Deciding between AT&T and Verizon can be tough, but COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to help you compare wireless services. This in-depth comparison dives into AT&T and Verizon, examining everything from network coverage and data speeds to plan pricing and features. By exploring these key aspects, you can make a fully informed decision and choose the provider that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget. We’ll also touch on factors like customer satisfaction and phone selection, providing a holistic view.
1. Verizon vs. AT&T: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the details, let’s take a brief look at the pros and cons of each carrier. This will give you a general idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
1.1. Verizon
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Pros:
- Robust network with excellent rural coverage
- Generous hotspot data allowances on many plans
- Wide selection of phone choices
- Solid customer service ratings, especially for small businesses
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Cons:
- Can be more expensive than AT&T, depending on the plan
- 5G network deployment has lagged behind AT&T in some areas
1.2. AT&T
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Pros:
- Extensive network coverage, leading in overall U.S. coverage
- Aggressive 5G network expansion, covering a large population
- More affordable family plans, like the Value plan
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Cons:
- Device selection is more limited compared to Verizon
- Fewer perks and features included with plans
- Customer service ratings slightly lower than Verizon
Image credit – FCC. Alt text: AT&T versus Verizon coverage comparison reveals AT&T leads with 59% nationwide 4G LTE availability.
2. Pricing and Plans: Which Carrier Offers the Best Value?
Choosing a cell phone plan often boils down to cost. Let’s compare the pricing and plan options offered by Verizon and AT&T.
2.1. Entry-Level 5G Plans
- Verizon: The Unlimited Welcome plan is often advertised as the cheapest 5G option, starting around $30 per line for four lines. However, keep in mind that this plan may have slower speeds during busy times due to throttling.
- AT&T: AT&T’s comparable entry-level plan can be slightly cheaper, around $25 per line for four lines. Like Verizon’s plan, this option may also be subject to throttling.
2.2. Premium Unlimited 5G Plans
For users who need unlimited data without throttling and want extra perks, both carriers offer premium unlimited plans. Here’s a comparison of their prices (as of the last update of this article, prices may vary):
| Feature | 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 |
| Mobile Hotspot | 60GB | 60GB |
| Video Streaming | 1080p | 4K |
| Entertainment Perks | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ or Netflix & Max for $10/mo | None |
| International Data Roaming | 10 GB in 210+ countries | $10/day in many areas |
| Other Perks | BYOD promo credit, trade-in offers | Roaming in Canada/Mexico, ActiveArmor security app |
*All prices are after Auto Pay and w/ paperless billing, include unlimited talk&text in the US
2.3 Family Plans
Family plans are a great way to save money on your phone bill. AT&T often promotes their family plan pricing starting at $25 per line. Verizon’s equivalent plans are usually slightly more expensive, starting around $30 per line.
2.4. Prepaid Plans
Both Verizon and AT&T offer prepaid plans. These plans let you pay in advance for your service, with no credit check or long-term contract required. Prepaid plans can be a good option if you want more flexibility or are on a tight budget. COMPARE.EDU.VN recommends you compare the data limits and features to find the best fit for your needs.
2.5. Overall Pricing Advantage
Generally, AT&T tends to have a slight edge in terms of plan pricing. However, Verizon often includes more perks and features in their plans, such as entertainment subscriptions or international data allowances. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and usage patterns.
3. Coverage Comparison: Which Network is More Reliable?
Network coverage is a crucial factor when choosing a cell phone provider. You want to ensure you have a reliable signal in the areas where you live, work, and travel.
3.1. Overall Network Coverage
According to the FCC, AT&T has a slight lead in overall network coverage in the U.S. AT&T covers approximately 59% of the country with 4G LTE, while Verizon covers about 56%.
3.2. Rural Coverage
Verizon has traditionally been known for its strong rural coverage. However, AT&T has been closing the gap in recent years. The FCC data suggests that AT&T’s coverage is now comparable to or even slightly better than Verizon’s in some rural areas.
Image credit – FCC. Alt text: Detailed map comparing Verizon versus AT&T 4G LTE coverage shows robust networks from both carriers across the U.S.
3.3. 5G Coverage
AT&T has been aggressively expanding its 5G network, and now covers more people with 5G than Verizon. AT&T’s 5G network uses a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-band (mmWave) spectrum. Verizon also utilizes all three types of 5G spectrum but has focused more heavily on mmWave, which offers the fastest speeds but has limited range.
3.4. Coverage Maps
Both Verizon and AT&T provide coverage maps on their websites. These maps can give you a general idea of coverage in your area. However, keep in mind that coverage maps are estimates and actual coverage may vary depending on factors such as terrain, building materials, and network congestion.
Image credit – FCC. Alt text: Graph compares AT&T and Verizon midband 5G coverage, indicating AT&T’s broader coverage footprint.
3.5. Check Local Coverage
The best way to determine which carrier has better coverage in your area is to ask friends, family, or colleagues who use each carrier. You can also use online coverage checkers or download apps that measure signal strength.
4. Network Performance: Speed and Reliability
Coverage is important, but so is network performance. Let’s compare the speed and reliability of Verizon and AT&T’s networks.
4.1. Download Speeds
Ookla, a popular internet speed testing service, regularly publishes data on mobile network speeds. According to their data, Verizon often has an edge over AT&T in terms of average download speeds. This is likely due to Verizon’s extensive deployment of mmWave 5G technology in certain areas.
