Straight Talk Wireless Review: Phones, Coverage, Prices

---

Straight Talk is a great option if you're looking for major network coverage but want to save a few bucks. You can sign up for a Straight Talk service plan online or in-store at Walmart.

Ultimately, Straight Talk Wireless is an excellent option for folks on a budget. Because of its wide availability, wallet-friendly plans, and Verizon network coverage, Straight Talk is a great choice for prepaid service on the cheap.

Because of its affordable prepaid plans, reliable network, and decent phone selection, Straight Talk is a popular mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). But is this the right MVNO for your needs? Find out in our hands-on Straight Talk review.

---

Straight Talk Wireless cell phone plans

---

Regardless of your needs, there’s bound to be a Straight Talk wireless plan that works for you. For low or no-data users, the All You Need Unlimited Plan comes with 1,500 minutes, unlimited texting, and 100MB of high-speed 4G data before reducing to 2G speeds for just /month. If you simply want a basic phone service for calling and texting, this could be a great option. Just remember to stay connected to Wi-Fi as much as possible to conserve high-speed data for when you need it.

Unlike the All You Need Unlimited Plan, all data plans feature 5G support. You can choose from unlimited plans with 10GB or 25GB of data alongside unlimited talk and text. While you won’t pay overages for exceeding your data allotment, once you’ve used up your monthly data allowance, you’ll experience 2G speeds.

Heavy data users can sign up for the Gold Unlimited Data Plan, which includes 60GB of high-speed data, a 15GB hotspot allowance, and an all-you-can-use buffet of calling/messaging for a respectable $50/month. 

For folks with friends and family scattered around the globe, Straight Talk offers several packages with international perks. The aptly-named Unlimited International Plan provides all-you-can-use talk and text, 25GB of high-speed data, and international calling to over 1,000 locations. Similarly, the Platinum Unlimited Data Plan affords unlimited minutes and messaging alongside unlimited high-speed data (with a 60GB data cap), and international calling to more than 1,000 countries. All unlimited plans feature free calling to Canada and Mexico.

What we like: Affordable phone plans

Straight Talk’s phone plans are a decent value. What’s more, there are several different tiers to pick from. On the low end, you can snag 100MB of high-speed data, and on the high end, a truly unlimited package. Granted, Straight Talk does include data caps, but with a generous 60GB allowance on its unlimited plans, that should be enough to meet all of your streaming, gaming, and Instagram needs.

Pricing is competitive with options starting at just . The Ultimate Unlimited Data Plan will set you back $50/month. Keep in mind that data plans come with dedicated hotspot data, which sweetens the deal. 

What we like: Mobile hotspot included

Hotspot data often requires an additional charge or comes out of your main monthly data pool. However, Straight Talk bundles mobile hotspots into data plans, starting with the 10GB/month package. Hotspot allowances begin at 5GB and go up to 15GB on the Ultimate Unlimited Data Plan.

What we like: Reliable network

As an MVNO, Straight Talk doesn’t operate its own network. Instead, MVNOs rents service on the networks of larger carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T). Since Straight Talk runs on Verizon's rock solid network. You can sign up with Straight Talk and tap into Verizon’s superb 4G LTE network at a reduced rate.

What we like: 5G access

5G is a major game-changer in wireless communication. It’s being utilized in everything from driver-less cars and drones to home internet. If you’ve got a 5G phone and compatible service, you’ll experience mobile internet speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G LTE. 

Additionally, 5G can deliver improved network reliability. Thus, your streaming music, movies, and games will look and sound great with less buffering or stuttering. Straight Talk provides 5G access on its data plans, which you can take advantage of so long as you have a supported phone. 

What we don't like: No family plans

Traditionally, signing up for a multi-line package gives you a bit of a discount. Unfortunately, Straight Talk lacks family plans. Don’t sign up for Straight Talk expecting to add your whole family for extra savings. 

What we don't like: Not many perks

Whereas major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are able to offer various perks such as subscriptions to streaming services like HBO Max or Netflix, Straight Talk falls a bit short in this area. However, its Platinum Unlimited Data Plan does come with 100GB of cloud storage. 

