
AT&T and Verizon are two of the largest wireless carriers in the US, but which one is right for you? Let's break down their coverage, speed, and plans to help you decide.
AT&T has a strong 4G LTE network, covering over 99% of the US population, according to the article. This is comparable to Verizon's coverage, which reaches around 98% of the population.
Verizon's 4G LTE network is also known for its fast speeds, with average download speeds of up to 20 Mbps in many areas. In contrast, AT&T's average download speeds are around 18 Mbps.
If you're looking for a plan with a lot of data, AT&T offers a 30GB plan for $75 per month, while Verizon's 25GB plan costs $70 per month.
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Pricing and Plans
The cheapest 5G plan on Verizon is the Unlimited Welcome plan, priced from $30 per line for four lines, with throttling any time.
AT&T's cheapest 5G plan is $25/month per line for 4 lines, also with throttling any time.
Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan costs $90 for one line, $160 for two lines, $195 for three lines, and $220 for four lines. AT&T's Unlimited Premium plan costs $85 for one line, $150 for two lines, $180 for three lines, and $200 for four lines.
Here's a comparison of the two plans:
Coverage and Speed
AT&T and Verizon are neck and neck when it comes to overall coverage, with a mere 3% difference in their 4G LTE coverage. Both carriers have strong nationwide networks, but Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network often delivers faster speeds in areas where it's available.
National 4G LTE Coverage:
- AT&T: 59%
- Verizon: 56%
AT&T's 5G network covers a full 20% more of the country than Verizon's, making it a better fit for users in rural areas. However, Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network is lightning-fast, but its limited range means it's not always available.
Network Availability and Coverage
AT&T boasts a wider 5G footprint, offering 5G coverage in more places than Verizon. Both carriers have strong nationwide networks, but there are key differences in where each one excels.
Verizon claims to cover 99% of the U.S. population with its 4G LTE network, but AT&T covers around 68% of the land area with 4G LTE. This means that AT&T has a wider reach, but Verizon's 4G LTE coverage is more comprehensive.
AT&T has been aggressively expanding its next-gen 5G network, covering over 160 million people. Verizon, on the other hand, covers around 125 million people with its 5G network. This indicates a more gradual rollout compared to AT&T.
Here's a comparison of the two carriers' 5G coverage:
While Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network often delivers faster speeds in areas where it's available, AT&T's 5G network offers higher speeds in certain cities.
Do More People Use?
Verizon tops the U.S. mobile market with over 37% of wireless subscriptions as of early 2024.
T-Mobile and AT&T aren't far behind, but Verizon leads overall usage.
Unlimited Options
AT&T and Verizon both offer a range of unlimited plans that cater to different needs and budgets.
If you're looking for a single line plan, AT&T's Unlimited Extra costs $76/month, while Verizon's Unlimited Plus costs $80/month. Both plans offer unlimited data with premium data before potential slowdowns during congestion, and 30GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
For a family plan, Verizon's Unlimited Plus (4 Lines) is a great option, costing $40/month per line for 4 lines, and including all benefits of the Unlimited Plus plan. AT&T's Unlimited Extra (4 Lines) also offers a competitive price of $41/month per line for 4 lines, with all the benefits of the Unlimited Extra plan.
Ultimately, the choice between AT&T and Verizon's unlimited plans depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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Unlimited
If you're in the market for an unlimited plan, you've got options. AT&T and Verizon both offer a range of plans to fit different budgets and needs.
AT&T's Unlimited Extra plan costs $76/month for a single line and comes with unlimited data, 75GB of premium data before potential slowdowns during congestion, 30GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
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Verizon's Unlimited Plus plan is priced at $80/month for a single line and offers unlimited premium data without deprioritization, 30GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
For those on a budget, AT&T and Verizon both offer entry-level unlimited plans that are ideal for data users who rarely use their phones as a mobile hotspot. These plans are priced at $65/month for a single line, but come with limited premium data and deprioritized data.
If you're looking for a mid-level plan that strikes a balance between price and functionality, AT&T and Verizon both offer options. These plans typically come with dedicated hotspot data, plentiful premium cellular data, international perks, and price tags that stay below the $80/month threshold.
For heavy data users, AT&T and Verizon offer premium unlimited plans that come with unlimited premium data without deprioritization and 30GB or 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. These plans are priced at $85/month for a single line on AT&T and $90/month for a single line on Verizon.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing an unlimited plan:
Additional Services and Flexibility

When choosing an unlimited plan, you want to know about the additional services and flexibility that come with it. Verizon and AT&T offer similar services, but with some differences.
Both carriers offer smartwatch plans, so you can stay connected on the go. Mobile hotspot capabilities are also available, although they vary by plan. Wi-Fi calling is another feature you'll find with both carriers.
Verizon tends to offer more customization options for add-ons, which can be beneficial if you only need a few extra features. AT&T's plans, on the other hand, are often more straightforward, making it easier to understand what you're getting.
