1. Verizon vs AT&T: A Quick Look at Pros and Cons
To begin, let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of both Verizon and AT&T. This will provide a clear overview before diving into more detailed comparisons.
1.1 Verizon: The Good and The Bad
Pros:
- Robust Network: Verizon boasts a wide rural coverage.
- Hotspot Data: Verizon offers generous hotspot data allowances.
- Phone Choices: Verizon provides a rich collection of phone choices.
Cons:
- 5G Network: The 5G network performance of Verizon is lacking.
- Streaming Services: The company offers paid streaming services.
1.2 AT&T: The Good and The Bad
Pros:
- Nationwide Coverage: AT&T has largest US carrier network coverage.
- 5G Signal: AT&T offers 5G signals across the country.
- Family Plan: It is one of the cheapest family plans.
- Hotspot Data: The carrier has generous hotspot data allotment.
Cons:
- Phone Roster: The selection of phones is limited.
- Streaming Perks: There are no streaming perks.
2. Pricing and Plans: A Detailed Comparison
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a mobile carrier. Here’s how Verizon and AT&T stack up in terms of plan costs.
2.1 Cheapest 5G Plans
- Verizon: The Unlimited Welcome plan is the cheapest 5G plan, starting at $30 per line for four lines, with throttling at any time.
- AT&T: AT&T’s cheapest plan is $25/month per line for four lines, but it also includes throttling that can happen at any time when the network is busy.
AT&T generally offers slightly cheaper unlimited 5G data plans compared to Verizon. However, Verizon compensates by providing more perks. The cheapest family plan from AT&T is $25 a line per month, while Verizon’s is $30. Both plans may experience throttling during busy network periods. Overall, AT&T has a slight advantage in plan pricing, as seen in the premium Unlimited 5G plan comparison below.
2.2 Premium Unlimited 5G Plan Prices: Verizon vs. AT&T
This table illustrates the pricing differences for premium unlimited 5G plans offered by Verizon and AT&T:
| Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | AT&T Unlimited Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 line | $90 | $85 |
| 2 lines | $160 | $150 |
| 3 lines | $195 | $180 |
| 4 lines | $220 | $200 |
| Throttling | No | No |
| Freebies | Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $10/mo.Netflix & Max for $10/moInternational talk, text & 10GB datain 210+ cuntriesBoth new and existing customers eligible to receive the best current in-market smartphone offer with trade-in.Up to $540 BYID promo creditUnlimited talk and textUnlimited premium data | 60GB high-speed mobile hotspot dataUnlimited talk and textUnlimited premium dataFree unlimited high-speed roaming in Canada and MexicoFree roaming in 19 Latin American countries, $10/day elsewhereUnlimited texting from the U.S. to 200+ countriesAT&T ActiveArmor security app |
| Video streaming | 1080p | 4K |
| Hotspot (per line) | 60GB | 60GB |
*All prices are after Auto Pay and with paperless billing, including unlimited talk & text in the US.
3. Coverage Comparison: Verizon vs. AT&T
Network coverage is critical, especially for those who live in rural areas or travel frequently. Let’s examine how Verizon and AT&T compare in terms of coverage.
3.1 4G LTE Coverage
The FCC ranks AT&T as the top carrier for overall network coverage in the U.S. While Verizon is often praised for its strong rural performance, AT&T actually takes the lead in 4G LTE availability, covering about 59% of the country compared to Verizon’s 56%.
AT&T vs Verizon US coverage (percentage) | Image credit – FCC
According to the FCC’s coverage map, Verizon’s 4G signal surpasses AT&T’s primarily in parts of the Northwest. However, AT&T fills in more of the gaps across other regions, which helps explain its slightly higher national coverage percentage in the FCC’s data. Both AT&T and Verizon offer broad, reliable cell networks across the U.S., but AT&T holds a small edge unless you’re tucked away in the mountainous Northwest.
Verizon vs AT&T 4G LTE coverage map | Image credit – FCC
3.2 5G Coverage
When it comes to basic 5G coverage at the low bands, AT&T is pulling ahead of Verizon, with 29% against Verizon’s 9%. The same goes for the midbands, where it holds an 18% against 6% coverage area advantage over Verizon.
AT&T vs Verizon midband 5G coverage (percentage) | Image credit – FCC
AT&T covers more than 290 million people with 5G in the US. Its 5G network is spread around big city conglomerates and along highways, explaining its more robust 5G coverage compared to Verizon, which is still somewhat reliant on its strong 4G LTE network.
Verizon vs AT&T midband 5G coverage map | Image credit – FCC
4. Network Performance: Speed and Reliability
Coverage is essential, but so is the speed and reliability of the network. Let’s see how AT&T and Verizon perform in this regard.
4.1 Download Speeds and Reliability
AT&T may lead in 4G LTE and 5G coverage, but the story changes when we look at download speeds and overall reliability. Verizon’s 5G network includes ultra-fast mmWave technology, giving it a noticeable edge in speed performance compared to AT&T.
