Visible is a cell phone provider that offers Verizon network access for as little as $30 per month. You can even try Visible for free for 15 days right now if you have an eligible iPhone.
For this Visible review, I used the service for 30 days to test it out. I’ve also compared Visible’s plans to more than 70 other phone plans to see how they stack up.
I’ll also go over how to get started and what you can expect from its service.
What is Visible Wireless?
Visible Wireless is a cell phone service provider that provides low-cost cell phone plans on Verizon’s 4G and 5G networks.
It is available on the majority of iPhones and a number of Android devices.
It has just announced two new data plans to choose from: the Visible plan, which includes unlimited talk, text, and data for $30 per month, and the Visible+ plan, which includes unlimited everything as well as 5G Ultra Wideband coverage and a guaranteed 50 GB of high-speed data every month.
We like how it eliminates the need for stores. Customers register online and receive a SIM card in the mail. Insert your SIM card into your phone, install the app, and you’re ready to go. You can even use Venmo to pay your phone bill.
We don’t like the video streaming and 5G speed caps, nor do we like the risk of deprioritization, but these drawbacks are outweighed by Visible’s reasonable pricing.
Activation Process
If you decide to join Visible, you will need an account as well as a SIM card.
To get started, go to Visible’s website.
While it is now used to get a $20 discount on a future month of service, I was able to test Visible for $5 during my first month.
Even if you do not wish to use a referral code, you can begin by visiting Visible’s website.
To begin, simply click “bring my phone” or “get a new phone.”
First, I had to ensure that my phone was compatible. I selected iOS and Android software before entering my phone’s IMEI.
I was able to order a SIM card after confirming that it was compatible.
If your phone supports eSIM, you could have your service activated in as little as 15 minutes. If you require a traditional SIM card, Visible will send one to you overnight.
My first month’s total dropped from $40 to $5 after applying the friend code discount, which included a free SIM card and free FedEx next-day shipping.
To proceed, I created an account with my name, email address, and password. Finally, I filled out my billing and shipping information.
If it’s a weekday, it says it will send your order overnight. I chose to get a new phone number, but you can keep your current phone number if you prefer.
Then you’ll be able to enter your payment information, but you won’t have to pay anything until you activate your Visible service.
You can now select Visible or Visible+ and add the appropriate plan to your shopping cart.
My Visible SIM card arrived the day after I placed my order. I went to visible.com/activate and followed the on-screen instructions.
I had to download the app and use my phone to log in to Visible.
Then I was guided through the steps of inserting the SIM card into my phone, allowing Visible to make and receive calls, verifying my payment information, and activating my service.
Then I restarted my phone in order to get service. When it restarted, I was immediately able to connect to Verizon’s network and make a test call.
Data Speeds
It’s original plan includes access to Verizon’s 4G LTE/5G network, while the Visible+ plan includes access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service.
While Visible’s original plan includes unlimited data, you won’t get as fast download speeds as you would with many other phone plans before hitting a “high-speed data cap.”
Instead, Verizon’s 4G/LTE network will provide you with consistent download speeds of 5-12Mbps throughout the month. Still, this is adequate for most web browsing.
While the speeds varied quite a bit throughout the month, I averaged around 10Mbps download speed.
I observed a maximum download speed of 25.13Mbps and a minimum download speed of 1.27Mbps.
I also connected my laptop to the phone’s hotspot and used the same website to test the speeds.
It has a 5Mbps speed cap on mobile hotspot data, so I saw consistently lower hotspot speeds. If you want a plan with more hotspot capabilities, see our list of unlimited hotspot plans here.
While Visible’s internet speeds are slower than average, I never found myself complaining about it. Using mobile data, I had no trouble browsing the web, checking Facebook, sending emails, or watching YouTube videos throughout the month.
Furthermore, now that Visible offers Visible+ with access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service and 50GB of premium high-speed data, you have more options for faster speeds.
Methodology
I highlighted the key factors that I would be investigating before I began testing phone plans.
This way, I’d be able to compare phone plans accurately and get a full picture of what to expect from the service.
