Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Plans Compared

AT&T is a major carrier that operates its own national cell phone network and offers a range of plans with which to enjoy it. Boost Mobile is a somewhat smaller (although still quite large) provider that also operates its own network (via Dish), but supplements it via the use of partner networks. 

In this article, we’ll break down the plans and coverage offered by these two carriers, so you can decide which is best suited to your needs. Read on as we compare Boost Mobile vs. AT&T. 

Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Similarities

• Both Boost Mobile and AT&T offer multiple unlimited plans.
• Both Boost Mobile and AT&T’s plans include international travel privileges.  
• Both Boost Mobile and AT&T allow you to sign up for multiple lines of service (also known as family plans), which result in cost savings. 
• Both carriers operate their own 5G networks.

Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Differences

• AT&T’s plans are among the most expensive around, while Boost Mobile’s are more affordable. 
• Boost Mobile’s largest premium data allotment is 50GB; AT&T offers plans with fully unlimited premium data.
• Boost Mobile does not offer dedicated mobile hotspot data; AT&T offers dedicated hotspot data with all of their unlimited plans.

Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Unlimited Plans

AT&T sells four unlimited plans: the entry-level Value Plus VL ($50.99/month), the mid-range Unlimited Starter SL ($65.99/month), and the premium Unlimited Extra EL ($75.99/month) and Unlimited Premium PL ($85.99/month). All but Unlimited Starter SL include monthly mobile hotspot data allowances, not to mention unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.

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Boost Mobile also sells three core unlimited plans: the entry-level $25/month Unlimited, the mid-range $50/month Unlimited+, and the $60/month Unlimited Premium. The latter two plans feature unlimited talk and text to 200+ countries, as well as hotspot functionality (which comes out of your core cellular data allotment).  

We recommend going with Boost’’s Unlimited Premium or Unlimited+ if you’re looking for a plan that includes lots of premium data (50GB and 40GB respectively), as well as the ability to apply that data towards hotspot usage. If, instead, you can make do with less data—and don’t need hotspot data—you’ll save a lot by going with the standard Unlimited plan at $25/month. 

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Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Capped Plans

While Boost doesn't offer any capped data plans, AT&T sells a single one: the AT&T 4GB plan ($50/month). As its name suggests, this plan gives you 4GB of data to use per month, but it’s important to note that this is deprioritized data, so it's subject to slowdowns during times of network congestion. Also, the plan isn't eligible for any device promotions that AT&T happens to be running at a given time. 

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Boost Mobile vs AT&T: Coverage

AT&T delivers some of the best coverage around. AT&T’s 4G LTE is the most wide-reaching in the country, outdoing the likes of Verizon and T-Mobile. The company’s 5G network, meanwhile, covers just a tiny bit less of the country than T-Mobile’s (the industry leader). Check out AT&T’s network in the map below, and use the buttons on top to switch between 4G and 5G coverage: 

Boost Mobile mostly uses its own system of top-notch 5G and 4G LTE networks to provide coverage to their customers (the company claims it offers 99% nationwide coverage). This includes the powerful nationwide Dish network. Check out Boost's own 5G network to get a sense of how it fares in your area of the country.

The Bottom Line

AT&T and Boost Mobile offer very distinct customer experiences—and plan prices. 

AT&T delivers a very major carrier-ish experience, with steep prices, high-value plan extras, and mobile hotspot allowances. Boost, on the other hand, comes with a more budget-oriented vibe, with lower prices and fewer perks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the biggest advantage of choosing Boost Mobile over AT&T?

Boost Mobile typically offers much lower cost-per-gigabyte and budget-friendly unlimited plans (like a $25/month unlimited with a lifetime price guarantee) making it a strong value pick for average data users

Why might someone pay more for AT&T instead of going with Boost Mobile?

AT&T brings broader, more consistent nationwide coverage along with premium perks like more priority data, better streaming quality, and richer international features—advantages that matter for heavy or high-reliability users

Does Boost Mobile use its own network or rely on AT&T’s?

Boost Mobile is an MVNO that builds out its own wireless infrastructure (via Dish/EchoStar) covering about 80% of the U.S., and also leans on both AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks to fill in coverage gaps