Verizon Prepaid

Verizon is well known for its vast LTE coverage and that carries over to the prepaid plans with lower prices on data. You can mix different plan sizes and still get multi-line savings so you don't have to buy any more data than you need. This can be a great option for families that need a lot of flexibility and great coverage.

Verizon Prepaid

Huge network

Huge LTE network

Hotspot included

Easy international options

Custom Multi-line savings

No hotspot on unlimited

Double data only for new lines

Boost Mobile

All things considered, Boost Mobile is a great budget option for many people, especially if they want to stay in touch with people in Mexico. Even with the 3GB plan, adding data is reasonably cheap and will be cost-effective for many light users. Unlimited music streaming on the 3GB plan stretches your data even further.

Boost Mobile

Unlimited data for less

Hotspot data with every plan

Great options for Mexico

5G capable plan

Much smaller network

No international travel options

While Boost Mobile will be a good option for many people, there's no getting around the fact that the Sprint network has a significantly smaller footprint than Verizon. While Boost's network covers the majority of where Americans live in cities in towns, there are going to dead zones on long drives or heading out into the country, especially with data. Verizon Prepaid takes advantage of the huge Verizon network and offers enough data for most people at a reasonable cost. For people that travel often or just need a bit more reliability, it's hard to beat Verizon.

The network advantage

Verizon has a legendary network reputation, especially if you're from a rural area. This reputation is well-earned with a consistent position near the top of network test results and consistent improvements making sure it stays there. That's not to say that Sprint has been completely stationary, with its own improvements improving service and speed where its network is strong, but it still lags behind Verizon in nearly every aspect. Still, there are places where Sprint performs and if you spend most of your time there, Boost Mobile can be a great way to use it.

Coverage

Verizon Prepaid's coverage is a reflection of most Verizon-based MVNOs, meaning you get the Verizon network without some of its roaming partners. Unfortunately, that also means there are a few places you won't get service where a postpaid Verizon customer will, but these gaps are few and far between. Still, check out Verizon's coverage map (opens in new tab) to be sure. You're set anywhere you see dark red.

Boost Mobile mainly uses Sprint's network for its coverage. One important thing to understand is that Sprint has many roaming agreements in place for its postpaid subscribers to fill in coverage gaps all across the country. If you're used to Sprint's postpaid coverage, be absolutely sure to check the coverage map (opens in new tab). At least you get Sprint's 5G access if you're in a covered city.

Sprint, and therefore Boost Mobile, is now under the T-Mobile umbrella and it's starting to show. This will be a good thing for the majority of people since T-Mobile's network is much denser in many areas. Only a few Boost Mobile phones (opens in new tab) can currently use it, and you'll need to be in select areas in or around Colorado, Kansas, Pittsburgh, or Texas. This bodes well for the future but still leaves quite a few people out.

Verizon Prepaid plans

Verizon offers one unlimited plan alongside a collection of generous data plans. All of the data plans come with hotspot capability, although the unlimited plan leaves that function out. If you're signing up with a new line, you can get a double data promotion, which brings the data offerings up to 1GB, 6GB, and 16GB. Most people will find themselves comfortable with one of these plans but heavier users could move up to the unlimited plan. Like most modern phone plans, domestic calling and texting are unlimited.

You can create a family plan by adding additional lines and you get a discount that increases with the plan you choose. The 1GB plan does not get a discount, but you can get a large data package for the same price with the discount.

If you plan to travel internationally and want your Verizon service to work, you can add a one-day TravelPass (opens in new tab) to your account. A TravelPass costs $5 for service in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. All other supported countries come in at $10 per day. Keep

International calling is also available at a per-minute rate depending on the country (opens in new tab) The two largest plans come with free calling to Canada and Mexico included.

Boost Mobile plans

Boost Mobile's plans start small with a 2GB and 3GB plan coming in at $30 and $35 per month, respectively. These plans share their data with the hotspot but if you like to stream music on your phone it doesn't count against your data. One of the easiest ways to save money is to add multiple lines which can bring the cost per line down significantly.

If you run out of data on your 3GB plan, you can add data at $5 per gigabyte. You can also add support for calling to international locations with an add on. The Todo Mexico add on adds calling to Mexico as well as 8GB of roaming data in Mexico for $5 per month. For more countries, you'll need the $10 International Connect Plus add on.

Which phone can I use?

You'll need a phone compatible with the parent network for either service. Boost Mobile sells a wide range of phones (opens in new tab) including Androids and iPhones at all price ranges. It's worth keeping in mind that some of the higher-end phones and none of the iPhones are compatible with the extended T-Mobile-based network. You'll also need to buy those phones in a supported store.

If you want to bring your own phone, you'll need one compatible with Boost Mobile. You can check your IMEI on Boost's site (opens in new tab). Keep in mind that not all Sprint phones can be activated on Boost Mobile.

Verizon Prepaid sells a similar range (opens in new tab) of phones, including plenty of Android and iPhone options. You should be able to bring your own Verizon compatible phone. You can check compatibility (opens in new tab) on Verizon's site before signing up.

Which works for you?

Most people will be able to find a plan that works for them. The main issue is Boost Mobile's network coverage can't compare to Verizon's. If you have Sprint coverage or are willing and able to use the T-Mobile enhanced network, you can get a lot of data for a great cost. When it comes to most people, however, Verizon Prepaid's 6GB or 16GB data plans will be more than enough and the network makes coverage an afterthought. Overall, with a solid phone selection, a great network, and legendary reliability, Verizon Prepaid is a better fit for most people.

Verizon Prepaid

Plenty of data and coverage
Verizon Prepaid brings Verizon's massive network and reliability to cheaper plans with no contract required. You can even mix plans to make the perfect family plan.

Boost Mobile

Tons of data and improving coverage
If you're covered by Boost Mobile's network, you can get a ton of data for a great price. Add ons make calls to Mexico a bargain, especially with multiple lines.