Here are the main factors to be considered when evaluating each phone plan:
- Duration of Time: I tested each phone plan for 30 days to assess network reliability and gather service feedback from friends and family.
- Signing Up: I signed up for each phone plan myself in order to document the process of getting started, testing phone compatibility or bringing your own device, receiving the SIM card, and activation.
- Reliability: I used my personal AT&T line as a baseline to determine how frequently the tested phone plan had service and to record any dropped calls/undeliverable text messages.
- Service: I made/received at least 15 phone calls and sent/received at least 15 text messages during the month. I also used speedtest.net to test the phone’s data and hotspot speeds.
- Customer support: During my time testing each phone service, I contacted customer service via every available method to determine which method is best, how long it took to reach them, and how helpful the experience was.
Visible Plans and Pricing
Following an update in August 2022, Visible now offers two unlimited wireless data plans.
For $30 per month, the Visible base plan includes unlimited data, talk, text, and mobile hotspot. Taxes and fees are already included.
Visible’s premium plan, Visible+, costs $45 per month plus taxes and fees.
What is the most significant difference between the two plans? Data speeds
- Visible’s base plan includes 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE data, with 5G speeds capped at 200 Mbps.
- Visible’s premium plan includes 5G Ultra Wideband and 50GB of premium data when connected to 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE (5G Ultra Wideband is always premium data)
Both plans include international talk and text from the United States to Canada and Mexico.
However, the premium plan includes more international talk, text, and data roaming access than the base plan.
Visible and Visible+ Unlimited Plans
| Visible | Visible+ |
| $30/month, taxes and fees included | $45/month, taxes and fees included |
| Unlimited talk, text and data | Unlimited talk, text and data (includes 50GB of premium data on 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE) |
| 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE | 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Nationwide & 4G LTE |
| Unlimited mobile hotspot data | Unlimited mobile hotspot data |
| Spam Protection | Spam Protection |
| Unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico | Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada Unlimited talk, text and roaming in Mexico and Canada International calling from the U.S. to 30+ countries International texting from the U.S. to 200+ countries |
Visible’s plans are intended for single-line users rather than families.
There is no multi-line discount available.
With the introduction of the new plans, Visible is discontinuing its Party Pay discount programme, which allowed users to pay as little as $25 per month.
Existing Party Pay members’ rates will be locked in for a set period of time. The Visible app is used for billing.
There is no credit check required for prepaid services unless you finance your phone. There are no fees for activation or early termination.
Visible added a 15-day free trial for select iPhone users in January 2022.
The free trial is an excellent way to evaluate Visible’s service in your area, especially if you are unsure about network coverage or data speeds in your area.
Network Coverage
Verizon owns Visible and operates on its 5G and 4G LTE networks.
Visible is a good option to consider if you live in an area where Verizon has good coverage.
According to the company, the new Visible plans provide a better network experience, including domestic roaming and improved latency thanks to many new access points from Verizon’s network.
As 5G access expands, it’s coverage map is updated. You can now see the coverage differences between the base Visible plan and the premium Visible+ plan.
Call and Text Performance
The call and text performance of Visible will vary depending on your location.
I’ve had very few issues with dropped calls or missing text messages in my years as a Visible customer.
It has proven to be extremely dependable.
I did receive a few spam text messages in the early days of my Visible service.
Nevertheless, it is no longer an issue. Visible now includes free Scam Protection to help reduce robocalls.
To use this feature, go to the Visible app and select Account, Privacy, and Security, then Scam Protection.
Visible supports Wi-Fi Calling at no extra cost if you are in an area with limited or no cell coverage.
Simply go into your phone’s settings to enable this feature.
Mobile Hotspot
Visible distinguishes itself from many of its competitors with unlimited mobile hotspot usage, but there is a 5 Mbps speed cap.
While writing this review, I put the mobile hotspot feature to the test.
Instead of using Wi-Fi, I used Visible’s mobile hotspot feature to connect my laptop to the internet and type away.
The download speed was 10 Mbps, according to Speedtest.net. That’s twice the speed limit of 5 Mbps.
