MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
At a glance
- Value for money: Visible offer some good features within their plans including international calling.
- Coverage: Great coverage on the Verizon network.
- Customer experience: Not having a customer service number is a big issue for many, as they've found getting help has been frustrating.
- Transparency: Unlike some carriers where it's near impossible, you can find Visible plan terms, but you do have to dig around in the small print.
- Range of choice: There are only two plan options and neither are the cheapest.
Visible review: An in-depth analysis
Visible emerges as a good choice for consumers seeking an affordable, uncomplicated single-line plan.
With its straightforward pricing model, Visible offers just two plans, so it eliminates the overwhelming feeling of having too many choices.
While it may not boast the array of features, affordability, and characteristics of plans from some MVNOs, particularly those who prefer calling customer service or more diverse plan options - its plan simplicity and access to the Verizon network can make it a good choice for some individuals.
What is Visible?
Visible is a low-cost carrier that operates on the network of its parent company, Verizon. It serves up reliable coverage at a cheaper price. While Visible doesn't have all the fancy extras available, like streaming services, it can save you some money on your phone plan. And, since Verizon runs it, you know it's got experience behind it.
What makes Visible different?
There are only two Visible plans to choose from, which can eliminate the confusion of too many choices, but this means it lacks flexibility with their allowances as both plans are unlimited. However, both plans provide free calling to Mexico and Canada, with the Visible+ plan offering even more international features.
Now, it is worth mentioning that although both plans come with unlimited hotspot data, hotspot speed is limited to 5 Mbps. And is limited to one connected device.
Plans & pricing
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
How does Visible compare to Verizon?
Verizon vs Visible comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
Visible | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr |
How much does Visible cost?
There are two options at the time of publication, both of them unlimited plans. Visible is $25 a month, and Visible+ is $45 a month.
The plus version comes with a few extras, like international calling to over 30 countries and texting to 200+ countries. It also hooks you up with 5G Ultra Wideband access, as opposed to the regular plan, which gets regular 5G.
Is Visible a good value?
They're not the cheapest MVNO on the market. But Visible plans can be a good deal if you're looking for one line.
A single line with Visible can save money over a plan directly from Verizon without sacrificing your coverage. However, you're better off somewhere else if you're looking for family phone plans.
Compare Visible vs other carriers
During my research, I found numerous carriers with significantly cheaper plans and better customer ratings:
Visible | How do Visible plans compare? | ||
---|---|---|---|
See at Tello |
See at US Mobile
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
|
Verizon 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G |
Unlimited data | Unlimited data | Unlimited data | Unlimited data |
$45/mo | $25/mo | $15/mo* | $15/mo* |
$540/yr | $300/yr | $306/yr | $315/yr |
1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 2.9 on Trustpilot |
- AT&T vs Visible
- Boost Infinite vs Visible
- Boost Mobile vs Visible
- Lycamobile vs Visible
- Mint Mobile vs Visible
- Red Pocket vs Visible
- T-Mobile vs Visible
- Tello vs Visible
- Twigby vs Visible
- Ultra Mobile vs Visible
- US Mobile vs Visible
- Visible vs Total Wireless
- Visible vs Verizon
Network coverage
What network does Visible use?
As Verizon owns this carrier, it utilizes its network to deliver cellular service. Before signing up, it's worth checking our Visible coverage map to check coverage where you live.
Does Visible have good coverage?
Verizon is known for its extensive coverage area, including many rural areas. The majority of individuals throughout the US will have a reliable signal with this provider. But if you're new to Verizon, you can check the best coverage in your area to determine which network is the most robust.
Does Visible have 5G coverage?
Visible uses Verizon's 5G network. If you want to know how Verizon's 5G network performs in your area, you can read this 2023 OpenSignal 5G Experience Report for more information.
Visible 5G coverage map
How fast are Visible data speeds?
Data speeds can vary depending on your network, location, and device. Visible's website notes that typical 4G LTE & 5G download speeds are 9-56Mbps and that video streams in SD.
The Visible+ plan has access to 5G Ultra Wideband, while Visible Basic does not.
Customer service
Does Visible have good customer service?
The Visible Trustpilot rating is poor, and our Visible customer reviews are only slightly better. Overall, most people have commented that the service is good as long as you don't need to contact customer support.
Visible's customer service seems to be the main reason for the bad reviews, which could be due to the lack of phone support.
Although there are other ways to get in touch 24/7, a lot of people have commented on the frustration of not being able to speak to someone.
- Live chat: Via the website or app 24/7
- Social media: X (@visiblecare) & Facebook Messenger
User experience
What are reviewers saying about Visible?
