Two Carriers Enter, One Carrier Leaves
The Mint Mobile vs Visible debate is more relevant than ever in 2024. As consumers seek affordable, high-quality mobile plans, these two prominent Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have emerged as top contenders. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between Mint Mobile and Visible, helping you make an informed decision about which carrier might be the best fit for your unique needs.
Carrier Overviews
In this corner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile has revolutionized the mobile industry with its innovative approach to pricing and plans. Operating on T-Mobile’s robust network, Mint offers prepaid plans with a unique bulk-buying model. By purchasing months of service upfront, customers can enjoy significant savings on their mobile plans.
And In this corner: Visible
Visible, backed by Verizon’s powerful network, has disrupted the market with its straightforward, all-inclusive pricing model. Offering unlimited plans without the usual complexity, Visible aims to simplify mobile service for the modern consumer.
But we’re guessing you probably already knew most of that…
Let’s begin Round 1 with a quick overview – beginning with the vital stats of our two contenders:
-
5G - Canada & Mexico roaming
- Family discount available
- Hotspot
- Intenational roaming
-
International calling -
MMS -
Visual voicemail - VoLTE
- Wi-Fi Calling
-
5G
- Canada & Mexico roaming
- Family discount available
- Hotspot
- Intenational roaming
-
International calling
-
MMS
-
Visual voicemail
- VoLTE
- Wi-Fi Calling
Network Coverage and Reliability
When it comes to network coverage and reliability, both Mint Mobile and Visible leverage the infrastructure of major carriers, ensuring widespread coverage across the United States.
| Feature | Mint Mobile | Visible |
|---|---|---|
| Network Provider | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| 5G Coverage | Extensive | Extensive |
| 4G LTE Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Network Reliability | High | Very High |
While both carriers offer excellent coverage, Visible may have a slight edge in rural areas due to Verizon’s extensive network. However, Mint Mobile’s T-Mobile network has made significant strides in expanding its coverage and improving its 5G network in recent years.
Mint Mobile vs Visible Pricing and Plans
One of the most significant factors in the Mint Mobile vs Visible debate is pricing. Both carriers offer competitive rates, but their pricing structures differ considerably.
Mint Mobile Pricing
Introductory 3-Month Offer for New Customers
| Plan | Monthly Price | Upfront Payment | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB/mo | $15/mo | $45 | |
| 15GB/mo | $15/mo | $45 | |
| 20GB/mo | $15/mo | $45 | |
| Unlimited | $15/mo | $45 |
Regular Pricing Options
| Plan | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB/mo | $25/mo ($75 upfront) |
$20/mo ($120 upfront) |
$15/mo ($180 upfront) |
| 15GB/mo | $35/mo ($105 upfront) |
$25/mo ($150 upfront) |
$20/mo ($240 upfront) |
| 20GB/mo | $45/mo ($135 upfront) |
$35/mo ($210 upfront) |
$25/mo ($300 upfront) |
| Unlimited | $40/mo ($120 upfront) |
$35/mo ($210 upfront) |
$30/mo ($360 upfront) |
Note: Unlimited plan is for handset & network only. Hotspot is capped at 10GB. Taxes and fees apply. Compatible device required. 5G coverage is still developing and not available in some areas. No 5G signal travels farther and deeper than 600MHz. Other taxes, fees, and restrictions may apply. Hotspot usage draws from high-speed data.
Visible Pricing
Visible offers two simple, all-inclusive plans:
| Compare the Plans | Visible | Visible+ |
|---|---|---|
| Pay monthly | $25/mo | $45/mo |
| Pay annually | $275/yr | $395/yr |
| Network | ||
| Unlimited data, talk & text on Verizon's networks¹ | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G Ultra Wideband |
| Download speeds | 9-149 Mbps, perfect for streaming and more³ | Up to 10X faster speeds² |
| Premium data | — | Always on 5G Ultra Wideband 50 GB/mo on 5G & 4G LTE⁵ |
| Verizon Home Internet | $5 monthly discount | $10 monthly discount |
| Smartwatch service | Additional $10/mo | Included |
| Mobile hotspot | ||
| Unlimited, plenty for streaming | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| International | ||
| Mexico & Canada³ | Unlimited talk & text to Mexico & Canada⁸ | Unlimited talk & text in Mexico & Canada⁷ 2 GB high speed data per day⁷ |
| Calling to 30+ countries | — | 500 mins/mo |
| Unlimited texting to 200+ countries | — | |
| Global Pass | Additional daily charge | One day of Global Pass included monthly⁹ |
| The Extras | ||
| Free expedited business day phone/smartwatch shipping | Annual plan: Free overnight shipping Monthly plan: Free 2 day shipping |
Free overnight shipping |
Additionally, Visible is currently offering a special promotion for T-Mobile customers: Switch now and pay only $15/month for 5 years on the Visible regular plan when you bring your number. Use code BYEBYETMO at checkout to save $10/month for 5 years, guaranteed.
