Why pay $65 to $85 a month for unlimited data when you need only part with $40 to get that same big bucket of data on the same cellular network? Top Ten Reviews is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. For $40 a month, Metro by T-Mobile will give you 10GB of data; Metro's unlimited plans start at $50. At that time, we recorded a top download speed of 5.89 Mbps at the University of California, Berkeley, campus. With Visible, there's another way to go, as long as you're willing to make some sacrifices. If you're willing to accept some limitations on streaming media and less features than you'd get on other carriers, the savings you'll enjoy on your wireless data plan each month make this upstart phone service a compelling option. As of this writing, Visible sells all three Galaxy S20 models and it's one of the places you can still get either a Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL now that Google has discontinued those phones. Visible's service is best for users who consume a lot of data in a given month, by posting on social networks, streaming media and playing games. Plan and Pricing. Even if the 5 Mbps cap eventually returns, smartphone users shouldn't really notice Visible's restrictions on data speeds and streaming quality. It is primarily managed via its Android and iOS app, so you don’t have to deal with salespeople during setup. The best feature on Visible's app is live chat with customer support. At the same time, users counting on fast data speeds may bristle at Verizon occasionally slowing Visible traffic, and let's not even imagine how customers might fee if the service reinstates its 5 Mbps speed cap. I recorded a speed of 1.98 Mbps on my Verizon-tied iPhone SE during the 2018 Cal-Stanford game; at that same game, the Visible-powered iPhone 8 petered out at 0.19 Mbps. About the only discount carrier offering anything comparable to Visible is TextNow, another mobile virtual-network operator that uses someone else's towers to provide its cellular service. Since Visible is owned by Verizon, it's no surprise that you'll be using Verizon's many wireless towers should you turn to Visible for your cell phone coverage… When it comes to 4G LTE, here's the little secret that carriers don't want you to know: in most parts of the country, the coverage and speeds provided are nearly the same. However, as Visible rightly notes, "this is common for any person on any carrier.". During my tests in and around the State College, Pennsylvania area, those speeds were matched and often exceeded. You also get limitless hotspots, to share your data with others, and no long-term contract conditions, so you can leave whenever you like. No spam, we promise. However, 5G coverage isn't available to Visible customers at this time, even if you're using a 5G-ready phone like the Galaxy S20 Plus. There is only one plan at Visible and there are no options to customize that plan. Visible phone service review: Enjoy the Verizon Network for less | iMore Power users who download and upload really large files may feel constricted, but for the most, part the trade-off between slower data speeds and lower monthly bills isn't likely to sting too hard. It also supports Affirm, so you can spread out the payments over up to 12 months. Initially an iPhone-only service, Visible now works with a handful of Android models as well: The Galaxy S9 ($203 at Back Market) and S9 Plus, Pixel 3 ($500 at Amazon) and 3 … There was a problem. Visit our corporate site. In a nod to younger users, the site lets you use Venmo or PayPal, in addition to a credit card, to pay your monthly bill. Overall, I've been impressed, although the service isn't for everyone. Given her age and obsession with all-things YouTube, that's impressive. Only occasionally did the picture look less than sharp, usually right at the start of a streaming session. That $40 is your total fee, including taxes, so Visible keeps things very simple. The performance gap didn't close even in areas where Verizon's network isn't as strong as elsewhere. A market for stunning icons has popped up, too. Read a comprehensive Visible review written by the experts at Wirefly. I live in San Diego on an east facing slope in the shadow of two cell towers. ET an 11 p.m. As prepaid plans go, it's very good.