Here's an issue that many of us wireless service consumers can relate to - choosing between affordable MVNOs such as Boost Mobile.
MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, are highly numerous, and many of them aren't exactly well-known. Despite this, most MVNOs offer some great deals and plans that allow you greater control over your monthly cell phone bill and what kind of plan you desire. You'll only pay for what you use under these sort of plans.
You'll find within this Boost Mobile cell phone plans guide information regarding the available no-contract plans, the prepaid cell phones, the Boost customer service, the coverage and more. Finally, we'll direct you to our cell phone plan comparison tool, to help you make informed decisions as to whether or not Boost Mobile is right for you.
In This Guide
Boost Mobile's Wireless Plans
The Sprint network-based Boost Mobile offers unlimited voice and text plans that would suit both individual users and families. Also worth mentioning are a few features that complement Boost Mobile's plans, which may be quite tempting for the consumer. First, let's delve into individual plans provided by the service.
Do note that all of Boost Mobile's plans are prepay plans. Prepay plans mean no contract and no commitment whatsoever.
Monthly Plans
Boost Mobile cell phone plans come in two different types when it comes to individual plans: the first individual plan begins with 2GB of 4G LTE data, which includes unlimited talk, unlimited text message, and unlimited data, but the unlimited data won't be high-speed. You can simply add more 4G LTE data to your account if you need more high-speed data, however.
If you would also like to add one more GB of data to your plan, you can add a few dollars per month to your bill, and if you want two more GB of data, you can add a bit more per month.
The second individual no-contract plan, which is an unlimited plan, is one that we will explain in the unlimited section of this guide.
Boost Mobile's unlimited call and text plans come with a nifty perk - you'll have access to unlimited music streaming with select music partners, which allows you to stream music without using any of your allotted high-speed data.
You'll also be able to save a few dollars per month when you sign up for Auto Re-Boost on a single or primary line.
As a side note, if you're worried about overage charges, don't be. There are no overage charges associated with Boost Mobile's service.
Family Plans
Curious about a Boost Mobile family plan? Unlimited call and text family plans begin at a simple yet affordable fee per month for the primary line, but do note that you'll be saving more with the Auto Re-Boost feature intact; otherwise, you'll be paying more per month.
Similar to the individual plans, with Boost Mobile family plans, you can begin with 2GB of 4G LTE high-speed data and add either 1GB of high-speed data for a few dollars per month or 2GB of high-speed data for a little more. You can add lines for a certain fee, saving money along the way.
Unlimited Plans
There is an Unlimited 4G LTE plan available from Boost Mobile. Dubbed Boost Unlimited, you will receive unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data with this plan. However, there is a caveat to Boost Unlimited: you can only access mobile-optimized streaming for videos, games, and music.
Mobile-optimized means that you can take advantage of standard-definition video streaming at up to 480p+ resolution, music streaming at up to 500kbps, and cloud gaming at up to 2mbps. Unfortunately, this means no HD video streaming.
Of course, you can always opt for the unlimited family plan, which you can purchase at an affordable monthly cost for a primary line, with a monthly discount for each additional line. Like the individual plan, you will receive unlimited data, talk, and text - in other words, a fantastic cell phone service to consider.
All the major wireless providers offer monthly unlimited cell phone service plans now. You can use our comparison tool to see how Boost Mobile stacks up.
Boost Mobile Cell Phones
You need to equip your unlimited voice and unlimited text message service with an Android or iPhone prepay cell phone. Fortunately, Boost Mobile provides the customer with both Android, including the Samsung Galaxy lineup, and iPhone devices so you have a choice between Android or iPhone.
Furthermore, you can filter through your options based on the customer rating, phone types, whether the phone is on sale, brands, features, phone styles, and even condition.
If you're wanting the latest iPhone, it's in Boost Mobile's catalog. And the latest Samsung Galaxy model? Yes! But unfortunately, some popular models aren't exactly available with the service. Overall, the models offered by Boost Mobile are rather few in number.
Read More: If you're looking to compare smartphones before you purchase one, you can always take our handy smartphone comparison tool.
Phone Insurance
Don't want to risk losing or destroying your phone? Don't want it to break down after the warranty ends? Then you may want to consider phone insurance.
But first, you may want to read our article, "Is Cell Phone Insurance Worth It?", for more information on phone insurance.
Boost Mobile offers only one phone insurance policy. At a $7 monthly cost, your Boost Mobile phone will be protected from out-of-warranty phone breakdowns, theft, accidental damage (including liquid damage), and being lost.
All you need to do to access the service is to enroll in the insurance plan within 30 days of purchasing your new phone. Furthermore, you're eligible for two claims within a year-long period.
Phone Activation
There are several methods to activate your Boost Mobile phone:
- Via online
- Dial the Boost Mobile Activation line at 1-888-266-7848
- Visiting a Boost Mobile Store
Mobile Hotspot
Boost Mobile offers a Wi-Fi hotspot service, which allows you to share LTE data with up to 10 of your wireless devices. Again, the service is prepaid, meaning no annual contract and flexible plans that suit your needs.
Keep in mind that you'll need to have a compatible hotspot device, such as the R850 Mobile Hotspot or an eligible phone. There are three mobile hotspot plans offered by Boost Mobile for your phone, ranging from 500MB to 2GB per month. However, with the physical hotspot device, you'll receive more data for a higher fee.
SIM Card
Boost Mobile phones automatically come with a SIM card, which contains your subscriber profile data. If you're missing a SIM card for your phone, you can always contact the provider and receive a free one.
However, if you plan on bringing your phone to Boost Mobile, you should be aware that Boost Mobile monthly plans will only work with Boost Mobile devices and some certified Sprint phones.
Deals, Promotions & Discounts
Boost Mobile offers respectable deals within both its stores and online, though some deals may be limited to only in-store. For instance, you could receive discounts on a wide variety of phones offered, including the iPhone.
Unfortunately, the service doesn't seem to offer employee or student discounts.
Boost Mobile Coverage
A previously mentioned Boost Mobile's coverage is dependent on Sprint's LTE network, as Sprint owns the service. Thus, the carrier is on a CDMA network, which you can learn more about in our guide, "CDMA vs GSM: What's the Difference?" This particular CDMA network is not the greatest of the major carrier networks, but it is solid. For more information, you can compare Sprint's coverage with the coverage of the other three big networks (Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, and AT&T) with, "Who Has the Best Cell Phone Coverage?"
Customer Support
The Boost customer service is solid. Many people reach a representative within only a few minutes of calling them, and the questions are answered in a quick and effective manner. That being said, if you don't want to call the service, there are a few ways to receive support from Boost Mobile:
- By email via Boost Mobile's form
- By viewing their FAQ's
- By phone
- By Facebook or Twitter
How to Change Your APN Settings
If you're bringing a used unlocked phone to Boost Mobile, you'll most likely need to change your APN settings. To view the APN Settings for Boost Mobile, go here.
Recap
Boost Mobile's service isn't the greatest offered in the nation, but it is a solid service, relying on Sprint's network.
With highly affordable monthly plans and hotspots, as well as nifty features such as unlimited music streaming, it may be the option to consider, especially when you're comparing MVNOs like Virgin Mobile and Straight Talk - after all, Boost Mobile is more affordable than both of those MVNOs. With that being said, the phones offered are rather limited and the BYOP program is rather strict, so the service may not be for everyone.
Looking to compare other cell phone plans? Then be sure to check out our cell phone comparison tool.
