2025 Saving Tips: Verizon Wireless vs T-Mobile vs AT&T vs Mint Mobile vs Visible vs Cricket Wireless vs Google Fi Wireless vs Boost Mobile
In today's world, picking a cell phone company can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices, plans, prices, and features to think about. This guide will help you understand the differences between eight popular cell phone companies in the US: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket Wireless, Google Fi, and Boost Mobile.
Quick Overview: Verizon Wireless vs T-Mobile vs AT&T vs Mint Mobile vs Visible vs Cricket Wireless vs Google Fi Wireless vs Boost Mobile
| What to Compare | Verizon | T-Mobile | AT&T | Mint Mobile | Visible | Cricket | Google Fi | Boost Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Used | Verizon | T-Mobile | AT&T | T-Mobile | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile, US Cellular | Dish, T-Mobile, AT&T |
| 5G Coverage | 280 million people (Ultra fast in some areas) | 332 million people (Fast 5G for most users) | More than 295 million people | Same as T-Mobile | Same as Verizon (faster 5G on pricier plans) | Same as AT&T | Same as T-Mobile (covers 36% of US land) | 80% coverage with own network; uses AT&T/T-Mobile elsewhere |
| Internet Speed | 113.2 Mbps (fast) | 222.63 Mbps (very fast) | 111.07 Mbps (fast) | Same as T-Mobile | Same as Verizon | Same as AT&T | Same as T-Mobile | Varies (around 167 Mbps for 5G users) |
| Monthly Cost (1 phone) | $65 (Basic), $80 (Better), $90 (Best) | $50-$55 (Basic), $85 (Better), $100-$105 (Best) | $51 (Basic), $66 (Better), $76 (More), $86 (Best) | $30 (Unlimited with 12-month plan) | $25 (Basic), $35 (Plus), $45 (Pro) | $55 (Basic), $60 (with hotspot) | $35 (Basic), $50 (Better), $65 (Best) | $25 (Basic), $60 (Premium) |
| Family Cost (per phone) | $30 (Basic), $45 (Better), $55 (Best) | $28-$30 (Basic), $43 (Better), $54 (Best) | $36 (Basic), $41 (Better), $51 (Best) | $15 per line (any plan, 12-month rate) | Same as single line price ($25/$35/$45) | $25 (10GB plan), $33 (Unlimited with hotspot) | $23 (Basic), $25 (Better), $40 (Best) | $25 (Basic plan) |
| Are Taxes Included? | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (on some plans) |
| Mobile Hotspot | Basic: None; Better: 30GB; Best: Unlimited (slows after 200GB) | Basic: Slow speed; Better: 60GB; Best: 250GB | Basic: 5GB; Better: 30GB; Best: 60GB (all slow down when used up) | 10GB (uses your plan data) | Unlimited (speed depends on plan: 5, 10, or 15 Mbps) | 15GB on $60 plan | Basic: Uses plan data; Better: 25GB; Best: 50GB | Uses your plan data (up to 50GB on Premium) |
| Video Quality | Basic: DVD quality; Better: HD; Best: Full HD (4K in some areas) | Basic: DVD quality; Better/Best: Up to 4K | Basic/Better: DVD quality; Best: 4K | DVD quality | Basic: DVD quality; Plus: HD; Pro: 4K | DVD quality (all plans) | Up to DVD quality | DVD quality (better on Dish network) |
| Travel Features | Basic/Better: Talk/Text/Data in Mexico/Canada; Best: Works in 210+ countries | Better: Works in Mexico/Canada & 215+ countries; Best: More data in those places | All plans: Works in Mexico/Canada; Best plan: Works in 20 Latin American countries | Free calls to Mexico/Canada; Can buy passes for other travel | Plus: Works in Mexico/Canada, 1 free global day/month; Pro: Calls to 85+ countries, 2 free global days | Works in Mexico/Canada on bigger plans; Texts to 37 countries | Best plan: Works in US/Mexico/Canada; Texts in 200+ countries; Calls to 50+ countries | Premium plan: 5GB in North America; Global calls & texts from US |
| Extra Perks | Choose your own $10 perks, Disney+ bundle (on best plan) | Netflix, Apple TV+ (Better/Best plans), Hulu (Best plan), 5-Year price lock | Security features, discounts for some workers (Best plan) | Low prices | Simple billing, Verizon network, smartwatch service (Pro) | Max streaming (with ads) on $60 plan, 150GB cloud storage | YouTube Premium (6 months), Google cloud storage, VPN | Phone deals, "$25 Forever" promise on basic plan |
| Customer Happiness | 74 out of 100 (OK) | 77 out of 100 (Good) | 78 out of 100 (Good) | 83 out of 100 (Very Good) | Not rated (Owned by Verizon) | 77 out of 100 (Good) | 77 out of 100 (Good) | 74 out of 100 (OK) |
| What Makes Them Special | Known for good coverage everywhere | Fastest 5G coverage | Reliable network with good coverage | Save money by paying months ahead | Simple plans with all taxes included | All taxes and fees included in price | Switches between networks for best signal | Can use multiple networks (Dish, AT&T, T-Mobile) |
What's the Difference Between MNOs and MVNOs?
