| Our Score | 6/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | Almost nobody — security risks too high |
| Price Range | $25-$60/month + taxes |
| Network | AT&T (migrated from T-Mobile) |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
| Owner | DISH Network (since 2020) |
Boost Mobile has been bouncing between corporate owners since its founding in 2000 — Nextel, then Sprint, and now DISH Network. Along the way it picked up something no carrier should ever have on its record: confirmed data breaches. That alone disqualifies Boost from any serious recommendation. Combine it with consistently terrible customer service, taxes that are never included, and deep uncertainty about DISH's financial future, and you have a carrier that exists mostly as a cautionary tale.
Bottom Line: Boost Mobile scores a dismal 6/11, dragged down by documented data breaches, abysmal customer service, and the looming question of whether DISH Network can keep the lights on. The $25 plan is deprioritized into near-uselessness. Meanwhile, Visible offers true unlimited at $25/month with zero breach history, and Tello gives you flexible plans from $10/month on a clean security record. If your personal data has any value to you, leave Boost immediately.
- AT&T network coverage
- True unlimited data option ($60 plan)
- Low advertised starting price ($25/mo)
- SIM PIN protection available
- Retail store locations exist
- 5G access included
- No contract required
- HAS HAD DATA BREACHES — deal-breaker
- Poor customer service across all platforms
- Taxes and fees NOT included in any price
- $25 plan is heavily deprioritized (unusable during congestion)
- No build-a-plan customization
- 2FA implementation is inadequate
- DISH ownership creates long-term uncertainty
- No real price advantage over Visible
The Data Breach Problem: Why This Review Exists
Let me be direct: Boost Mobile has suffered data breaches that compromised customer information. This is not speculation or a hypothetical risk. It happened. Customer data was exposed.
In our scoring methodology, a data breach is an automatic zero on one of the most important criteria we track. But the implications go far beyond a number on a scorecard.
What Your Carrier Knows About You
Your wireless carrier holds an extraordinary amount of personal data:
- Full legal name and home address
- Social Security number (used for credit checks)
- Payment and banking information
- Detailed call and text logs — who you talk to, when, and for how long
- Real-time and historical location data
- Device identifiers and account credentials
When a carrier suffers a breach, all of this is potentially on the table. Boost Mobile failed to protect this information. That failure is not something you patch with a software update — it represents systemic issues in how a company handles security.
Why "They Fixed It" Is Not Good Enough
Carriers always say they have improved security after a breach. But the track record across the industry tells a different story: companies that have been breached once are statistically more likely to be breached again. The organizational culture that allowed a breach in the first place does not transform overnight.
Visible has never had a data breach. Tello has never had a data breach. When you have carriers with clean records offering the same or better service at the same or lower prices, there is zero reason to gamble on Boost.
Boost Mobile Plans and Pricing
Boost currently offers three plans on AT&T's network:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Premium Data | Hotspot | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $25/mo + tax | Deprioritized | None | Yes |
| Unlimited+ | $40/mo + tax | 35GB | 12GB | Yes |
| Unlimited Premium | $60/mo + tax | Unlimited | 30GB | Yes |
The $25 Plan Is a Bait-and-Switch
The $25 Unlimited plan looks attractive on paper. In reality, it is completely deprioritized — meaning every postpaid AT&T customer and most other MVNOs get bandwidth before you. During any period of network congestion (morning commutes, lunch hours, evenings, weekends in populated areas), speeds can crater to single digits or worse. There is no hotspot included, so you cannot share your connection with a laptop.
For a usable Boost experience, you are realistically looking at the $40/month plan — and that is before taxes.
The Hidden Tax Problem
Boost does not include taxes in its advertised prices. Here is what you actually pay:
| Advertised Price | Estimated Real Cost |
|---|---|
| $25/month | ~$28-30/month |
| $40/month | ~$44-47/month |
| $60/month | ~$66-70/month |
Compare that to Visible, where $25/month means $25/month. No tax surprises, no hidden fees, and truly unlimited data with no deprioritization cap.
Speed Test Results
We tested Boost Mobile on AT&T's network across multiple scenarios:
| Scenario | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban (off-peak) | 55 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 30ms |
| Suburban | 40 Mbps | 7 Mbps | 35ms |
| Urban (rush hour) | 10 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 48ms |
| Rural | 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 55ms |
The rush hour numbers tell the real story. During congestion on the $25 plan, expect speeds well below these figures. The 10 Mbps urban rush hour result was measured on a premium-data plan — the deprioritized $25 plan would deliver significantly worse performance.
