Boost Infinite vs. PureTalk: Which carrier is better?

Boost Infinite and PureTalk are popular MVNOs that many users choose for good deals on data. Each carrier has its positives and negatives, but which offers better phone plans? Let’s put them head to head and see which brand comes out on top. 

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

• What the coverage of both carriers looks like
• How prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
• The features each carrier offers for their plans 

Coverage & Reception

Boost Infinite is on several networks, and PureTalk is on the AT&T network. 

Boost Infinite and PureTalk are mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. PureTalk is an MVNO of AT&T, and Boost Infinite is an MVNO of T-Mobile and Dish. This means that if you choose Boost Infinite, you can choose which network you use when you sign up for your plan. Their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans allow you to switch between services whenever you choose. 

Often, the quality of coverage comes down to your area. One carrier’s coverage may be better in New York, while another’s coverage may be better in California. It’s important to compare between providers on a coverage map of your specific city. Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers. 

However, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. 

Plan Options

Boost Infinite offers three unlimited plans, while PureTalk offers a variety of unlimited and limited data plans.

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, both carriers offer unlimited talk and texting options with any plan you choose. PureTalk offers several limited and unlimited plans to choose from, and Boost Infinite offers three unlimited plans with varying features. Both companies deprioritize data, meaning you’ll have slower connection speeds in high traffic areas like concerts venues and sports arenas.

Boost Infinite Plans

Boost Infinite offers 3 unlimited plans for its users. 

Boost Infinite is a postpaid service, meaning you pay for the previous month of service after you use it. They offer 3 unlimited plans, with one allowing for a new iPhone upgrade each year. Additional add-ons, like hotspot access and extra high speed data, cost $10 per month. Their QCI tier is 7 on T-Mobile, 8 on AT&T, and 9 on Dish. With their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans, you can switch between which service you use whenever you want. However, the regular Infinite Unlimited plan only allows you to choose one and stick with it. 

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You can have up to 5 lines on an account. If you purchase your phone from Boost Infinite, your device will be locked until you pay off your phone. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not with the advertised price. 

Infinite Unlimited

This plan offers 30GB of high speed data. 

This plan offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited data at 512kbps, or 3G speeds. 3G speeds still allow you to browse the internet and send texts or emails, but streaming videos may be more difficult. The plan does not include hotspot access, but an add-on is available for $10 per month. You can use up to 30GB in hotspot data with the add-on. 

The plan costs $25 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $0.83 per GB. 

Infinite Unlimited Plus

This plan allows you to trade for a new iPhone when you sign up.  

This plan also offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited 3G speeds. This plan doesn’t have hotspot access, but an add-on is available to add so you can use up to 30GB. You can also trade for a new iPhone when you sign up. 

The plan costs $50 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $1.66 per GB. 

Infinite Access for iPhone

This plan includes the latest iPhone each year. 

Like their other plans, this plan offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited 3G speeds. This plan doesn’t have hotspot access, but an add-on is available to add so you can use up to 30GB. Every year, this plan allows you to get the newest iPhone available. When you sign up, there's no trade-in required to get access to the latest tech. 

The plan costs $60 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $2 per GB.

PureTalk Plans

PureTalk offers 7 plans at varying data amounts. 

PureTalk offers 7 plans: 2 unlimited, 5 limited. All of their plans are deprioritized, which means you may experience slower speeds at times of high traffic. PureTalk also gives its users 50% off the first month. As an MVNO of AT&T, PureTalk’s QCI level is tier 8. 

Certain plans also allow a discount on a new phone. 

PureTalk allows up to 5 lines on one account. If you purchase your phone from PureTalk, your device will be sold to you already unlocked. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. They also offer discounts 

3GB + 2GB Hotspot

This plan slows speeds to 2G after 3GB.

PureTalk offers 3GB of data with this plan, then unlimited data at 256 kbps, or 3G speeds. 3G speeds allow you to send texts and emails or scroll the internet. The plan also includes 2GB of hotspot access, which stops at the limit.

