The Savvy Shopper‘s Guide to Verizon MVNOs: How to Get the Best Network for Less

When it comes to choosing a cell phone plan, most consumers focus on the "Big Three" wireless carriers – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. However, if you‘re a particularly picky shopper like me, you know that the best deals are often found by thinking outside the box. One option that budget-conscious consumers shouldn‘t overlook are MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators.

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MVNOs are smaller wireless providers that don‘t own their own network infrastructure, but instead lease access to the networks of larger carriers like Verizon. By piggybacking on Big Three networks, MVNOs can offer similar coverage and reliability but often at a lower cost than going directly through the major carrier.

If you‘re interested in tapping into Verizon‘s award-winning network, you‘ll be happy to know there is a wide range of MVNOs that use Verizon‘s towers. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my research and insights on the top Verizon MVNOs, the pros and cons of going with an MVNO vs. Verizon directly, and tips for finding the best plan for your needs.

Verizon Network 101: Coverage, Speed, and Tech Specs

Before we dive into specific MVNOs, it‘s worth taking a moment to understand why you might want a plan that uses Verizon‘s network in the first place. Here are some key facts and figures about Verizon‘s wireless network:

  • Coverage: Verizon boasts the most expansive 4G LTE coverage of any U.S. wireless carrier. According to data from WhistleOut, Verizon covers over 327 million people across more than 2.68 million square miles, or about 70% of the country‘s land area.

  • Speed: In addition to having the broadest coverage, Verizon also earns high marks for speed. A 2022 report from network testing firm RootMetrics found that Verizon had the fastest median download speeds in the most markets at 40.8 Mbps.

  • Reliability: Verizon also is consistently ranked as the most reliable network. The same RootMetrics report gave Verizon the top award for network reliability, call performance, and text performance across all 50 states.

  • 5G Rollout: Verizon is rapidly expanding its next-generation 5G network, which delivers speeds up to 10x faster than 4G LTE. As of January 2023, Verizon 5G covers over 175 million people in more than 1,700 cities.

  • Technology: To deliver this leading combination of coverage, speed and reliability, Verizon has invested over $145 billion in its network infrastructure and technology since 2000. It utilizes a blend of low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum to optimize performance.

So in summary, Verizon‘s network is top-notch – and by using an MVNO that runs on Verizon‘s network, you can enjoy the same core network experience while potentially saving money compared to Verizon‘s own plans. But what exactly are the advantages and drawbacks of using an MVNO? Let‘s take a look.

MVNO Pros and Cons: Cost Savings and Tradeoffs

The primary reason many consumers opt for an MVNO is cost savings. Since MVNOs don‘t have to build and maintain their own network infrastructure, they can pass those savings along to customers in the form of lower monthly rates, cheaper add-on features, and more flexible plans.

A 2022 study by Consumer Reports found that the median MVNO customer saved $20/month compared to subscribing to one of the Big Three carriers directly. Over the course of a year, that adds up to $240 in potential savings – no small amount for a budget shopper.

However, there are some tradeoffs that come with those MVNO savings. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Data Priorities: During times of network congestion, MVNO customers may notice slower data speeds than customers on the parent network, since many MVNOs have lower network priority. That said, this is mainly an issue in dense urban areas.

  • Phone Selection: While Verizon offers a wide range of the latest smartphones, your handset options with an MVNO may be more limited, especially if you‘re looking for flagship devices. This can be avoided by purchasing an unlocked phone compatible with the Verizon network.

  • Roaming: Some MVNOs have limits on off-network domestic roaming (often capped at 100-300MB) and many don‘t include free international roaming like the primary carriers. If you travel frequently, be sure to check the MVNO‘s roaming policies.

  • Customer Service: Customer support tends to be an area where the major carriers outshine MVNOs. Many MVNOs rely on online-only support, outsourced call centers, and have limited store locations. Consider if 24/7 live support is important to you.

  • Extra Perks: While MVNOs are adding more extra features, in most cases you won‘t get the same level of bonus perks and bundling as you would with a carrier directly. For example, Verizon offers subscriptions to Disney+, Apple Music, and more with some unlimited plans.

Despite these limitations, many shoppers still find the cost savings of an MVNO outweigh the tradeoffs. In fact, a Consumer Reports survey found that MVNO customers were generally just as satisfied with their service as Big Three customers. But which Verizon MVNO offers the best overall value? I break down the top picks in the next section.

The Best Verizon MVNOs: Plans, Pricing, and Features Compared

To compile this guide, I researched over 15 MVNO brands that use the Verizon network. While the best choice will depend on your specific needs, I‘ve highlighted my top picks for different usage profiles below. For reference, I‘ve also included how each option compares to Verizon‘s cheapest unlimited plan ($65/month for the Welcome Unlimited plan).

Best Overall Verizon MVNO: Visible

  • Standout Features: No data caps, unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at 5 Mbps), family plan savings up to $45/month.
  • Price: $40/month for one line or as low as $25/month with four lines on Party Pay
  • vs. Verizon: Plans from Visible offer an average savings of 45% compared to Verizon‘s entry-level unlimited plans.

