Visible Wireless vs. T-Mobile Cell Phone Plans Review

We compared Visible's and T-Mobile's cell plans, phone selection, and network performance. Visible offers the best price, and T-Mobile gets you the best data speeds and perks.

Best Price
Visible
visible
Starting from
$25
/mo
  • pro
    Amazing $25 unlimited data plan
  • pro
    Free 15-day trial - no cards or contracts required
  • con
    Deprioritization
Best Data Speeds
T Mobile
T-Mobile
Starting from
$50
/mo
  • pro
    Great 5G coverage
  • pro
    T-Mobile Tuesdays
  • con
    Pricey
Easton Smith
Feb 28, 2024
Icon Time To Read8 min read

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Choosing between Visible Wireless and T-Mobile is kind of like choosing between eating ice cream or cake for dessert. They’re both great options, which can make the choice even harder.

But there are some significant differences between Visible and T-Mobile. The short story is this: Visible offers an affordable and powerful unlimited data plan, but data speeds will be slow-ish. T-Mobile is pricier, but it has more plans to choose from and better overall performance.

We’ll go over all the details of these two carriers below so that you can make the right decision for your lifestyle. But first, let’s talk about the basics of choosing a plan.

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How to choose a cell phone plan

You learn a thing or two after writing as many reviews as we have. Here are the most important features to consider when you’re choosing a new cell phone plan.

  • Data: Be sure to know how much data you actually use each month, so that you can get a plan that has enough for you. You should also consider what data speeds you need. People who game, work, or do creative projects on their phones may want premium data speeds.
  • Price: Obviously, you want to get a good deal. You may be surprised at how cheap some cell phone plans are if you do the work of comparing different carriers.
  • Coverage: All three major networks—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—offer great coverage in metropolitan areas. But there is a difference in rural areas and certain neighborhoods. Be sure to check the coverage maps.
  • Performance: Does the plan come with 5G data? Does it include hotspot data? You’ll want to think about these kinds of questions to make sure you’re getting the overall performance you need.

Visible vs. T-Mobile unlimited plans and pricing

Winner: Visible's unlimited plans are simple and cheap

Let’s get down to the juicy stuff. How do Visible and T-Mobile’s unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data plans compare? We’ll start with Visible.

Visible’s unlimited data plans

Visible puts quality over quantity by offering just two powerful unlimited cell phone plans: Visible and Visible+.

Visible unlimited plans comparison

Both Visible plans come with the following:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • Access to 5G networks where available (and with a 5G-capable device)
  • Coverage on Verizon’s huge network
  • Unlimited hotspot data
  • Deals on the newest phones

Visible’s unlimited plans easily make the list of the best cell phone plans out there right now. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stream, post, scroll, watch, listen, and play on their phone all day without breaking the bank.

If you decide to go with the cheaper unlimited plan for $25/month, there’s really only one major problem to speak of …

Data deprioritization

Visible runs on Verizon’s network, but its customers won’t see the full power of that network. Visible’s plans are subject to data deprioritization.

Because Visible is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), its customers will be at the back of the line when it comes to getting bandwidth. So if the network is busy during peak hours, their speeds may be reduced to keep normal Verizon customers’ speeds up. 

To avoid data deprioritization, we recommend the Visible+ plan with 50GB of high-speed data each month.

T-Mobile’s unlimited data plans

T-Mobile is one of the Big Three carriers in the industry. While it has traditionally been a smaller carrier than AT&T or Verizon, the company's merger with Sprint has since grown its customers and network. 

Here’s a look at T-Mobile’s current unlimited data plans.

T-Mobile cell phone plans with unlimited data

These plans have some things in common. They all offer unlimited talk, text, and data, access to T-Mobile’s 5G network, and some hotspot data. But there are some important differences to keep in mind. 

  • Essentials: This plan is actually very similar to Visible’s plan, but it's a lot pricier and only comes with 3G hotspot speeds. It offers the same 50GB of priority data, after which your speeds are prioritized. 
  • Magenta: This is where T-Mobile starts to offer a plan that’s more powerful than Visible. Magenta plans are not deprioritized and come with 5 GB of 4G hotspot data, unlimited DVD-quality streaming, and a 100 GB data cap.
  • Magenta MAX: This plan has it all, from 40 GB of 4G hotspot data to free in-flight calling. There is no data cap to speak of, 4K video streaming, and free Netflix and AppleTV+ subscriptions to boot.
  • Go5G Next: This is the plan for you if Magenta MAX doesn't cut it. You'll get everything included in Magenta MAX, plus 10GB more hotspot data and a free Hulu (with Ads) subscription. 

Basically, if you want a stripped-down plan with just the basics, Visible has a better deal. But if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for the fancy stuff, go with Magenta or Magenta MAX.

The Go5G plans are like expensive versions of the Magenta plans. The only difference is that Go5G plans offer 10GB more of hotspot data, a few extra freebies, and are more compatible with T-Mobile's monthly deals. 

T-Mobile’s prices aren’t so low

T-Mobile’s essentials plan offers basically the same thing as Visible’s unlimited data plan, but it costs $20 more. When you get up into the higher-tiered plans, the prices reach $70–$100 a month. That’s way more than a lot of people want to pay for cell phone service.

But, if money isn’t the biggest issue for you, then T-Mobile’s amazing performance and perks could very well be worth the cost.

How does T-Mobile compare to other major carriers?
Info Box

You can learn more about T-Mobile vs. Verizon and T-Mobile vs. AT&T in our professional reviews.

