Verizon Unlimited Welcome Plan Review

Thinking about Verizon’s basic unlimited plan? I’ve got you covered. The Welcome Unlimited plan is Verizon’s entry-level option that focuses on simplicity rather than extras.

You’ll get the basics, unlimited calls, texts, and data usage, at a lower price point by foregoing some of the perks that come with their more expensive plans.

Throughout this review, I’ll explain the actual features, limitations, costs (including those not immediately obvious), and performance you can expect.

I’ll also show how it stacks up against other options so you can make an informed choice about whether this straightforward plan works for your needs or if upgrading makes more sense.

Quick Look: What the Verizon Welcome Unlimited Plan Offers

Included Features

The Verizon Welcome Unlimited plan comes with a straightforward set of basic features:

• Unlimited calls, texts, and data usage across the United States
• Access to Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network for improved speeds in supported areas
• Coverage on Verizon’s well-established 4G LTE network, where 5G isn’t available
• No usage caps or automatic slowdowns based on how much data you’ve used
• Ability to make calls and send texts without worrying about limits
• Standard definition video streaming (480p)
• Access to Verizon’s basic network tools and account management options
• No long-term contract requirement

This plan focuses on providing essential communication services without additional frills, making it suitable for users who want simple connectivity without paying for extras they won’t use.

Plan Cost Breakdown

Monthly Pricing Structure

Fees, Taxes, and Hidden Charges

How It Compares to Other Verizon and Competitor Plans

1. Within Verizon: Welcome vs. Premium Unlimited Plans

Welcome Unlimited vs. 5G Play More

• Price gap: Play More costs $15-20 more per line monthly ($80/line vs. $65/line for single lines with autopay)
• Extra features with Play More: 50GB premium data, 25GB hotspot, 5G Ultra Wideband access, 720p video streaming, Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle included
• Performance difference: Play More maintains faster speeds during congestion and offers peak speeds up to 10x faster in Ultra Wideband areas

Welcome Unlimited vs. 5G Do More

• Price gap: Do More costs $15-20 more per line monthly ($80/line vs. $65/line for single lines with autopay)
• Extra features with Do More: 50GB premium data, 25GB hotspot, 5G Ultra Wideband access, 720p video streaming, 600GB cloud storage, half-off tablet/smartwatch connectivity
• Performance difference: Similar to Play More, with consistently faster speeds in busy areas and Ultra Wideband zones

Welcome Unlimited vs. 5G Get More

• Price gap: Get More costs $25-30 more per line monthly ($90/line vs. $65/line for single lines with autopay)
• Extra features with Get More: Unlimited premium data, 50GB hotspot, 5G Ultra Wideband access, 720p video streaming, all streaming bundles included (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Apple Music), 600GB cloud storage
• Performance difference: Get More never slows down regardless of usage or congestion, offering the most consistent top speeds

2. Trade-offs in Price vs. Performance

The fundamental question is whether the additional features justify the $15-30 monthly premium per line. For users who:

• Stream a lot of video outside their home
• Need mobile hotspot functionality
• Live in 5G Ultra Wideband areas
• Value streaming service bundles
• Use their phones in congested areas frequently

The premium plans provide meaningful benefits. For basic users who primarily call, text, browse, and use social media, the Welcome plan offers substantial savings.

Against Competing Entry-Level Plans

Welcome Unlimited vs. T-Mobile Essentials

• Price comparison: T-Mobile is cheaper ($60/line vs. $65/line for single lines with autopay)
• Network differences: Verizon typically offers better rural coverage; T-Mobile often has faster speeds in urban areas
• Feature comparison: T-Mobile includes 3G hotspot speeds and some international texting; Verizon offers neither
• Congestion handling: Both deprioritize during busy periods, but T-Mobile starts after 50GB of usage

Welcome Unlimited vs. AT&T Value Plus

• Price comparison: AT&T is slightly cheaper ($60/line vs. $65/line for single lines with autopay)
• Network differences: Comparable coverage maps, with Verizon having a slight edge in rural areas
• Feature comparison: AT&T includes standard definition streaming; neither includes a hotspot
• Additional benefits: AT&T offers free texting to 200+ countries; Verizon has no international features

Which is Better for Light Users?

For light users (those who primarily text, call, browse social media, and occasionally stream):

• Best overall value: T-Mobile Essentials offers the lowest price with slightly more features
• Best rural coverage: Verizon Welcome Unlimited, though at a premium price
• Best urban performance: T-Mobile Essentials typically offers faster city speeds
• Best for international use: AT&T Value Plus with its free texting to 200+ countries
• Best family plan value: T-Mobile Essentials has more aggressive multi-line discounts

If you’re strictly focused on domestic use and reliable coverage is your top priority, Verizon Welcome Unlimited justifies its slightly higher price.