Before we dive in, it helps to know there are two main types of cell phone companies:
MNOs (Mobile Network Operators): These are the big companies (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T) that own and build their own cell towers and networks.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): These smaller companies (Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket Wireless, Google Fi, and Boost Mobile) don't build their own networks. Instead, they pay to use the networks of the big companies.
Network Coverage: Who Has the Best Signal?
Having good signal is probably the most important thing about your cell phone service. Let's see how each company compares:
Verizon Wireless
- Covers over 99% of Americans with 4G LTE
- 5G service in hundreds of cities, reaching about 280 million people
- Known for having excellent coverage in rural areas
- Has "5G Ultra Wideband" in select areas for super-fast speeds
T-Mobile
- Largest 5G network, covering 332 million people across two million square miles
- 305 million people covered by their faster "Ultra Capacity 5G"
- 4G LTE covers about 43% of the US land area
- Has made big improvements in rural areas
AT&T
- Covers more than 99% of Americans
- 5G network reaches over 295 million people
- 4G LTE covers about 58% of US land area
- Strong overall network reliability
Mint Mobile
- Uses T-Mobile's network
- Good coverage in cities and along the East Coast
- May have spotty service in some rural Western areas
Visible
- Uses Verizon's network
- Benefits from Verizon's extensive coverage
- Higher-priced plans (Visible+ and Visible+ Pro) get access to faster "Ultra Wideband" service
Cricket Wireless
- Uses AT&T's network
- Coverage mirrors AT&T's footprint
Google Fi Wireless
- Primarily uses T-Mobile's network
- Also uses US Cellular in some areas
- Can automatically switch between networks for the best signal
- Covers 36% of US land area with 5G and 43% with 4G LTE
Boost Mobile
- Building its own network (Dish) that covers about 80% of Americans
- Also uses T-Mobile and AT&T networks for broader coverage
- Your specific coverage depends on which network you're assigned to when you sign up
The Bottom Line on Coverage: Verizon and AT&T generally have the most reliable coverage nationwide, especially in rural areas. T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage. MVNOs provide the same coverage as their parent networks, but their customers might get slower speeds during busy times.
Carrier Coverage Comparison: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T & Other Top Networks (5G & 4G LTE)
| Carrier | Main Network | 5G Coverage | 4G Coverage | Network Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon | 280 million people (Ultra fast in some areas); Wide regular 5G coverage | Covers over 99% of people in the US | Super-fast city 5G, mid-band 5G (good mix of speed and range), can use 4G and 5G at the same time |
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile | 332 million people / 2 million square miles; 305 million have access to faster "Ultra Capacity" 5G | Covers 43% of US land area | Strong mid-band 5G (good speed and range), low-band 5G (great range), city-based super-fast 5G, standalone 5G network |
| AT&T | AT&T | More than 295 million people | Covers 58% of US land area; reaches over 99% of people | Fast city 5G (5G+), wide-ranging 5G, shared 4G/5G signals, special emergency network (FirstNet) |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Uses T-Mobile's network technology |
| Visible | Verizon | Same as Verizon; Ultra-fast 5G available on Plus/Pro plans | Same as Verizon (over 99% of population) | Uses Verizon's network technology |
| Cricket | AT&T | Same as AT&T | Same as AT&T | Uses AT&T's network technology |
| Google Fi | T-Mobile, US Cellular | Same as T-Mobile (covers 36% of US land) | Same as T-Mobile (covers 43% of US land) | Switches between networks for best signal, works over Wi-Fi for calls |
| Boost Mobile | Dish, T-Mobile, AT&T | Dish's own network: 80% of population; Uses AT&T/T-Mobile networks elsewhere | Uses AT&T and T-Mobile networks | Dish's new "Open RAN" 5G network; Uses other big carriers' networks when needed |
Network Speed: Who's the Fastest?