AT&T vs Verizon vs T-Mobile 5G network speeds | Image credit – Ookla
4.2 4G LTE Network Performance
Verizon is an overall network reliability and speeds champion in the 4G LTE network. Both carriers provide you with a robust signal in most of the US, so it depends on where you live and travel the most.
Verizon is the US 5G network reliability champion | Image credit – RootMetrics
5. Phone Selection: Variety and Availability
The variety of phones available on each network can also influence your decision. Here’s how Verizon and AT&T compare.
5.1 Number of Available Phones
- Verizon: 98
- AT&T: 39
Historically, AT&T had a richer phone selection as a GSM carrier than Verizon. However, today’s 5G modems are built to handle nearly every network type and 5G band. Thanks to this flexibility, Verizon has been able to significantly grow its device lineup, now offering one of the widest selections of phones for U.S. customers.
6. Features and Perks: What Extras Do You Get?
Features and perks can add significant value to your mobile plan. Let’s compare what AT&T and Verizon offer in this area.
6.1 Streaming and Data
Ever since AT&T ditched the free HBO Max subscription with its premium unlimited plans, it became the carrier with the poorest number of plan features and perks. Verizon charges $10 for streaming services like Netflix and Max after six months. However, it offers the two most popular streaming services without ads for a low price, whereas AT&T only compensates with line prices that are about $5 cheaper than Verizon’s.
Verizon and AT&T offer the same generous 60GB mobile hotspot allotment, as well as free calling. However, Verizon is much more generous with the data allotment when traveling internationally, allowing you to use 10GB in most countries, something AT&T charges $10 for even in its premium unlimited plan pricing.
7. Customer Service: Who Provides Better Support?
Good customer service can make a big difference when you have issues with your phone or plan. Here’s how Verizon and AT&T stack up.
7.1 Customer Satisfaction
According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. enterprise internet study, big businesses prefer AT&T for their internet service, while small businesses prefer Verizon. When it comes to retail wireless customer service, however, Verizon is ahead of AT&T.
Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power, noted that wireless providers are addressing issues that previously led to lower customer satisfaction. This includes managing costs and improving the overall customer experience.
The Verizon Wireless business customer service also ranks second with 739 points, only after T-Mobile, and is highest in the medium business segment, while big enterprises apparently still prefer AT&T.
8. Which Carrier Should You Choose? Verizon or AT&T?
Choosing between Verizon and AT&T depends on your specific needs and priorities.
8.1 When to Choose Verizon
Verizon stands out with its strong plan perks, broader phone selection, and solid overall performance.
8.2 When to Choose AT&T
AT&T delivers broader signal coverage, faster 5G speeds, and more budget-friendly plans – especially its Value family plan, which offers unlimited 5G data for just $25 per line.
If AT&T provides stronger coverage where you live and you’re not too concerned about streaming extras or international travel, it could be the smarter pick. But in areas where Verizon matches or outperforms AT&T, paying an extra $5 per line might be worth it for the added features and wider device variety.
Ultimately, even though AT&T ranks third in total U.S. subscribers, it remains a strong contender for those wanting reliable service and solid 5G coverage without stretching their monthly budget with higher costs.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make a more informed decision:
9.1 Which carrier has better coverage, Verizon or AT&T?
AT&T has slightly better overall coverage, particularly in 4G LTE availability, covering about 59% of the country compared to Verizon’s 56%.
9.2 Which carrier offers cheaper unlimited plans?
AT&T generally offers slightly cheaper unlimited plans compared to Verizon.
9.3 Which carrier has faster 5G speeds?
Verizon’s 5G network, with its mmWave technology, generally offers faster speeds than AT&T.
9.4 Which carrier has a better selection of phones?
Verizon has a wider selection of phones available for its customers.
9.5 Which carrier provides better customer service?
According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. enterprise internet study, Verizon is ahead of AT&T in retail wireless customer service.
9.6 Does Verizon or AT&T offer better international data options?
Verizon is more generous with international data allowances, providing 10GB in most countries, whereas AT&T charges $10 for international data even on its premium plans.
9.7 Which carrier is better for families?
AT&T offers a cheaper family plan at $25 per line, making it an attractive option for families on a budget.
9.8 What streaming perks do Verizon and AT&T offer?
Verizon offers options to add Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $10/month and Netflix & Max for $10/month. AT&T no longer offers free streaming perks with its plans.
9.9 Which carrier is better for rural areas?
While Verizon is often praised for its rural performance, AT&T actually takes the lead in 4G LTE availability.
9.10 What should I consider when choosing between Verizon and AT&T?
Consider your coverage needs, budget, desired phone selection, and any additional perks that are important to you, such as streaming services or international data.
10. Need More Help Deciding?
Choosing the right carrier can be tough. If you’re still unsure whether Verizon or AT&T is the better fit for your needs, head over to COMPARE.EDU.VN. We provide in-depth comparisons and user reviews to help you make the best decision.
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