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Boost Mobile Review - 2023 - Lowest-Priced Unlimited Plan

30-Second Review

Low prices and bundled deals: we recommend Boost Mobile for anyone looking to call, text, or stream data on a budget.

Boost Mobile’s best feature is its unlimited plan. Customers can get unlimited talk, text, and data for only $12.50 for their first month; that’s the lowest standard-rate price we’ve ever seen for an unlimited data plan. Add bundled discounts and solid coverage, and the end result is that Boost Mobile is a great choice for thrifty phone users.

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Highlights

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data for $12.50 your first month, then $25/month
  • Every plan comes with unlimited talk and text
  • Choose your own data: 5GB, 15GB, or unlimited
  • Huge savings with “Phone + Plan” bundles
  • Plans as low as $8.33/mo

Services and Features

As a Boost Mobile customer, these are the features you can rely on:

Coverage and Service

  • Access to one of the largest 5G networks in the US
  • 4G LTE access along T-Mobile’s and ATT’s networks
  • Mobile hotspot access
  • Pre-paid plans charged monthly, every 3-months, or annually
  • Customizable data plans: 2GB, 5GB, 15GB, or unlimited

Customer Service

  • In-person customer support from Boost Mobile stores
  • Call support available M–F during normal business hours

Compatibility

  • Physical SIM card free with all plans
  • Free eSIM activation

Discounts

  • BoostOne™ Mobile App: Chance to earn free service through in-app games: spin the wheel daily for offers

Store

  • Shop new and used phones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Boost, and more
  • Save with “Phone + Plan” bundles

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Best Unlimited Deal: Boost Mobile’s unlimited talk, text, and data plan only costs $12.50 for your first month, then $25/month afterward. If we don’t include one-time discounts or promotions, that’s the cheapest unlimited plan we’ve ever seen.
  • Bundled Savings: If you’re looking to purchase a new phone during your switch to Boost Mobile, you can save when you bundle from the Boost Mobile store or website.

Cons

  • Throttling Risk: After 30GB high-speed monthly data allotment is exceeded, speeds may be reduced for the remainder of the month.

Plans and Pricing

Boost Mobile divides its cell phone plans into two primary categories: Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) and Buy a Phone. After choosing a primary category, you’ll be asked to customize your plan by both monthly data limit and length of service.

Every Boost Mobile plan comes with unlimited talk and text. Plans also come with access to a mobile hotspot, though the amount of data available for use will vary.

If you’re a big-time data user, Boost Mobile offers two types of unlimited plans:

Unlimited

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 12GB of mobile hotspot use
  • Free SIM kit

Unlimited Plus

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 30GB of mobile hotspot use
  • Free SIM kit
  • Access to “Todo Mexico” plan for international calling

Pricing

Bring Your Own Phone



Buy a Phone

Add-Ons

  • eSIM: Activate your phone with a downloadable eSIM, completely for free.

Coverage, Performance, and Customer Reviews

Network Coverage

According to Boost Mobile’s interactive coverage map, the United States is well covered. There are some dead zones in the rural parts of New York, California, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona, so be sure to double-check that your town is covered before making the switch.

Call and Text Performance

Boost Mobile operates along T-Mobile and ATT’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, along with Boost's own 5G network. According to a 2018 study by RootMetrics, T-Mobile’s text and data performed at about the same quality rating as AT&T and Verizon. In call performance, T-Mobile closely followed the performance of Verizon and AT&T.

Compatibility

Bring Your Old Phone

If you’re ready to ditch your old provider for Boost Mobile, but you’re not ready to get rid of your favorite smartphone, don't worry: Boost Mobile makes it easy to keep using your old phone and number.

Here’s what do to:

  1. Check compatibility: See if your old phone is compatible with Boost Mobile’s network by checking on Boost Mobile’s website. From the main page, simply click “Activate” and scroll down to the compatibility checker.
  2. Unlock your phone: Give your old provider a call and ask them to unlock your phone. If they said, “No,” chances are you need to pay off the remaining balance on your phone. Once you’re all settled up, you should be free to unlock your phone.

Buy a New Phone

Ready for a totally fresh start? Find bundled deals on a new or used smartphone and a phone plan to go with right on Boost Mobile’s online store. If you're more the IRL type, Boost Mobile has a store near you where you can find your perfect phone.

Smartphone Stores

Online Store

When shopping on Boost Mobile’s website, you can snag great deals on these popular phones:

  • Apple iPhone 14
  • Samsung Galaxy A23
  • Motorola edge+
  • Boost Bounce
  • Celero 5G
  • TCl 30Z

In-Person Store

Rather go in person? Boost Mobile has over 500 stores throughout the United States. Simply search online for a Boost Mobile store near you and you’re ready to go.

Activation Process

Whether you unlocked your old phone or bought a new one, it only takes a few minutes to activate and start chatting on the network:

  1. Buy a plan: From an in-person store or right from your computer, go ahead and purchase a Boost Mobile plan.
  2. Select eSIM or Physical SIM card: After purchase, decide if you want to activate your phone via eSIM or physical SIM. A physical SIM is slower to set up than an eSIM, but eSIM might not be available for every customer.
  3. Follow the “Activate” instructions: Click on Boost Mobile’s website and tap the orange “Activate” button at the top. From here, follow the steps detailed on the page. Now your phone is live on the network!

Customer Service

Boost Mobile has a leg-up on other mobile providers. With actual, in-person stores located across the United States, you have the option to meet face-to-face with customer service professionals if you need help.

Most Boost Mobile stores are open during normal business hours, 7 days a week.

If you’d rather stay home, you can always give Boost Mobile a call. Over-the-phone customer service is available Monday–Friday during normal business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who owns Boost Mobile?

Boost Mobile is owned by Dish Wireless.

Is Boost Mobile good?

Yes, we think Boost Mobile is pretty good. With a reliable network and the lowest-priced unlimited plan we’ve seen, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.

What network does Boost Mobile use?

Boost Mobile uses T-Mobile’s 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Final Thoughts

Feeling thrifty? Boost Mobile might have just the plan (and phone) for you.

With the lowest-priced unlimited plan we’ve seen, bundled discounts, and a reliable network, Boost Mobile is the perfect cell phone provider if you’re calling on a budget.