When it comes to speed, here's how they stack up:
T-Mobile
- Currently the fastest overall with average download speeds around 223 Mbps
- 5G speeds average about 243 Mbps
- Consistently wins speed tests from independent testing companies
Verizon Wireless
- Average overall speed around 113 Mbps
- 5G speeds average about 185 Mbps
- "Ultra Wideband" 5G can be extremely fast where available
AT&T
- Average overall speed around 111 Mbps
- 5G speeds average about 133 Mbps
For MVNOs (Mint, Visible, Cricket, Google Fi, Boost):
- Speeds generally match their parent networks BUT
- Important point: MVNOs often experience "deprioritization" - this means their customers may get slower speeds when the network is busy, especially compared to customers who are directly with Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T
What is Deprioritization?
This is important to understand. Think of it like highway traffic:
- During normal times, everyone drives at full speed
- During rush hour (when networks are busy):
- Customers of the main carriers (especially those on premium plans) get to use the fast lanes
- MVNO customers and those on lower-tier plans get moved to slower lanes
Each carrier handles this differently:
- Mint Mobile: Slows you down after using 40GB on their unlimited plan
- Visible: Regular plan can be slowed anytime; Visible+ gives 50GB of priority data
- Cricket: May slow you during busy times; their $60 plan has priority data
- Google Fi: Slows after 15-100GB depending on your plan
- Boost Mobile: Slows after 30-50GB depending on your plan
Data Speed & Performance Comparison: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint & Others
| Carrier | Regular Download Speed | 5G Download Speed | How Often You Get 5G | Network Reliability | When Your Data Might Slow Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | 113.2 Mbps (good speed) | 185.26 Mbps (very fast) | Strong coverage, ultra-fast 5G growing | Tied for #1 most reliable (score: 898) | Basic plan: Can slow anytime; Plus plan: Only slows after using 30GB of hotspot data |
| T-Mobile | 222.63 Mbps (extremely fast) | 242.76 Mbps (extremely fast) | Best overall 5G coverage | Tied for #1 most reliable (score: 898); Best consistent quality (83.1%) | Essentials plan: After using 50GB (or possibly anytime) |
| AT&T | 111.07 Mbps (good speed) | 132.68 Mbps (fast) | Growing 5G coverage | Ranked 3rd for reliability | Starter plan: Can slow anytime |
| Mint Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | After using 40GB on Unlimited plan |
| Visible | Same as Verizon | Same as Verizon (ultra-fast 5G on Plus/Pro plans) | Same as Verizon | Same as Verizon | Basic plan: Can slow anytime; Plus plan: Always fast data |
| Cricket | Same as AT&T | Same as AT&T | Same as AT&T | Same as AT&T | Basic plan: Can slow anytime; $60 plan: Always fast data |
| Google Fi | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | Same as T-Mobile | After 30GB, 50GB, or 100GB depending on which plan you have |
| Boost Mobile | Varies (uses Dish/AT&T/T-Mobile); 5G users get about 167.39 Mbps (very fast) | Varies depending on which network you connect to | Varies depending on area | Varies depending on which network you connect to | After using 30GB on $25 Unlimited plan |
Pricing: What Will It Cost?
