Visible vs US Mobile: Plans Compared

Visible Wireless and US Mobile are two popular prepaid carriers, with both offering enticing value propositions to customers—especially those looking to save money. 

Visible has, with the backing of parent company Verizon, made a name for itself by offering cut-rate cell phone plans that can be paid for monthly or annually. US Mobile, meanwhile, is an independent carrier that offers similarly low-cost plans that can be used on any of the three major networks—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile. 

In this article, we’ll further distinguish between these two prepaid carriers to help you decide which one makes sense for you. 

Visible vs. US Mobile: Similarities

Visible and US Mobile might be distinct carriers, but they have plenty in common. Here are some of their most important similarities:

• Both Visible and US Mobile operate on nationwide 4G and 5G networks. 
• Both Visible and US Mobile are prepaid carriers, meaning you pay for your plan ahead of time, instead of the end of the month. 
• Both carriers offer unlimited data plans.
• Both carriers include hotspot data with their unlimited data plans.
• Neither carrier offers multi-line (or family plan) discounts
• Neither carrier offers streaming subscription perks
• Both carriers provide fast 5G speeds.

Visible vs. US Mobile: Differences

Despite some overlap, Visible and US Mobile have some important differences as well. Here are the biggest contrasts between the two carriers:

• Visible operates on the nationwide Verizon 4G and 5G networks; US Mobile operates on not only Verizon’s network, but T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s as well, depending on which plan you select. 
• Visible is owned by wireless behemoth Verizon, while US Mobile is independent. 

Visible vs. US Mobile: Coverage Maps

Visible is an MVNO that's owned by Verizon and operates on the carrier’s nationwide 4G and 5G networks. 

Verizon’s 4G network covers 56% of the United States, which is just 2% behind AT&T, who operates the largest 4G network in the country. Verizon’s 5G footprint is significantly smaller, though, covering just 12% of the map.

US Mobile makes use of all three major mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) to provide coverage to its customers, allowing them to select which one they want their plan to run on.

While all three offer generally good 4G and 5G coverage throughout the United States, there are some key differences. We’ve tried to summarize their particularities below:

• AT&T (Dark Star): The best combined 4G and 5G coverage in the United States.
• Verizon (Warp): Outstanding 4G coverage with nearly every corner of the U.S. covered; a small but powerful (and growing!) 5G network, especially present along the west and east coasts.
• T-Mobile (Light Speed): Offers the least amount of 4G coverage in the country, but makes up for it with the most wide-reaching 5G network.

Visible vs. US Mobile: Entry-Level Unlimited Plans

Visible and US Mobile both offer entry-level unlimited plans for basic phone users—those who talk, text, browse social media, and stream music, but don’t spend much time (if any) streaming video, gaming, or using a mobile hotspot.

The two plans that fit this bill the best for both carriers are US Mobile’s Unlimited Starter and Visible’s Visible plan. The limitation to these two plans is that neither offer premium high-speed data—instead it's all subject to deprioritization during times of network congestion.

Check them out below:

{{cards-1}}

Visible vs. US Mobile: Mid-Level Unlimited Plans

If you’re more than a basic phone user—partaking in gaming, video streaming, and the intermittent mobile hotspot—then you’ll need something beyond an entry-level plan.

Luckily, both Visible and US Mobile offer strong mid-level unlimited plans, providing significant premium data allotments, generous mobile hotspot allowances, and solid international options.

Check out some of their respective mid-level offerings below:

{{cards-2}}

Visible vs. US Mobile: Premium Unlimited Plans

As budget-oriented prepaid carriers, neither Visible nor US Mobile offer anything that could be considered “premium.” Instead, the carriers jettison the perks and other add-ons common among postpaid premium plans in the name of saving you money. 

If you’re after a premium prepaid plan, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi, or Cricket Wireless may have what you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

In the end, choosing between Visible and US Mobile depends on your priorities. Visible is best for users who want a simple, all-in-one unlimited plan on Verizon’s network at a low, predictable price. US Mobile is better suited for those who want flexibility, whether that’s choosing between Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile or tailoring a plan to their usage.

Both carriers deliver strong value with affordable unlimited plans and no long-term commitments. If you prefer simplicity and Verizon coverage, go with Visible. If you want more control over your network and plan options, US Mobile is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Visible or US Mobile cheaper?

Visible is usually cheaper if you want a single unlimited plan with no extras, while US Mobile can be cheaper for light users or families because you can customize data amounts and mix plans to lower the total bill.

Which has better coverage, Visible or US Mobile?

Visible runs only on Verizon’s network, while US Mobile lets you choose between Verizon and T-Mobile, giving US Mobile more flexibility depending on which network works best in your area.

Is Visible or US Mobile better for international use?

US Mobile is generally better for international use because it offers international calling, texting, and data add-ons, while Visible is more limited and mainly focused on domestic service.