| Our Score | 6.5/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | Budget users who accept security risks |
| Price Range | $25-$60/month + taxes |
| Network | AT&T |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
Boost Mobile has been around since 2000 and has changed hands multiple times—from Nextel to Sprint to now DISH Network (operating on AT&T's network). But a long history doesn't mean a good track record. Boost Mobile has suffered data breaches and consistently receives poor customer service ratings.
Bottom Line: Boost Mobile scores just 6.5/11 due to documented data breaches, poor customer service, and taxes not being included. While they offer a true unlimited option, the security risks aren't worth it when Visible offers true unlimited with no breach history at the same price point. If your personal information matters to you, look elsewhere.
- True unlimited data option available
- Low starting price ($25/month)
- AT&T network coverage
- SIM PIN protection available
- 2FA available for accounts
- 35GB premium data on base unlimited
- Retail store presence
- HAS HAD DATA BREACHES
- Poor customer service ratings
- Taxes and fees NOT included
- $25 plan is heavily deprioritized
- Confusing plan structure
- DISH ownership brings uncertainty
- Base plan has limited premium data
The Data Breach Problem
Let's address the elephant in the room: Boost Mobile has experienced data breaches.
In our security-focused scoring methodology, a data breach is a serious red flag. When a carrier fails to protect customer data, it indicates systemic security issues that may not be fully resolved.
What This Means For You
- Your personal information may have been exposed
- Account security practices are questionable
- Future breaches remain possible
Why This Matters
Your phone carrier has access to:
- Your name and address
- Payment information
- Call/text records
- Location data
- Account credentials
A carrier that can't protect this information shouldn't be trusted with it. Visible and Tello have clean security records—there's no reason to accept Boost's track record.
Boost Mobile Plans and Pricing
Boost operates on AT&T's network and offers these plans:
| Plan | Price | Premium Data | Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $25/mo + tax | Deprioritized | None |
| Unlimited+ | $40/mo + tax | 35GB | 12GB |
| Unlimited Premium | $60/mo + tax | Unlimited | 30GB |
Reality Check: The $25 "unlimited" plan is heavily deprioritized—expect slow speeds whenever the network is busy. For usable unlimited, you're looking at $40+ before taxes.
Hidden Costs
Boost's advertised prices don't include taxes. Real costs look more like:
| Advertised | Actual (with tax) |
|---|---|
| $25/month | $28-30/month |
| $40/month | $44-47/month |
| $60/month | $66-70/month |
Compare to Visible at $25/month all-in for true unlimited.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Boost Mobile | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Yes (barely, before tax) | ✅ 1/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | Yes (on $40+ plans) | ✅ 1/1 |
| Premium data quality | 35GB cap or 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 | Yes | ✅ 1/1 |
| Network coverage | Good (AT&T) | ✅ 1/1 |
| No data breaches | NO - HAS HAD BREACHES | ❌ 0/1 |
| True unlimited option | Yes ($60 plan) | ✅ 1/1 |
| Good customer service | No - consistently poor | ❌ 0/1 |
| Total | 6.5/11 |
The data breach history alone should give you pause. Combined with poor customer service, Boost struggles to justify its existence when better alternatives exist.
Customer Service Problems
Boost Mobile's customer service is consistently rated poorly across review platforms:
Common Complaints
- Long hold times on phone support
- Unhelpful store employees
- Billing issues that take weeks to resolve
- Difficulty canceling service
- Poor communication about account changes
Why Service Matters
When you have a problem—billing error, stolen phone, porting issue—you need responsive support. Boost's track record suggests you'll struggle to get help when you need it most.
Visible and Tello both receive better service ratings despite being smaller operations.
Network Coverage
Boost now operates on AT&T's network (after migrating from T-Mobile following DISH's acquisition).
AT&T Network Strengths
- Good nationwide coverage
- Solid rural performance
- Reliable in most areas
- 5G access included
AT&T Network Weaknesses
- Not as fast as T-Mobile in cities
- Not as rural-strong as Verizon
- Mid-tier option overall
The network is fine—it's everything else about Boost that's problematic.
Security Analysis
What Boost Gets Right
- 4-digit SIM PIN protection available
- Two-factor authentication offered
- Standard account security features
What Boost Gets Wrong
- Data breaches have occurred
- Customer data was compromised
- Trust has been broken
Having security features means nothing if the company can't prevent breaches. It's like having a lock on your door but leaving the window open.
Secure Alternatives
| Carrier | Data Breaches | SIM PIN | 2FA | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visible | None | Yes | Yes | 10/11 |
| Tello | None | Yes | Yes | 9.5/11 |
| US Mobile | None | Yes | Yes | 9.5/11 |
| Boost Mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.5/11 |
Boost Mobile vs. The Competition
Boost vs. Visible
| Feature | Boost | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.5/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Visible |
| Price (unlimited) | $25-60 + tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
| True unlimited | Yes ($60) | Yes ($25) | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Visible |
Verdict: Visible is better in every measurable way. There's no scenario where Boost is the better choice.