Let's break down the costs for both individuals and families:
For Single Lines (Monthly Price)
Major Carriers (Basic Unlimited Plans):
- Verizon Unlimited Welcome: $65
- T-Mobile Essentials Saver: $50-$55
- AT&T Value Plus VL: $51
Major Carriers (Premium Unlimited Plans):
- Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: $90
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: $100-$105
- AT&T Unlimited Premium PL: $86
MVNOs (Unlimited or High-Data Plans):
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: $30 (when paid annually)
- Visible Plan: $25 (all-inclusive)
- Visible+ Pro: $45 (all-inclusive)
- Cricket Unlimited + Hotspot: $60 (all-inclusive)
- Google Fi Unlimited Premium: $65
- Boost Mobile Unlimited: $25 (after intro)
For Families (4 Lines, Monthly Price)
Major Carriers (Basic Unlimited Plans):
- Verizon Unlimited Welcome: $120 ($30/line)
- T-Mobile Essentials: $100-$120 (with promotions)
- AT&T Unlimited Starter SL: $144 ($36/line)
Major Carriers (Premium Unlimited Plans):
- Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: $220 ($55/line)
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: $215 (with promotions)
- AT&T Unlimited Premium PL: $204 ($51/line)
MVNOs (Unlimited or High-Data Plans):
- Mint Mobile Family: $60 ($15/line with annual payment)
- Visible: $100 ($25/line)
- Cricket Unlimited: $100 ($25/line)
- Google Fi Unlimited Essentials: $90 ($22.50/line)
Extra Fees and Costs
Taxes and Fees:
- Included in advertised price: Visible, Cricket, Boost (premium plans)
- Extra on top of advertised price: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Mint Mobile, Google Fi, Boost (basic plan)
Activation Fees:
- Major carriers: Usually charge $35 per line
- MVNOs: Generally have lower or no activation fees, especially for online sign-ups
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
- Device payments can add $20-$50+ monthly
- International features may cost extra
- Premium features like hotspot data might require more expensive plans
Pricing, Plans & Value: Verizon Wireless vs T-Mobile vs AT&T vs Mint Mobile vs Visible vs Cricket Wireless vs Google Fi Wireless vs Boost Mobile
| Company & Plan | Monthly Cost (1 Phone) | Family Cost (Per Phone) | Taxes Included? | Extra Fees | Need a Contract? | Data Speed & Limits | Hotspot | Video Quality | Works in Other Countries | Extra Goodies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Basic | $65 | $30 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited but might slow down anytime | None | DVD quality (480p) | Mexico/Canada (2GB fast data/day); Text from US to other countries | Basic security features |
| Verizon Plus | $80 | $45 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited fast data on your phone | 30GB fast data, then slows down | HD quality (720p) | Mexico/Canada (2GB fast data/day); Text from US to other countries | Choose your own $10 perks |
| Verizon Ultimate | $90 | $55 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited fast data (slows after 200GB) | Unlimited (200GB fast, then slows) | Full HD (1080p) or 4K in some areas | Works in 210+ countries (15GB fast data) | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and your choice of $10 perks |
| T-Mobile Basic | $50-$55 | $28-$30 | No | $35 activation | No | 50GB fast data, then might slow down | Unlimited but slow speed (3G) | DVD quality (SD) | Mexico/Canada (slow data); Text to 210+ countries | Basic features |
| T-Mobile More | $85 | $43 (with deals) | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited fast data | 60GB fast data | Up to 4K | Mexico/Canada (15GB fast); 215+ countries (5GB fast) | Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, 5-year price promise |
| T-Mobile Beyond | $100-$105 | $54 (with deals) | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited fast data | 250GB fast data | Up to 4K | Mexico/Canada (30GB fast); 215+ countries (15GB fast) | Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, Hulu (with ads), Satellite, 5-year price promise |