Here are some of the additional services and flexibility features offered by Verizon and AT&T:
- Smartwatch plans
- Mobile hotspot capabilities (varies by plan)
- Wi-Fi calling
Prepaid and Contracts
Both AT&T and Verizon offer prepaid plans that don't require long-term contracts. This gives you the flexibility to switch carriers or change your plan without penalty.
You can bring your own device (BYOD) or purchase a new one at full retail price with both carriers. Switching between carriers is relatively straightforward, with both offering to help you port your number. However, you may need to ensure your device is compatible with the new network.
Verizon offers more flexibility in plan choice with discounts, but both carriers have their own strengths. For example, AT&T's Unlimited MAX tier includes 25GB of hotspot data, HD streaming, and 100GB of cloud storage.
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Prepaid
If you're considering a prepaid plan, you have several options to choose from. AT&T and Verizon both offer a range of plans with varying prices and features.
AT&T's Prepaid Unlimited MAX plan costs $65/month per line and includes unlimited data, 25GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.
Verizon's Prepaid Unlimited plan, on the other hand, costs $60/month per line with AutoPay discount and offers unlimited data, unlimited high-speed mobile hotspot data, and roaming in 4 countries.
If you're looking for a more premium experience, Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan costs $90/month for a single line with AutoPay and includes unlimited premium data without deprioritization, 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, and free talk and text in 2 countries and 10GB of data a month in over 210 countries.
Here's a comparison of some of the prepaid plans offered by AT&T and Verizon:
Ultimately, the best prepaid plan for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Contracts, Flexibility, and Compatibility
When it comes to prepaid plans, flexibility is key. Neither AT&T nor Verizon requires long-term contracts, so you can switch between carriers without being locked in.
You can bring your own device (BYOD) to either carrier, or purchase a new one at full retail price. Both carriers support a wide range of devices, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Switching between carriers is relatively straightforward, with both offering to help you port your number. However, you may need to ensure your device is compatible with the new network.
Here's a quick rundown of the compatibility facts:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Both carriers allow unlocked phones to be used, but compatibility depends on network bands.
- 5G Device Support: Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network requires specific 5G-compatible phones to access the fastest speeds.
If you're planning to upgrade your device frequently, Verizon's trade-in deals can save you more in the long run.
5G Network
AT&T's 5G network is a significant improvement over its 4G LTE performance in certain cities.
Verizon, on the other hand, has been recognized for its consistent performance in various 5G applications, including video, live video, games, and upload speeds.
AT&T has been aggressively expanding its next-gen 5G network, covering over 160 million people.
Verizon's 5G rollout, while slower, still covers around 125 million people.
Here's a comparison of 5G coverage between the two providers:
While AT&T boasts wider 5G coverage, Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network often delivers faster speeds in areas where it's available.
Perks and Promotions
AT&T's perks are relatively limited, but they do offer some benefits for their premium plans, including HBO Max streaming, bundling discounts, and higher hotspot allowances. These perks can be a nice bonus for customers who already subscribe to AT&T's services.
AT&T's international perks are also worth mentioning, with free talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and select plans including 20 Latin American countries. This can be a big deal for frequent travelers or those with family or friends abroad.
Verizon, on the other hand, offers a wide range of optional perks, including Disney Bundle, 2TB Cloud Storage, and 100GB Mobile hotspot. These perks can be added to their Plus and Ultimate plans, and some of them can be a great value for customers who use them frequently.
Here's a comparison of the two carriers' perk offerings:
Ultimately, the choice between AT&T and Verizon will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value entertainment services and streaming, Verizon's perks may be the way to go. But if you prioritize practical features like device protection and flexible payment options, AT&T's perks might be more appealing.
Perks
AT&T offers a few perks, including streaming benefits like HBO Max with certain premium plans, bundling discounts for combining services, and hotspot allowances for higher-tier plans. These perks can be a nice bonus, but they're not as extensive as what Verizon offers.
Verizon, on the other hand, has a more extensive range of perks, including entertainment offerings like Disney Bundle, 2TB Cloud Storage, and 100GB Mobile hotspot. These perks can be added to plans for an extra $10 each, making them a great option for customers who want more features.
AT&T's perks focus on practical features like device protection, security features, and flexible payment options. For example, their Device Protection (Asurion) service costs $11.99/month and covers loss, theft, damage, and out-of-warranty malfunctions.

Verizon offers a military discount, which can save customers up to $25/month on their plan, depending on the number of lines. This discount is available on all mobile perks, making it a great option for military personnel and their families.
Here's a comparison of the perks offered by AT&T and Verizon:
Ultimately, the best choice between AT&T and Verizon depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value entertainment services and bundled offerings, Verizon's perks might be the way to go. But if you prioritize practical features like device protection and security, AT&T's perks could be more appealing.
Customer Service
Customer Service is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a carrier. AT&T has a slight edge over Verizon in terms of customer support, with a 1.3 TrustScore compared to Verizon's 1.2.
AT&T has received more reviews, with 7,719 reviews compared to Verizon's 5,397. This could suggest that AT&T has a larger customer base or that their customers are more likely to leave reviews.
