If you’ve been a Verizon Wireless customer for years, you may have come to like the mobile provider’s comprehensive network coverage and fast 5G speeds. But if Verizon’s plan prices are getting too steep for your budget, you may have an alternative: Visible Wireless.
Visible Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that runs on Verizon’s network. Visible Wireless is known for its lower-cost unlimited prepaid wireless plans and transparent, straightforward pricing. Switching to the mobile carrier might allow Verizon customers to save money while still keeping the network they’ve used for years.
But switching to Visible Wireless doesn’t make sense for everyone. Before you leave Verizon, it’s important to understand if switching could actually lower your bill and what you might have to give up to save money.
1. Compare the cost
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Let’s take a look at how the most similar Visible and Verizon plans compare in cost. The Visible base plan and single-line Verizon Simplicity plan are the most similar plans, so we’ll start by comparing them.
Verizon’s standard Simplicity plan price is $45 per month per line with Auto Pay and paper-free billing ($55 without Auto Pay). The $30 price currently advertised requires a $15-per-month Switch & Save or Bring a Number discount. It includes 5G Ultra Wideband coverage, 10 GB of mobile hotspot data and talk, text and data to Mexico and Canada.
The base Visible plan normally costs $25 per month, though eligible new customers can currently get it for $19 per month with a promotional offer. The Visible plan includes unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks and unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada. While Verizon’s Simplicity plan limits mobile hotspot use to 10 GB per month, the Visible plan includes unlimited mobile hotspot use.
If you need multiple lines, you’ll want to compare the total cost carefully. Verizon’s Simplicity plan normally costs $45 per line with Auto Pay, though qualifying lines can receive a $15 monthly discount. Visible plans are designed for individual lines, so you’ll need a separate account for each line you want to move to Visible.
This is just a base comparison, and you’ll need to compare your current Verizon plan to a comparable Visible plan to see how much you might save. Don’t forget to factor in any discounts you currently receive from Verizon when calculating your potential savings.
2. Consider coverage and data
Though Visible uses Verizon’s network, the service experience isn’t necessarily identical. Customers on Visible’s base plan may experience temporarily slower speeds when the network is congested because their data can be deprioritized behind other traffic. Speeds return to normal once network demand eases.
Pay attention to data, hotspot access and other important features, too. The base Visible plan includes unlimited data, talk and text. Visible+ includes unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus 50 GB per month of premium data on 5G and 4G LTE when Ultra Wideband isn’t available.
According to Visible, premium data isn’t slowed because of data prioritization, which can help customers avoid the congestion-related slowdowns that may affect the base plan.
Visible+ normally costs $35 per month, though eligible new customers can currently get it for $29 per month. At the promotional price, you’d save just $1 per month compared with Verizon’s promotional $30 Simplicity plan.
Hotspot access is another difference to consider. The base Visible plan includes unlimited mobile hotspot data at speeds up to 5 Mbps, while Visible+ increases hotspot speeds to up to 10 Mbps. Verizon’s Simplicity plan includes 10 GB of high-speed hotspot data, with speeds reduced to up to 1 Mbps after that allowance is used.
Consider how you typically use your phone, including how often you rely on mobile hotspot data, when deciding which plan offers the better fit and value.
3. Look at what else you’re getting
Visible offers lower-cost plans, but they don’t include some of the perks that Verizon offers. Though Visible offers deals like savings on plans when you purchase a year of service upfront, Verizon offers a more extensive selection of deals.
Verizon generally offers a broader selection of phone promotions and upgrade offers. Visible also offers device deals and financing, but shoppers looking for promotions on the newest phones should compare both carriers before switching.
The mobile providers also differ in customer service. Verizon has brick-and-mortar locations where you can receive in-person help, plus you can get help by phone or chat. Visible’s customer service is limited to online and chat options. Visible doesn’t operate brick-and-mortar locations, but its SIM cards are available at Best Buy stores.
All in all, you’ll have more options with Verizon, including a broader selection of plans that often come with more perks, like free streaming services. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a move to Visible isn’t worth it, though, especially if you’re paying for phone plan perks that you aren’t using.
Is switching from Verizon to Visible worth it?
If your priority is to lower your monthly phone bill and save on your cell phone plan, switching to Visible might make sense. However, Verizon may still offer a better overall value for families or customers who use its discounts and perks, or who plan to upgrade their phones more often.
Take some time to compare your actual bill and your potential annual savings. Think about how you use your phone and the services that are most important to you before you decide to switch to Visible.