| AT&T Starter | $66 | $36 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited but might slow down anytime | 5GB, then very slow | DVD quality (SD) | Mexico/Canada; Text from US to other countries | Security features |
| AT&T Extra | $76 | $41 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | 75GB fast data, then might slow down | 30GB, then very slow | DVD quality (SD) | Mexico/Canada; Text from US to other countries | Better security features |
| AT&T Premium | $86 | $51 | No | $35 activation | No (but phone payment plans lock you in) | Unlimited fast data that never slows | 60GB, then very slow | 4K | Mexico/Canada; Fast data in 20 Latin American countries | Better security, work/school discounts |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited | $30 (12-month plan) | $15 (12-month plan) | No | None | Pay 3, 6, or 12 months upfront | 40GB fast data, then slows down | 10GB (uses your plan data) | DVD quality | Free calls to Mexico/Canada; Can buy travel passes | Low prices |
| Visible Basic | $25 | $25 | Yes | None | Month-to-month or yearly | Unlimited but might slow down anytime | Unlimited (5 Mbps) | DVD quality | Talk/Text to Mexico/Canada | Simple billing, Verizon network |
| Visible Pro | $45 ($40 intro) | $45 ($40 intro) | Yes | None | Month-to-month or yearly | Unlimited fast data even in busy times | Unlimited (15 Mbps) | 4K | Mexico/Canada (2GB fast/day); Calls to 85+ countries; 2 travel days/month | Best Verizon access, smartwatch service included |
| Cricket Unlimited | $60 | $33 (4 lines for $130) | Yes | $25 (in stores only) | Month-to-month | Unlimited fast data | 15GB fast, then very slow | DVD quality | Mexico/Canada; Text to 37 countries | Max streaming (with ads), 150GB cloud storage |
| Google Fi Premium | $65 | $40 | No | None | Month-to-month | 100GB fast data, then slows down | 50GB (uses your plan data) | DVD quality | Works in USA/Mexico/Canada; Texts in 200+ countries; Calls to 50+ countries | YouTube Premium (6 months), Google cloud storage, VPN |
| Boost Mobile Premium | $60 | Varies (special deals available) | Yes | None (online signup) | Month-to-month | 50GB fast data, then slows down | Uses your plan data (up to 50GB) | DVD quality (better on Dish 5G) | North America (5GB); Global calls & texts from US | Phone deals |
Transparency in Pricing: Fees, Taxes & Contracts Compared Across Top Carriers
| Carrier | Signup or New Phone Fee | Is Tax Already in the Price? | Need to Sign a Contract? | Will Phone Payments Keep You Locked In? | Do They Promise Price Won't Change? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $35 | No - expect to pay more than advertised | No - you can leave anytime | Yes - if you're paying for a phone over 24-36 months | Yes - base plan price won't change for 3 years |
| T-Mobile | $35 | No for newer plans - expect to pay more than advertised | No - you can leave anytime | Yes - if you're paying for a phone over 24-36 months | Yes - main service price won't change for 5 years |
| AT&T | $35 (up to $50 for special phone deals) | No - expect to pay more than advertised | No - you can leave anytime | Yes - if you're paying for a phone over 24-36 months | No clear promise - but they often have phone deals |
| Mint Mobile | $0 (might need to buy a SIM card) | No - expect to pay more than advertised | No contract, but you pay 3, 6, or 12 months upfront | No - you can buy phones outright or pay with Affirm | No specific promise |
| Visible | $0 | Yes - the price you see is what you pay | No - pay monthly or yearly | No - you can buy phones outright or pay with Affirm | No specific promise |
| Cricket | $25 (only if you sign up in a store) | Yes - the price you see is what you pay | No - pay monthly | No - you can buy phones outright or pay with Affirm | No specific promise |
| Google Fi | $0 | No - expect to pay more than advertised | No - pay monthly | No - you can buy phones outright or pay with Affirm | No specific promise |
| Boost Mobile | $0 (if you sign up online) | Yes for Unlimited+ and Premium plans; No for Basic Unlimited | No - pay monthly | No - you can buy phones outright or pay with Affirm | Yes - "$25/month Forever" promise on basic unlimited plan with autopay |
Plan Features: What Do You Get?