That mobile hotspot speed test result matches my observations over the last few years. The speed limit of 5 Mbps is not always enforced.
I love having unlimited mobile hotspot data when I’m working on my laptop in coffee shops or other public places.
It’s also been useful when power outages have taken my home Wi-Fi offline.
Video Streaming
Visible has long stated that video streams at 480p, or standard definition.
However, with the basic plan, I was able to stream YouTube videos in 720p (high definition).
480p or isn’t a big deal on a 6-inch phone screen, in my opinion.
Visible may not be for you if you require 720p or 1080p resolution at all times. Keep in mind that you can stream in HD when using Wi-Fi rather than cellular data.
Open YouTube on your phone and watch a few videos in various resolutions to see if you can tell the difference.
If you’re happy with 480p, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Visible.
Phone Options
Customers can either buy a new phone or bring in a compatible Apple or Android device.
When it comes to phone options, the service has come a long way over the years.
To see if your phone will work, use the compatibility checker on Visible’s website.
I switched to Visible just as I needed a new phone, so I had to buy one from the carrier.
At the time of writing, approximately 30 phone models were available for purchase.
They include:
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 11
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Motorola Edge
When I bought my device, I received a $200 prepaid Mastercard. This is a common offer for new customers. Visible supports smartwatches in addition to phones.
Visible sells Apple Watches (or you can bring your own) for $5 per month with unlimited data.
Visible Customer Service
It does not have physical stores or even an 800 number to call for assistance.
Everything is handled via the app.
If you’re switching from Verizon or another major carrier to it, the most noticeable difference will be in how customer service is handled.
Options for customer service:
- Live chat
- Facebook Messenger
Although its primary mode of contact is live chat, you can request a callback.
Deals and Discounts
Aside from the previously mentioned 15-day free trial, Visible frequently promotes deals for new customers.
I chose Visible because of a limited-time offer that provided me with a $200 prepaid Mastercard in exchange for purchasing a new phone and transferring my number to the service.
When I signed up, there was a $100 discount if you brought your own device.
Deals and discounts change frequently, so check the website for the most up-to-date information. Just keep in mind that they’ve been quite aggressive with prepaid Mastercard promotions and even free gifts.
In May 2022, Visible updated its referral programme. When a person refers a friend to Visible, both the referrer and the referee receive $20 off a month of service.
Visible Phone Service Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low monthly fees beginning at $30
- Verizon’s network
- Unlimited mobile hotspot
- Consistent phone deals and discounts
Cons
- No physical stores or 800 numbers
- Data speeds are occasionally slower (base plan)
- There is no family discount
FAQs
What is Visible?
A Verizon-owned prepaid phone service that provides single-line users with affordable unlimited plans.
What network does Visible use?
Verizon’s nationwide network, which includes 5G connectivity
How much does Visible cost?
$30 or $45 per month, depending on the plan you select; taxes and fees are included.
What do you get with Visible?
Data, talk, text, and mobile hotspot usage are all unlimited.
How fast are data speeds with Visible?
5G speeds of up to 200 Mbps with the base plan; 5G Ultra Wideband access with the premium plan
Does Visible offer mobile hotspot?
Unlimited mobile hotspot data with a 5 Mbps cap
Can I get a deal on a new phone with Visible?
Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices are frequently discounted.
Does Visible offer customer service?
There are no stores or 800 numbers; all customer service is handled through the app.
What happened to Party Pay?
It is discontinuing its Party Pay programme for new users following the release of updated plans.
How is Visible different from Verizon?
It is a prepaid plan, and those who participate in the Party Pay plan will be billed individually while still receiving the $5 per person discount.
Verizon offers an unlimited plan called Get More Unlimited, but it costs $90 per month, which is more than double the price of Visible.
How much is visible wireless monthly?
The Visible Unlimited plan costs $25 for the first month and then $40 per month after that. Following the initial offers, there are numerous ways to save with promotions such as Party Pay and Visible’s referral programme.
Conclusion
It provides low-cost plans on Verizon’s 4G and 5G networks. Visible Wireless provides fast speeds, excellent coverage, and prices that are hard to beat for the value.
