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2.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 24th, 2025

Boost Mobile is a prepaid carrier of wireless service that is owned by the Sprint network. They are headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas with Sprint and their brand headquarters are in Irvine, CA. Boost Mobile provides prepaid plans with unlimited data, talk & text, taxes & fees, and unlimited music streaming without data charges on all plans. And it all comes with no annual service contracts. Boost Mobile also allows service men and women to suspend their service while deployed overseas and keeps their accounts and phone numbers active.

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The Good

  • Phone Selection
  • Keep Your Current Phone
  • Cell Phone Plan Options
  • Additional Features

Phone Selection

Boost Mobile offers a decent sized selection of phones for customers to choose from. Whether customers prefer to have the latest technology or a phone of an older generation, customers have the selection to find something that will work for them. There is an option to choose from a brand new phone like the Samsung Galaxy S20, pre-owned phones, or an Apple certified refurbished iPhone models. This allows the prices to be lower than the retail price, which is great for those looking for a cheaper option. All Boost Mobile phones are built for 4G LTE network speeds.

Keep Your Current Phone

Another excellent feature Boost Mobile offers is the "Bring Your Own Phone" option. This allows customers who don't want to pay for a new phone to continue using their current iPhone, Android smartphone, or other mobile device. Any of Boost Mobile's plans are available so customers won't be limited on which plan they choose. However, customers should keep in mind that there are several important steps to bring a cell phone over. Such as: check to see if the phone is compatible (either online or at a Boost Mobile store), purchase a Boost Mobile SIM card kit, and unlock the cell phone from the current carrier.

Cell Phone Plan Options

Customers can choose from three Boost Mobile plans that offer data, talk, and text. First, there is the 3Gigs 4G LTE plan which costs $35/month. If needed customers can add 1GB for $5/month or an extra 2GB for $10/month. The 3GB plan does allow you to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it is drawn from the high-speed data allotment. The Unlimited plan will cost $50/month and includes unlimited talk, text, and data. It also includes mobile-optimized streaming for those who want to watch videos, play games and listen to music. It also allows you to turn your phone into a mobile hotspot for up to 8GB. Lastly, the Boost Unlimited Plus plan starts at $60/month, unlimited data, talk, and text has HD streaming capabilities and can be used as a hotspot for 20GB.

Additional Features

Boost Mobile provides its customers with several helpful everyday services.

  • Premium Caller ID — This feature displays the name and number of incoming calls that are not already in a contact list. Additionally, the Premium Caller ID comes preloaded onto any Boost Android phone.
  • Visual Voicemail — Customers have the option to choose from free basic visual voicemail, this allows checking your voicemail in any order and includes in-app ads. The $0.50 No-Ad Basic Visual Voicemail offers Basic visual voicemail features and no ads. And the $2.99 Premium Visual Voicemail has the basic visual voicemail features with no ads but also includes auto forward voicemails to email and voicemails that can be transcribed into text.
  • Mobile Wallet — Many people who might not have the credit for a regular bank account can use their Boost Mobile wallet to deposit their paycheck. It is also possible to pay your monthly phone bill with your Boost Wallet. The Boost Wallet is also compatible with PayPal and other online payment technologies.
  • Boost Mobile App — The My Boost Mobile allows customers to troubleshoot or manage their account. Customers can pay bills, purchase add-ons, suspend a lost or stolen phone, review phone usage, and more.

In case customers want a few extra features added on to their plan they have a few options.

  • International Services — add international calling to a monthly plan
  • Data Packs — add more data to keep surfing at high speeds
  • HD Buy Up — add HD to watch, listen and play for $10/month
  • Phone Insurance — protect your phone for just $7/month
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The Bad

  • Limited Operating Systems
  • Lack of Online Chat Feature

Limited Operating Systems

There were some limitations with Boost Mobile's service. For instance, there are a few phone operating systems that are not available. If customers are interested in BlackBerry or Windows 10 phones, Boost Mobile is not compatible with these operating systems. Customers will either have to buy a Boost Mobile phone or find one that is within the allowed operating systems.

Lack of Online Chat Feature

When it comes to customer service Boost Mobile provides the basic customer care support by phone, email and community forums. While these tools can be useful, some customers prefer the quick response of chatting with a representative online. This is often preferred when a customer has a simple question that can be answered quickly by a representative or if a customer has a specific account question but cannot call within the company hours.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, Boost Mobile provides a quality service for a niche customer base. Even though there are no BlackBerry or Windows 10 phones, there is a decent number of Android and iOS phones available to choose from. Boost Mobile allows customers to pay for everything they want up front. There are no annual contracts, customers don't have to worry about credit checks, overage fees, or roaming charges. Boost Mobile has expanded the services it provides as they now offer Single Line Monthly plans, Family plans, Tablet plans, and Wi-Fi Hotspot plans.

A Boost Mobile customer can manage their plan all from the Boost Mobile app making it easy to add extra features and pay their bill. The "Bring Your Own Phone" feature is nice but it does limit which phones can be used on the network. If you are tired of annual contracts but still want unlimited calls, text, and video, then Boost Mobile is a solid choice. To learn more about the experience of actual customers, read our verified Boost Mobile reviews below.

