Visible Plus. Its unlimited premium data allotment should be sufficient for all your needs, and you'll get super-fast speeds on Verizon's Ultra-Wideband 5G network. There's also mobile hotspot functionality, as well as a few nice international perks.

Of course, Mint Mobile's 5GB plan is an easy recommendation as our top choice, but only if you don't use up too much data. If you're over the age of 55, you can go for the T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 plan. For just $45 per month, it offers 50GB of premium data, texting while abroad, and much more.

The second important thing to consider is device compatibility. If you've already got an unlocked phone, you're one step ahead and can just start looking at the plans. On the other hand, if you're stuck with a carrier-locked phone or/and are ready to get a new phone, you can purchase almost any phone unlocked and get it activated on the new carrier of your choice. From affordable options to some of the best Android phones, there are plenty of options in the market.

Get the plan that's ideal for your requirements

It goes without saying that the best plan—no matter how much (or how little) data or talk time it offers—will be the one that works out best for you, and that's not always going to be the cheapest option. Saving money is important, but if you go for a plan that offers too little for your needs, you may find yourself running out of data when you actually need it. Similarly, there's no point getting an unlimited plan if you mostly stay at home and your device is almost always connected to a Wi-Fi network. You should select a plan that matches your usage, rather than adjusting your usage to your plan.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

What do you need for Wi-Fi calling on Visible?

While Visible was initially quite slow about adding phones to its compatibility list, the carrier has ramped up quite a bit, and most Visible customers should have access to Wi-Fi calling. Both Android phones and iPhones will be able to use Wi-Fi calling, though you may need to do some updates first.

In fact, most of the best Android phones will work on Visible. For the best results on Verizon's network, a phone with C-band support like the Galaxy S22 series will provide the best speeds. 

Your phone should be updated to the latest carrier version as well. This will often happen without you even knowing it, but if you're having trouble connecting with Wi-Fi calling, checking for an update should be your next move.

Once you've updated everything, you can switch on Wi-Fi calling in your phone's settings. The steps to turn on Wi-Fi calling on Samsung can differ from a brand like OnePlus, but for the most part, it should be similar on any Android phone. You may also be asked to provide some emergency location information when getting set up.

Please fill in the 911 information

This is an easy step to skip, especially if you're in a hurry, but taking the time to do this correctly can quite literally be a lifesaver.

When you enable Wi-Fi calling, you will be required to enter the address of the Wi-Fi connection for emergency services. While most of the time, in an emergency call, the caller will be able to confirm an address or a phone's GPS may be utilized, more information is going to be better for emergency services to be able to help people as quickly and as accurately as possible. Please take it seriously.

Comparing Visible vs. Verizon might seem a little odd, since both carriers are owned by the same parent company, but this is where the similarities (largely) end. Visible is essentially a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that's aimed at users who want the most bang for their buck(s), offering two simple yet feature-laden plans to pick from. Verizon, on the other hand, is the more mainstream wireless service provider targeted at consumers who simply want the best and don't really mind spending a little extra.

Both carriers also bundle their unlimited plans with a wide variety of add-ons. However, even though Visible and Verizon utilize the same network infrastructure, their overall coverage isn't the same. Let's take a detailed look at what these two service providers have to offer, and which one would be a better pick for you.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Verizon's customers get a higher priority

Since Verizon owns Visible, you'll ultimately be a Verizon customer no matter which of the two carriers you end up with. The difference really comes down to priority.

Verizon's plans usually get higher-priority data, but with Visible's higher-end Visible+ plan, the prepaid carrier can now compete quite well on network quality. Visible still offers a base plan (simple called Visible) with lower-priority data, and while it doesn't directly throttle speeds, you might notice reduced speeds in congested areas. It's a lot like the carrier's old plan that we tested in our Visible review, and is going to be just fine for most users.

Verizon's network will be noticeably better if you move away from densely populated areas. This is due to Verizon customers still having access to the network's legacy 3G towers and LTE roaming network. Verizon smartphones will still connect to 5G or LTE networks if possible, but if there is no native signal available, they will have a fallback option.

Visible uses Verizon's LTE and 5G exclusively, and while the coverage is getting closer to what Verizon's primary customers can access, this network is still a bit smaller. For the majority of users in urban or suburban areas, these differences will be minimal, and for those with 5G smartphones and C-band coverage, they may be unnoticeable. Still, this varies by location so there's a chance Visible's network might not work that well for you.

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Does Visible match up in coverage?

Visible only uses Verizon's digital network having LTE and 5G coverage. Nationwide 5G is included with both Visible plans, with the faster Ultra-Wideband 5G access only available with the higher Visible+ plan. For most users, either plan should be enough for everything from streaming to general usage. That said, if you need more speeds, the high-speed premium data offered with Visible+ may be a worthwhile upgrade.

There are a few gaps, and Verizon fills those by either relying on its older 3G network or buying data from other providers for roaming access. Visible doesn't get access to Verizon's roaming partners at all.