Still, notably absent perks are common among MVNOs, and it’s part of what helps keep the price competitive. While perks are sparse, inclusions such as hotspot data make Straight Talk’s plans attractive.

Straight Talk coverage

---

Straight Talk's service runs on Verizon's powerful network, so you can bring a compatible phone to Straight Talk from just about anywhere. Your coverage area will vary a lot based on your specific location. Verizon’s network has the broadest 4G LTE reach, spanning 71% of the country. By contrast, Verizon lacks a broad 5G blanket, instead delivering exceptional overall 4G coverage, particularly in more rural regions. Additionally, Verizon is focusing on delivering faster high-band millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum 5G, which is blisteringly fast gigabit (1Gbps). What does that mean for you? There’s a chance Verizon’s 5G network could rival your home internet speeds—where it’s available, that is. 

With this in mind, here's a quick comparison of coverage provided by the different networks that Straight Talk Wireless uses. You can scroll through the coverage maps below by selecting a specific network.

• #1: Verizon: 71% 4G LTE coverage
• #2: AT&T: 68% 4G LTE coverage
• #3: T-Mobile: 63% 4G LTE coverage

Straight Talk vs. competitors

---

As an MVNO, Straight Talk can save you money over a contract with one of the big three networks. Let’s analyze how Straight Talk compares to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Straight Talk vs. major carriers

When juxtaposed with the major carriers, Straight Talk stacks up well. While you may experience reduced speeds at times of peak network congestion and won’t find any family plans or entertainment perks, Straight Talk still has a lot to offer. We think its wide availability, affordable pricing, and freedom from contracts make Straight Talk a viable alternative to a contract with a big carrier.

Straight Talk vs. other MVNOs

Though the major carriers edge out Straight Talk with regards to features but not price, let’s analyze its performance against other MVNOs such as Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Visible.

Straight Talk vs. Metro by T-Mobile

Metro, operated by T-Mobile, gives you access to one of the nation’s best 5G networks in the country. With Metro, you’ll have a choice of several different plans ranging from a $40/month 10GB Data plan all the way up through three different unlimited plans. Prices are close to Straight Talk’s costs. 

Straight Talk’s unlimited plan at $50/month falls right in between Metro’s $40 Period Unlimited and $60 Unlimited plans. You could opt for the $42.50/month 25GB Straight Talk plan which is slightly less expensive than Metro’s $50/month unlimited plan, but you'd get a lot less high-speed data (25GB with Straight Talk vs. 50GB on Metro). 

Unlike Straight Talk, Metro by T-Mobile does include some perks. The $50 Unlimited plan gets you Google One, whereas the $60 Unlimited plan tacks on Amazon Prime along with Google One. 

Ultimately, if you intend to sign up for T-Mobile, Metro is a much better choice. For a small price difference, you’ll get your choice of three great unlimited plans with outstanding 5G coverage, a few perks, and the option to sign up for family plans. However, T-Mobile’s wireless service isn’t as strong, and Straight Talk allows you to use Verizon’s network which has better coverage in rural areas. 

So if you value better rural coverage, Straight Talk could give you a broader service area. But should you choose the Un-carrier, Metro trounces Straight Talk.

Straight Talk vs. Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is an ultra-popular MVNO. Like Straight Talk, Cricket offers a host of plans at various price points and you’ll get a reliable network with AT&T service. Though Cricket’s $45/month Smart Unlimited plan is a bit cheaper than Straight Talk’s $55/month, it features reduced video streaming capped at 1.5Mbps. Moreover, you won’t have as much mobile hotspot data.

Stepping up to the $55/month Supreme Unlimited plan on Cricket gets you 50GB of mobile hotspot, unlimited data usage, and 150GB cloud storage. 

Yet, Cricket’s Smart Unlimited plan includes speed deprioritization at any time. Deprioritization is an issue plaguing all MVNOs, not just Cricket and Straight Talk. Despite the lack of cloud storage for most of its plans, Straight Talk’s wide availability and competitive pricing ousts Cricket.

Straight Talk vs. Visible

Visible's unlimited plans are arguably hard to beat. Visible’s $25/month unlimited plan is a particularly incredible value. You’ll get phenomenal network coverage powered by Verizon, a low price tag, 5G access, and included mobile hotspot. By comparison, Straight Talk’s $50/month unlimited plan looks pricey. 

