Visible Wireless Review: 9 Things to Know Before You Sign Up (2024)

MICHAEL SAVES RATING: 8.5/10

DEAL ALERT: Get $10 off per month for the first three months with either Visible monthly plan; use code MOOLAH

Verizon-owned Visible offers one of the best wireless deals after lowering the price of its most popular plan to $25 per month.

I joined Visible in October 2019 and have been a paying customer ever since.

If you’re thinking about switching to Visible from Verizon or another service, you need to understand how Visible works to decide if it’s right for you. Visible is not for everyone.

Before I share my experience from four years of testing, let’s get started with some fast facts about Visible.

Visible Fast Facts: What You Need to Know

• What is Visible?: Visible is a Verizon-owned prepaid phone service that offers affordable unlimited plans for single-line users.

• What network does Visible use?: Visible uses Verizon’s network, including 5G access at no extra charge.

• How much does Visible cost?: The regular price for the Visible base plan is $25 per month and the Visible+ premium plan is $45 per month. Annual plans were added in April 2024.

• What do you get with Visible?: Visible’s plans include truly unlimited talk, text and data — including mobile hotspot usage.

• How fast are data speeds with Visible?: The answer depends on your plan. From my experience with the Visible base plan, users can expect 5G speeds up to around 200 Mbps. However, Visible’s website says 9-56 Mbps is typical. The premium Visible+ plan includes access to 5G Ultra Wideband for Verizon’s fastest data speeds.

• Does Visible offer mobile hotspot?: Unlimited mobile hotspot data is included, but speeds are capped at 5 Mbps for Visible plan users and 10 Mbps for Visible+ plan users.

• Can I get a deal on a new phone with Visible?: Visible frequently offers discounts on popular Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. Some phone deals are limited to users who get the Visible+ premium plan.

• Does Visible offer customer service?: Customer service is primarily handled through the Visible app. There are no stores or a phone number to call for customer service. You can get 24/7 support through live chat.

• Does Visible have a family plan?: Visible’s target audience is single-line users. The service doesn’t have a family plan or multi-line discount. Each line of service requires a separate Visible account.

• Does Visible support eSIM?: If you have a newer phone with eSIM, you can sign up for Visible and connect to Verizon’s network in about 15 minutes. This technology eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, Visible will overnight you a SIM card to get started.

The carrier recently enlisted actor Jason Alexander and tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee to highlight the fact that Visible’s phone plans have no hidden fees.

This is my unsponsored review. I share the key things you need to consider before getting Visible.

1. Plans and Pricing

Visible by Verizon now features two unlimited wireless data plans.

The Visible base plan offers unlimited data, talk, text and mobile hotspot for $25 per month or $275 when you pay for a year of service upfront.

Visible’s premium plan, called Visible+, is normally $45 per month. The annual option is $395.

The service introduced the annual plan option in April 2024, but only the Visible+ plan offers a significant savings (26%) compared to paying monthly.

Taxes and fees are included in the advertised price.

The biggest difference between the two plans? Data speeds.

• Visible’s base plan includes 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE data
• Visible’s premium plan unlocks access to Verizon’s fastest speeds with 5G Ultra Wideband and 50GB of premium data when connected to 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE (5G Ultra Wideband is always premium data)

Learn more about premium data and whether you really need it.

Both plans include talk and text from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico. But the premium plan features additional international calling, text and data roaming access compared to the base plan.

Visible and Visible+ Unlimited Plans (Updated April 2024)

Visible doesn’t offer a family plan. Instead, its plans are designed for single-line users. There is no multi-line discount, and every line of service requires a separate account.

Billing is handled through the Visible app. As a prepaid service, no credit check is required unless you finance your phone. There are no activation or early termination fees.

Visible offers a 15-day free trial of the base plan for those with an eSIM-compatible Apple, Samsung or Google device.

The free trial is a great way to test out Visible’s service in your area, particularly if you’re not sure about the network coverage or data speeds where you live.

After the free trial, new users can still take advantage of any available phone deals.

Visible updated its referral program in May 2022. When someone refers Visible to a friend, both the referrer and the referee get $20 off a month of service.

2. Visible Coverage Map

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its 5G and 4G LTE networks.

If you live in an area where Verizon offers strong coverage, Visible is likely a solid option to consider.

Visible told MichaelSaves.com that its new plans offer a better network experience, including domestic roaming and improved latency with many new access points from Verizon’s network.

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Visible’s coverage map is updated as 5G access expands. You can now see the different coverage for the base Visible plan and the premium Visible+ plan.

