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Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile: Low-cost flexibility or cable bundle savings?

I've compared Boost Mobile & Optimum Mobile plans, coverage & features.

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Are you stuck thinking you have to bundle your phone plan with your internet just to save money?

Boost Mobile and Optimum Mobile both offer access to the T-Mobile network, though their plans and pricing vary. Boost Mobile keeps it straightforward with its prepaid plans and no contracts, while Optimum Mobile offers flexibility by bundling their plans with internet services for potential savings.

So, which option truly offers the better value?

Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile plans

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile offers low-cost prepaid plans that are available to anyone, no strings attached. Whether you want just a little data or a full unlimited plan, Boost's pricing beats most competitors with no internet bundle required.

Optimum Mobile's prices look cheap at first glance, but that's only if you're also an Optimum internet customer. If you want phone service on its own, the rates jump up significantly.

Takeaway: If you don't have Optimum Internet, Boost Mobile is the clear winner. Even if you do, Boost's unlimited plan costs less than Optimum's smaller plans.

Boost Mobile plans

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
See at Boost Mobile
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Boost Mobile unlimited data planAT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$25/mo
Boost Mobile unlimited data planAT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$50/mo
Boost Mobile unlimited data planAT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$60/mo

See all Boost Mobile plans

Optimum Mobile plans

Image of cell phone with Optimum Mobile

Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
View Plans
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Optimum Mobile 1GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage1GB$15/mo
Optimum Mobile 3GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage3GB$25/mo
Optimum Mobile unlimited data planT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$45/mo
Optimum Mobile unlimited data planT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$55/mo

Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile coverage

Winner: Both

Boost Mobile and Optimum Mobile both use T-Mobile's network, so you'll get the same coverage in cities, suburbs, and most rural areas.

T-Mobile's network ranks number one for 5G availability, according to the OpenSignal's 2025 report, making both carriers a solid choice for fast speeds in urban and suburban areas.

Boost Mobile coverage

Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Boost Mobile coverage map

Boost Mobile coverage map

Optimum Mobile coverage

Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Optimum Mobile coverage map

Optimum Mobile coverage map


Data speeds: Who offers faster performance?

Winner: Both

Since both carriers run on T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE networks, your speeds will be the same in most areas.

Boost Mobile's unlimited plan includes 30GB of high-speed data, while Optimum Mobile's unlimited plan caps high-speed data at 20-50GB depending on the plan. After that, speeds may be slower in high-traffic situations, but most people won't notice a difference day to day.

Takeaway: Boost Mobile gives you more high-speed data for less money, making it the better deal for data-hungry users.


Features and extras: Who gives you more?

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile focuses on simple savings with free mobile hotspot usage on all plans. There are no cable bundles or confusing perks, just low-cost prepaid service.

Optimum Mobile's main "perk" is its discounted pricing for Optimum internet customers, but there aren't many extras beyond that.

Takeaway: If you want affordable prepaid service with no gimmicks, Boost Mobile is the clear winner.

Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile plan features

Carrier FeaturesBoost MobileOptimum Mobile
NetworksAT&T & T-MobileT-Mobile
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkGSMGSM
Mobile HotspotYesYes
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractPrepaidPrepaid
Credit CheckNoNo
Customer ServiceMon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pmMon-Fri 8am to 10pm / Sat-Sun 8am to 8pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingNoYes
Visual VoicemailYesYes
Multi-line DiscountsYesNo
Multi-month DiscountsNoNo
International CallsNoYes - As add-on
International RoamingNoYes

Final verdict: Which carrier fits your needs best?

  • Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
  • Best for single-line plans → Boost Mobile
  • Best for existing Optimum customers → Optimum Mobile
  • Best for flexibility → Boost Mobile

Bottom line: If you want an affordable phone plan without needing to bundle with home internet, Boost Mobile wins hands down. Optimum Mobile only makes sense if you already have Optimum internet and even then, Boost Mobile's prices are hard to beat.

Find out more with our Boost Mobile review.

See how Optimum compares with our Optimum Mobile review.


Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile FAQs

No, but you'll pay higher prices if you don't have Optimum internet service.

Boost Mobile offers affordable international add-ons, while Optimum Mobile's options are more limited.

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 offer family plan discounts, but Boost Mobile's lower prices make it a better deal for multiple lines.


Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping people save money on phone plans, and I've personally tested Boost Mobile, Tello, Visible, and many other low-cost carriers. I know which deals are real-and which ones are just marketing hype.

At MoneySavingPro, we dig into the fine print, compare real-world performance, and expose hidden fees so you can make a smart switch without surprises.

Boost Mobile comparison guides

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