The plan costs $20 per month at full price. At this rate, you get 5GB at $4 per GB. 

5GB + 2GB Hotspot

This plan slows speeds after 5GB.

This plan comes with 5GB, then unlimited slow data at 2G speeds. It also includes 2GB hotspot access. Hotspot data stops after the cap. 

The plan costs $25 per month. At this rate, you get 7GB at $3.57 per GB. 

10GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan offers hotspot access. 

PureTalk includes 10GB of full speed data, and later unlimited slow data at 2G speeds. The plan also includes a 5GB hotspot.

The plan costs $30 per month. At this rate, you get 15GB at $2 per GB. 

15GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan gives you 15GB of full speed data. 

This plan gives users 15GB of full speed data. After this cap, PureTalk gives access to unlimited slow data and lowers speeds to 2G. You also get 5GB of hotspot access included.

The plan costs $35 per month. At this rate, you get 20GB at $1.75 per GB. 

25GB + 5GB Hotspot

This plan gives you 25GB at full speed, then unlimited slow data. 

As their biggest limited data plan, this plan offers 25GB of full speed data before slowing to 2G speeds. Puretalk also gives 5GB of hotspot access included. 

The plan costs $45 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $1.50 per GB. 

Unlimited + 20GB Hotspot 

This plan gives you 20GB of hotspot usage, then access stops. 

With this unlimited plan, PureTalk offers 60GB of full speed data. After 60GB, your data slows down to 2G speeds. This plan also offers 20GB of hotspot data. After 20GB, your data for hotspot usage will stop. 

The plan costs $55 per month. At this rate, you get 80GB at $0.69 per GB. 

Unlimited + 30GB Hotspot 

This plan also gives you 60GB of full speed data. 

Like their other unlimited plan, PureTalk offers 60GB of full speed data before slowing speeds down to 2G. This plan also offers 30GB of hotspot data, which stops after this cap. 

The plan costs $65 per month. At this rate, you get 90GB at $0.72 per GB. 

Features

Boost Infinite offers several features included with their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access plans, but PureTalk doesn’t offer very many features with their plans

If you’re looking for a plan with more included features, such as international connection or domestic roaming data, it’s best to compare carriers with what they offer. Boost Infinite offers several features with their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans. PureTalk offers limited features with their plans.  

Domestic Roaming Data

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Mexico & Canada Connection

Boost Infinite’s Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans include talk, text, and data to Mexico and Canada. To get talk, text, and data to Mexico and Canada on their Infinite Unlimited plan, users can purchase an additional add-on for $10 per month. PureTalk does not offer this feature.

International Connection

Boost Infinite’s Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans include international talk and text. To get international talk and text on their Infinite Unlimited plan, there is an additional add-on users can purchase for $10 per month. PureTalk does not offer this feature. 

Video Streaming Quality

Boost Infinite’s plans stream at 480p Standard Definition. All PureTalk plans stream at 1080p High Definition.  

Streaming Services

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Cloud Storage

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from either carrier, they allow you to pay for your device in installments over time. 

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception. 

Spam Protection

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Free Trial

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not offer this feature. 

Customer Service 

Boost Infinite and PureTalk do not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support. 

Boost Infinite is a digital-only carrier, meaning they only offer customer support online. They offer support over the phone at (833) 212-6678. PureTalk offers customer support over the phone at (855) 849-2701 from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST every day. You can also submit support tickets online at their website. 

The Verdict

The better plan depends on what you’re looking for.

PureTalk and Boost Infinite offer very different plans. If you need limited data or additional hotspot access, PureTalk is the better option. They also offer bigger plans than Boost Infinite. However, Boost Infinite offers a lot more features with their plans. The fact they also offer a plan with the newest iPhone included, which makes it a great deal.  

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We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.

Want to compare other carriers?

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