Enter your address here to confirm network coverage.

Verizon announced in August 2023 that it was ahead of schedule on expanding and enhancing its 5G Ultra Wideband capabilities.

Verizon says it will more than double the 5G bandwidth available to its customers — meaning faster data speeds.

3. Call and Text Performance

Visible’s call and text performance will vary depending on your location.

During my several years as a Visible customer, I’ve had very few issues with dropped calls or missing text messages. It has been extremely reliable.

During the early days of my Visible service, I did receive a few spam text messages. However, that is no longer an issue.

Visible has added free Scam Protection to reduce robocalls. Activate this feature from the Visible app by clicking Account, Privacy and Security, and then toggle on Scam Protection.

If you’re in an area with little or no cell coverage, Visible supports Wi-Fi Calling at no additional charge.Just make sure to go into your phone’s settings to activate this feature.

4. Data Speeds

Like most low-cost cell phone service providers, Verizon-owned Visible slows your data when the network is congested.

This is more likely to happen if you have the base plan.

As mentioned earlier in this review, the new Visible+ plan includes 50GB of premium data on the 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE networks — which Visible calls Premium Network Experience. When connected to 5G Ultra Wideband, Visible+ users will always get premium data.

Visible+ users receive high-priority access to Verizon’s network during times of network congestion — just like Verizon postpaid customers.

Although I pay for a Visible plan without priority data, deprioritization only happens on occasion for me. I’ve always been able to stream video, use my apps and surf the web with Visible.

However, some users have told me that deprioritization has made using the service difficult at times.

I’ve tested Visible’s data speeds extensively over the past few years using the Speedtest app.

The screenshots below show my last speed test with Visible’s old unlimited plan compared to my first speed test with Visible’s new base plan.

The download speeds were similar at around 150 Mbps, but the new plan has a much lower ping.

From my experience, anything over 25 Mbps is fast enough to stream video without buffering. Download speeds greater than 50 Mbps are impressive for a cheap phone plan.

The lower ping is also very encouraging. Latency has improved significantly with the new plans that launched in August 2022.

Both speed tests were conducted from the same location with an Apple iPhone 12.

Bottom line: For me, Visible’s data speeds on the entry-level plan have been fast enough to do everything I need. But if you want the absolute fastest data speeds and priority data, you may want to pay more for the Visible+ premium plan. You can upgrade or downgrade plans anytime from the Visible app.

5. Mobile Hotspot

Unlimited mobile hotspot usage sets Visible apart from many of its competitors, but there is a 5 Mbps speed cap for users on the base plan.

As of March 2024, those with the premium Visible+ plan get hotspot speeds up to 10 Mbps.

I tested the mobile hotspot feature while putting together this review. Instead of connecting to Wi-Fi, I used Visible’s mobile hotspot capability to connect my laptop to the internet and type away.

According to Speedtest.net, the download speed was just over 5 Mbps.

Before upgrading to Visible’s new plan in August 2022, I would sometimes get up to 10 Mbps when connected to mobile hotspot. That’s double the limit.

However, the mobile hotspot speed cap appears to be more strictly enforced with the current plans.

I find the unlimited mobile hotspot data extremely useful for times when I’m working on my laptop at coffee shops or other public places. It has also come in handy when power outages have knocked my home Wi-Fi offline.

Although 5 Mbps is not fast, it’s adequate for checking emails, browsing the web and light video streaming.

6. Video Streaming

Visible says video typically streams at 480p, which is standard definition. This applies to both the Visible base plan and the premium Visible+ plan.

Keep in mind that you can stream in HD when connected to Wi-Fi instead of cellular data.

Not sure what to make of this? Open up YouTube on your phone and watch a few videos in different resolutions to see if you can really tell the difference on your phone.

If your experience with 480p isn’t bad, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed using Visible.

7. Phone Options

Customers can purchase a new phone or bring a compatible Apple or Android device to Visible. The service has made a lot of progress when it comes to phone options since it launched in 2018.

You can use Visible’s phone compatibility checker to see if your device will work.

I switched to Visible at a time when I needed a new phone, so I ended up purchasing a device from the carrier.

At last check, about 30 phone models were available for sale. They include:

• Apple iPhone 15
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 14
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 13
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro
• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 13 Mini
• Apple iPhone SE
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• SamsungGalaxy Z Flip4
• SamsungGalaxy S22
• SamsungGalaxy S22+
• SamsungGalaxy S22 Ultra
• Google Pixel 7
• Google Pixel 7 Pro
• Google Pixel 7a
• Motorola Edge

I always pay for my devices in full, but financing is offered through Affirm at as low as 0% APR. Financing does require a credit check and you may need to make a down payment.

