If I Was Switching From Verizon, Here’s The Carriers I’d Be Looking At

TL;DR: Verizon Alternatives To Lower Your Bills

Before moving my number, I’d check coverage at home, at work and along my usual routes. I’d also check whether my phone is unlocked, whether my plan has a device payment or trade-in credit attached, and what the new carrier charges after its introductory offer ends.

• If Verizon worked well and I simply wanted a cheaper bill, I’d try Visible first.
• If I wanted to compare networks, I’d look at US Mobile.
• If I was happy to pay upfront to lower the monthly cost, I’d compare Mint.

If I were leaving Verizon, I wouldn’t pick a new carrier based on the lowest advertised price alone. I’d first work out what I wanted to change: the bill, the network, or the way my plan works.

These are the carriers I’d compare, depending on what mattered most.

Visible: If I wanted to keep Verizon coverage

Visible would be my first stop if Verizon’s network worked well where I live. It runs on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE network, so it’s a straightforward way to cut the bill without moving to a different network.

The basic Visible plan costs $25 a month, including taxes and fees. It includes unlimited phone data and unlimited hotspot data, though hotspot speeds are capped at 5Mbps. Visible+ costs $35 a month and adds premium data, which is less likely to slow during congestion. It also includes faster hotspot speeds and access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network.

I’d pick Visible for the lower bill. I’d pay extra for Visible+ if I used a lot of data in busy areas and wanted better protection against congestion.

Visible isn’t a way to escape Verizon’s coverage problems. If Verizon is weak at home or work, Visible probably won’t fix that. You can read more in our guides to switching from Verizon to Visible and Visible’s plans.

US Mobile: If I wanted flexibility to try different networks

US Mobile is the one I’d consider if I wasn’t sure which network would work best. It offers access to three network options: Warp, Dark Star and Light Speed. That gives you a chance to choose based on local coverage rather than committing to the first carrier you try.

If Verizon is already reliable for you, Warp is the obvious place to start. If it isn’t, I’d check whether AT&T or T-Mobile performs better in the places I use my phone most. US Mobile’s network comparison explains the differences.

Its Unlimited Starter plan is listed at $25 a month, including taxes and fees, with an annual option that works out cheaper per month. Unlimited Premium costs more and adds priority data, more hotspot data depending on the network, and international roaming. I’d compare the normal renewal price with any introductory offer before signing up.

US Mobile makes the most sense if network choice matters to you or you want more plan options. If all you want is a simple, lower bill on Verizon’s network, Visible is easier to compare.

See our full guide to US Mobile’s plans and prices.

Mint Mobile: If I wanted to pay less and didn’t mind prepaying

Mint Mobile is worth a look if the main reason for leaving Verizon is cost. It uses T-Mobile’s network and sells plans in three, six or 12-month terms. The longer terms can bring the monthly equivalent down, but you pay upfront.

Mint has data plans from 6GB up to Unlimited. Its normal 12-month prices in our guide range from $15 a month for 6GB to $30 a month for Unlimited, before taxes and fees. New-customer promotions can change the first-term price, so I’d check what the plan costs when it renews.

The trade-off is flexibility. Mint’s low monthly equivalent often depends on buying several months at once, and its service may slow when T-Mobile’s network is busy. I’d choose it if T-Mobile coverage was good where I lived and I was comfortable paying in advance.

Our Mint Mobile plan guide breaks down the data limits and renewal costs. If I were choosing between Mint and Visible, I’d start with our Mint Mobile vs Visible comparison.