Mint Mobile vs Visible Data Speeds and Prioritization
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE data, but there are some differences in how they manage data speeds and prioritization:
Mint Mobile
- Offers 5G and 4G LTE data on all plans
- No hard data caps, but speeds may be reduced after reaching plan limits
- Utilizes T-Mobile’s network prioritization policies
Visible
- Offers 5G and 4G LTE data on all plans
- No data caps on either plan
- Basic plan may experience slower speeds during network congestion
- Visible+ plan includes 50GB of premium data before potential slowdowns
Additional Visible vs Mint Mobile Features and Perks
Beyond basic talk, text, and data, both carriers offer additional features to enhance their value proposition:
Mint Mobile
- Mobile hotspot included on all plans (uses plan data)
- Wi-Fi calling and text
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- 5G access at no extra cost
Visible
- Unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at 5 Mbps)
- Wi-Fi calling and text
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- 5G access at no extra cost
- Visible+ plan includes international calling to 30+ countries
- Smartwatch service included on Visible+ plan, $10/mo on non + plan
Mint Mobile vs Visible Customer Service
Both Mint Mobile and Visible prioritize digital customer support channels:
Mint Mobile
- 24/7 chat support
- Phone support during business hours
- Active community forum
- Comprehensive online resources
Visible
- 24/7 chat support
- Support via social media
- No traditional phone support
- Extensive online help center
Carrier Comparison Tally
| Category | Mint Mobile | Visible |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Pricing Flexibility | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Data Speeds | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Additional Features | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Total Score | 21/25 | 20/25 |
Making the Choice: Visible vs Mint Mobile
Choosing between Mint Mobile and Visible ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Choose Mint Mobile if:
- You prefer to save money by paying upfront for longer periods
- You want more flexibility in choosing your data allowance
- You’re comfortable with T-Mobile’s network coverage in your area
- You value having access to phone support
Choose Visible if:
- You prefer a simple, all-inclusive unlimited plan
- You want to leverage Verizon’s extensive network coverage
- You heavily use mobile hotspot features
- You’re comfortable with primarily digital customer support
Conclusion: It comes down to the network and phone compatibility really
Both Mint Mobile and Visible offer compelling value propositions in the competitive MVNO market. Mint Mobile edges out slightly in our comparison due to its flexible pricing structure and variety of plan options. However, Visible’s straightforward unlimited plans and robust network coverage make it an excellent choice for heavy data users.
Ultimately, the best choice between Mint Mobile and Visible depends on your individual needs, usage patterns, and budget. We recommend taking advantage of any free trials or money-back guarantee periods to test the service in your area. At most the commitment will be $25 bucks so I’d say go for it.
Before making your final decision however, it’s worth noting that both carriers offer options to try their services before fully committing. Mint Mobile provides a 7-day trial to test their network in your area, while Verizon’s Visible brand offers a 15-day trial. These trials can give you hands-on experience with each network’s performance in your specific location.
Remember, the mobile plan landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s wise to reassess your options periodically to ensure you’re always getting the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I keep my phone number when switching to Mint Mobile or Visible?
Yes, both carriers support number porting. You can transfer your existing phone number when you sign up for either service.
2. Do Mint Mobile and Visible support 5G?
Yes, both carriers offer 5G access on compatible devices at no extra cost.
3. Can I use my own phone with these carriers?
Both Mint Mobile and Visible support bringing your own device (BYOD), provided it’s compatible with their networks. Mint Mobile requires an unlocked GSM-compatible phone, while Verizon typically requires CDMA-compatible devices or specific Verizon-approved phones. For more details on phone compatibility, read our article on which network your MVNO uses.
4. Do Mint Mobile and Visible offer family plans?
Mint Mobile now offers family plans so you can manage multiple lines under one account.
Visible previously offered Party Pay, but this has been discontinued. Now all customers get the best available price on single-line plans. You’ll just need to create multiple accounts using different email addresses.
5. What happens if I exceed my data limit on Mint Mobile?
If you exceed your high-speed data limit on Mint Mobile, your data speeds will be reduced to 128 kbps for the remainder of your billing cycle. You can purchase additional high-speed data if needed.
Remember, the world of mobile carriers is always changing. For the most up-to-date information and to compare more carriers, check out our Cell Phone Plan Finder to discover the best options.
VISIBLE VS EVERYBODY - Who Will Win?
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