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T-Mobile is one of the Major Carriers to consider if you’d like to make the most of your phone. It has various plans with unlimited high-speed data (no cap), whereby you can browse/ stream as much as preferred. But is the amount on the service still worth it? And if your location also has Verizon coverage, which should you choose between T Mobile vs Visible Unlimited Data service?
Visible is one of the small carriers or MVNOs that bring you service plans with “truly” unlimited data. In the recent update, the carrier even allows you to make calls to and from Canada/ Mexico free of charge. Then again, this is a perk T-Mobile has had in its postpaid service for years.
T Mobile vs Visible: A Summary of the Unlimited Phone Services
In this guide, I’ll briefly break down the things that can help you decide between T Mobile and Visible Unlimited phone service. Before we come to that, here’s a quick overview of the providers.
| Feature | T Mobile | Visible |
| Founded | 1999 | 2018 |
| Carrier Network | T Mobile | Verizon |
| eSIM support | YES | YES |
| 5G Download Speeds | 1100+Mbps | 460+Mbps |
| LTE Data Speeds | 300+Mbps | 70+Mbps |
| Cheapest Unlimited Plan | $50 | $30 |
| Unlimited Minutes | YES | YES |
| Unlimited Data | YES (with no cap) | YES (with no cap) |
| Family Discount | YES | Varies |
| Free Mexico/ Canada Call | YES | YES |
| Mobile Hotspot | YES | YES |
| WiFi Calling | YES | YES |
| Phone Unlock Period | After 40 Days | After 60 Days |
| Extra Perks | Netflix, Apple TV+, T-Mobile Travel, AAA Membership, etc | – |
First, a comparison between a Major Carrier and an MVNO is usually unfair. In my summary chart here, though, you can see Visible, the MVNO in this case, is as good as the Major Carrier T-Mobile in many areas.
Besides the Unlimited high-speed data, Visible now has the option of high QCI priority. And this means you get to enjoy great data speed even when Verizon towers are busy. Then there’s the possibility to tap into the 5G Ultra-wideband, where you enjoy the fastest data speeds without the usage not counting towards your monthly allowance bucket.
The 5G Ultra-wideband on Visible is similar to T-Mobile’s 5G Ultra Capacity as they both represent the mid-band (C-band) and high-band spectrum. However, T-Mobile gives you access to the full high speed, which in Spectrum Mobile vs T Mobile we saw peak at 1120Mbps.
Also, all T-Mobile Unlimited plans support high QCI priority, where your data speeds are faster than lower-priority customers.
T Mobile vs Visible: Features & Perks of the Unlimited Phone Services
Try Before You Get
T-Mobile has the best shopping experience, as you have the option to visit physical stores across the country or shop online.
When joining T-Mobile online, the shipping can take the next day up to 5 days, depending on the type of order and when ordered.
If you’d want to activate your service instantly without waiting, T-Mobile has had eSIM support for several years. And the best part, it’s also one of the carriers with free eSIM service for iPhones through a trial plan.
Visible also does give you a free trial plan through eSIM with an iPhone. However, the test drive is only 15 days, whereas T-Mobile offers up to three-month access.
Network Coverage
As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Visible doesn’t have network towers of its own. The MVNO is a brand of Verizon, which means it also uses the Major Carrier’s network to operate.
As you may know, Verizon is still the leading network on LTE coverage. So, you’ll have a usable phone in more parts of the country than T-Mobile.
For instance, on the Visible coverage map, areas like Paulina and Prineville Oregon have at least LTE, whereas T-Mobile Coverage map has no service.
Conversely, T-Mobile is currently the leading network on 5G coverage, thanks to the early adoption of C-Band technology. It brings you fast data speeds in many areas where Visible, or rather Verizon only supports 5G Nationwide (on the low-band spectrum).
Network Roaming
The two carriers should share the point here. However, Visible kind of has more domestic roaming partners, starting with the 21 LTEiRA networks of Verizon in rural areas.
Visible also supports international roaming now on the new phone plan structure. However, the feature is only available in Canada and Mexico, which is relatively more limiting than T-Mobile.
In T-Mobile, you get international roaming in not just Canada and Mexico- the service allowance is also more than Visible as you can see in the phone plan charts below. The carrier also offers postpaid customers free roaming in 215+ countries, with up to 5GB of high-speed data and unlimited texting.
TMobile also supports domestic roaming to all customers (prepaid/ postpaid) when outside the native coverage. I’m still yet to confirm the roaming partners of the provider, though.
