Okay, full disclosure: I’m a bit of a cheapskate, so when I paid off my iPhone 14 Pro (yes, still have it going into 2026) I was extremely excited to be released from my soul binding phone contract with Verizon’s postpaid plan. My bill before paying off my phone was around $120, a sweet piece of change in regards to my bank account. But even after my phone was paid off, I kept handing over $75/month like I was sponsoring Big Wireless’s vacation fund instead of my own! It was time for a change.
So I pulled the trigger. I followed Visible by Verizon’s online tutorial on how to bring my newly paid off phone over to their service. I did everything online which was fantastic. When I went to transfer my number on Verizon’s app I was offered a “Please don’t go, here’s $20 off a month!” deal, but the damage had already been done and they were too little too late. I paid my first month with Visible, set up my SIM, and had everything switched in under 30 minutes. I was free from my excessive phone bill and I’d be remiss if I said this hadn’t been festering since I got a text in September from Verizon offering a “loyal customer thank-you”: a “free” Shutterstock-customizable mug — just pay shipping (around $10). They should’ve covered the shipping too! That was their last mistake.
Now, I’m at $26/month for unlimited 5G data, unlimited hotspot, and all the same real-world features I used to have. A solid 1/3rd of the price I was paying! I couldn’t be happier.
Hold On, Isn’t Visible Still Verizon?
Yeah, kind of. But not in the same way people usually think.
Visible by Verizon is 100% owned by Verizon. Technically, it’s a wholly owned subsidiary (Visible Service, LLC)
So… Is It an MVNO or Not?
It gets a little murky here, because even though it’s legally an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), the relationship is more integrated than most MVNOs:
- Visible doesn’t own cell towers or spectrum. It relies on Verizon’s network.
- But unlike many MVNOs, Visible is funded and operated by Verizon itself.
- According to Verizon/Visible executives, they’ve set it up to be a “digital-first” carrier, all sign-up, billing, support, and activation happen through the app rather than in stores.
- Some from Visible’s leadership have even pushed back on calling it an MVNO, preferring “a new kind of network provider,” since it has access to Verizon’s infrastructure and operates with cloud-based systems.
Why It Matters for You (and Me)
Putting it simply: when you’re on Visible, you are using Verizon’s network, same coverage backbone, same LTE/5G towers, but you’re paying less because you’re not getting all the bells and whistles that come with big postpaid plans (retail stores, heavily staffed support, premium bundled features, yada yada yada). Because Verizon owns Visible, they can keep costs low and pass savings along to you. You won’t get any “free” mugs from Visible, but with what you’ll be saving you can definitely live without it.
So yes, it’s “still Verizon” but in a more streamlined, budget-friendly way for consumers, especially single line holders like myself.
How the Pricing Compares: Visible vs. Big Carriers
Here’s a breakdown of all major US carriers and other relevant MVNO’s so you can see what I mean and why I didn’t feel like I was giving anything up and only gained from my deal!
| Carrier | Plan Tier | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible (Verizon MVNO) | Visible (Basic) | $25/mo (taxes & fees included) | Unlimited talk/text/data, unlimited mobile hotspot (5 Mbps) |
| Visible | Visible+ | $35/mo (standard) or $26/mo (with code) | Unlimited premium data on Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, hotspot up to 10 Mbps, international coverage (Canada & Mexico), Global Pass days |
| Visible | Visible+ Pro | $45/mo (standard) or $33/mo (with code) | Unlimited premium data, 15 Mbps hotspot, 4K video, smartwatch line, calling to 85+ countries, more Global Pass days |
| Verizon (Postpaid) | Unlimited Welcome | ~$65/mo (single line, with AutoPay) | Unlimited data, but deprioritized; basic/no hotspot unless you pay more; fewer perks than premium plans |
| AT&T (Postpaid) | Unlimited Starter SL | $65.99/mo (one line) | Unlimited data, 5 GB hotspot, data may be slowed during congestion |
| AT&T (Prepaid) | Unlimited Data | $25/mo | Unlimited talk/text/data, but after 30 GB, speeds drop to ~1.5 Mbps; video streams at standard def |
| Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile) | Unlimited (intro-rate) | $15/mo (if you pay upfront for 12 months) | Unlimited talk/text/data; after ~35 GB, could be deprioritized; video streams at 480p |
| Mint Mobile | Unlimited (post-intro) | $30/mo (after intro) | Same unlimited data, but regular non-promo rate; hotspot capacity / deprioritization may apply |
Why Visible Made Sense for Me (and Might for You)
- Predictable, flat-rate billing — No surprise surcharges, taxes—and the $26 I pay includes them.
- Same network — I’m still on Verizon’s infrastructure. Coverage? Excellent.
- Hotspot included — I use my hotspot more than I think, mainly when my home internet goes out (Thanks spectrum internet… may need another article for them at some point too!)
- Minimal fuss switching — Did it in 30 minutes. All online. Easy Peasy.
- No gimmicks — The only thing Verizon “thanked me” with after years of loyalty was a mug (for ~$10 shipping). Meanwhile, Visible just cuts my bill into a third and gives me the same great service.
What’s Actually Going On in the Cellular Market
Switching wasn’t just about me being cheap (well, partly). There’s a bigger shift happening:
- Consumers are migrating to MVNOs. People realize they can get excellent coverage via big networks (Verizon, T-Mobile) without paying postpaid premiums.
- Big carriers are relying more on “loyalty fluff.” Discount mugs, token credits — but no real savings. Meanwhile, MVNOs offer genuinely lower costs + no-contract flexibility.
- Promos from MVNOs are dirt cheap right now. For example, Mint Mobile’s 12-month unlimited plan at $15/mo is real.
- Simplicity is winning. Customers value predictable billing and not being nickel-and-dimed. Flat-rate, all-in plans (like Visible) are gaining ground.
These changes matter. As more users “cut the cord” on overpriced, locked-in postpaid plans, big carriers will feel pressure — but they’re trying to counter with gimmicks, not meaningful price drops.
My Recommendation (And Final Thoughts)
If I were advising someone (or telling past-me what to do), here’s my playbook:
- Run the numbers. Look at your current bill. If you’re over ~$50 for unlimited, there’s probably room to save.
- Check coverage. Make sure an MVNO’s underlying network works where you live and commute.
- Try a no-contract MVNO. Port your number, test the service, see if speeds are good enough. If not? You can always switch back.
- Use promos wisely. Codes like Visible’s “SWITCH26” or Mint’s annual plans can lock in big savings — just know the terms.
- Think long-term. If you’re paying full postpaid now, switching could save you hundreds every year — money better spent elsewhere.
Bottom Line
Switching to Visible wasn’t just a financial win, it was a power move! I reclaimed control of my monthly bill, kept my network quality, and ditched the “free” mugs. For me, that’s a no-brainer.
If you’re overpaying for your cell service, give the MVNO route a shot. Worst case: you try it, don’t love it, and go back. Best case: you’re $40–$50 richer every month, with zero compromise on what actually matters.
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