Most people have cellphones these days, and if you do, then you need to make the choice of which network to use. There are several options, each of them competing for your business with aggressive marketing campaigns, mascots, and all sorts of sales tactics. Two of those that you might be considering are Boost Mobile and MetroPCS. Today we’ll be taking an in-depth look at both of those so that you can determine which one suits you best.
Some Background on Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a telecommunications company that was founded back in 2000 by Peter Adderton. It is used by two independent companies located in Australia and the United States. Adderton founded the company in Australia, and it has since expanded. It is operated by an entity called Boost Tel Pty Limited, and it uses the Telstra wireless network. Here in the US, a subsidiary called Boost Worldwide, Inc. is in charge of its output. It works in conjunction with Sprint.
As the parent company of Boost Mobile, Sprint has been instrumental in reaching out to a wide variety of celebrities over the years that have lent their star power to Boost to try and make it appealing to a younger demographic. Some of those celebs have included Fat Joe, Kanye West, Nick Cannon, Ludacris, and The Game. The slogan “where you at” that these notables would say at the end of each commercial became a part of the hip-hop lexicon. Sports figures, particularly Olympic competitors, were also used in later Boost Mobile campaigns.
The History of MetroPCS
Meanwhile, MetroPCS was founded in 1994 by Roger D. Linquist and Malcolm Lorang. It has since been bought out by T-Mobile and is officially known as Metro by T-Mobile. It is a prepaid brand, and in 2013, a reverse-merger with T-Mobile brought about a significant rebranding effort. Its services were merged with the 4G LTE networks operated by T-Mobile, consolidating the subscriber groups from the two companies.
MetroPCS made its stock market debut in 2007. It offered 50 million shares and created a market cap of $8 billion. At the time of the T-Mobile merger, MetroPCS had about 9 million subscribers, while T-Mobile had approximately 32 million. In 2012, T-Mobile and new acquisition MetroPCS were among the first companies to offer unlimited data plans, for which much of the country had been clamoring.
A Quick Summary Comparison
In case you don’t want to read through the whole article, here’s a quick breakdown of it for you.
Boost Mobile
- Excellent customer service
- More hotspot data than with MetroPCS
- Perks include Tidal music streaming
- Cheaper rates for several plans
MetroPCS
- A larger coverage network than Boost Mobile offers
- Faster data speeds for quicker page and website downloads
- Perks like exclusive trip deals, vouchers, and Amazon Prime
- Many different phones from which to choose
Comparing the Boost Mobile vs. MetroPCS Coverage Networks
Obviously, different individuals prioritize different things when it comes to their cell phone service providers. You might be focused on coverage area, price, data speed, or something else entirely. When it comes to Boost Mobile and MetroPCS, or Metro by T-Mobile, if you want to use the updated name, there are several ways that you might attempt a comprehensive breakdown.
We’ll begin by reviewing the network coverage offered by each one. The consensus is that MetroPCS has excellent coverage. Theirs is the same as that of T-Mobile, which comes in second in the nation, right behind Verizon at number one.
Sprint, the parent company of Boost Mobile, does not have nearly the same reach. Their coverage is fourth-best in the nation, behind Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Sprint and Boost Mobile operate mostly on the Eastern seaboard, and they’re spotty in rural areas. If you don’t live near a major metropolis, it seems likely you’ll want to go with MetroPCS instead.
A Price Comparison
Now, let’s talk about the price of each of these services. Both of these companies offer prepaid plans, which are useful because you know just what to expect from your bill each month. You’re paying ahead of time instead of at the end of the billing cycle, which some people prefer.
With MetroPCS, you can get a 10GB LTE plan for $40/month. That’s a lot of data, and you’re getting it along with T-Mobile’s high-performing network. They also have unlimited plans for $50 and $60 per month, depending on which other perks you want.
T-Mobile, as we mentioned, is thought to have one of the best cellular networks in the country, second only to Verizon. They are a high-end network, and, as such, they do an excellent job of balancing price and service.