If you’re cost-conscious and primarily use your phone in urban areas, T-Mobile offers better value.

For occasional international communication, AT&T’s free texting feature provides functionality Verizon lacks entirely.

Data Speeds in Real-World Use

With the Verizon Welcome Unlimited plan, users typically experience download speeds of 50-100 Mbps on the 5G Nationwide network under optimal conditions.

Upload speeds generally range from 10-30 Mbps. On the 4G LTE network, expect download speeds of 25-50 Mbps and upload speeds of 5-12 Mbps.

The most significant limitation comes during network congestion. As a basic-tier plan, Welcome Unlimited customers may notice reduced speeds when the network gets busy.

During peak usage times in crowded areas, speeds can drop to 5-15 Mbps or occasionally lower. This happens because Verizon prioritizes customers on premium plans when the network is at capacity.

You might notice this when trying to stream videos or use data-intensive apps during rush hour or at large events.

Coverage and Reliability

The 5G Nationwide network reaches about 2,700 cities and towns across America, covering over 230 million people.

However, this isn’t Verizon’s fastest 5G network; that would be their Ultra Wideband service, which isn’t included with this plan.

The 4G LTE network remains the backbone of Verizon’s service, covering over 99% of the US population. In urban and suburban areas, connectivity is generally excellent with few dead zones. Rural performance varies significantly, major highways and towns typically have good coverage, but remote areas may see spotty service or occasional drops to 3G.

Urban users will find the service reliable for everyday use, though indoor signal penetration can sometimes be an issue in concrete buildings or basements.

Rural customers should check Verizon’s coverage map specifically for their area, as performance can differ dramatically even within the same county.

Connection stability is generally good, with calls rarely dropping on either network. Data sessions remain consistent unless you’re moving between coverage zones or entering known weak signal areas.

Perks, Limitations, and Fine Print

1. Perks

The Verizon Welcome Unlimited plan keeps things straightforward with minimal but meaningful advantages:

• Simple pricing structure that’s easy to understand and predict month to month
• No annual contracts required, giving you the freedom to change or cancel service without penalties
• Consistent nationwide coverage leveraging Verizon’s extensive network infrastructure
• Truly unlimited talk and text with no hidden caps or restrictions
• Basic account management tools through the My Verizon app
• Compatible with most devices on the market, including BYOD options
• No credit check options are available for customers who prefer to pay a security deposit
• Military and first responder discounts may apply, potentially reducing your monthly cost

2. Limitations

The Welcome Unlimited plan comes with several significant restrictions to consider:

• No mobile hotspot capabilities whatsoever-you cannot share your data with other devices
• No international calling, texting, or data included; all international services require additional payments
• Standard definition streaming only (480p), with no option to increase video quality
• No premium data allocation, meaning your speeds can be reduced during network congestion
• No access to Verizon’s faster 5G Ultra Wideband network, limiting you to the standard 5G Nationwide
• No bundled streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, or Apple Music that come with higher-tier plans
• No device upgrade incentives or special phone financing offers
• No cloud storage or additional security features
• No family controls or advanced account management features included
• No discounts on connected devices like tablets or smartwatches

3. Fine Print

Some additional details worth noting:

• While there’s no formal data cap, using over 50GB per month might result in more noticeable slowdowns during busy periods
• Taxes and regulatory fees can add 10-20% to your bill beyond the advertised price
• Verizon reserves the right to terminate service for what it deems “excessive use,” though this is rarely enforced
• Promotional pricing may expire after a set period, so check your agreement details
• Plan changes may result in the loss of any promotional pricing or credits

Conclusion

Bottom line, Verizon’s Welcome Unlimited plan works well if you want basic service with strong coverage but don’t need extras.

You’re paying a bit more compared to T-Mobile or AT&T’s similar plans, but getting Verizon’s reliable network in return.

If you rarely use a hotspot, don’t care about streaming perks, and just want your phone to work consistently, this plan makes sense.

However, if you stream lots of content, need hotspot capability, or want faster speeds in busy areas, consider upgrading to one of Verizon’s premium plans.

For budget-conscious users, T-Mobile offers better value, especially in cities. Remember that your final bill will be higher than the advertised price once fees and taxes are added.

Ultimately, the Welcome plan is good for minimalists who value network quality over bonus features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone as a hotspot with the Welcome Unlimited plan?

No, the Welcome Unlimited plan doesn’t include any hotspot capability whatsoever.

Will my data speeds slow down after using a certain amount?

Your speeds may decrease during network congestion, but there’s no specific data usage threshold.

Does this plan work for international travel?

No, you’ll need to purchase additional international features for any overseas usage.