Visible vs. Straight Talk: Which carrier is better?

Visible Wireless is an excellent option for cheap wireless coverage on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. They are an MVNO that only has a few plans, but those plans provide a ton of value and are priced very competitively with other unlimited MVNO plans. They sell a service that is much more affordable than what is offered by Verizon, with a small catch, of course. Like all MVNOs, visible users are deprioritized when there is high data usage in the area. If you are willing to part with priority data that comes with a major wireless provider, you will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the ones available at Visible. 

Straight Talk, like Visible, uses Verizon’s network to deliver awesome coverage to all its users. They have a nice set of plans that, while expensive, offer a lot of data to mid-data users to find a great plan without breaking the bank. Straight Talk has multi-line savings, lots of data, a good mixture of plans, and a store full of the latest and greatest devices. 

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 

Coverage & Reception - Visible vs. Straight Talk

Visible and Straight Talk are on the Verizon network.

Visible is a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. 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. 

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.

Plan Options

Visible offers truly unlimited data, and Straight Talk offers several data buckets. 

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, both carriers offer unlimited talk and texting options. Straight Talk also offers limited minutes as an option. 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. Want some more info on Visible? Check out our Visible Wireless Pros and Cons article for a longer look into this awesome MVNO.

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

Visible’s base plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks for just $25 per month. There are no data caps, but your speeds may be deprioritized during times of network congestion. For most users, this is a great option that balances affordability and reliable performance, especially if you're not in a high-traffic area. The plan also includes unlimited mobile hotspot usage, with speeds capped at 5 Mbps—perfect for basic tasks like browsing and messaging.

The plan costs $25 per month. 

Visible+

For $45 per month, the Visible+ plan provides all the perks of the base plan, plus 50 GB of premium data, ensuring faster speeds without deprioritization even during busy times. This plan also grants access to Verizon’s ultra-fast 5G Ultra Wideband network. In addition, Visible+ includes international calling to over 30 countries and texting to 200+ countries, making it ideal for frequent travelers or those who need enhanced connectivity.

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.

Does Visible sound promising? We’re glad to hear it! Now, before you look into Straight Talk, we want to highlight their Internet and Mobile bundle, which lets you bundle two costs and save. It is not without its downsides, however, and we will quickly cover Straight Talk Home Internet Pros and Cons here.  

Straight Talk Home Internet offers several advantages, including affordable pricing at $45 per month for unlimited data with no contracts or extra fees. It operates on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, making it easy to set up with a simple plug-and-play modem. This service is ideal for rural areas or users who want a flexible, no-commitment internet option.

However, it has some limitations. Speeds may fluctuate depending on network congestion, and it may not match the reliability of traditional broadband for heavy streaming or gaming. Coverage could also be limited in areas without strong Verizon signals.

Bundling Straight Talk’s mobile and home internet plans adds value, offering seamless integration with other services under a single provider. It’s particularly appealing to existing Straight Talk customers looking to consolidate bills while enjoying consistent, affordable access to both internet and mobile networks.

Straight Talk Plans

Straight Talk plans offer varying talk, text, and data capabilities.

Straight Talk offers 9 plans. It’s important to note that Straight Talk’s plans allow up to 5 lines, but some only allow 2 depending on the deal. As an MVNO of Verizon, Straight Talk is on tier 9 of the QCI levels. 

If you purchase your phone from Straight Talk, your device will be locked for 12 months after activation. The plans they offer renew at varying service lengths, and taxes and fees are not included in the advertised price. Alas! No carrier is perfect. If you want more info about Straight Talk's Pros and Cons, follow the link to read the article on our website!

Basic Phone Plan

This plan includes limited talk, but unlimited text. 

This plan comes with 1500 minutes of talk and 100MB of data, as well as unlimited texting. 

This plan doesn’t include hotspot access, and data speeds slow to 2G speeds. With 2G speeds, you can still browse the internet or send emails and texts, but you need WiFi to play games or stream video. 

The plan costs $30 per month. At this rate, you get 100MB at $300 per GB.

Bronze Unlimited Plan 

This plan slows data after the 10GB cap. 

This plan gives you 10GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. This plan also gives you 5GB of mobile hotspot capabilities, which stops after the cap. You also get unlimited talk and text. 

The plan costs $35 per month. At this rate, you get 15GB of data in total at $2.33 per GB. 

Silver Unlimited Plan

This plan gives you 60GB before slowing down.  

This plan gives their users 60GB of full speed data before slowing down to 2G speeds. Users also get access to 5GB of mobile hotspot data before access stops. You also get unlimited talk and text.

