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Boost Mobile vs Verizon: Premium network for less or just overpaying?

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

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If you've been told you need to stick with Verizon for "the best coverage," you're not alone. But what if you could get great coverage without paying Verizon's premium rates? That's exactly what Boost Mobile offers.

Boost Mobile's plans operate on the T-Mobile and AT&T networks without the contracts, hidden fees, or expensive bundles.

So, is Verizon actually giving you something extra? Or are you just paying more for the name?

Boost Mobile vs Verizon plans: Prepaid simplicity or expensive postpaid?

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile offers low-cost prepaid plans with no contracts and no autopay gimmicks. You pay upfront, and that's it. Verizon's postpaid unlimited plans, on the other hand, start at $70 per month before taxes and fees.

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

Verizon plans

PlanDataMonthly PriceAnnual Cost
Verizon Unlimited WelcomeUnlimited$70$840
Verizon Unlimited PlusUnlimited$75$900
Verizon Unlimited UltimateUnlimited$85$1,020

Boost Mobile vs Verizon coverage

Winner: Boost Mobile

Since Boost Mobile offers plans on two networks; T-Mobile and AT&T, you get top 5G coverage and reliable rural service without paying Verizon's prices.

T-Mobile consistently comes top for 5G availability, as per the OpenSignal 2025 report which means Boost Mobile customers benefit from the same strong performance.

Boost Mobile coverage

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

Boost Mobile coverage map

View Boost Mobile coverage map

Verizon coverage

Verizon coverage map

View Verizon coverage map


Data speeds: Do you need to pay Verizon prices for fast data?

Winner: Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile includes 30GB of high-speed data per month, which is enough for streaming, social media, and everyday browsing.

Verizon's higher-tier plans offer up to 100GB of premium data, but those plans cost more than double the price.

If you use under 30GB per month, Boost Mobile gives you the same fast speeds - without the premium price tag.


Hidden fees and pricing tricks: What Verizon doesn't tell you

Winner: Boost Mobile

  • Verizon's advertised prices require autopay - forget to enroll, and your bill goes up.
  • Taxes and fees are not included, so you'll pay more than what you see advertised.
  • Verizon pushes "free phone" deals, but these can lock you into 3-year contracts.
  • Boost Mobile offers simple, prepaid pricing - what you see is what you pay.

Takeaway: Boost Mobile makes switching easy, while Verizon's pricing is full of fine print and extra charges.

Boost Mobile vs Verizon plan features

Carrier FeaturesBoost MobileVerizon
NetworksAT&T & T-MobileVerizon
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkGSMCDMA
Mobile HotspotYesYes
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractPrepaidPostpaid
Credit CheckNoYes
Customer ServiceMon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pmMon-Sat 8am to 7pm / Sun- 8am to 5pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingNo
Visual VoicemailYes
Multi-line DiscountsYes
Multi-month DiscountsNo
International CallsNoYes - As add-on
International RoamingNo

Final verdict: Do you really need Verizon?

  • Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
  • Best for flexible prepaid options → Boost Mobile
  • Best for unlimited data over 100GB → Verizon

Bottom line: Unless you burn through over 100GB of data every month, there's no reason to pay Verizon's premium prices when Boost Mobile offers great coverage for much less.

See if Boost Mobile is right for you with our Boost Mobile review


Boost Mobile vs Verizon FAQs

Boost Mobile is a low-cost carrier that's powered by AT&T & T-Mobile's network, they offer cell phone plans starting at $25/mo. While Verizon's phone plans start at $70/mo.

Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile networks, they offer much cheaper cell phone service than Verizon.

Most recent Verizon phones should work with Boost Mobile as long as the device is unlocked. You can check your device's compatibility during sign up.

No. Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.


Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans and exposing the fine print tricks big wireless doesn't want you to see.

I test and compare low-cost carriers like Boost Mobile to make sure you get the same service for less.

Boost Mobile comparison guides

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