Is Verizon’s Simplicity Plan Actually Worth It?

Verizon’s Simplicity plan is $45 a month per line with Auto Pay. If you’re switching to Verizon and qualify for the discount, it drops to $30.

That gets you unlimited phone data, 10GB of high-speed hotspot data, 5G Ultra Wideband, service in Canada and Mexico, and satellite texting on supported phones.

The bit to watch is the name.

Simplicity Plus and Simplicity Pro aren’t better phone plans. They’re extra phone-upgrade subscriptions, costing $35 or $50 a month on top of your wireless bill.

What you actually get

The regular plan costs $45 per line with Auto Pay, or $30 if you qualify for Verizon’s switcher discount. Taxes and fees are extra.

Your phone data is unlimited, but after 500GB in a billing cycle, Verizon slows it to 4Mbps. Most people won’t come close to that.

The more practical limit is the 10GB of high-speed hotspot data. After that, hotspot speeds drop to 1Mbps.

That’s enough to get a laptop online now and then. It’s not a replacement for home internet.

You also get calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico, plus satellite texting on supported phones. Those are useful extras if you travel or spend time outside normal coverage.

What are Plus and Pro?

They’re optional subscriptions for people who want a new phone regularly.

They’re added to your wireless plan, so the bill starts at $80 a month with Plus or $95 with Pro, before taxes and any phone costs.

Verizon applies phone credits, but the subscription isn’t free.

Over three years, Plus costs $1,260 and Pro costs $1,800. The appeal is the upgrade option and included extras, such as TravelPass days. You’re paying for the convenience of upgrading, not getting a free phone.

To upgrade early, you generally need to have paid at least 33% of your phone’s cost and return it in good working condition. If you cancel, future credits stop, and you may still owe the phone balance.

If you normally keep a phone for three or four years, I’d skip Plus and Pro. Buy the phone outright or use regular financing instead.

Simplicity or Visible?

Visible runs on Verizon’s network and its basic plan is $25 a month, including taxes and fees. It also has unlimited hotspot use at speeds of up to 5Mbps.

Simplicity costs more, but you get Verizon’s stores and direct customer service, 10GB of faster hotspot data, and included Canada and Mexico use. Pick it if those things matter to you.

If you mainly want a lower bill, compare Visible’s plans.

Check this before switching

If you’re already with Verizon, don’t change plans without checking the new total first.

• Existing phone credits,
• discounts
• or account benefits could be affected,
• and Verizon may require all lines on the account to move to Simplicity.

Look at the order summary and make sure it shows the right monthly price, discount, phone payment and any Plus or Pro subscription. The advertised plan price isn’t the whole bill.

So, is it worth it?

• At $30, yes, if you want Verizon service and the coverage is good where you need it.
• At $45, it depends on how much you value Verizon’s customer service, stores and roaming.
• Want lower monthly bills, fast data and don’t need to change your phone, check out VISIBLE’s plans.

Plus and Pro are for people who like upgrading their phones often. If you hang on to your phone until it gives up, they’re an expensive way to buy one.