Visible also has programs to upgrade, trade-in and swap your device. SeeVisible’s websitefor the latest offers.

In addition to phones, Visible supports smartwatches. You can purchase an Apple Watch from Visible (or bring your own) and pay $10/month for unlimited data. Smartwatch service is included with the Visible+ plan.

8. Customer Service

Visible has no physical stores or a customer service number to call for help. Everything is done through the app.

If you’re switching from Verizon or another major carrier to Visible, perhaps the biggest change will be adjusting to the way customer service is handled.

Visible customer service options:

• Live chat
• Facebook Messenger
• Twitter

Visible Managing Director Jeremy Bolton told me exclusively in August 2023 that he’s “very happy” with the progress the company has made with its customer care.

In the past, Bolton said Visible experienced challenges with customer support due to an influx of new customers.

Visible increased its customer care team by 25% in the fall of 2022, which has reduced wait times for live chat. It also implemented a procedure to offer real-time escalated support for complex issues.

Going forward, Bolton said Visible will be leaning in to AI (artificial intelligence) to enhance its customer service.

My switch to Visible was trouble-free, but I’ll admit the absence of traditional phone support made me nervous. The company does provide frequent updates about your order via email.

I signed up on a Friday and began the process of transferring my number with Visible.

My old cell phone service provider released my number to Visible before my new phone arrived, but my service continued without interruption.

After FedEx delivered my phone on Monday, I turned it on and was using Visible moments later.

I read on Visible’s website that the average length of time to complete porting is 4.9 days, so don’t wait until the very end of your billing cycle to make the switch. Give yourself some time.

Also, have the account number and PIN from your current provider. Visible needs that for the transfer.

If you’re bringing your own phone to Visible, eSIM is now available for select devices. This allows you to switch your service in as little as 15 minutes without a physical SIM card.

If your device isn’t compatible with eSIM, Visible will overnight you a physical SIM card instead.

9. Phone Deals and Discounts

Aside from the 15-day free trial that I mentioned earlier, Visible frequently promotes deals for new customers.

I made the switch to Visible because of a limited-time offer that gave me a $200 prepaid Mastercard for purchasing a new phone and transferring my number to the service.

When I signed up, there was a $100 offer if you brought your own device.

Deals and discounts change frequently, so it’s best to visitVisible’s websitefor the latest information. In the past, they’ve been pretty aggressive with gift card promos and even free gifts.

After reducing the base plan price to $25 per month in August 2023, Visible has not been offering as many deals for that plan.

However, there are frequent promotions for customers who get the premium Visible+ plan.

Final Thoughts

After reading my Visible review, I hope that you have more information to help you decide whether to switch to Visible or consider another wireless provider.

From my testing and research, Visible is best for:

• Single-line users since there’s no family plan
• People who want Verizon’s network at a cheaper price
• Anyone who isn’t obsessed with the fastest data speeds or priority data
• Frequent mobile hotspot users
• People who aren’t afraid of the limited customer support options

If Visible is not for you, consider Xfinity Mobile or US Mobile. I’ve tested both of them. Like Visible, they have affordable plans on Verizon’s network.

Bottom line: If your cell phone bill is too high, there are ways to lower it. You just have to weigh the pros and cons. But don’t expect all the perks that a premium cell phone plan offers when you’re paying half the price.

Have youswitched to Visibleor another low-cost carrier? Add your review in the comments below.

How I Tested Visible Wireless

Visible by Verizon has been my primary phone carrier since 2019, so my review is based on more than four years of personal testing.

I also compare my experience with Visible to the 15+ wireless plans that I’ve reviewed using a secondary phone.

There are a number of factors that I considered before recommending Visible. With all Michael Saves reviews, overall value is weighted heavily. I am a price-sensitive customer.

I also consider things like plan features, network performance, phone options and customer service.

I’ve been reviewing cell phone plans since 2016. I pay for all of the services that I review and none of my content is sponsored.

This review was last updated in April 2024.

More Cell Phone Articles From Michael Saves:

• Is Verizon 5G Home Internet Worth It? 5 Things to Know Before You Sign Up
• Xfinity Mobile Review: 9 Things to Know Before You Sign Up
• Visible vs. Mint Mobile: Which Cell Phone Service Is Best?