Best Verizon MVNO for Students, Seniors & Military: US Mobile

  • Standout Features: Mix-and-match custom plans, 10GB of high-speed roaming in 140+ countries, discounts for students/seniors/military.
  • Price: Unlimited plans from $35-$50/month, limited plans from $4-$39/month
  • vs. Verizon: US Mobile offers more plan customization and global roaming options than Verizon, while base plans are 46% cheaper.

Best Verizon MVNO Family Plan: Xfinity Mobile

  • Standout Features: Pricing by the gig or unlimited, 5G access included, auto-connects to 10 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots, save up to $30/month compared to single line.
  • Price: $45/month for unlimited, shared data plans from $15 ($3/GB)
  • vs. Verizon: For multi-line subscribers, Xfinity Mobile unlimited plans are 31% cheaper than Verizon on average.

Best Verizon MVNO for Coverage Priorities: Spectrum Mobile

  • Standout Features: Unlimited talk, text, and data in the US, Canada, and Mexico, access to over 500,000 WiFi hotspots.
  • Price: $45/month for unlimited, $14/GB for shared data plans
  • vs. Verizon: Spectrum offers more flexibility with by-the-gig data and expanded North American coverage for 31% less than Verizon unlimited.

In addition to these top picks, other well-rated Verizon MVNOs worth comparing include:

  • Total Wireless – Plans from $24 with a focus on affordable multi-line options
  • Twigby – Build-your-own plans with a la carte talk, text, and data options
  • Straight Talk – Simple prepaid plans with discounts on long-term refills
  • Red Pocket – Wide array of networks and plan sizes, annual plans offer best savings
  • TracFone – Recently acquired by Verizon, offers affordable plans on all major networks
  • Net10 – Flexible plans with a variety of add-ons for talk, text, and international usage

As you can see, there‘s no shortage of choices when it comes to MVNOs on the Verizon network. The key is prioritizing your personal needs and then seeing which provider best addresses them within your budget.

Tips for Choosing Between Verizon and MVNOs

With so many options available, shopping for a cell phone plan can quickly get overwhelming, even for a self-proclaimed expert consumer like myself. To help you find the right fit, here are a few tips I recommend based on my research and experience:

  1. Audit your usage: Before comparing plans, analyze your past 3-6 months of usage to determine how much data, minutes, and texts you actually use. This will help you avoid overpaying for more than you need.

  2. Prioritize your must-haves: Think about your non-negotiable needs, like hotspot data, international roaming, or HD video streaming. See which Verizon MVNOs offer those features and eliminate those that don‘t from your consideration.

  3. Consider your budget: Set a realistic maximum amount you‘re willing to pay for cell service each month. Use that as a starting point for filtering down plan options.

  4. Compare total value: While price is important, also factor in the overall value you‘re getting. Sometimes it‘s worth paying a bit more for a plan with better priority data, more hotspot data, or bonus perks you‘ll actually use.

  5. Read the fine print: Dig into the details of each plan, like the carrier‘s network management policy, throttling thresholds, and any limitations on features like international usage.

  6. Test the coverage: Before committing to a Verizon MVNO long-term, make sure the coverage is sufficient in your area. You can check coverage maps online or consider signing up for a temporary prepaid plan to test the service.

By following these tips and carefully evaluating your options, you can find a plan that delivers the best combination of Verizon network quality and overall value for your needs.

The Future of Verizon MVNOs: eSIM, 5G, and Beyond

Finally, it‘s worth touching on how the Verizon MVNO landscape may evolve in the years ahead. Here are two key tech trends I‘m following that could impact the market:

  • eSIM Adoption: Embedded SIM cards, or eSIMs, are gaining popularity as a way to digitally switch between carriers without swapping physical SIM cards. As more phones add eSIM support, it could get easier to try out different Verizon MVNOs risk-free.

  • 5G Network Rollout: As Verizon expands its 5G network, it will be interesting to see how quickly MVNOs gain access to it and how they choose to implement it in plans. 5G could reduce the network prioritization and congestion concerns of MVNOs.

Beyond technology, experts also predict increased competition and specialization in the Verizon MVNO space. "The Verizon MVNO market will continue to see growth as more providers launch unique, niche offerings," said Tammy Parker, a senior analyst at GlobalData. "From plans for seniors or families to bundles with other services, there will be more options to suit different needs."

At the same time, Verizon itself is likely to keep enhancing its plans and features to appeal to value-conscious consumers who may be tempted to switch to an MVNO. In 2022 for example, Verizon added 5G access and new entertainment perks to its Welcome Unlimited plan while lowering the price by $5/month.

The Bottom Line

Whether you‘re a budget shopper, a globe-trotter, a data hog, or somewhere in between, there are more options today than ever before to get your hands on Verizon‘s top-tier network. By understanding your needs, doing your research, and carefully weighing the tradeoffs, you can find an MVNO plan that offers unbeatable value.

Of course, Verizon itself remains a strong option if having the absolute best network quality, performance, and support is your top concern and you‘re willing to pay a premium for it. As the 5G era unfolds and the MVNO market matures, all of us picky shoppers will need to stay on our toes to snag the best deals. But one thing is for certain: we have more choices than ever to stay connected on our terms.