Verizon has a new unlimited data plan–but is it too good to be true?
Here's what you need to know about Verizon Visible
Credit:
Verizon Visible
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Update: Verizon reached out to clarify their current offers, so this article has been updated to reflect new information.
Between streaming music while I'm driving to work, watching old reruns of The Office on Peacock for the umpteenth time, and endlessly scrolling through Instagram, there are two things I care about when it comes to my phone: speed and data.
Specifically, I care about more speed and more data. And that's what Visible, a non-MVNO "phone service" that relies on—and is owned by—Verizon, is now offering in its first unlimited high-speed data plan. Plans start at just $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data on both 4G and 5G networks, a price that includes taxes and fees.
Sounds pretty good, right? Yes, but it sounds almost a little too good. We dove into the details—and ask our expert whether or not Visible is worth your money—below.
What does unlimited high-speed data really mean?
New phone service, who's this?
Visible is owned by Verizon and operates on Verizon's 4G and 5G networks. There are two plans for new customers, Visible and Visible+, both of which offer coverage on 4G and 5G networks. Visible+ is $40/mo and comes with 50Gb of premium data on Verizon's Ultra Wideband network. As with other plans, 4G data is the slowest and 5G can be very fast when coverage is good. The base Visible plan may sometimes de-prioritize your data when the network is congested, but this is a common caveat on all phone plans.
Is there a catch?
Not really! Visible has updated its offerings over the years to take advantage of Verizon's excellent 5G coverage so many previous concerns we had with the plan structure are mostly resolved. The price has remained low and there's still no contract required.
At a baseline, you should expect your data to be fast, with true unlimited data. The fact you can also make use of 5G on the base plan, and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network on the "plus" plan is huge. You even get mobile hotspot data included, which many more expensive plans don't cover without paying extra.
If there's one catch, it's that video is typically limited to 480p (standard definition) in nearly all cases. This is also true of most other phone plans now, so this isn't a big a deal.
How does it work with a group?
Verizon Visible's Party Pay plan allows friends to join the same phone plan.
Visible has gotten rid of its previous group plans that let you share one account with multiple people. You can still sign up for multiple Visible plans and lines (and change from the basic plan to the "plus" plan on the fly) but it's the same price for each line.
What devices can you use Visible with?
Visible is compatible with most major phones that work on Verizon's network, including the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices. You can bring your phone if you're switching as well, though if you're moving from AT&T or another incompatible network your phone may not work. You can check phone compatibility using Visible's compatibility checker.
Are there any other perks to using Visible?
Yes! There are a few bonuses to look at taking advantage of right now. Visible is running a $15 off discount when you bring your own phone (for three months), and you can also get $20 off for a month if you refer a friend (they also save $20 on their first month's bill).
So is it worth purchasing?
Visible has its perks—but it's not for everyone.
Absolutely. Visible's offerings are ideal if you're looking for a flexible plan with simple conditions and a great network. The per-line cost is very low compared to the major carriers, you get unlimited talk and text, and it's free to use your device as a mobile hotspot and just $5/month to add a wearable device like a 4G/5G-compatible smartwatch.
It's possible you'll see some data de-prioritization with the base plan, but the $45/mo "plus" plan includes 50Gb of premium data and better international calling and texting. It's just a great all-around plan no matter which way you go, with the flexibility to change or cancel your plan whenever you want.