Tired of paying more just to get a plan with international calling, even if you barely use it? If you're comparing Boost Mobile and Lyca Mobile, you're probably trying to figure out if it's smarter to go with affordable data or built-in global calling.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which one actually fits your needs.
Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile's biggest advantage is its low-cost unlimited plan-$25 a month for 30GB of high-speed data.
Lyca Mobile's plans start at $19 per month, but they focus more on including international calling rather than giving you the most data for the lowest price.
Takeaway: If you want the cheapest data possible, Boost Mobile is the clear winner. If you need international calling, Lyca Mobile offers more built-in options, but you'll pay a premium.
Boost Mobile plans
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Lyca Mobile plans
Lyca Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyca Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile coverage
Winner: Both
Coverage isn't a dealbreaker with either carrier. Boost Mobile and Lyca Mobile both use T-Mobile's network, giving you the same coverage in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.
T-Mobile ranks highest for 5G availability, according to OpenSignal's 2025 report, so if you live in a city or suburban area, both carriers will serve you well.
Takeaway: With identical coverage, your decision comes down to price, data, and international features.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Lyca Mobile coverage
Lyca Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Does one offer faster performance?
Winner: Lyca Mobile
Boost Mobile's plans come with high-speed data of 30GB, whereas Lyca Mobile unlimited plans come with 60GB of high speed data.
But when it comes to data speeds, both carriers provide access to T-Mobile's fast 5G and 4G LTE networks.
Features and extras: Who gives you better perks?
Winner: Lyca Mobile
Lyca Mobile's standout feature is its free international calling to select countries, included in every plan. If you call overseas often, this can be a major money saver.
Boost Mobile focuses more on domestic perks, like free mobile hotspot use on every plan and easy online account management.
Takeaway: If international calls are a must-have, Lyca Mobile wins. But if you want affordable data with free hotspot access, Boost Mobile is the smarter choice.
Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Boost Mobile | Lyca Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T & T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | No |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm | Mon-Sat 9am to 10pm / Sun 10am to 8pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | Yes |
| International Calls | No | Yes - Unlimited in 70+ countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier fits your needs best?
- Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
- Best for single-line plans → Boost Mobile
- Best for international calling → Lyca Mobile
- Best for easy plan management → Boost Mobile
Bottom line: If you need cheap, flexible data, Boost Mobile is the clear winner. If you make a lot of international calls, Lyca Mobile's built-in global minutes could be worth the extra cost.
See if Boost Mobile is right for you with our Boost Mobile review.
See if Lycamobile is right for you with our Lycamobile review.
Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile FAQs
Lyca Mobile includes free international calls to select countries on all plans. Boost Mobile offers international add-ons but doesn't include them by default.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Both carriers focus on online support, so you'll manage your account and handle issues through their websites or apps.
Why you can trust me
For over 15 years, I've helped people cut their phone bills without cutting their service. I've personally tested Boost Mobile, Lyca Mobile, Mint Mobile and many other prepaid carriers, so I know exactly how they stack up in real life.
At MoneySavingPro, my goal is simple: help you save money without the headaches. I dig into the fine print, call out sneaky fees, and make sure you know the truth before you switch.
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