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Boost Mobile vs Tracfone: Lower prices or pay-as-you-go flexibility?

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

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Trying to cut your phone bill without getting stuck in a contract-or paying for features you never use? If you're torn between Boost Mobile and Tracfone, you're not alone.

Boost Mobile keeps things straightforward with no-contract plans and unlimited data offerings. Meanwhile, Tracfone provides flexibility by allowing you to pay only for the service you need, with options ranging from basic to more comprehensive plans.

So how do these two stack up against each other?

Boost Mobile vs Tracfone plans

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile offers affordable, straightforward monthly plans with no contracts and no surprises. Whether you need a little data or unlimited, you know exactly what you're paying upfront.

Tracfone's claim to fame is its pay-as-you-go flexibility. You can buy a block of minutes, texts, and data and use them however you want-but it can get expensive if you're a heavier user.

Takeaway: Boost Mobile wins for affordable monthly plans, while Tracfone only makes sense for very light users who barely touch their phones.

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

Tracfone plans

Image of cell phone with Tracfone

Tracfone 20GB plan

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text with 20GB data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tracfone
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tracfone 1GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage1GB$15/mo
Tracfone 4GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage4GB$20/mo
Tracfone 6GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage6GB$25/mo
Tracfone 10GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage10GB$30/mo
Tracfone 20GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage20GB$40/mo

Boost Mobile vs Tracfone coverage

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile uses AT&T and T-Mobile's network, offering great speeds and coverage-especially in cities and suburban areas. According to OpenSignal's 2025 mobile network experience report, T-Mobile leads the way in 5G availability.

Tracfone now only operates on Verizon's network.

Takeaway: Both carriers offer reliable coverage, but Boost Mobile's access to T-Mobile 5G coverage makes it the winner.

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

Tracfone coverage

Tracfone is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Tracfone coverage map

Tracfone coverage map


Data speeds: Who delivers faster performance?

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile gives you full-speed access to T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE networks, which are consistently among the fastest in the U.S., according to the Speedtest Global Index 2025. With their unlimited plans you'll get 35GB of high-speed data.

Tracfone doesn't offer an unlimited plan, but they offer a range of data options to choose from.


Features and extras: Who gives you more for your money?

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile includes free mobile hotspot access on all plans, plus affordable international calling add-ons if you need them.

Tracfone focuses more on pay-as-you-go flexibility than extra features. There's no included hotspot access, and international calling requires purchasing separate cards.

Takeaway: If you want more perks at no extra cost, Boost Mobile is the better value.

Boost Mobile vs Tracfone plan features

Carrier FeaturesBoost MobileTracfone
NetworksAT&T & T-MobileVerizon
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkGSMCDMA & GSM
Mobile HotspotYesYes - One plan
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractPrepaidPrepaid
Credit CheckNoNo
Customer ServiceMon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pmMon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingNoYes
Visual VoicemailYesYes
Multi-line DiscountsYesNo
Multi-month DiscountsNoYes
International CallsNoYes - As add-on
International RoamingNoNo

Final verdict: Which carrier offers better value?

  • Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
  • Best for flexibility → Tracfone
  • Best for reliable speeds → Boost Mobile
  • Best for light users → Tracfone

Bottom line: If you want a simple, low-cost monthly plan with great coverage and fast speeds, Boost Mobile is the clear winner. Tracfone only makes sense if you're a very light user who prefers pay-as-you-go flexibility.

See if Boost Mobile fits your needs with our Boost Mobile review.

See if Tracfone fits your needs with our Tracfone review.


Boost Mobile vs Tracfone FAQs

Tracfone can be cheaper for very light users who barely use their phones. But for most people, Boost Mobile's low-cost monthly plans are the better value.

Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T & T-Mobile and Tracfone runs on Verizon's network.

Absolutely! As long as your phone is unlocked your phone should be compatible with Boost Mobile and Tracfone.

Neither carrier offers traditional family plans, but Boost Mobile's low individual prices make it easy for families to save by switching.


Why you can trust me

With 15 years of telecom experience across the UK and US, and 8 years running MoneySavingPro. I've helped tens of thousands of people switch to cheaper phone plans.

I've tested over 100 prepaid carriers, so you know you're getting advice from someone who's actually used these services.

Boost Mobile comparison guides

Tracfone comparison guides

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