Boost Mobile is one of the more well-known Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
These smaller operators typically buy service on one of the big four networks and resell it to you at a lower cost. In the case of Boost, the carrier is actually part of the Sprint company (so, naturally, it runs on Sprint's network).
In business since 2002, Boost Mobile offers the features and feel of a major carrier without the commitments and credit checks. This prepaid cell phone carrier even has a family plan option, unlike the majority of MVNOs. And, they have brick-and-mortar retail stores in case you prefer to do business in person.
Another advantage that you won't find with most smaller carriers is Boost's generous suite of international service options. You can choose to add just Canada and Mexico to your monthly plan, or you can add minute packs for a country of your choice. You can even buy just international texting as an add-on.
There's no doubt you're getting an established name and network behind your service, should you choose this carrier. What about other things like price and coverage?
Keep reading to find out in our Boost Mobile review.
Boost Mobile Review
Boost Mobile Highlights
- Owned by Sprint, runs on the major carrier's nationwide network
- Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees
- Bring your own phone (Sprint-compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new and pre-owned Boost phones
- Mobile hotspot permitted, plus up to 50 GB of hotspot data available with top-tier plans
- International service and roaming available as add-on packs
- Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends
Boost Mobile Prepaid Plans
| Plan | Mins/Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile - 3 Gigs | Unltd/Unltd | 3GB | $35 |
| Boost Mobile - Unlimited Gigs | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $50 |
| Boost Mobile - Unlimited Plus | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $60 |
| Boost Mobile - Ultimate Unlimited | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $80 |
Three of the four prepaid plans are unlimited data plans, with the fourth one providing 3 GB of high-speed data. All of the packages give you unlimited talk and text messages.
Whether or not Boost's pricing is competitive is highly dependent upon what you're looking for. If you're shopping for a single line and you're a heavy data user, Boost is a little cheaper than Sprint but the savings aren't overwhelming.
If you're in the market for a family plan you'll save slightly more unless you choose Boost Unlimited Plus or Ultimate Unlimited (premium plans which come with perks like HD video streaming and priority care service).
Boost Mobile Savings
Sprint vs Boost Mobile Price Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $120 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Boost Mobile | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd | $50/mo | $600/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $10/mo | $120/yr | |
Boost Mobile Coverage
Boost Mobile runs on the same network as Sprint. You'll get the same reliability and coverage as customers with Sprint, just under a different name.
Figuring out whether or not you can get service with this provider is as easy as checking the Sprint coverage map.
Sprint has a history of coming in fourth among the big four carriers in terms of 4G signal availability (OpenSignal). It's important to keep in mind, however, that the coverage difference between each network is very small - a matter of a couple of percentage points. Unless you live in a very rural area you're likely to get a strong signal with Boost.
Boost Mobile Cell Phone Plans
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | n/a |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | n/a |
| International Calls | n/a |
| Money Back Guarantee | n/a |
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | n/a |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | n/a |
| International Calls | n/a |
| Money Back Guarantee | n/a |
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | n/a |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | n/a |
| International Calls | n/a |
| Money Back Guarantee | n/a |
Boost Mobile Phone Deals
You've got three choices for how to get a device when you switch to Boost:
- Bring your own phone - You can only do this if you already have a Boost or Sprint phone. This carrier is very selective about the devices they allow you to bring. If you bring your own phone you will need to purchase a Boost Mobile SIM card.
- Buy new - Boost sells a large selection of devices in all price ranges, from a low-end flip phone to the newest flagship smartphones. You can get financing with no credit check, but only if you've been a customer for at least a year and made all of your mobile service payments on time.
- Buy a Boost compatible refurbished phone - We make it easy for you to compare prices and features from top sellers side-by-side in seconds. You'll find all of your favorites, regardless of whether you're an Android or iPhone devotee.
Because you can only use a compatible phone with this carrier you probably won't have to change your device to Boost APN settings. Just in case though, we've laid out simple instructions for you.
Key Considerations
- Is there coverage at my location?
- Do I need multiple lines?
- Do I need a carrier with international service?
- Will you bring your own phone or buy one?
Recap
Boost doesn't undercut Sprint's pricing by much, but it does beat them.
The biggest advantage with Boost lies in the fact that it provides prepaid, no-contract plans. You won't find a significant difference in the monthly cost, but if you want to be on the Sprint network you won't have to jump through credit check hoops.
Hear from real customers in our Boost customer reviews. If you decide it's not the right fit, we make it fast and easy for you to compare cell phone plans from other Sprint MVNOs.