AT&T's network itself is fine. The problem is that Boost sits at the bottom of the priority queue, and DISH's MVNO agreement does not give Boost customers the same treatment as AT&T's own prepaid customers.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Boost Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes (barely, pre-tax) | 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | Yes (on $40+ plans only) | 1/1 |
| Premium data quality | 35GB cap or fully deprioritized | 0.5/1 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | Inadequate implementation | 0/1 |
| Network coverage | Good (AT&T) | 1/1 |
| No data breaches | NO — HAS HAD BREACHES | 0/1 |
| True unlimited option | Yes ($60/mo plan) | 1/1 |
| Good customer service | No — consistently poor | 0/1 |
| Total | 6/11 |
A 6/11 places Boost firmly in "below average" territory. The data breach alone is disqualifying, but the poor customer service and lack of proper 2FA implementation compound the problem. This is not a carrier that earns your trust.
The DISH Network Problem
DISH Network acquired Boost Mobile from T-Mobile in 2020 as part of the Sprint merger conditions. Since then, DISH has:
- Accumulated massive debt building a 5G network it has struggled to deploy
- Missed FCC deployment deadlines, raising regulatory concerns
- Migrated Boost from T-Mobile to AT&T, disrupting service for existing customers
- Failed to grow Boost's subscriber base meaningfully
- Faced persistent questions about its long-term viability as a wireless competitor
What This Means for Boost Customers
If DISH continues to struggle financially, Boost customers face real risks:
- Service disruptions during potential corporate restructuring
- Network agreement changes if DISH renegotiates AT&T terms
- Possible sale of Boost to yet another owner — the carrier's fourth
- Reduced investment in customer experience and security infrastructure
Visible is owned by Verizon — one of the most financially stable companies in telecom. Tello has operated independently and profitably for years. Neither carries the existential uncertainty that comes with DISH ownership.
Customer Service Failures
Boost Mobile's customer service is not just mediocre — it is actively harmful. Across review platforms, the pattern is consistent:
Documented Complaints
- Hours-long hold times on phone support
- Store employees who cannot resolve basic issues and often create new ones
- Billing errors that persist for months despite repeated calls
- Aggressive difficulty canceling service, bordering on dark patterns
- Broken escalation paths where supervisors are never available
- Account changes made without authorization
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Poor customer service is an inconvenience with most products. With a wireless carrier, it becomes a security issue. If someone attempts to SIM swap your number or unauthorized changes are made to your account, you need responsive, competent support immediately. Boost's support infrastructure simply is not capable of providing that.
Security Analysis
What Boost Offers
- SIM PIN protection: Available (4-digit PIN)
- Two-factor authentication: Listed but implementation is below standard
What Boost Has Failed At
- Preventing data breaches — the most fundamental security obligation
- Maintaining customer trust after those breaches
- Providing responsive support when security issues arise
Security Comparison
| Security Feature | Boost | Visible | Tello | Cricket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Breaches | Yes | None | None | Yes |
| SIM PIN | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| 2FA | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Score | 6/11 | 10/11 | 9.5/11 | 6/11 |
Having SIM PIN protection means nothing when the company behind it has already demonstrated it cannot keep your data safe. Security is a system, not a checklist.
Boost Mobile vs. the Competition
Boost vs. Visible
| Feature | Boost Mobile | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Visible |
| True unlimited price | $60 + tax (~$67) | $25 all-in | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Visible |
| Network | AT&T | Verizon | Depends |
| Owner stability | DISH (uncertain) | Verizon (stable) | Visible |
Verdict: Visible wins in every category except network preference. Unless you specifically need AT&T towers, there is no argument for Boost over Visible.
Boost vs. Tello
| Feature | Boost Mobile | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Tello |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Tello |
| Network | AT&T | T-Mobile | Depends |
| Budget flexibility | Limited | Excellent | Tello |
Verdict: Tello is the superior budget option with clean security. If T-Mobile coverage works in your area, Tello is the obvious choice.
Boost vs. Cricket Wireless
| Feature | Boost Mobile | Cricket | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6/11 | 6/11 | Tie |
| Data breaches | Yes | Yes | Neither |
| Network | AT&T | AT&T | Tie |
| True unlimited | Yes ($60) | No | Boost |
| Customer service | Poor | Poor | Neither |
Verdict: Both carriers have breach histories and both deliver poor service. If you need AT&T coverage with a clean security record, look at US Mobile's Dark Star network instead.
Who Should Get Boost Mobile?
Possibly acceptable for:
- Users locked into existing Boost family plans with no alternative
- People in areas where only AT&T has coverage and US Mobile is unavailable
- Those who genuinely do not care about data security
Do not get Boost if you:
- Value the security of your personal information
- Want reliable customer support when problems arise
- Are budget-conscious (better value exists everywhere)
- Care about long-term carrier stability
- Have read this far into this review
- Can switch to literally any top-rated carrier
How to Leave Boost Mobile Safely
If you are currently a Boost customer, here is your exit plan:
- Do NOT cancel Boost first — canceling before porting means losing your phone number permanently.