Data Speeds
The two carriers deserve credit here. But with the best phone compatible with T-Mobile 5G, you can record up to 1100+Mbps (or 500-700+Mbps) on the Ultra Capacity spectrum.
The drawback, though, is that most people can only access the 5G low-band that peaks around 100-300Mbps. Others will only have LTE coverage that can be below 100Mbps.
Visible by Verizon data speed on LTE will also be below 100Mbps in most parts- as low as 20Mbps in remote areas. But with a good 5G phone, you can achieve up to 200Mbps on the 5G Nationwide or 400+Mbps on the Ultra-wideband capacity. (I believe Visible has capped data speeds for 5G Ultra-wideband, as they had done with 5G Nationwide).
Free Phone deals
T-Mobile is the clear winner here. It’s one of the companies you can get a free iPhone when you switch or add a line to your existing account. The promotion also features other brands of phones, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, T-Mobile® REVVL, and Motorola.
T-Mobile offers free phone deals under BOGO (Buy one get one), Trade-in, or In-store only (for prepaid) categories. And in either option, you must have the right qualifying phone plan.
Meanwhile, Visible still yet to have any great deals on phones. The only way to get a freebie at the moment is through the Visible Swap deals or trade-in program.
Phone Plans & Pricing
If looking for the cheapest phone plan, T-Mobile would have taken the point from its budget Prepaid Connect.
But when looking for the cheapest unlimited service, Visible leads, with the basic plan at only $30/ month ($25 for new/ upgrading consumers). See below.
Chart 2.0 Visible Phone Plan Structure
| Features | (Basic) Visible Plan | (New) Visible+ Plan |
| 1 Line Price | $30/ mo. | $45/ mo. |
| Priority Level | QCI 9 (lower priority) | QCI 8 (higher priority) |
| 5G Technology | 5G Nationwide | 5G Nationwide & Ultra-Wideband |
| Talk Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Data | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Premium Data | N/A | 50GB (on QCI 8) |
| Hotspot Data | Unlimited (at 5Mbps) | Unlimited (at 5Mbps) |
| Calls & Text to Canada/ Mexico | YES | YES |
| Free Roaming in Canada/ Mexico | N/A | 0.5GB/ day (then 2G) |
| Free International Calling | Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, & Saipan | YES (to 30+ countries) |
| Free International Texting | Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, & Saipan | YES (to 200+ destinations) |
| Video Streaming | SD Quality (480p) | SD Quality (480p) |
Chart 3.0 T-Mobile Phone plan (postpaid) Structure
| Features | Essentials savings | Essentials | Magenta | Go5G | Magenta MAX | Go5G Plus |
| 1 Line Price (w/ AutoPay) | $50/ mo. | $60/ mo. | $70/ mo. | $75/ mo. | $85/ mo. | $90/ mo. |
| 2 Lines Price (w/ AutoPay) | $80/ mo. | $90/ mo. | $120/ mo. | $130/ mo. | $140/ mo. | $150/ mo. |
| 3 Lines Price (w/ AutoPay) | $90/ mo. | $90/ mo. | $140/ mo. | $130/ mo. | $170/ mo. | $150/ mo. |
| 4 Lines Price (w/ AutoPay) | $100/ mo. | $105/ mo. | $160/ mo. | $155/ mo. | $200/ mo. | $185/ mo. |
| 5 Lines Price (w/ AutoPay) | $110/ mo. | $120/ mo. | $180/ mo. | $180/ mo. | $230/ mo. | $220/ mo. |
| Free 5G Access | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Talk Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Premium Data | 50GB | 50GB | 100GB | 100GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Hotspot Data | Unlimited (3G speeds) | Unlimited (3G speeds) | 5GB (then 3G) | 15GB (then 3G) | 40GB (then 3G) | 50GB (then 3G) |
| Canada/ Mexico Data | Unlimited (2G Speeds) | Unlimited (2G Speeds) | 5GB (then 2G) | 10GB (then 2G) | 15GB (then 2G) | 5GB (then 2G) |
| International Texting | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Simple Global | Texting Only | Texting Only | 5GB Data, Texting | 5GB Data, Texting | 5GB Data, Texting | 5GB Data, Texting |
| Free Netflix | N/A | N/A | YES (1 screen) | YES (1 screen) | YES (2 screens) | YES (2 screens) |
| Free Apple TV+ | N/A | N/A | YES (6 Months) | YES (6 Months) | YES | YES |
| Video Stream Quality | Up to 480p | Up to 480p | Up to 4K UHD | Up to 720p HD | Up to 4K UHD | Up to 4K UHD |
Chart 3.1 T-Mobile Phone plan (prepaid) Structure
| Features | Connect at $10 | Connect at $15 | Connect at $35 | 10GB Prepaid | Unlimited Prepaid | Unlimited+ Prepaid |
| 1 Line Price (before taxes) | $10/ mo. | $15/ mo. | $35/ mo. | $40/ mo. | $50/ mo. | $60/ mo. |