Customers like access to the Verizon network and have found the overall service good. But most are not happy with the customer support.
Visible customer reviews roundup
- Visible MoneySavingPro rating: 2.6 stars (163)
- Visible Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars (970)
- Visible Google rating: 4.4 stars (36,000+)
What are some common complaints about Visible?
Although most people have positive experiences, some common issues crop up.
Some people have experienced long wait times to get a hold of customer support. Others report frustration with speeds during network congestion due to deprioritization.
SIM activation
Is it easy to switch?
Activating your Visible SIM card should be an uncomplicated and direct process.
Does Visible support eSIM?
Yes, Visible supports eSIM devices. The activation process for your eSIM is quick and much more convenient. You can buy your plan and immediately proceed with installation without having to wait for a SIM card to arrive.
Phone selection
What phones do they have?
If you're in the market for a new phone, you can choose from a decent selection of the most popular smartphones. The carrier offers the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy model, and Google Pixel, among others. Device financing is available through Affirm.
Can I bring my own phone to Visible?
You can boost your savings by keeping your current device and bringing your own phone to Visible. You can also transfer your current phone number. Just ensure that your device is compatible with the Verizon network.
Is my phone compatible?
While most 4G and 5G smartphones are compatible with any network, you'll be able to check on Visible's site during sign-up.
Visible features
Is Visible any good?
Short answer: Visible is an MVNO started by Verizon in 2018. The beauty of this carrier is that it gives you Verizon's extensive coverage at a much lower price. This can be attractive if you're not interested in paying for a bunch of features you don't need at a high cost. However, if customer care is important to you, Visible currently has a bad Trustpilot score of 1.4, with poor customer service ratings being a chief complaint.
Is Visible worth it?
The Visible website is easy to navigate around, and they offer good transparency when it comes to taxes and fees and any terms and conditions with things like mobile hotspot access and data speeds.
Saying that, with Visible's basic plan at $25 a month offering mobile hotspot access and free calls to Mexico and Canada, you can cut the cost of your bill compared to going directly to Verizon.
It's great for people who just need one line, but if you need multiple lines or want more for your money, there are other MVNOs that might be a better fit.
Would I use Visible?
Short answer: Visible can certainly save money, and the coverage is good if Verizon's network is available where you live. After using the service myself, I feel there are other MVNOs that offer me more for my money. Plus, as they have no phone number for their customer support, I found it a struggle and frustrating experience to get help when I needed it.
Visible FAQs
Visible SIM cards are available online, and shipping takes around 1-2 business days.
Although you can also buy them from third-party retailers like Walmart, eBay, and Amazon, I suggest buying directly from the carrier to make the process more straightforward.
There are several options with multi-line discounts on the Verizon network, including Red Pocket Mobile and US Mobile. You can compare family phone plans from all MVNOs to find the best deal.
The Visible+ plan includes roaming in Mexico and Canada, plus the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. However, data speeds are reduced to 2G after 0.5GB/day. Roaming is not available on certain devices, so make sure to check Visible's help center for more information.
No. Customer support is available exclusively through chat and social media.
Yes. This carrier does run promotions from time to time. A previous promotion was for new customers, offering $5 a month off the basic plan and $10 off the plus plan if you commit to 24 months.
Yes. Visible offers $20 off your next month of service if you refer a friend, and your friend will receive $20 off their first month.
Yes. With basic, you get free calls to Mexico and Canada. With Plus, you get calls to 30+ countries and text messages to over 200 countries.
Recap: Is Visible the best cell phone plan?
Visible currently has two plans, with the basic plan starting at $25 a month and providing access to the Verizon network.
The taxes and fees are included in the monthly price, and you get free calls to Mexico and Canada. The Visible+ plan also includes an extra 30+ countries and 50GB of premium data.
However, other low-cost carriers offer cheaper plans with more flexible features and better customer support.
It's important to consider the following essential factors when determining if this carrier is the one for you:
- Plans: With two wireless plans, the carrier keeps it nice and simple, but most of us don't need unlimited data. So, you could save even more money by choosing a plan with a smaller data allowance.
- Coverage: Service on Verizon's network means reliable coverage for the vast majority of users.
- Phones: Bring your own phone or choose from a wide range of new devices.
- Customer experience: The general user experience is frustration about the lack of a customer service phone number.
- Promotions: Keep your eyes peeled for discounts, as Visible sometimes offers decent deals for new customers. But make sure to read the fine print, especially when it comes to offers.
How we reviewed Visible
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.