Boost Mobile

Notable Features

• Unlimited Music Streaming: Stream your favorite tracks from iHeart Radio, Spotify, Pandora, Napster, 8tracks and Slacker Radio without worrying about your data. Feature included on all 4G data plans.
• Unlimited Data: Quit counting gigabytes and use your phone where you want, how you want. Video quality and gaming is throttled. However, for $20 per month, you can remove these limitations streaming and gaming in HD.
• BoostTV: Enjoy your favorite tv shows, news and sporting events from broadcast channels on your phone. Multiple packages make it easy to find a channel selection that fits your tastes.
• Boost Dealz: Install the Boost Dealz app and view ads on your unlock screen to earn a $5 account credit each month toward your bill. The feature is only supported on Android devices.

Awards and Recognitions

• Ranked #5 in the Non-Contract category of  J.D. Power's "U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study Vol. 1 (2017)".
• Ranked #2 in J.D. Power’s 2016 “U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study Volume 2” in the West, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast regions
• Rated A- with the Better Business Bureau with 28,914 complaints closed in the last 3 years

How's the Network Coverage and Speed?

Boost Mobile uses Sprint’s 4G LTE network to deliver service. While coverage isn’t as good as other major carriers, Sprint offers good signals in many of America’s major cities and urban centers. Major network weaknesses include the Northwest and Midwest regions of the US.

You can check coverage and network types in your area on their coverage map.

In PC Magazine's 2018 "Fastest Mobile Networks" study, Sprint's network was near the bottom for national download speed averages. However, they were the fastest network in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Houston, and Seattle.

In PC Magazine's 2017 "Fastest Mobile Networks" study, Sprint's network ranked last. Download speeds averaged 20.5Mbps while uploads clocked in at 6.5Mbps -- roughly half the speed of competing networks.

The network also ranked last in Ookla's "2018 United States SpeedTest Market Report" with a SpeedScore of 20.38 -- up almost 5 points from their 2017 score of 15.39.

OpenSignal's July 2018 "State of Mobile Networks: USA" report also ranks them last for 4G upload and download speeds with average speeds of 14Mbps down and 3Mbps up on 4G. For 3G download speeds, they edged out Verizon for the #3 spot at just over 1Mbps.

Do They Charge Roaming Fees?

All Boost Mobile plans include coast-to-coast voice and data service. In most cases, Boost Mobile phones do not support international roaming. This is due to the difference in network technologies used on Boost Mobile phones.

However, if you’re traveling to Mexico, their $5 Todo Mexico Plus plan offers 1.5 to 8GB of 4G LTE data, plus unlimited calling and texting using your monthly allotment for $5 per month.

What About Long Distance Fees?

All plans include calls to US landlines and mobile at no additional charge. For calls outside the US, rates vary by destination. However, they offer a number of add-ons to help manage long distance fees.

• Todo Mexico Plus: Enjoy unlimited calls to Canada and Mexico using your monthly allotment for $5.
• International Connect Plus: Enjoy unlimited calls to Canada and Mexico, unlimited international texting, unlimited calling to landlines in 70 countries, 200 minutes to mobiles in more than 50 countries and reduced rates to 200 countries around the globe for $10 per month.
• International Minute Packs: Purchase minutes to specific countries starting at $3 per bundle. Minutes expire after 90 days if unused.

For additional information on international rates and add-ons, consult Boost Mobile’s International Services page.

Does Boost Mobile Offer Wi-Fi Calling?

No. Boost Mobile does not support native Wi-Fi calling or offer a Wi-Fi calling app.

How About Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

No. 

Can I Tether My Phone?

Yes! Tethering on plans with limited comes out of your monthly allotment. For unlimited data plans, tethering is limited to 8GB per month.

You can find out more about tethering and instructions for using the feature on your phone in Boost Mobile’s Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I Rollover Unused Data?

No. None of the current Boost Mobile plans include data rollover.

What Add-ons or Bundles are Available?

On top of the calling, roaming and data add-ons already mentioned, they offer a few add-ons and top off options to help you get the most from your phone.

Popular options include:

• Phone Insurance: For $7 per month, you can enjoy peace of mind for phone damage, theft or loss.
• CallWatch: For $2 per month, you can unlock advanced call screening filters that use databases to match calls from telemarketers, scams or unwanted callers.
• Data Add-Ons: Add up to 2GB to your monthly data allotment for $5 per GB.
• BoostTV: Watch your favorite channels and shows using your phone starting at $10 per month.

Can I Bring My Own Device?

Yes! However, the list of supported devices is small. At the time of writing, support includes specific models of the 5, 6 and 7-series iPhones and the Galaxy S7 Special Edition.

For additional information, consult their Bring Your Own Phone FAQ.

Do They Require a Credit Check?

No! As a prepaid provider, Boost Mobile offers service without credit worries or hefty deposits.

What About Activation and SIM Fees?

Boost Mobile does not charge to activate new phones.

However, activating a used phone is subject to a $10 one-time activation fee.

For more information, consult their Phone Activation FAQ.

If you bring your own phone or tablet, you'll also need a Boost Mobile SIM.

Prepaid SIM kits are available for $9.99 at their retail stores and many electronics retailers.

NOTE: Fees often differ between retail stores and websites. Be sure to check both before signing up or adding a line to your account to maximize savings.

Do They Charge an Early Termination Fee?

No! Service is on a month-to-month basis. You’re free to switch carriers at any time.

Can I Port My Number To or From Boost Mobile?

Yes! They support number porting anywhere where Wireless Local Number Portability is in effect.

Requirements for porting your number include:

• The account you wish to transfer your number from must be active and in good standing
• You must know the name and address on the account
• You must know the account number
• You must provide the last 4 digits of the social security number of the account holder or a corresponding Tax ID

You may also need to know the password or security question for the previous account.

Will They Unlock My Phone?

Yes--with limitations. For most devices created after February 2015, Boost Mobile automatically unlocks the phone upon meeting the terms of your contract or finance agreement. However, due to the frequencies used by Boost Mobile, many Boost Mobile-locked phones have trouble operating on other carriers.

You’ll find a full listing of requirements on their Unlocking Policy page.

For additional questions about pricing, features and coverage, be sure to check our Boost Mobile Q&A Forum. It’s filled with questions and answers from people like you looking to get the most out of their mobile service!

If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know! It's appreciated and will help make this page better for everyone.