If you're tired of watching your phone bill creep up every month, you're not alone. Whether you're with Straight Talk already or just weighing your prepaid options, Boost Mobile and Straight Talk both offer budget-friendly plans-but they approach savings differently.
Straight Talk provides familiar options with straightforward offerings, while Boost Mobile focuses on simplicity and low-cost plans that are easy to understand.
So, which carrier offers the better value for your needs?
Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile sticks to the basics of prepaid savings, offering simple, low-cost plans that anyone can sign up for, with no contracts or bundle requirements.
Straight Talk offers a wider range of plans, including unlimited options and international add-ons, but its prices tend to be higher than Boost Mobile, partly because it's sold through retailers like Walmart.
Takeaway: If you want the cheapest plan with no strings attached, Boost Mobile's lower prices win hands down. Straight Talk might appeal if you want to buy everything (phone + plan) in one place, but that convenience comes at a cost.
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 |
Straight Talk plans
Straight Talk unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Talk 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk coverage
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, while Straight Talk now only offers access to Verizon's network.
As per the OpenSignal 2025 mobile network experience report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, giving Boost an advantage in cities and suburbs.
Meanwhile, the RootMetrics 2024 report ranks Verizon higher for rural reliability, which can benefit Straight Talk customers.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Straight Talk coverage
Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Straight Talk coverage map
Data speeds: Who delivers better performance?
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile customers get full-speed access to T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network, which is consistently one of the fastest in the country, according to the Speedtest Global Index 2025.
Takeaway: If speed matters and you stay under 30GB per month, Boost Mobile offers faster performance for less money.
Features and extras: Who gives you more for your money?
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile keeps things simple and affordable, including free hotspot access on all plans and budget-friendly international calling add-ons.
Straight Talk adds more international options, and also offers multi-line discounts, which could save larger families some money. However, these extras come with higher monthly prices.
Takeaway: If you need international calling to more destinations or family plan discounts, Straight Talk offers more. But for simple, affordable service, Boost Mobile is still the better deal.
Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk plan features
| Carrier Features | Boost Mobile | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T & T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes - with certain plans |
| 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-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| 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 | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | No | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier offers better value?
- Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
- Best for prepaid flexibility → Boost Mobile
- Best for international options → Straight Talk
- Best for family plans → Straight Talk
Bottom line: If you want a low-cost plan with no unnecessary extras, Boost Mobile is the clear winner. If you need international calling to more countries or family discounts, Straight Talk might work, but you'll pay more.
Check out our Boost Mobile review for more.
Find out if Straight Talk fits your needs with our Straight Talk review.
Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk FAQs
Straight Talk offers family plan savings, while Boost Mobile focuses on single-line savings.
Yes. Most modern phones are compatible as long as they are unlocked.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Boost Mobile includes taxes and fees upfront, while Straight Talk adds them to your bill.
Why you can trust me
After 15 years working in telecom across the UK and US, and 8 years running MoneySavingPro, I've helped over 50,000 people ditch overpriced plans.
I've personally reviewed over 100 prepaid carriers-testing coverage, speeds, and customer service-so you know exactly what to expect.
Whether you want the cheapest plan or the best coverage for your area, I'm here to help you save without the stress.
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