Visible is best for those who want a lot of data and a newer phone, but Twigby is probably better for those who just want a simple, stripped down cell phone plan that’s super cheap. We’ll go into all the details of these two carriers, including price, performance, network, and customer service. But first, let’s talk about the basics.
Data: Do you use your phone for work, gaming, streaming, or other data-heavy activities? Then make sure you actually have enough 4G LTE or 5G data so that you don’t get cut off or overcharged. Price: There are tons of discount carriers in the market these days. Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck by comparing prices before making your final decision. Coverage: Three companies—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—are all competing to make the best mobile network. Be sure you’re on the one that has good coverage in your area. Performance: Some cell phone plans offer faster data speeds, more perks (like hotspot data), and better features than others. Be sure you’re getting the performance you need.
Let’s dive into the details so you can figure out which one is right for you. We’ll start with Visible.
Unlimited talk, text, and data Access to 5G networks where available (and with a 5G capable device) Extensive coverage on Verizon’s network Unlimited hotspot data Deals on the newest phones
There are plenty of $70 to $80 plans out there that still don’t have as many features. Plus, you can spice things up by adding additional lines to your Visible plan. And by “spice things up,” we mean save a boatload of cash (we’ll talk about this more below). The biggest problem you’ll run into with Visible Wireless is data throttling and deprioritization. Generally speaking, data speeds on smaller MVNO carrier tend to fall on the slower side, and you run the risk of getting your data speeds throttled when the network gets busy. You can avoid the data speed issues by forking over the extra $15/month to get the Visible+ plan. Seriously, just look at all of these plans. And if you’re not seeing exactly what you want in these plans, you can customize your own using Twigby’s online plan building tool. Price increases, data slowdowns, and the lack of an unlimited data plan are three strikes that definitely make Twigby less attractive to potential customers. Here’s an example of a four-line plan where each line has a different talk, text, and data allotment. So Visible customers will actually be on Verizon’s network, and Twigby customers will be on Sprint’s network with Verizon as a backup, or as Twigby puts it, “Twigby customers use two of the largest nationwide cellular networks.” Check out these coverage maps from those two companies to see which covers your location best. It’s worth noting that the Sprint network was acquired by T-Mobile in 2020, so we’re curious to see how that affects Twigby and its customers in the future. If you’re wondering how Verizon and Sprint (or T-Mobile, for that matter) stack up in terms of download and upload speeds, here’s how we rank them based on our own research. That said, judging by app ratings, customers do seem to be a bit more satisfied with Visible. The Visible Wireless app has a 4.4-star rating on the Apple App store, while Twigby’s app retains a 3.1-star rating.
Plans: Visible offers one amazing plan with unlimited everything for just $40 a month. Twigby, on the other hand, has tons of plans that are super cheap (at least for the first six months), but don’t offer nearly as much data. Family plans: Neither carrier offers family plan discounts, but at least Twigby lets you group manage data plans under a single account. Coverage and performance: Visible Wireless gives you unlimited data on the nation’s biggest network (Verizon), but you might see some slowdowns during times of network congestion. Twigby relies mostly on Sprint’s less powerful network, but it should give you enough service in most metropolitan areas.
We hope that this article has helped you figure out whether Visible or Twigby is the better carrier for your lifestyle. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you can sign up for Visible or Twigby online!