Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Metro by T-Mobile or Boost Mobile is better?
Both offer access to the same T-Mobile network but Boost Mobile also offers competitive pricing with attractive data bundles and family plan discounts, making it a flexible choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Find out which carrier works best with your priorities and offers the value you're looking for.
Metro by T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile keeps it simple with affordable, straightforward prepaid plans. You can get unlimited data for just $25 a month-something most carriers can't touch.
Metro by T-Mobile, on the other hand, bundles in extras like Amazon Prime and Google One on its higher-tier plans. But that bundling comes at a cost-you'll pay more per month, even if you don't need those perks.
Takeaway: If you want the cheapest prepaid data, Boost Mobile wins. If you value bundled perks and you're already a regular Amazon Prime user, Metro might be worth a look. But you'll pay more.
Boost Mobile plans
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile plans
Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Metro by T-Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Metro by T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile coverage
Winner: Both
Coverage shouldn't be a deciding factor here as both carriers use T-Mobile's network, so you're getting the same coverage either way.
T-Mobile ranks highest for 5G availability across the U.S., according to OpenSignal's 2025 mobile network experience report. That makes both Boost and Metro solid options for fast speeds in cities and suburbs.
Takeaway: Coverage is identical, so your decision comes down to pricing and perks.
Metro by T-Mobile coverage
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Metro by T-Mobile coverage map
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Will one be faster than the other?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Both carriers access T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE networks, but Metro by T-Mobile plans include priority data, meaning your speeds could stay faster in crowded areas compared to Boost Mobile's lower-cost plans.
Boost Mobile gives you 30GB of high-speed data on its unlimited plan, which is plenty for most users, but during peak times, your speeds may slow before Metro users notice any change.
Takeaway: For most users, both carriers will feel fast. But if you're in a crowded area or a data-heavy user, Metro's priority data could give you an edge, but at a higher price.
Features and extras: Who offers better perks?
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
This is where Metro by T-Mobile really leans into the big-brand perks. On its higher-tier plans, you get Amazon Prime, Google One cloud storage, and Scam Shield Premium. If you were planning to pay for these separately, Metro's bundles can be a solid deal.
Boost Mobile keeps it simple-no fluff, just cheap data and free mobile hotspot access on every plan. If you like no-frills savings, Boost Mobile delivers.
Takeaway: If you're after the lowest monthly cost, Boost Mobile is hard to beat. If you want a plan that doubles as an entertainment bundle, Metro's perks might be worth the splurge.
Metro by T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Metro by T-Mobile | Boost Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | No | No |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier fits your needs best?
- Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
- Best for single-line plans → Boost Mobile
- Best for bundled perks → Metro by T-Mobile
- Best for heavy data users → Metro by T-Mobile
Bottom line: If you want affordable prepaid data without unnecessary extras, Boost Mobile is the better deal. If you want a bundle with streaming and storage perks, Metro might make sense but just be ready to pay more.
See if Boost Mobile fits your needs with our Boost Mobile review.
See how Metro compares with our Metro by T-Mobile review.
Metro by T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile FAQs
Boost Mobile includes taxes and fees in its advertised prices. Metro by T-Mobile adds taxes and fees on top of the listed price.
Metro by T-Mobile offers multi-line discounts, while Boost Mobile focuses on low-cost individual plans.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Both offer international add-ons, but Metro by T-Mobile's options are more robust if you make frequent calls abroad.
Why you can trust me
I've spent over 15 years testing and comparing phone carriers to help people cut their bills without cutting their service. I've personally used and reviewed Boost Mobile, Tello, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and many other prepaid options, so I know exactly what to expect before and after you switch.
At MoneySavingPro, we specialize in cutting through marketing hype to show you exactly what you're paying for-and what you're not. If a carrier promises big and doesn't deliver, we call it out so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Metro by T-Mobile comparison guides
- Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Tello vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
- US Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
Boost Mobile comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Consumer Cellular
- Boost Mobile vs Cricket
- Boost Mobile vs Kroger Wireless
- Boost Mobile vs Lyca Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Optimum Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs PureTalk
- Boost Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Straight Talk
- Boost Mobile vs Tello
- Boost Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Boost Mobile vs Tracfone
- Boost Mobile vs Twigby Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs US Mobile
- Boost Mobile vs Visible
- Boost Mobile vs Xfinity Mobile