Mobile Hotspot (Using Your Phone as WiFi)
Major Carriers (Top Plans):
- Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: 200GB high-speed, then 6 Mbps
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: 250GB high-speed
- AT&T Unlimited Premium: 60GB, then 128 Kbps
MVNOs:
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: 10GB
- Visible: Unlimited but speed capped (5-15 Mbps depending on plan)
- Cricket $60 Plan: 15GB
- Google Fi Unlimited Premium: 50GB
- Boost Mobile: Uses from your data bucket
Video Streaming Quality
Standard Definition (480p):
- Most basic unlimited plans from all carriers
- Most MVNO plans
HD (720p-1080p):
- Verizon Unlimited Plus: 720p
- Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: 1080p
- Visible+: 1080p
4K UHD:
- T-Mobile Experience plans
- AT&T Unlimited Premium
- Visible+ Pro
International Features
Best for Mexico & Canada:
- All major carriers include some Mexico/Canada usage
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: 30GB high-speed data
Best for Global Travel:
- Google Fi Unlimited Premium: Data and texts in 200+ countries
- Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: Data in 210+ countries
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: Data in 215+ countries
- AT&T Unlimited Premium: Unlimited data in 20 Latin American countries
Budget International Options:
- Mint Mobile: "Minternational Passes" for travel
- Visible+/Pro: Limited international features
- Boost Unlimited Premium: 5GB roaming in Canada/Mexico
Special Perks
Verizon:
- Disney Bundle, Apple One, or Walmart+ available as add-ons
- 3-year price guarantee
- Satellite texting in remote areas
T-Mobile:
- Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu included in premium plans
- 5-year price guarantee
- Weekly perks through T-Mobile Tuesdays app
AT&T:
- Security features with ActiveArmor
- Discounts for qualifying employers/organizations
MVNOs:
- Mint Mobile: Low prices with upfront payment
- Visible: All-inclusive pricing, unemployment protection
- Cricket: Max streaming included with top plan
- Google Fi: Built-in VPN, excellent international features
- Boost: Price guarantee on base plan
Maximizing Savings: Discounts and Promotions Verizon Wireless vs T-Mobile vs AT&T vs Mint Mobile vs Visible vs Cricket Wireless vs Google Fi Wireless vs Boost Mobile
| Carrier | Family Discounts | Discount for Auto-Pay | Discount for Bringing Your Own Phone | Deals for New Customers | Special Group Discounts | Other Ways to Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Yes - each extra line costs less | Yes - save $5-$10 per line when your bill pays itself | Yes - get bill credits (money off your bill) | Yes - big discounts on new phones paid as bill credits over 24-36 months | Yes - for military, nurses, teachers, first responders, seniors | N/A |
| T-Mobile | Yes - each extra line costs less | Yes - save $5-$10 per line when your bill pays itself | Yes - bill credits and "Keep & Switch" deals to pay off your old phone | Yes - big discounts on new phones paid as bill credits over 24-36 months | Yes - for military, seniors, first responders | N/A |
| AT&T | Yes - each extra line costs less | Yes - save $5-$10 per line (usually need to use a bank account) | Yes - get bill credits (money off your bill) | Yes - big discounts on new phones paid as bill credits over 24-36 months | Yes - "Signature Program" for employees of many companies, schools, unions | N/A |
| Mint Mobile | Yes - Family Plan starts at 2 lines using 12-month pricing | No - price already includes all discounts | Yes - works with most unlocked phones that use T-Mobile bands | Yes - intro rates for first 3 months, some phone deals | No | Biggest savings when you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront |
| Visible | No - price is already low for each line | No - price already includes all discounts | Yes - works with most unlocked phones compatible with Verizon | Yes - device deals and promo codes often available | No | Refer-a-Friend credits ($20 per friend), Connection Protection for outages |
| Cricket | Yes - big savings with multiple lines | No - price already includes all discounts | Yes - works with most unlocked phones compatible with AT&T | Yes - phone deals and discounts when you pay for multiple months | No | Save by paying for multiple months in advance |
| Google Fi | Yes - big discounts for each extra line | No - price already includes all discounts | Yes - works with most unlocked phones (phones "Made for Fi" work best) | Yes - phone deals and trade-in offers | No | Flexible plan with "Bill Protection" (you only pay up to a data cap) |
| Boost Mobile | Yes - deals like 2nd line half-price, 3rd line free on basic plan | Yes - save $5 per line when your bill pays itself | Yes - special promos for bringing your own phone | Yes - big discounts on phones, intro rates | No | "$25/month Forever" promise on basic unlimited plan with auto-pay |
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Customer Service: Who Treats You Best?