Visible vs. T-Mobile perks

Visible's deals are sparse compared to T-Mobile's dense list of perk options

T-Mobile absolutely dominates Visible with its constant deals on cell phones, streaming subscriptions, and travel perks. For some, Visible's plans are a deal enough in themselves; however, you can still get some free cash when you switch or with a trade-in.

What perks can I get with Visible Wireless?

While Visible doesn't offer any plan perks like a free Netflix subscription or in-flight texting, it does offer the following deals for new customers:

  • Get a $50 gift card when you switch with a Samsung phone
  • Get at least $100 for your old phone with trade-in
  • Save up to $240 when you get a new phone on Visible+

One unique perk of Visible's is its 15-day free trial. Users with a compatible, unlocked phone can try Visible for 15 days. The best part of this deal is that you won't need to remember to cancel–no credit cards are required.

What perks can I get with T-Mobile?

T-Mobile plans aren't cheap, but most of them usually come with multiple freebies. And all T-Mobile plans give you access to T-Mobile Tuesdays, a program that gives you a weekly rotation of discount codes and free prizes.

Here's what you can expect from T-Mobile plan perks:

  • Free Apple TV+ subscription for six months
  • Free Netflix Standard with Ads subscription
  • Free Hulu (with ads) subscription
  • 1-year AAA membership
  • Unlimited international texting from home
  • Data and texting while abroad

 

T-Mobile Tuesdays

Active T-Mobile wireless customers (without a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan) and T-Mobile Home Internet users get access to T-Mobile Tuesdays. You get free stuff and discounts to restaurants, movies, and even gas with the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. Every Tuesday, the deals will refresh, and you'll also be able to see a sneak peek of next week's deals.

Here are a few examples of T-Mobile Tuesday benefits:

  • 40% off hotels and car rentals
  • Cruise credits
  • $5 off AMC popcorn
  • 10% cash back at participating restaurants
  • $25 bouquets plus free shipping

Only T-Mobile offers family plan discounts

Tie: Both Visible and T-Mobile have money-saving multi-line options

If you’re looking for a great way to save money on your cell phone bill without sacrificing quality, then it’s time to get a family plan. Visible recently ditched its Party Pay program, but T-Mobile still offers impressive family deals.

T-Mobile family plans

T-Mobile’s family plans offer basically the same things as the individual plans, just cheaper. Here’s what you can get.

You can add up to eight lines to your T-Mobile family plan (up to five when you order online), and your price will go down with every one of them. This makes T-Mobile a better option for many larger families.

Besides all the basics that you’ll get with these family plans, like unlimited data, you’ll also get some exclusive family plan perks. How do four new iPhone 15s sound? Yes, T-Mobile is actually running a deal right now where you get four iPhone 15s when you switch with four new lines and four eligible trade-ins. 

Save $20 when you bring a friend to Visible

Visible doesn't offer family plan discounts; however, users can get $20 off their next bill with a referral. You can earn Bring a Friend credits for every friend that joins Visible, valid for up to 12 months of discounted service. 

Visible vs. T-Mobile coverage

Winner: T-Mobile combines solid coverage with the best data speeds

As we mentioned above, Visible actually uses Verizon’s network. This means Visible customers will get the best nationwide 4G coverage available. Just check out this coverage map.

Verizon-Visible coverage map

But that doesn’t mean that T-Mobile’s coverage is bad. In fact, its coverage is pretty darn good in almost every metropolitan and suburban area. Plus, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage is currently better than Verizon’s. Here’s the coverage map for T-Mobile.

T-Mobile coverage map

Visible vs. T-Mobile phones and devices

Tie: Both carriers offer the latest flagship smartphones and devices

If you’re looking to nab one of the newest flagship devices from Apple or Samsung, then T-Mobile and Visible can both hook you up. In fact, there’s no better time to find a great smartphone deal than when you’re switching to a new carrier.

You can see the most popular cell phones that each company sells right here.

Visible Wireless phone deals
T-Mobile phone deals

Recap: Which carrier is right for you?

That does it for all the detailed analysis of these two carriers. Now it’s up to you. Which plan is going to give you everything you need at a price you can afford? Maybe a quick recap will help you make your final decision.

  • Plans: Visible offers two plans, but it’s cheap and powerful. The only real problem for some will be data throttling and deprioritization. T-Mobile’s higher-tiered plans come with faster data and more perks, but the prices go up fast.
  • Family plans: Only T-Mobile offers family plans currently, so if you're planning on bundling a bunch of lines together, you'll get better value with T-Mobile over Visible.
  • Coverage and performance: Visible runs on Verizon’s amazing nationwide network, which offers unparalleled coverage. But T-Mobile’s 5G network is bigger, and its data speeds are much more impressive than Visible’s.

That’s all we’ve got for this Visible vs. T-Mobile review. We hope that it’s helped you find the perfect plan. If you’re still not sure, then maybe check out these other highly-rated options.

What makes this article legit?

Our reviews consider each carrier from every angle—price, performance, coverage, and so much more. Everything we write is informed by hands-on experience, proprietary data from users, customer reviews, and information provided by the carriers themselves. We strive for the highest level of accuracy, and we appreciate your trust and readership.

Easton Smith
Written by
Easton Smith
Easton has worked as a freelance writer and researcher for several years, reviewing health, lifestyle, and technology products. He has probably read more Terms of Use contracts than any human alive. When he’s not sitting in front of a computer, Easton spends his time camping, climbing, and volunteering with humanitarian aid organizations.

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