- Document your Boost account number and PIN — you will need these to port your number. Call Boost if you do not have them.
- Verify your phone is unlocked — Boost-purchased phones may be locked. Request an unlock if needed (Boost is required to unlock after 12 months of service).
- Check phone compatibility with your new carrier at their website.
- Sign up with Visible or Tello — choose eSIM for instant activation.
- Request to port your number during the signup process. Enter your Boost account number and PIN.
- Activate your new service — once the port completes, Boost cancels automatically.
- Enable all security features on your new carrier immediately: SIM PIN, 2FA, strong password.
- Change passwords on any accounts that used your Boost email or phone for verification.
- Monitor your credit for the next 6-12 months, given Boost's breach history.
The entire process takes a few hours at most. Your number transfers seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boost Mobile safe to use?
No. Boost Mobile has had documented data breaches, meaning customer personal information has been compromised. Carriers like Visible and Tello have clean security records and are significantly safer choices.
Has Boost Mobile been hacked?
Yes, Boost Mobile has experienced data breaches where customer data was exposed. This is a confirmed fact, not speculation.
Who owns Boost Mobile now?
DISH Network has owned Boost Mobile since 2020. Before that, it was owned by Sprint (which was acquired by T-Mobile). DISH's financial struggles raise questions about Boost's long-term future.
Is DISH Network going out of business?
DISH faces significant financial challenges related to its 5G network buildout debt. While it has not gone out of business, the uncertainty is real and directly impacts Boost Mobile customers.
What network does Boost Mobile use?
Boost currently uses AT&T's network. It migrated from T-Mobile after DISH acquired it in 2020.
Why did Boost switch from T-Mobile to AT&T?
DISH was required to build its own network as a condition of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger approval. When that proved difficult, DISH struck a deal to use AT&T's network for Boost customers.
Is Boost Mobile actually unlimited?
The $25 plan is technically "unlimited" but is so heavily deprioritized that speeds become unusable during any network congestion. True unlimited with usable speeds requires the $60/month plan.
Does Boost include taxes in its prices?
No. All Boost prices are before taxes and fees. Expect to add $3-10 depending on your state. Visible includes all taxes in its $25 price.
Is the Boost Mobile $25 plan worth it?
No. The $25 plan is heavily deprioritized with no hotspot. For the same $25, Visible gives you true unlimited data with hotspot included and taxes included.
Is Boost Mobile better than Visible?
No. Visible scores 10/11 versus Boost's 6/11. Visible has no data breaches, lower real-world prices, true unlimited data, and better customer service.
Is Boost Mobile better than Tello?
No. Tello scores 9.5/11, has no data breaches, offers build-your-own plans, includes taxes, and provides good customer service.
Does Boost Mobile have good customer service?
No. Boost Mobile consistently receives poor ratings across all customer service review platforms. Long hold times, unhelpful agents, and unresolved billing issues are commonly reported.
Can I keep my number if I leave Boost?
Yes. Port your number to your new carrier during signup. Do not cancel Boost first — the port process automatically closes your Boost account.
Does Boost Mobile have 5G?
Yes, Boost includes 5G access on AT&T's network on all plans.
Does Boost Mobile have hotspot?
Only on the $40/month (12GB hotspot) and $60/month (30GB hotspot) plans. The $25 plan has no hotspot at all.
Is Boost Mobile good for rural areas?
AT&T's coverage is decent in rural areas. However, as a deprioritized MVNO on AT&T, Boost customers will get slower speeds than AT&T's own customers. If rural AT&T is your only option, US Mobile Dark Star is a more secure choice on the same network.
Final Verdict
Boost Mobile earns 6/11 — one of the lowest scores in our carrier rankings. The data breach history is the defining issue. When a carrier has proven it cannot protect your personal information, every other consideration becomes secondary.
Add in the terrible customer service, DISH Network's uncertain future, taxes that are never included, and a $25 plan that barely functions during peak hours, and you have a carrier with no compelling reason to exist in 2026.
The alternatives are clear:
- For unlimited data: Visible at $25/month, taxes included, no breaches, 10/11 score
- For budget flexibility: Tello from $10/month, build-your-own plans, no breaches, 9.5/11 score
- For AT&T network specifically: US Mobile Dark Star, no breaches, 9.5/11 score
Your wireless carrier stores your name, address, payment details, call records, and location history. Choose one that has demonstrated it can protect that information. Boost Mobile has demonstrated the opposite.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. Tom Spark and Prepaid Report may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Boost Mobile earned its 6/11 score through the same objective criteria we apply to every carrier. Learn more about our methodology.