Both AT&T and Verizon have poor customer support ratings, with both companies rated as "Bad". This indicates systemic issues in the telecommunications industry regarding customer support.
AT&T offers help videos, which could be a useful self-service option for some customers. However, these ratings represent aggregate experiences and may not reflect individual interactions.
Here's a comparison of the customer support ratings for Verizon and AT&T:
While neither company performs well in customer support, it's essential to consider other factors like network coverage, plan pricing, and additional features or perks when choosing between these carriers.
Comparison and Decision
Verizon has leaped ahead of AT&T in almost every category that matters.
It's worth noting that AT&T has stronger coverage in certain areas. If you're in one of those areas, Verizon's advantages won't mean much.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and location.
Which to Choose?
Verizon shines in rural areas with solid coverage, making it a great option for those living outside of cities.

AT&T has a wider 5G network, which is a significant advantage for those who want the latest technology.
The choice between Verizon and AT&T ultimately comes down to your specific needs and location.
If you live in an area with strong AT&T coverage, you may find that their 5G network is a major draw.
Verizon's advantages will be less relevant in areas where AT&T has stronger coverage.
Ultimately, it's essential to shop around and find the best possible match for your needs.
Compare to Your Needs
So, you're trying to decide between Verizon and AT&T, but you're not sure which one is right for you. Let's break it down.
Verizon's cheapest 5G plan is the Unlimited Welcome plan, priced from $30 per line for four lines, with throttling any time. AT&T's cheapest 5G plan is $25/month per line for 4 lines, also with throttling any time.
If you're looking for the best phone plans, Verizon and AT&T both offer unlimited and prepaid options for new and existing customers. You can check out their individual plans to see which one fits your needs.

In terms of coverage, both carriers offer great 4G LTE coverage across the country. However, Verizon shines in rural and remote areas with solid coverage, while AT&T has broader 5G access in more areas.
To make a decision, it's essential to compare plans based on your specific needs. Here's a quick rundown of what to consider:
Ultimately, the choice between Verizon and AT&T depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're in an area with strong AT&T coverage, it might be the better choice for you. But if you're in a rural area, Verizon's coverage might be more reliable.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of AT&T and Verizon plans can be a bit confusing, but I've got the scoop. AT&T's cheapest 5G plan costs $25 per month per line for four lines, while Verizon's cheapest 5G plan is the Unlimited Welcome plan, priced from $30 per line for four lines.
If you're looking to save money, consider enrolling in AutoPay with AT&T, which can give you up to a $15 discount per line on some monthly Unlimited Plans. However, the discount amount may vary depending on the plan.
Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan is a great option if you want high-speed hotspot data, but be aware that AT&T's Unlimited Premium plan also offers 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. However, Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers 10GB of high-speed international data, something AT&T can't match.
Here's a comparison of the two plans:
Phone and Device
Both AT&T and Verizon support a wide range of devices, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. However, there are key differences in upgrade options and compatibility.
If you're planning to upgrade your phone often, Verizon's trade-in deals can save you more in the long run, especially for flagship devices like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. AT&T's Next Up program allows upgrades at a lower threshold, but Verizon's trade-in values are typically higher.
AT&T and Verizon offer nearly identical lists of devices, but Verizon exclusively offers a good variety of Motorola phones, like the upcoming new Razr series. Big Red falls on the CDMA side, while AT&T holds down the GSM camp.
Here are some key device compatibility and upgrade options to consider:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Both carriers allow unlocked phones to be used, but compatibility depends on network bands.
- 5G Device Support: Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network requires specific 5G-compatible phones to access the fastest speeds.
- Upgrade Prog
- Trade-In Deals: Verizon typically offers higher trade-in values, especially for flagship devices.
Phone Selection
Carrier-exclusive phones aren't as unique as they once were, with many US carriers offering similar device lists. AT&T and Verizon are no exceptions to this rule.
If you're looking for a Motorola phone, Verizon is a good bet, as they exclusively offer a variety of Motorola devices, like the upcoming new Razr series.
The main difference between AT&T and Verizon is their use of GSM or CDMA technology. Verizon uses CDMA, while AT&T uses GSM.
GSM is the newer technology and is more common, which can be a plus if you travel abroad often.
Device Compatibility
Device compatibility is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing between AT&T and Verizon. Both carriers support a wide range of devices, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
However, there are some key differences to be aware of. Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network requires specific 5G-compatible phones to access the fastest speeds.
AT&T and Verizon both allow unlocked phones to be used, but compatibility depends on network bands. This means you'll need to check the specifications of your phone to ensure it's compatible with the carrier you choose.
Verizon typically offers higher trade-in values, especially for flagship devices like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. This can be a great option if you upgrade often.
Here's a quick rundown of the compatibility options:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Both carriers allow unlocked phones to be used, but compatibility depends on network bands.
- 5G Device Support: Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network requires specific 5G-compatible phones to access the fastest speeds.
- Upgrade Programs: Verizon typically offers higher trade-in values, especially for flagship devices.
It's worth noting that Verizon exclusively offers a good variety of Motorola phones, like the upcoming new Razr series.
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