Boost Mobile offers you unlimited plans with more hotspot data, so that might be something to factor in if it is essential to you. They have a 3GB per month plan that is only $35, which is a steal. They even match Metro and Cricket by folding the fees and taxes into that one monthly rate. However, they are using Sprint’s network, which is undeniably slower than what you get with T-Mobile (MetroPCS). They have an unlimited plan that rivals the one offered by MetroPCS, costing an identical $50 per month.
Boost Mobile Data Speed vs. MetroPCS
There can be no denying that you’ll get better data speed with MetroPCS over Boost Mobile. That is because you are reliant on T-Mobile’s network versus that offered by Sprint.
When you’re online and trying to get sites to download, you’re going to have a better experience with MetroPCS. One of the primary reasons that individuals and families make the switch to it is because of frustration with data loading speeds on Boost Mobile.
Network Data Caps
There are “unlimited” plans offered by both of these networks, but there are qualifications for that term. With Boost Mobile, there are speed restraints placed on things like streaming music and video games. There is no data cap, per se, but you won’t get blazing speed when you’re streaming throughout most of the country.
As for MetroPCS, there are limitations there as well, in terms of video quality. There might not be a data cap, but you can’t get streaming video faster than 480p.
What Phones Can You Use with Boost Mobile and MetroPCS?
You might also choose a network according to your phone preference. Some people gravitate toward an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, or something else. You want to pay attention to which phone you can get with each network, or, if you have a phone already, whether that network will support it.
With MetroPCS, you can use the Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, or a Google Pixel version of your choice. They offer a total of 31 phones at this time, including the exclusive ZTE Blade Z Max. 20 of the 31 phones to which you have access can be bought when you sign up with the provider for $200 or less.
Boost offers you 30 different phones at the moment, and 22 of them can be yours for less than $200. Boost seems to have a bit of an edge when it comes to pricing smartphones. You can get an older generation iPhone or Galaxy for quite a reasonable price tag if you don’t feel like you need something top-of-the-line.
Perks Offered by Each Provider
There are some noteworthy perks with each of these providers that are worth mentioning. In the case of MetroPCS, you get Amazon Prime for entertainment and Google One for storage if you get one of the pricier $50 or $60 unlimited plans. You also get access to their newly-launched 5G coverage, which should give you faster internet browsing capabilities than ever before. If you love online shopping and things of that nature, that’s likely to get your attention.
Boost Mobile counters with the free Tidal music service. It’s an immersive streaming experience that some prefer over iTunes or Spotify. If you get on board with them during their seasonal promotions, you can often save quite a bit of money, as well.
What About Customer Service?
There are seldom any complaints about MetroPCS’s customer service. However, this is an area where Boost Mobile seems to shine.
With Boost, you can expect less of a wait time than with MetroPCS. The company also has an extensive knowledge base on which it draws when it comes to updating your phone, changing your plan, or fixing your settings. Metro does not quite seem to have the same offerings on its website. The timeliness of help offered and the friendly customer support staff give Boost the edge in this department.
Which One is Better for You?
You’re the one who is going to have to decide which of these companies makes more sense for you, so we won’t weigh in from that standpoint. Much is going to depend on what you prioritize as a smartphone user.
What we’ll say is that with MetroPCS, you’re going to get better coverage. You will enjoy faster data streaming as well, with 5G just starting to take off and making its presence known. However, most of the MetroPCS plans are going to cost you a little bit more. If you have a steady job and don’t need to scrimp when it comes to your monthly budget, then MetroPCS with the backing of T-Mobile might get your vote.
With Boost Mobile, you get superior customer service, in addition to more hotspot data. You get lower prices when you go with several of their plans, either as an individual or family. You do get some perks, if not quite as desirable of a package as with MetroPCS. You also may have to contend with slower data speeds and inferior coverage depending on what part of the country you call home.
Both of these networks have positive and negative aspects to them. Think carefully about what makes the most sense for you at this point in your life, and choose wisely. Remember to avoid signing up for any long-term commitments unless you feel quite confident in your selection.