Boost vs. Tello
| Feature | Boost | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.5/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Tello |
| Network | AT&T | T-Mobile | Depends |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Tello |
| Customization | None | Full | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Good | Tello |
Verdict: Tello wins for T-Mobile coverage. If you specifically need AT&T, consider Cricket (though it also has breach history) or US Mobile's Dark Star network.
Boost vs. Cricket Wireless
| Feature | Boost | Cricket | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.5/11 | 6.0/11 | Boost |
| Data breaches | Yes | Yes | Neither |
| Network | AT&T | AT&T | Tie |
| Service | Poor | Poor | Neither |
Verdict: Both carriers have breach histories and poor service. If you must use AT&T, consider US Mobile's Dark Star option instead.
Who Should Get Boost Mobile?
Honestly, we struggle to recommend Boost to anyone. But if you're considering it:
Possibly Acceptable For:
- Users who need AT&T coverage specifically
- Those who accept security risks
- People with no other options in their area
- Customers locked into Boost family plans
Not Recommended For:
- Anyone concerned about data security
- Users who value customer service
- Budget-conscious customers (better value elsewhere)
- Anyone who can switch carriers
- People who've read this review
Better Alternatives
For Secure Unlimited: Visible
- 10/11 score
- No data breaches
- True unlimited at $25/mo
- Taxes included
- Good customer service
For Budget Flexibility: Tello
- 9.5/11 score
- No data breaches
- Build-your-own plans
- T-Mobile network
- Taxes included
For AT&T Network + Security: US Mobile Dark Star
- 9.5/11 score
- No data breaches
- AT&T coverage
- Better security track record
How to Leave Boost Safely
If you're currently on Boost, here's how to leave:
- Don't cancel first - You'll lose your number
- Check phone compatibility with new carrier
- Sign up with Visible or Tello
- Request to port your number during signup
- Activate new service - Boost cancels automatically
- Enable SIM PIN on new carrier immediately
- Update any accounts using your phone for 2FA
Your number transfers seamlessly, and you'll be on a more secure carrier within hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boost Mobile safe to use?
Boost Mobile has had data breaches, making it less safe than carriers like Visible or Tello with clean security records. Your personal information may be at higher risk.
Has Boost Mobile had data breaches?
Yes, Boost Mobile has experienced data breaches where customer information was compromised.
Is Boost Mobile owned by DISH?
Yes, DISH Network acquired Boost Mobile from T-Mobile in 2020. Boost now operates on AT&T's network.
What network does Boost use?
Boost currently uses AT&T's network after migrating from T-Mobile.
Is Boost Mobile cheap?
The $25 plan seems cheap but is heavily deprioritized. After taxes, most useful plans cost $45-70/month—more than Visible's all-inclusive $25.
Does Boost include taxes?
No, Boost's advertised prices don't include taxes and fees. Add $3-7+ to the listed price.
Is Boost better than Visible?
No. Visible has a higher score, no data breaches, lower prices, and better service.
Is Boost customer service good?
No, Boost consistently receives poor customer service ratings across review platforms.
Does Boost have 5G?
Yes, Boost includes 5G access on AT&T's network.
Can I keep my number leaving Boost?
Yes, you can port your number to any carrier. Just don't cancel Boost before porting.
What's the cheapest Boost plan?
$25/month before taxes, but this plan has heavily deprioritized data—essentially unusable during busy times.
Does Boost have unlimited data?
Yes, the $60/month plan offers true unlimited data. Lower plans are capped or deprioritized.
Should I leave Boost Mobile?
Yes, if security matters to you. Carriers like Visible offer better value without the breach history.
What's wrong with Boost Mobile?
Data breaches, poor customer service, and taxes not included make Boost a poor value compared to alternatives.
Is Boost Mobile going out of business?
No immediate signs, but DISH's financial struggles create uncertainty about Boost's future.
Final Verdict
Boost Mobile scores 6.5/11—one of the lowest scores in our carrier rankings. The combination of data breaches and poor customer service makes it impossible to recommend.
The security issue alone disqualifies Boost. When carriers like Visible offer:
- True unlimited at $25/month
- Zero data breach history
- Good customer service
- Taxes included
...there's simply no reason to accept Boost's track record.
Our recommendation is clear:
- For unlimited data: Visible ($25/mo, no breaches)
- For budget flexibility: Tello (from $10/mo, no breaches)
- For AT&T network: US Mobile Dark Star (no breaches)
Your phone carrier has access to your most personal information. Choose one that protects it.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings. Learn more about our methodology.