The plan costs $45 per month. At this rate, you get 65GB at $0.69 per GB. 

Gold Unlimited Plan

This plan allows for up to 2 lines. 

This plan offers 60GB of full speed data, which slows down to 2G speeds after the cap. You also get 15GB of hotspot data before access stops. 

The plan costs $55 per month for one line. At this rate, you get 75GB at $0.73 per GB. This plan also gives you the option of having 2 lines for $90 per month. At this rate, this would be $1.20 per GB. 

Platinum Unlimited Plan

This plan offers 20GB of plan data and 20GB of hotspot data.  

This plan comes with 20GB of full speed data included, which then slows down to 2G speeds. It also comes with 5GB of mobile hotspot data. 

The plan costs $65 per month. At this rate, you get 40GB at $1.63 per GB. 

Extended Unlimited Plan

This plan has multiple service lengths to choose from.

This plan comes with 25GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. This plan renews monthly, but you pay for multiple services upfront. You also get 5GB of hotspot data included.

The plan costs $130 for 3 months, $255 for 6 months, and $495 for 12 months. 

Unlimited International Plan

This plan includes international calling. 

This plan includes 25GB of full speed data, which then slows down to 2G speeds. It also comes with 5GB of mobile hotspot data and stops after the cap. This plan also comes with international calling capabilities. 

The plan costs $60 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $2 per GB.

Visible and Straight Talk Features

Visible offers more features with their plans, but Straight Talk offers cloud storage.

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. Visible offers more features with their plans, such as international capabilities, but Straight Talk offers other features, like cloud storage. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Visible offers domestic roaming data on their plans. Straight Talk does not offer 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. Straight Talk offers talk in Mexico and Canada on all plans except Extended Unlimited plans. They offer an add-on for calling access in Mexico and Canada for that plan.

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. Straight Talk offers international calling on their Unlimited International and Platinum Unlimited plans. They offer international calling as an add-on on other plans. 

Video Streaming Quality

Visible’s plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. All Straight Talk plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. 

Streaming Services

Visible and Straight Talk do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Visible and Verizon do not offer this feature.  Straight Talk offers 100GB of cloud storage on their Gold Unlimited and Platinum Unlimited plans.

Device Financing

Visible and Straight Talk do 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. Straight Talk does not offer this feature.

Free Trial

Visible offers a 15 day free trial. Straight Talk does not offer this feature.  

Customer Service 

Visible and Straight Talk do not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. 

Visible is a digital-only carrier, meaning they only offer customer support online. Visible offers 24/7 chat support from a live agent. Straight Talk offers support over the phone at 

1-877-430-2355 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST every day. 

The Verdict: Visible vs. Straight Talk

Visible offers better plans overall, but Straight Talk’s Silver Unlimited plan is a solid choice. 

When it comes to price per GB on premium data as well as included features, Visible offers the better plans. However, Straight Talk’s Silver Unlimited plan is a great option for the price per GB and includes hotspot data. Straight Talk is also a great choice if you’re looking for a limited data plan. 

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!

MVNO Pricing Categories: Finding the Right Plan for Your Needs

Visible’s simplicity and value make it a strong contender among MVNOs. Here’s how it stacks up against the top competitors in each pricing tier.

Mint Mobile vs. Visible

• Mint Mobile: Plans start at $15/month for 4 GB of data if you pay 3–12 months upfront. Ideal for light data users who don’t mind prepaying for savings.
• Visible ($25/month): Unlimited talk, text, and data with no prepayment required. However, speeds may be deprioritized in high-traffic areas.

Verdict: Choose Mint for rock-bottom prices if you need minimal data. Go with Visible if you want unlimited data at a steady $25/month without a long-term commitment.

Total by Verizon vs. Visible

• Total by Verizon ($30/month): 5 GB of data plus unlimited talk and text on Verizon’s network, with reduced speeds after hitting the data cap.
• Visible ($25/month): Unlimited talk, text, and data with no caps, though speeds may slow during congestion.

Verdict: Visible wins with unlimited data at a lower cost, making it the better choice for heavy data users.

Google Fi vs. Visible+

• Google Fi ($50/month): Unlimited plan with 50 GB of premium data, multi-network access, and top-tier international roaming across 200+ countries.
• Visible+ ($45/month): 50 GB of premium data, Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband access, and international calling at a lower price, but with more limited global roaming.

Verdict: Visible+ is the better fit for U.S.-based users. However, frequent international travelers may find Google Fi worth the extra $5 for broader global coverage.