If you’re ready to sign up with a new cell phone service provider, you probably have lots of questions. You might want to know about the service area, perks, what phones you can use on that network, and the cost of the different plans. To help make this process easier, we’ve gathered together all of the pertinent information about two of the more popular ones, Boost Mobile and Verizon. Take a look at our article before you decide which one is more worthy of your business.
We’ll start by making a quick list of some of the main points that you’ll want to know about these two companies.
Boost Mobile
- They use Sprint’s network for coverage, and it’s the fourth-best in the nation, covering only 27% of the United States
- They have a base plan that costs $30 with all taxes and fees included; that one gets you 2GB of 4G LTE streaming data
- You can choose from several different phone options, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and LGs; they also let you bring your own phone in most cases if you have one already
- You can get Tidal music streaming free with all of their plans, and you can also get unlimited streaming HD movies and shows for an extra $20 per month
Verizon
- With them you get brand-name service and the best coverage in the nation; their network covers 70% of the US
- Many consumers feel that their prepaid plans are the best for families and groups
- They provide excellent service to rural areas
- Their plans are more expensive than most of their competitors
- They are at the forefront of implementing 5G LTE around the country
Boost Mobile History
Boost Mobile is a well-known telecommunications brand that got its start in Australia. It still operates there, as well as in the United States. In America, it is run by Boost Worldwide Inc, which is owned by the Sprint Corporation. In the US, Boost Mobile uses Sprint’s network.
Boost was bought out by Sprint in 2005, and it launched a monthly service plan in 2009 to compete with other companies within the field. At the Consumer Electronics Show in 2010, they came out with a new unlimited plan that used Sprint’s CDMA network. Available for $50, it attracted a lot of attention and increased their subscriber count.
Boost has made a point of marketing themselves as a suitable provider for young, trendy crowds. They have enlisted various celebrities to talk about their products and services over the years, including Master Shake, Travis Pastrana, Young Jeezy, Mickey Avalon, and Jermaine Dupree. They also have spearheaded some memorable regional campaigns, including ones in Boston and Chicago, where they provided paper shredders at bus stops so that customers of other companies could shred their wireless contracts.
Verizon History
Verizon was originally the Bell Atlantic Corporation, and it got its start in 1983. Verizon Wireless is just one subsidiary of the Verizon parent company. The last subscriber count for this powerhouse was 118.7 million people, and these numbers show no signs of slowing down.
Their headquarters is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. They operate a national 4G LTE network, which covers about 98% of the US population. Verizon offers mobile phone services for many different devices, including iPhones, Androids, etc. It has an LTE in Rural America program which was explicitly designed to bring service to parts of the country that are underserved.
In 2015, Verizon stated that they would be implementing a 5G network that would bring faster and more reliable service to the US. This fifth-generation network is currently being set up, and some of it is operational already. That’s a significant selling point as Verizon tries to increase its subscriber base in 2020 and beyond.
Which One of These Two Has the Better Coverage Area?
The coverage area for the cell phone service provider that you choose is probably going to be a significant factor as you try to decide between these two. Verizon has the best coverage in the United States, as they rank higher than T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint. What’s even more vital is the way that they make themselves available to rural areas. If you don’t live in a major city or adjacent to one, that might be what makes you decide to go with them.
As for Boost Mobile, they use Sprint’s network, which is fourth-best in the US. Their 4G LTE coverage is only 27%, which pales in comparison to that of Verizon. This is one area where it seems that Verizon is the clear winner.
Verizon vs. Boost Plans
As for their service plans, Verizon probably has the most options of any wireless company. They have limited data plans for $35, $50, and $70, where you get 2, 4, and 8GB of data, respectively.
They also offer unlimited plans that range from $70 to $90. However, where you start to save money is when you get family plans. Those same unlimited plans will only cost you from $35 to $55 if you get four lines. That is worth thinking about if you have a family with some kids who are constantly streaming TV and movies.