| 2 Lines Price (before taxes) | $80/ mo. | $90/ mo. | $120/ mo. | $70/ mo. | $80/ mo. | $90/ mo. |
| 3 Lines Price (before taxes) | $90/ mo. | $90/ mo. | $140/ mo. | $100/ mo. | $110/ mo. | $120/ mo. |
| 4 Lines Price (before taxes) | $100/ mo. | $105/ mo. | $160/ mo. | $130/ mo. | $140/ mo. | $150/ mo. |
| 5 Lines Price (w/ AutoPay) | $110/ mo. | $120/ mo. | $180/ mo. | $160/ mo. | $170/ mo. | $180/ mo. |
| Free 5G Access | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Talk Minutes | 1000 Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | 1000 texts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Data | 1GB | 3.5GB | 12GB | 10GB (then 2G) | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Premium Data | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50GB | 50GB |
| Hotspot Data | Unlimited (3G speeds) | Unlimited (3G speeds) | 5GB (then 3G) | 10GB | Unlimited (3G speeds) | 10GB (then 3G) |
| Canada/ Mexico Data | N/A | N/A | N/A | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) |
| International Texting | N/A | N/A | N/A | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) | Add-on (at $5/ mo.) |
| Simple Global | N/A | N/A | N/A | Add-on (at $15/ mo.) | Add-on (at $15/ mo.) | Add-on (at $15/ mo.) |
In the recently-launched Visible phone plans, you now have the option to choose between two tiers (used to be one tier). The Visible Basic plan has a price of $30/ month or $25 for new customers/ Legacy subscribers upgrading from the (grandfathered) Visible Unlimited plan. Then to make the most of your phone, the Visible+ plan goes for $45 ($35 for new/ upgrading customers).
The best part of the Visible service plan structure is that the listed prices include taxes and other fees. However, the carrier no longer offers the multi-line discount (Party Pay) to new customers.
If you’re an old customer and used to be on Party-Pay, Visible introduced a Loyalty Discount earlier this year. And what happens is that your account would get a $5 discount/ line when you switched from the legacy Visible Unlimited plan to the new Visible (Basic).
T-Mobile Phone Plan Structure Also Has Changes
If you happen to check T-Mobile a year ago, you’ll notice there have been some recent changes in service plan structure as well. The carrier has introduced three more postpaid cell phone plans (Essential Savings, Go5G, and Go5G Plus).
The T-Mobile Essential Savings is the cheapest tier, with a monthly cost of $50/ month on a single-line subscription or as low as $22 with multiple lines. We could say it’s a downgraded Essentials plan, except the pricing is the only varying aspect as the perks are about the same.
On the other hand, the Go5G plan is more like an upgrade of the Magenta tier, while Go5G Plus is an improvement of the Magenta MAX bundle. But when you compare the pricing of each pair (Go5G vs Magenta) and (Go5G Plus vs Magenta MAX), it seems T-Mobile wants consumers with more lines to get the newer plans.
Important Note:
Besides pricing, the only difference I could track between T-Mobile Go5G vs Magenta and Go5G Plus vs Magenta MAX is on two features: Mobile Hotspot and Data roaming in Canada/ Mexico.
Another thing, you should know the listed pricing of (postpaid) Essentials and Essentials Saving plans don’t include taxes, just like in all prepaid plans.
Speaking of the prepaid, the T-Mobile prepaid category is cheaper than the Visible service, as you can choose plans from as low as $10/ month. But keep in mind the super-cheap Connect by T-Mobile phone has no multi-line or autoPay discount.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, either T-Mobile or Visible by Verizon is a great phone service. Visible, unlike most MVNOs or prepaid phone services, offers “truly” unlimited data with no cap. Then the recently-launched plan is on the high QCI priority level that gives you fast data speed when the Verizon towers are busy.
Of course, T-Mobile also has Unlimited Data and high-priority access for postpaid customers. The difference comes with the prepaid service, where the lowest 10GB plan starts on the high-speed access before dropping to 2G speed. Then you can expect deprioritization, whereby your data speed gets slow during network congestion.
As for the Connect by T-Mobile prepaid plans, the data you get has both deprioritization and a hard stop. Thus, your browsing speed is slow during network congestion, then the data features stop completely after reaching the high-speed cap.
