If you’re interested in Verizon’s massive nationwide network, you might think your job is already done. However, there are a few different ways you can use the Big Red network. One such method is to work with wholly owned subsidiary Visible. Is this a Jedi Master and Apprentice situation? Let’s stack the Visible vs Verizon and find out.
See also: Verizon Buying Guide | Visible buying guide
While your coverage options should be pretty similar, we’ll dive into the best deals, prices, and phones to help you decide. Are you ready to start using the Verizon network? Let’s start.
Visible Against Verizon – Pricing
Verizon is one of the most expensive carriers, but you pay for a huge network and lots of perks. If you don’t mind taking away some of these benefits, you may be pleasantly surprised by Visible’s one-plan model. See the table below for a quick price breakdown:
| Visible costs | Verizon costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited entry plan | $ 40 for one line $ 35 per line for two lines $ 30 per line for three lines $ 25 per line for four lines | Start indefinitely $ 70 for one line $ 60 per line for two lines $ 45 per line for three lines $ 35 per line for four lines |
| Unlimited mid-level plan | None | Play / do more unlimited $ 80 for one line $ 70 per line for two lines $ 55 per line for three lines $ 45 per line for four lines |
| High end unlimited plan | None | Get more unlimited $ 90 for one line $ 80 per line for two lines $ 65 per line for three lines $ 55 per line for four lines |
As you can see, Visible knows its trail and stays there. The plan costs $ 40 for a single line, but you can cut it down to just $ 25 a month if you opt for Party Pay. When you team up with three friends, each of you pays the monthly rate of $ 25, and your timeliness of payments does not affect the other service areas. There’s not much to say about the cost of Visible – it’s a rate, a plan, and unlimited access.
We mentioned that Verizon tends to be on the expensive side, but your best bet to save money is with the Start Unlimited setup. Add four lines and you get only $ 35 per line per month. However, this is as low as possible. Each of the other unlimited plans – play more, do more, and get more – will cost you quite a bit more per month, though you get more perks and premium data with each tier.
Since Visible only offers one plan, you may want to stick with Verizon if you no longer want additional benefits. Finally, the aforementioned unlimited plans offer a mix of Disney Plus and Apple Music as part of your monthly installment.
If you find that none of the pricing models suit your needs, you may need to look elsewhere for service. Here are some other providers to check out:
Visible vs Verizon coverage
While both carriers rely on Verizon’s nationwide network, you’ll see slightly better coverage if you choose Big Red. This is because Visible only uses Verizon’s LTE network, while the carrier itself uses a mix of 3G, LTE and 5G access. You’ll also miss out on international access if you choose Visible as there is no roaming coverage.
As mentioned earlier, if you find yourself on a 3G connection frequently or if you want to be one of the first to roll out 5G, Verizon is the way to go. Verizon uses a high-speed mmWave network for its 5G coverage, which is one of the fastest around, although it is by no means long-range. You’ll need to check out Verizon’s interactive maps to see where 5G is available.
See also: Where is 5G available in the US?
While Verizon has great coverage, you can’t rule out Visible because of the size of Big Red’s 4G LTE network. It covers 71% of the United States – more than any other network. Our own Andrew Grush recently tried Visible as its main carrier, and you can read about his experience here.
Visible vs Verizon – Perks and Promotions
You might have guessed based on pricing and coverage options, but Visible and Verizon differ significantly in the promotions they offer. As an MVNO, Visible is great if all you’re looking for is network access at an affordable price. If you choose Visible, you won’t find any perks for streaming music or video – although the unlimited hotspot is a nice addition.
While you might want to dry off with free subscriptions, Visible may be the king of free gift benefits. Right now, you can download select iOS devices such as the iPhone 11 and purchase free Bose Soundlink II headphones. Many Samsung devices on Visible also come with an accessory gift card so you can round off your setup with new headphones or save money with a smartwatch.
However, if you’re ready to learn about Verizon’s high-end plans, a list of perks is available for you. All of the operator’s unlimited plans include a mix of Disney Plus and Apple Music, although some plans only offer six months of access. The following table provides some quick information:
| To plan | Video perk | Music perk |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Start Unlimited | 6 months Disney Plus | 6 months of Apple Music |
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus included | 6 months of Apple Music |
| Verizon does more unlimited | 6 months Disney Plus | 6 months of Apple Music |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus included | Apple Music included |
If you want full access to Verizon’s two best streaming perks, you have to go for the world-class Get More plan. The media-centric Play More plan includes the same level of Disney Plus access. Hence, if you are already devoted to Spotify or some other music service, it may be worth your money.
See also: 10 best music streaming apps for Android
Visible doesn’t exactly matter much on the promotions side either, as you can get up to $ 1,000 off most Verizon phones when you switch or trade. Verizon is also offering significantly more phones like the LG Velvet at low prices of $ 10 per month. The best discount you’ll find at Visible is $ 200 off the Samsung Galaxy S10e, which doesn’t quite stand up to Verizon’s offers.
Visible vs Verizon Phone Choices
Not sounding like a broken record, but Visible is acting like a stripped-down version of Verizon again. It offers a smaller range of phones, though you’ll find the latest flagships available. Visible also offers a solid selection of affordable phones. If you are not impressed with your options or love your current device, you can always take it with you. Here you can enter your phone’s IMEI number to check compatibility.
See also: Best Verizon Phones
Over at Verizon, you can find an almost endless list of phones to choose from. The carrier has a special relationship with Motorola, so this is the only place you can find the collapsible Razr or the flagship Motorola Edge Plus. You’ll have to stick to Verizon for other expensive devices like the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 as well.
Verizon lets you take your phone with you too, and the process is almost the same as with Visible. Both network operators rely on the CDMA framework for signaling so they can essentially support the same list of devices.
Which carrier is right for you?
You can’t go wrong with the Verizon network, but the decision depends on how much money you want to spend. If you want to keep costs down, stick with Visible. Pay no more than $ 40 per line per month, and Party Pay makes it even cheaper to access. Visible still offers the same great LTE access as Verizon and you don’t get much in bonuses here either.
On the other hand, Verizon is a leading network in America for good reason. The network is huge and the speed is high, even if you have to pay extra. You can choose almost any phone on the market, and there are plenty of benefits to add to your enjoyment. There’s nothing Visible has that Verizon can’t compete with other than the savings potential.
Ultimately, you might decide that there is no winner in the Verizon vs Visible debate. If your coin ends up this way, here are a few other networks you might want to investigate: