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Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile: Which carrier is better?

By
Allison Radziwon
October 12, 2024

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

Visible and Metro by T-Mobile are popular prepaid carriers that offer several amazing deals with their phone plans. Each carrier has its positives and negatives, but which offers better phone plans? Let’s put them head to head and see which brand comes out on top. 

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

  • What the coverage of both carriers looks like
  • How prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
  • The features each carrier offers for their plans 

Don't forget to read our Visible review on their latest plans, service, coverage and more.

Coverage & Reception

Visible is on the Verizon network, while Metro by T-Mobile is on the T-Mobile network. 

Visible and Metro by T-Mobile are mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. Visible is an MVNO of Verizon, while Metro by T-Mobile is an MVNO of T-Mobile

Often, the quality of coverage comes down to your area. One carrier’s coverage may be better in New York, while another’s coverage may be better in California. It’s important to compare between providers on a coverage map of your specific city. Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers.

However, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. 

A person holding iphone with Visible Wireless logo on the screen

Plan Options

Visible offers truly unlimited data, and Metro by T-Mobile offers limited data. 

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, both carriers offer unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. Visible offers premium data, which does not slow down no matter the amount of network traffic. Both companies deprioritize data, meaning you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and sports arenas.

Visible Plans

Both Visible plans offer unlimited data. 

Visible only offers 2 plans – Visible Base and Visible +. Visible + offers more features as well as premium data. Both plans offer a hotspot, with the data coming from your overall plan data. As an MVNO on Verizon’s network, Visible is on QCI tiers 8 and 9. Visible + has higher priority for its 50GB of premium data, tier 8, which will be further explained below. Visible Base is on tier 9.

Visible Plans
Image courtesy of Visible’s website.

It’s also important to note that Visible is a single line carrier – meaning you can only have one phone on an account. If you’re buying a plan for your family or with your significant other, you need to make separate accounts with separate plans for everyone. 

If you purchase your phone from Visible, your device will be locked for the first 60 days after activation. Both plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are included with the advertised price. 

Visible Base

This plan is always depriotized.

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, Visible’s base plan has unlimited talk and text. 

Visible Base also has unlimited data with no cap – meaning you have truly unlimited data that never slows down no matter how much you use. However, the Visible base plan is always deprioritized. Your data and connection will slow down at any point of high traffic in your area. 

The plan also includes unlimited mobile hotspot data. Again, your data is deprioritized and may slow down in times of high network traffic. 

Visible Base Plans
Image courtesy of Visible’s website. 

The plan costs $25 per month. 

Visible +

This plan gives you 50GB of premium data, then unlimited deprioritized data. 

Visible + gives you access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, which is their network for premium data. As such, the 50GB of premium data you get with this plan will not slow down no matter how much network traffic in your area. After you use the 50GB, your data is unlimited – but subjected to the same deprioritization as the other plan. The mobile hotspot is also premium data for the first 50GB, then deprioritized after. 

At this rate, you get the 50GB of premium data at $0.90 per GB. 

The plan costs $45 per month, with a $10 welcome discount for the first month.

Metro by T-Mobile Plans

Metro by T-Mobile offers several varying unlimited plans with different hotspot options. 

Metro by T-Mobile offers 3 unlimited plans and 1 limited data plan. Their unlimited plans vary with the number of features and GB of hotspot data included in the plan. You can add up to 5 lines per plan. You also get a $5 Autopay discount per month when you sign up, but the first month is full price. As a T-Mobile MVNO, this carrier is on QCI tier 7. All plans with this carrier are deprioritized. 

Metro by T-Mobile Plans
Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans. Image courtesy of Metro by T-Mobile’s website

You also can get a 5GB plan. 

Metro by T-Mobile Plans
Image courtesy of Metro by T-Mobile’s website

If you purchase your phone from Metro by T-Mobile, your device will be locked for 180 days after activation. Then, it will be unlocked automatically. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are included with the advertised price. 

5GB

This plan does not include hotspot access. 

This plan includes 5GB of data, but no hotspot access or extra features. With this plan, data stops after the 5GB cap. 

The plan costs $35 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. At this rate, you get 5GB for $7 per GB.

Unlimited 

This plan gives you unlimited data without hotspot access. 

This plan gives you unlimited data with no cap, meaning you can use as much data as you want without any slow downs. However, this plan is still deprioritized. You’ll experience slower connections in times of heavy traffic.  

The plan costs $45 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Unlimited + 8GB hotspot 

This plan gives you 8GB of hotspot data included. 

This plan includes unlimited deprioritized data with no cap, as well as 8GB of hotspot data. Hotspot data is deprioritized as well, and stops after 8 GB. 

The plan costs $55 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

Unlimited + 25GB hotspot

This plan is their biggest and most expensive plan. 

As their biggest plan, you get unlimited deprioritized data with no cap. You also get 25GB of hotspot data included with the plan. It’s deprioritzed data, and data stops after 25GB. 

The plan costs $65 per month before the $5 Autopay discount. 

A variety of cell phones showcased on display in a metro store, highlighting the latest models and features available.

Features

Metro by T-Mobile and Visible offer extremely different features with their plans. 

If you’re looking for a plan with more included features, such as international connection or domestic roaming data, it’s best to compare carriers with what they offer. Metro and Visible offer very different features with their plans. Visible includes international access and domestic roaming, while Metro by T-Mobile offers streaming and cloud storage with their biggest unlimited plans. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Visible offers domestic roaming data on their plans. Metro by T-Mobile does not include this feature.

Mexico & Canada Connection

Visible offers talk and text in Mexico and Canada. However, Visible does not include roaming data for Mexico and Canada with Visible Base. Visible + includes roaming data that slows down to 2G speeds after 0.5GB each day. Metro by T-Mobile offers an additional add-on to include Mexico and Canada connection, called “Mexico and Canada Unlimited”.

International Connection

Visible does not give you international roaming data. However, Visible + gives you international talk and text. Visible Base does not offer this feature. None of Metro by T-Mobile’s plans include international roaming. However, their Unlimited + 25GB hotspot plan includes international texting. Metro by T-Mobile also offers an additional add-on for international talk, called “Metro by T-Mobile Global Voice+”.

Video Streaming Quality

Both Metro by T-Mobile and Visible’s plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. 

Streaming Services

Visible does not offer this feature. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans offer a free one year subscription to ViX Premium

Cloud Storage

Visible does not offer this feature. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited + hotspot plans offer 100GB of Google One

Device Financing

Visible and Metro by T-Mobile does not offer this feature. 

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception. 

Spam Protection

Visible offers spam protection on both of their plans, which blocks spam calls and protects you from potential fraud. Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plans include Scam Shield

Free Trial

Visible offers a 15 day free trial. Metro by T-Mobile does not offer a free trial.   

Customer Service 

Visible does not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country.

Visible is a digital-only carrier, meaning they only offer customer support online. Visible offers 24/7 chat support from a live agent. Metro by T-Mobile offers several store locations across the country. Metro by T-Mobile has locations across the country, and you can use their store locator to find the closest one. If you’d like to call their customer service line, call 888-8-METRO-8. 

The Verdict

Visible offers better Unlimited plans, but Metro by T-Mobile offers limited plans. 

Visible offers better unlimited plans, as they offer cheaper deals for the same data amounts. They also offer premium data, and Metro does not. However, Visible doesn’t offer limited data deals. As such, Metro by T-Mobile is the better deal in that area. 

We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

Are you still unsure which carrier to choose, or which phone plan to pick? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle!

Visible vs. Metro by T-Mobile — Frequently Asked Questions

Which carrier has better coverage?

Visible uses Verizon’s network, known for its strong nationwide 4G LTE and rapidly expanding 5G coverage. Metro by T-Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network, which leads in 5G availability but may have spotty rural coverage. Your location determines which carrier gives you the best coverage. Make sure to check local coverage maps to evade any pockets of spotty coverage in your area! In all likelihood, both carriers will provide comparable coverage. 

Which provider offers the best value?

Visible offers straightforward unlimited plans starting at $25/month with all taxes and fees included. Metro’s plans are more expensive, offering less value overall. Metro’s family plan savings, however, make it much more affordable and competitively priced. 

What are the differences in plan flexibility?

Visible offers just two plans: Visible and Visible+, keeping it simple for users. Metro, on the other hand, has a broader range of plans that can cater to different budgets, including family plans that can save more for multi-line users.

Are there any perks or add-ons?

Visible’s plans come with standard perks like mobile hotspot and unlimited talk, text, and data. Metro’s higher-tier plans include extras like Amazon Prime and Google One storage, adding potential value to their plans. 

Which is better for hotspot usage?

Visible includes unlimited hotspot data at 5 Mbps on all plans, while Metro’s hotspot data is only available on its premium plans. Metro’s higher-speed hotspot options are valuable to those who regularly utilize devices outside of WiFi zones.

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Visible+

Visible+
data
50GB premium, unlimited deprioritized data after
Hotspot access
Unlimited access
Best for:
Those who want more features
More Details

Visible Base

Visible Base
data
Unlimited deprioritized data
Hotspot access
Unlimited access
Best for:
Those who want to save the most money
More Details

Visible Base

Visible Base
data
Unlimited deprioritized data
Hotspot access
Unlimited access
Best for:
Those who want to save the most money
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile 5GB

5GB
data
5GB, then data stops
Hotspot access
N/A
Best for:
Light data users
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited

Unlimited
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
N/A
Best for:
Heavy to average data users
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited + 8GB Hotspot

Unlimited + 8GB Hotspot
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
8GB, then access stops
Best for:
Heavy data users and those who sometimes need hotspot access
More Details

Metro by T-Mobile Unlimited + 25GB Hotspot

Unlimited + 25GB Hotspot
data
Unlimited, but deprioritized, data
Hotspot access
25GB, then access stops
Best for:
Heavy data users and those who often need hotspot access
More Details

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your questions,
answered

does this phone service work everywhere?

Yep, we offer premium wireless service on the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in our dewi coverage areas, you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

is there a contract?

Nope, it’s pay as you go.

is this prepaid?

yep! You put your card on file and prepay each month so that you never experience any disruption.

does my phone need to be unlocked?

Yep, but it’s super easy to unlock your device as long as it’s paid off. Chat with us and a real human can help you here.

what if I want a new phone?

We have some recommendations on what we think you should get, from iPhones to Droids. Check out our list here which includes affordable places online to get a good deal.

what does decentralized wireless (dewi) mean?

It means we are building a phone network that is powered by the people. Your neighbors put small radios on their roof and help extend the phone network to cover deadzones™ and get even faster speeds. Right now our DeWi network is available in Austin, but we’ll be expanding to other cities REALLY soon. Learn more about DeWi here.

can I keep my phone number?

yup! you can port your current number in a snap. need help? hit up your VIP concierge.