Visible's $35/month Visible+ plan ups the ante even further, offering unlimited premium high-speed data, plus access to Verizon's fastest 5G speeds (called ultra-wideband 5G). You can get all that and more with Visible's Visible+ Pro plan at $45/month, with added international benefits and smartwatch  service too.

Overall, Visible is a better deal no matter which plan you get. You’ll save money while getting similar service to other carriers. Still, it’s important to note Visible’s throttling of mobile hotspot data—while it's unlimited, speeds are capped at 5Mbps, 10Mbps, and 15Mbps depending on which plan you choose. Contrastingly, Straight Talk offers an uncapped hotspot, but with a higher cost for its 60GB threshold unlimited plan similar to Visible’s. We recommend Visible over Straight Talk unless you are on a tight budget. 

Straight Talk Cell Phones

---

Most prepaid MVNOs require upfront payment for their expensive devices; that’s not the case with Straight Talk. Whether you're interested in flagship Androids and iPhones, or budget handsets, you'll have the option of paying off your phone in 24-month installments with Straight Talk’s SmartPay (once a credit check is approved) instead of putting down all that money at once. 

However, SmartPay isn’t available for all phones. Certain budget mobile devices don’t offer financing plans, though those also won’t set you back much money. Phone selection is fantastic. You can pick from the latest Android or iOS devices to midrange handsets, and budget-priced options including a few flip phones if you want to go the old-school route. Once you've purchased a Straight Talk phone, the process to unlock it is fairly simple. And you can even bring your own phone. 

Bringing your own phone to Straight Talk

If you’d prefer to avoid buying a new phone, Straight Talk lets bring your own device (BYOD). Since Straight Talk allows you to choose a Verizon-powered SIM card, there are a good variety of phones available for activation. 

Compatible unlocked phones work flawlessly. And you can use select Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile phones provided that they’re not under a current contract or tied to outstanding charges. You can always contact customer support or use the self-service options for help with determining if your phone is compatible with the network.

Recap: Is Straight Talk the Right MVNO for You?

---

Straight Talk ticks a lot of boxes. It’s non-contract, features competitive pricing, boasts a great selection of phones (including good financing options), and lets you pick from service by the the nation's most reliable 4G LTE carrier. Mobile hotspot data comes standard with several plans, you’ll get 5G access by default, and there are some terrific international calling plans.

Although pricing is competitive, you won’t find many perks. For instance, cloud storage is available on Straight Talk’s top-shelf plan, but most others lack extra incentives. While plans are pretty affordable overall, you may find some specific MVNOs offer better pricing while cross-shopping. For instance, Visible gives you a cheaper unlimited plan backed by Verizon’s network, and Metro by T-Mobile gets you several perks with T-Mobile. 

However, Straight Talk delivers reliable service with fairly-priced plans that cater to flip phone fanatics and data enthusiasts alike. 

Great reasons to sign up with Straight Talk:

• Choice of reliable network coverage on Verizon's network
• Lots of plans/prices
• Great phone selection and financing options
• International calling features with select plans
• No contracts

Straight Talk isn’t the cheapest MVNO (nor is it the most expensive). Many benefits of being with a major carrier, such as family plans and entertainment perks, are notably absent, but that’s to be expected when going with an MVNO. You can save a fair bit of money with Straight Talk’s reasonable pricing structure, and its unlimited data plans feature high data thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Is Straight Talk any good?

Yes, Straight Talk is a great MVNO. You’ll experience reliable service on Verizon's network. Prices are affordable among other mobile virtual network operators. Plus, there’s a solid selection of Straight Talk phone options or BYOD choices.

Is Straight Talk reliable? 

Powered by Veriozon, Straight Talk is extremely reliable with the nation's best 4G LTE network.

Does Straight Talk give you 5G access?

Straight Talk offers 5G access. You get 5G connectivity at no extra cost. Keep in mind that 5G access is only limited by carrier availability, and in this case Verizon has the smallest 5G footprint of the major carriers.

Why is Straight Talk so cheap?