The Verizon 5G network is growing quickly, with at least some 5G coverage in most urban areas. Verizon's faster Ultra-Wideband network is much smaller although the carrier only began building it in January 2022. Verizon's C-band coverage is steadily improving as well and is expected to cover more than 250 million users by 2024 and beyond.

It's also worth noting that Visible doesn't include international roaming use (except in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands) with the base plan, but does offer it as a $5/day add-on. This is bundled with Visible+, and so is one day of usage (per month) with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data in over 140 countries. If you want more, you can get this functionality as a $10/day add-on with both plans. All these add-ons are offered under the 'Global Pass' service.

Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan does bundle international talk, text, and data use in more than 210 countries, including Mexico and Canada. The Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans come with Mexico and Canada usage, but if you want the same international usage benefits as the top-tier plan, you can buy a 'TravelPass' as a $10/day (before taxes and fees) add-on.

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Visible's prepaid plans

Visible has updated its offerings with two plans, named Visible and Visible+. Starting with Visible, this is a simpler offering with unlimited talk, text, and data access. Data isn't prioritized, and 5G access is limited to the relatively slower nationwide network. Both plans have unlimited mobile hotspot data usage (Visible at 5Mbps, and Visible+ at 10Mbps), spam and robocall protection, as well as Mexico and Canada calling. The cheaper Visible plan costs $25 a month with taxes and fees included.

Visible+ adds 50GB of premium network data which keeps your data speeds as high as possible, even on a crowded tower, for the first 50GB of use per month. You also get access to Ultra-Wideband 5G for faster 5G access, where Verizon has C-band and mmWave coverage. International coverage also gets a boost with unlimited usage in Mexico and Canada. Besides that, you get international calls to over 30 countries and texting to more than 200 countries included. Visible+ costs $45 a month, again, with taxes and fees included.

Visible doesn't require autopay for its best rates. Its prices are even better when you consider the fact that taxes and fees are included. It's also worth noting that you can pay in advance for a full year of service and save a lot of cash, no matter which of the two plans you get.

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Verizon's postpaid plans

Verizon's plans mainly focus on unlimited data, with only their basic plan still offering a limited 500MB option. If you just need to make calls and texts, the basic plan could work, but at $50 per month, you could save a lot more by going for a prepaid MVNO carrier instead.

Starting with Verizon's cheapest unlimited offering, Unlimited Welcome, you get 5G nationwide access and no data caps. The nationwide 5G, by the way, does not have access to Verizon's fast 5G network, so while your phone will say 5G, speeds will be similar to LTE. Unlimited Welcome offers no hotspot data or other perks either, but it does come with multi-line discounts with up to four extra Unlimited Welcome lines on your account. 

The Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans offer full Ultra-Wideband 5G access for faster speeds, as well as 30GB and 60GB of dedicated hotspot data, respectively.

If you love streaming services, there are two pre-configured versions of Ultimate Plus that you can take a look at. One comes with Netflix and ad-supported Max bundled, and the other features a Disney bundle and 100GB of hotspot data. Also, Unlimited Welcome can be had pre-configured with a Walmart+ membership.

Then there's the pre-configured Ultimate Unlimited plan, which is best suited for the users who are invested into Apple's ecosystem. It comes bundled with the Apple One membership that gives you access to many of Apple's digital services.

While not all of Apple's services are available on Android, some like Apple Music and a web browser version of Apple TV+ are available, so the Unlimited Ultimate plan is not totally worthless on Android either. Plus, if you use a Mac or an iPad, you can get the benefits of Apple One on those devices. You can also share your Apple One plan with up to five others when you bring two or more lines to this plan, which cannot be combined with other plans.

With all three plans, you can get Verizon's Home Internet service at a price of $35 per month.

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Which phones work?

Both Visible and Verizon will be more than happy to sell or finance a phone for you. Verizon does have a bigger offering of devices, but Visible's growing collection has something that will work for most people. Naturally, you can buy phones for the full price from either carrier. You can also simply get one of the best Android phones unlocked and bring it to the carrier of your choice for a bit more freedom.

Visible's financing is done through Affirm, while Verizon utilizes 36-month payment plans. It's worth keeping in mind that Verizon offers quite a lot of phone discounts, including buy one get one free promotions that rely on this 36-month structure with monthly credits. This means you could get locked behind a multi-thousand-dollar paywall if you get multiple phones on Verizon's payment plans. It also means that you could get multiple new phones for your family for much lower initial prices than buying them outright.

If you already have a device and you want to know if it will be supported, you'll need to use the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) compatibility tools. Support on one carrier doesn't necessarily mean your device will work on the other carrier, even though the Verizon network is used for both service providers.

Visible only uses VoLTE for calls, so some older phones, or phones from other carriers won't work even if it has band and VoLTE support. You'll need to check your IMEI before signing up on either, if you bought your phone unlocked or from another carrier.