Based on customer satisfaction surveys and reviews:
Top-Rated for Customer Service:
- Google Fi and Mint Mobile consistently earn high ratings
- T-Mobile leads among major carriers
Mid-Tier Customer Service:
- AT&T and Cricket receive mixed reviews
- Visible's chat-only support works well for simple issues
Lower-Rated Customer Service:
- Verizon often criticized for complex billing and long wait times
- Boost Mobile has the lowest satisfaction scores
Important to Remember:
- MVNOs typically offer online or phone support only
- Major carriers provide store locations for in-person help
- Support quality can vary greatly depending on your specific issue
What Type of User Are You? Recommendations
Best for Budget-Conscious Individuals
- Mint Mobile: If you can pay upfront for multiple months
- Visible: For simple, all-inclusive pricing on Verizon's network
Best for Families
- T-Mobile: Good balance of features and value with promotions
- Cricket: Affordable family plans with all taxes included
- Mint Family: Lowest per-line cost with annual payment
Best for Rural Coverage
- Verizon: Most reliable rural coverage
- AT&T: Strong rural presence
- Visible: Access to Verizon's network at lower cost
Best for Fastest 5G Experience
- T-Mobile: Most consistent 5G speeds nationwide
- Verizon: Extremely fast in "Ultra Wideband" areas
Best for Frequent International Travelers
- Google Fi Unlimited Premium: Excellent global coverage
- T-Mobile Experience Beyond: Good alternative with extensive coverage
Best for Simplicity
- Visible: All-inclusive pricing, straightforward plans
- Cricket: Clear pricing with taxes included
Detailed Carrier Profiles
Verizon Wireless
Strengths:
- Most reliable coverage, especially in rural areas
- Fast "Ultra Wideband" 5G where available
- Customizable perks system
- Strong network reputation
Weaknesses:
- Higher prices than competitors
- Customer service often criticized
- Basic unlimited plan lacks hotspot feature
Best For: People who need reliable coverage everywhere, especially in rural areas, and are willing to pay more for it.
T-Mobile
Strengths:
- Fastest overall network speeds
- Most extensive 5G coverage
- Strong value with promotions and perks
- Generally good customer service
Weaknesses:
- Rural coverage still catching up in some areas
- Recent move to add taxes and fees separately
- Can be inconsistent in some regions
Best For: Tech-savvy users who want fast 5G speeds and value included perks like streaming services.
AT&T
Strengths:
- Reliable nationwide coverage
- Strong in rural areas
- Unique Latin American roaming on premium plan
- Security features included
Weaknesses:
- 5G speeds lag behind competitors
- Higher prices for features
- Customer service mixed reviews
Best For: Business users who need reliable coverage and security features, or travelers to Latin America.
Mint Mobile
Strengths:
- Extremely low prices with annual payment
- Uses T-Mobile's growing network
- Simple, straightforward plans
- Good customer satisfaction
Weaknesses:
- Requires upfront payment for best rates
- Subject to deprioritization
- No physical stores for support
Best For: Budget-conscious individuals who can pay upfront and primarily use their phone in urban/suburban areas.
Visible
Strengths:
- All-inclusive pricing (no surprise fees)
- Uses Verizon's extensive network
- Unlimited hotspot on all plans
- Simple plan structure
Weaknesses:
- Data can be slowed during busy times
- Support limited to online chat
- Some users report inconsistent speeds
Best For: People who want Verizon's network at a much lower price and don't mind potential speed variations.
Cricket Wireless
Strengths:
- Taxes and fees included in price
- Uses AT&T's reliable network
- Physical store locations
- Competitive family plan pricing
Weaknesses:
- Data can be deprioritized
- Video quality restrictions
- Limited perks compared to major carriers
Best For: Families looking for simple, predictable pricing on AT&T's network.
Google Fi Wireless
Strengths:
- Outstanding international coverage
- Network switching technology
- Built-in security features
- High customer satisfaction
Weaknesses:
- Not the cheapest for domestic-only use
- Best features require "Designed for Fi" phones
- Limited device selection
Best For: Frequent international travelers and tech-savvy users who value simplicity and security.