The service plans for Boost Mobile begin with a flat rate of $30 per month. With that one, you’ll get 2GB of 4G LTE data. You will also have unlimited nationwide texting and talk capabilities, but if you stream movies and shows all the time, you will likely run out of that 2GB sometime during the month. That does not mean you will have no more data. Your web browsing and streaming will slow down significantly, though.
There is an unlimited GB plan from Boost Mobile that will cost you $50 per month, and it’s $30 for a second line.
Generally speaking, Boost Mobile plans are going to cost you a little bit less than Verizon. Where you start to get better deals with Verizon is when you can enlist some friends to go in with you on a plan or get one for several members of your family.
Does Either Company Offer Notable Perks?
You might be one of those consumers who think about perks first when you’re looking at phone plans. In this respect, Boost Mobile isn’t exactly the best around. They do offer Tidal, a free music streaming service. It is similar to Spotify in many ways. If you’re someone who likes music and listens to it a lot, then this might be enough to make you choose Boost Mobile, as it comes with all of their plans. If you are willing to pay an additional $20 per month, you can also get unlimited access to streaming HD shows and movies.
With Verizon, there are several perks that should appeal to you, especially if you get one of the more expensive unlimited plans. For instance, with some plans, you can get Apple Music for iOS or Android devices.
You can also get Disney+ for one year with some of the Unlimited packages, along with their full library of Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars properties. The Unlimited plans aren’t cheap, but if you have kids that you need to keep entertained, this is well worth considering. Check their website for details on which plans come with these features.
Are there Any Limitations About Which You Should Know?
The main limitation with Boost Mobile is one that we already mentioned, and that’s the extent of their 4G LTE coverage. At a time when Verizon is starting to bring 5G coverage to much of the country, this deficiency on the part of Boost Mobile is sometimes what frustrates its users enough to make them want to switch over. There are also a few specific phone models that are not supported by Boost Mobile.
With Verizon, you’re getting top-of-the-line service in many ways, but you’re probably paying more for it. What gives some consumers pause is if they don’t have anyone to go in with when they’re signing up for an unlimited plan. It makes sense to go with Verizon if you need four or five lines, but if you’re looking for a provider on your own, you might choose a different company to save money. That’s especially true if you’re in high school or college, and you don’t have the best financial resources.
Which Phones Can You Use with These Companies?
Generally speaking, both of these companies offer a lot of flexibility when you’re trying to figure out which phone you want to use. Occasionally you’ll find one that is not supported, but if you have one of the more prominent brands, like an iOS or Android device, then you should be fine. You can always check the website of either company if you have a phone already, and you want to see whether they will accept it.
You can also get a new phone through either company. They’ll be happy to provide it. Some phones are even free if you don’t get the latest editions. If you really want the newest Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, then you’re going to have to pay for that. You can pay more upfront and have a cheaper bill each month, or you can spend less at the beginning if a bigger monthly bill is acceptable for you. In some cases, you can also get one of the latest phones for free if you commit to a multiple-year contract with one of these providers.
Boost Mobile Vs. Verizon: Customer Service
Consumers seem to feel that the customer service for both of these companies is exemplary. You can speak to someone over the phone with both of them, and you can Live Chat on their websites if you would prefer to do it that way.
If you want to speak to someone in person, Boost Mobile has 8,000 US store locations, so you should not have much trouble finding one. With Verizon, you have far fewer, with only a little over 2,300 owned retail stores. Still, if you live close to a major metropolis, you should be able to find one with little difficulty.
Which Carrier is Right for You?
Now that you know some more about both of these companies, you should be able to choose between them much easier. If you want better coverage, then it’s going to be Verizon, hands down. Their service to rural areas and implementation of 5G coverage makes them the current champion in this regard. The perks they offer with their various plans are also superior to Boost Mobile, especially if you’re getting a family plan and have some little ones to entertain.
If you’re in high school or college, then Boost Mobile might be the better choice. Their plans are mostly cheaper than Verizon, and saving money every month is no small thing. That’s not to say that some older adults might not find it to be the better move, though. If you have child support payments, medical bills, or some other pressing financial concern, then going with the company that offers cheaper plans will make plenty of sense for you.