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Star Rating

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2.1

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257 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

17%

4 grade

8%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

65%

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J Huberty Chicago, IL

Other than an initial issue getting the data to work I have had zero issues with my Boat Mobile service. The second month I had it I blew through my 30 gig of data watching NFL games while staying in a home I was renovating and my internet slowed way down but ever since I have not come close to using all my hi speed data. Texting and calls and internet service are just fine as far as I can tell. I'm paying a nominal amount of $26/month for it, but by earning Boost Coins I am able to reduce my monthly bill to $15 or less. So while I'm not giving it 5 stars because of the initial problem getting the data to work, which was quickly fixed, everything else has been perfectly fine. So it gets a big thumbs up from me because it's saving me about $40 each month! I highly recommend Boost Mobile.

2 years ago

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da handyman Myrtle Beach, SC

I ported my number over to boost from textnow the port process was fast and smooth. This isn’t my primary phone service but for my side business it works well I always have great 4G LTE cell coverage call quality is good also. I’m on the $15 plan unlimited calls/text 2gb data I purchased the TCL FLIP PHONE which works “okay” I wish I went with an inexpensive android that’s something I can upgrade down the road. My biggest issue is with the TCL FLIP PHONE if I miss a call I get a missed call notification but if I’m left voicemail there’s no notification. I called into boost their techs did some provisioning on my account I was getting voicemail notifications for 2-3 days and whatever they done went undone. Not going to sweat it I’ll probably dump this phone and upgrade to a budget android.

3 years ago

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Christine Naperville, IL

I've been a Boost customer for several years, and for the most part, I love everything about it - the price, the phone service, and the coverage. There's one feature that is awesome, and if it worked properly, I'd be giving 5 stars. You're supposed to get unlimited music streaming from certain apps - including Spotify and IheartRadio. I listen to podcasts in my car, and music at work, and I have no wifi for either. This shouldn't be a problem since it's not supposed to count toward my data useage, right? Au contrere, mon frere! Unfortunately, once I hit my high-speed "limit" of 6GB, I get a text about how my access will continue but at the lower speed until my monthly renewal. AND, when I check my data usage, I can see that half of my data was eaten up by the music programs. I have been calling since July 2018 about this. Every month they give me an extra gig to hold me over. Some months they even added a couple gigs to my plan, so now I'm up to 6GBs for $35. Which is awesome! Except I'm using 3GB for music, and I have to call every month to get it fixed. Now I'm getting my issue escalated to an SME (since October!!) And don't even get me started on how it takes 10 minutes to get to a live person. Fortunately I've been keeping notes since October so I can at least refer the person to my call records. This is critical since 100% of the people I've spoken to were unaware of the unlimited music streaming until I educated them. So yes, they're great unless you have a problem, and if you do, good luck!!

6 years ago

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Dee Farquharson Washington, DC

Boost Mobile is very similar (in my experience) to Virgin Mobile. Both are under Sprint and the connection could be spotty at times. I had Boost before they had the unlimited plans; they used a minutes/top up system. It wasn't too bad for the money. The phones were very expensive (which makes sense for the time, since post paid companies had contracts and sold the phones at a discount to balance it). It may be better now that the cell industry has changed.

6 years ago

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Jlbflatx Pompano Beach, FL

Had boost for years. My only complaint is their cellular WiFi is slow. Takes much too long. And calls kind of break up in our area of East pompano beach fla off 14 th St Cswy. Need a stronger tower signals.

5 years ago

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Erika Shumway Managua, MN

With my experience with Boost Mobile, I did not receive the greatest service. Since I live in an urban area, it wasn't a big problem. Whenever I would leave the city the service was very spotty. It is very affordable, which explains why the service isn't amazing.

5 years ago

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mgillings

Made the switch to Boost Mobile 6 months ago. I was tired of paying a crazy amount of money for basic cell service and wanted to try something different. I am so happy with my decision! I have a great phone, with great service, unlimited data, and am LOVING only paying $50 per month! I won't go back to ATT!

6 years ago

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Deborah Vidal

few discepancies in phone replacement had insurance paid for phone never received replacement unaccounted for

6 years ago

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jesus cruz ,

I have been with the company for almost seven years, and never what so ever I have had any issue with them, their cover are the best

4 years ago

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Naya Tallahassee, FL

I love boost for the most part. You get provided service at an affordable price. It is very convenient for a college student!

5 years ago

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John W. Jones Baltimore, MD

Very good company, no contract, no credit check. Wide variety of phones to use with plans.

5 years ago

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M. Silver Los Angeles, CA

Everything has been fine to date. I've just upgraded based on information from customer service

5 years ago

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John Braga

Good as any other, price is right. Uses Sprint towers but works better than Sprint. Odd.

6 years ago

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Karen Pitz Marshville, NC

Good Service have never had a problem with the company Unlimited Text Talk and internet

6 years ago

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Darius Williams Alexandria, VA

Really great service at a really good price! Definitely have improved up since I've first had them years ago

6 years ago

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Michelle Lee

I've had them for 10 yrs pretty decent service. Its better than a contract.

5 years ago

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Malinda Todd

They're ok. The price is good but the connection could be better.

5 years ago

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Nicole Richman Pearland, TX

They aren't as reliable as big companies, but they do offer a good service given the price.

4 years ago

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Gabriel Janke

Good value for monthly service with unlimited data.

5 years ago

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RM Cincinnati, OH

The price for the service is very reasonable

5 years ago

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Susan Broughton Sulphur Springs, TX

I really think Boost is great

9 years ago