Boost Mobile
Strengths:
- Aggressive promotional pricing
- Building its own network
- Access to multiple networks (potentially)
- "$25/mo. Forever" guarantee on base plan
Weaknesses:
- Lowest customer satisfaction scores
- Inconsistent network experience
- Activation issues reported
- Service quality varies by location
Best For: Very price-conscious consumers who are willing to tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
Customer Service & Satisfaction: Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T vs Mint vs Visible & More
| Carrier | Customer Service Rating | Store Experience Rating | Overall Satisfaction Score | Magazine Reader Rating | What Customers Like | What Customers Don't Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Average (819) - Below T-Mobile | Average (819) - Below T-Mobile | 74 out of 100 | Not among the best | Reliable network, helpful reps for business customers | High prices, billing mistakes, hard to reach a real person, long wait times |
| T-Mobile | Best among big carriers (837) | Best among big carriers (832) | 77 out of 100 | Top rated big carrier | Helpful staff, quick fixes, easy setup | Different experience depending on who helps you, surprise charges, some unhelpful reps |
| AT&T | Average (819) - Below T-Mobile | Average (819) - Below T-Mobile | 78 out of 100 (highest among big carriers) | Not among the best | Knowledgeable staff (sometimes), good store experiences (sometimes) | High prices, slow to respond to problems, billing issues |
| Mint Mobile | Very high (857) - 2nd best among budget carriers | Best among budget carriers (873) | 83 out of 100 (very high) | Highly rated budget carrier | Friendly help from real people, easy to find help phone number | Terrible if you have complicated problems, online/phone only (no stores) |
| Visible | Good (821) - 3rd among budget carriers | Good (856) - 3rd among budget carriers | Not listed separately (owned by Verizon) | Rated well in previous year | Good chat support (for some people), easy app and website | Chat-only support is frustrating for big problems, long waits, problems with fastest 5G access |
| Cricket | Good (832) - 3rd among AT&T-style carriers | Good (847) - 3rd among AT&T-style carriers | 77 out of 100 | Not listed (owned by AT&T) | Helpful store staff, professional support (sometimes) | Billing problems, support quality depends on who helps you |
| Google Fi | Not rated | Not rated | 77 out of 100 | Overall winner | Quick online support, good for tech-savvy people, works great when traveling internationally | App problems showing data usage, slower speeds in busy areas, issues with international use or pausing service |
| Boost Mobile | Not rated | Not rated | 74 out of 100 | Not among the best | Some good deals at stores | Very poor customer reviews, unreliable service, activation problems, unhelpful reps |
Making Your Decision: Steps to Follow
- Check coverage in your area: Visit carrier websites to view coverage maps for your home, work, and places you visit frequently.
- Calculate your true monthly cost: Remember to include taxes, fees, and device payments.
- Assess your data needs: Track how much data you typically use to avoid paying for more than you need.
- Consider family needs: Family plans offer big savings but require coordinating everyone's needs.
- Take advantage of trials: Many carriers offer trial periods or money-back guarantees.
- Ask about promotions: Special offers change frequently - always ask what current promotions are available.
- Read the fine print: Understand deprioritization policies, contract terms, and what happens if you cancel.
Common Myths About Cell Phone Carriers
Myth #1: "The big carriers always have better coverage than MVNOs."
Truth: MVNOs use the exact same networks as the major carriers. Mint Mobile customers get the same coverage map as T-Mobile customers. The difference is in potential data prioritization during busy times, not coverage area.
Myth #2: "Unlimited plans are truly unlimited."
Truth: Almost all "unlimited" plans have fine print. They may slow your speeds after a certain amount of data, limit hotspot usage, or reduce video quality. Read the details to understand the limits.
Myth #3: "Switching carriers is complicated and takes a long time."
Truth: Most switches can be completed in under an hour. With number portability laws, you can keep your phone number when switching. Many carriers now handle the entire process for you.
Myth #4: "You need to buy a new phone when switching carriers."
Truth: Most modern phones are compatible with multiple carriers. Phones may need to be unlocked, but you often don't need a new device. Always check compatibility before switching.
Myth #5: "Prepaid service is lower quality than postpaid."
Truth: The network is exactly the same. The differences are in customer service options, billing methods, and potentially data prioritization—not the actual network technology or coverage.
How to Prepare for Switching Carriers
If you decide to switch, here's how to make it smooth:
1. Check Device Compatibility
Visit the new carrier's website and use their compatibility checker with your phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it).
2. Unlock Your Phone
If your phone is paid off, your current carrier must unlock it upon request. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
3. Back Up Your Data
Make sure your contacts, photos, and important information are backed up before switching.
4. Get Account Information Ready
You'll need:
- Account number from current carrier
- PIN or password for your account
- Last 4 digits of account holder's Social Security number
- All phone numbers you want to transfer
5. Time It Right
- Switch near the end of your billing cycle to avoid paying for unused service
- Avoid switching during major holidays when customer service might be slower
- Keep your old service active until the new service is confirmed working
6. Keep Your Number
Request a "port-in" to keep your existing phone number. Don't cancel your old service first—the new carrier will handle this during the switch.
Choosing a phone provider in 2025? Compare Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T against budget-friendly options like Mint and Visible, plus Google Fi and Boost Mobile. Analyze coverage maps, plan costs, and phone options to make the right choice.