Most of the newer iPhones and some of the most popular Samsung phones are supported. The Galaxy S24 series is fully supported with 5G on Visible, as is the Pixel 9 line-up.

Visible vs. Verizon Wireless: Which should you get?

If you've confirmed that you have proper coverage on Visible's network, it's your best bargain. Verizon's plans do offer marginally better coverage, but for most users, the savings on Visible will be worth it. You should also remember that Verizon has multi-line discounts if you're bringing over family members. Also keep in mind that Verizon Prepaid might have a plan that's a solid fit as well.

As long as you know you're covered, Visible has two simple unlimited plans that will work well. Performance on the base plan may not match up with Verizon or Visible+, but many people will be perfectly happy with it. The cheap $25/month unlimited plan is easily a contender for the best cell phone plan you can buy. If you've got a phone that's compatible, Visible is definitely worth a shot.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

Visible works with most modern Android phones, but you should still check

When Visible launched, it was very progressive in its tech requirements with no support for 3G and only working with VoLTE for voice calls. At the time, these features weren't as common, but most phones from the past couple of years should support the tech.

Even so, it's a good idea to check your phone before getting signed up for Visible. Before you buy anything, Visible will have you check your phone's IMEI list against its database to see if your phone will work on its network. If it's all good, you'll proceed to order a SIM card for your phone.

If your phone is not approved by Visible, you'll be prompted to either buy a new one, or swap it with Visible's Swap program. Visible Swap offers a free Android phone in exchange for your old phone when you sign up with the carrier. While the phones aren't bad, they are lower-end devices. This is a great deal if you're ready for a new phone, but if you've got a fairly modern, though incompatible phone, you could end up with something less performant.

For example, in our Visible review, we had no trouble activating an unlocked Galaxy S20+ with 5G. However, an unlocked AT&T LG V60 isn't approved and neither is an international Zenfone 8. Even with a modern phone, your mileage may vary.

You can still bring one of the best Android phones you buy unlocked. Visible supports many of these like the Galaxy S22 series and the Pixel 6 series without issue. If you're considering something a little less common, it may be worth reaching out to Visible's support team before buying one.

Ready to buy a new phone?

Visible supports bringing your own device if you want to take advantage of any unlocked offer, but unless you're sure the device is compatible, it's a good idea to double-check with Visible support.

If you're looking for a sure thing, you can buy a phone directly from Visible. When you're signing up for Visible, you'll be given the option to buy a new phone. This makes things simpler by including a SIM card and the fact that you know it will work. Visible sells a wide range of Androids and iPhones. 

You can purchase them for full price as well as pay for them over time with Affirm financing. If you want to buy a phone with payments but don't want to go through Affirm, it may be worth seeing if your credit card supports payment plans for larger purchases.

When you know how to port your number to Visible, you're steps away from enjoying its many benefits. The silver lining is that the setup is quick and easy. But if you encounter any issues, customer support is there to help.

Carriers make it easy for you to transfer your number, which can be done within a few minutes. Visible even has a Visible Payback Program to make it easier for you to switch when you have a phone that's incompatible with Visible's network. 

How to transfer your phone number to Visible

Keeping your current phone number when switching to a new carrier makes sense. You've probably had it for a long time and don't feel like memorizing another. Keeping your current number is possible even if you're switching from a different area code. But if you're switching from a family plan, there is a good chance you'll need extra information from the account owner.

It's also essential that you don't cancel your old service before you activate your new account. That's because once the carrier has released a number, it can be nearly impossible to get it back, and someone else will likely end up with it. Here's how to port your number to Visible:

1. To start things off, get your current account information. You'll need your account number, PIN, and billing zip code. You may need to call up your current carrier for this information.

2. Your number needs to be active. Don't cancel your service until you finish setting up Visible with your number.

3. If your phone supports eSIM, use the Visible app immediately. If you need a physical SIM card, Visible can mail it to you after you sign up and provide your shipping information. The SIM card should arrive within three to five business days. You can visit Visible's website to sign up for the service and check out the carrier's plans.

4. Once you've got your SIM, follow the steps indicated in the Visible app to set up your account.

5. After you confirm that the phone will work with the service, Visible will ask if you want to transfer your number.

6. Follow the instructions to complete the transfer. You'll require the information you gathered earlier, such as your old account PIN.

7. Try to be patient. Depending on the provider you're coming from, the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours to complete. You'll still be able to contact your friends and family using messaging apps besides SMS.

Once your number has finished transferring, you'll be good to go on the new service with Visible. If anything unexpected happens and you need more help, reach out to @VisibleCare or select Help in the Visible app.

For the smoothest possible transition to Visible, you'll want to ensure you have a phone compatible with Verizon's network. Most of the best Android phones will work with Visible just fine, but 5G phones with support for C-band and mmWave will give you the best speeds with the carrier. If you go through our Visible review, you'll see how quick and easy it is to get going with one of the best MVNO carriers in the United States.