4.2. 5G Speeds
When it comes to 5G speeds, Verizon’s mmWave-based 5G network can deliver incredibly fast speeds in ideal conditions. However, mmWave signals have limited range and can be easily blocked by obstacles. AT&T’s 5G network, which uses a mix of spectrum bands, may not be as fast in some areas but tends to offer more consistent speeds over a wider area.
4.3. Network Reliability
RootMetrics, another independent testing firm, publishes reports on network reliability. In their testing, Verizon consistently ranks as one of the most reliable networks in the U.S. AT&T also performs well in RootMetrics’ testing, but Verizon typically has a slight edge.
Image credit – Ookla. Alt text: Comparison chart of AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile 5G network speeds, highlighting Verizon’s edge in download speeds.
4.4. Real-World Performance
Keep in mind that network performance can vary depending on your location, device, and network congestion. The best way to gauge real-world performance is to try out each carrier’s network in the areas where you frequently use your phone.
5. Phone Selection: Which Carrier Offers More Choices?
The range of phones available can influence your decision. Do you want the latest iPhone, a popular Android device, or a more budget-friendly option?
5.1. Device Variety
Verizon generally offers a wider selection of phones than AT&T. This includes a variety of iPhones, Android phones, and other devices from different manufacturers.
5.2. 5G Compatibility
Most new phones sold by Verizon and AT&T are compatible with their 5G networks. However, it’s important to check the specifications of a phone to ensure it supports the specific 5G bands used by each carrier in your area.
5.3. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Both Verizon and AT&T allow you to bring your own device (BYOD). If you already have a phone you like, you can simply switch carriers and keep using your existing phone. Make sure your phone is compatible with the carrier’s network before making the switch.
5.4. Exclusive Devices
From time to time, Verizon and AT&T may offer exclusive devices that are not available from other carriers. These devices may have unique features or designs.
6. Features and Perks: What Else Do You Get?
Beyond the basics of talk, text, and data, Verizon and AT&T offer a variety of features and perks that can add value to your plan.
6.1. Mobile Hotspot
Both Verizon and AT&T offer generous mobile hotspot allowances on many of their plans. Mobile hotspot lets you share your phone’s internet connection with other devices, such as laptops or tablets.
6.2. Streaming Services
Verizon offers entertainment perks like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ or Netflix & Max for an additional monthly fee. AT&T has discontinued offering free HBO Max subscriptions with its plans.
6.3. International Roaming
Verizon is generally more generous with international data roaming allowances. AT&T charges $10 per day for international data roaming in many countries, even on its premium unlimited plans.
6.4. Other Perks
AT&T includes free roaming in Canada and Mexico on some plans. AT&T also offers the ActiveArmor security app for enhanced device protection.
7. Customer Service: Which Carrier Provides Better Support?
Customer service is an important consideration. When you have a question or issue, you want to be able to get help quickly and easily.
7.1. J.D. Power Rankings
J.D. Power conducts surveys and publishes rankings of customer satisfaction with various wireless providers. In recent surveys, Verizon has generally scored higher than AT&T in terms of overall customer satisfaction.
7.2. Business Customer Service
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.
7.3. Online Support
Both Verizon and AT&T offer online support through their websites and mobile apps. You can find answers to common questions, troubleshoot issues, and contact customer support representatives online.
7.4. In-Store Support
Verizon and AT&T have retail stores across the country. You can visit a store to get help with your account, purchase a new phone, or troubleshoot issues.
7.5. Phone Support
Both Verizon and AT&T offer phone support. You can call their customer service lines to speak with a representative.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Verizon and AT&T:
8.1. Which carrier has better coverage in rural areas?
Verizon has traditionally been known for its strong rural coverage, but AT&T has been closing the gap in recent years.
8.2. Which carrier has faster 5G speeds?
Verizon’s mmWave-based 5G network can deliver incredibly fast speeds in ideal conditions, but AT&T’s 5G network may offer more consistent speeds over a wider area.
8.3. Which carrier offers cheaper plans?
AT&T generally has a slight edge in terms of plan pricing, but Verizon often includes more perks and features.
8.4. Which carrier has better customer service?
Verizon has generally scored higher than AT&T in terms of overall customer satisfaction in recent J.D. Power surveys.
8.5. Can I bring my own phone to Verizon or AT&T?
Yes, both Verizon and AT&T allow you to bring your own device (BYOD).
8.6. Do Verizon and AT&T offer prepaid plans?
Yes, both Verizon and AT&T offer prepaid plans.
8.7. Which carrier offers more mobile hotspot data?
Both Verizon and AT&T offer generous mobile hotspot allowances on many of their plans.
8.8. Which carrier is better for international travel?
Verizon is generally more generous with international data roaming allowances.
8.9. Do Verizon and AT&T offer family plans?
Yes, both Verizon and AT&T offer family plans.
8.10. How can I check the coverage in my area?
You can use online coverage checkers or download apps that measure signal strength.
9. The Verdict: Which Carrier Should You Choose?
Choosing between Verizon and AT&T depends on your individual needs and priorities.
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Choose Verizon if:
- You want the most reliable network with excellent rural coverage.
- You value generous mobile hotspot data allowances.
- You want a wide selection of phone choices.
- You prioritize customer service.
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Choose AT&T if:
- You want the broadest overall network coverage.
- You want access to a fast and expanding 5G network.
- You are looking for more affordable family plan options.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to carefully consider your own needs and compare the plans, coverage, and features offered by each carrier in your area.
Choosing between Verizon and AT&T doesn’t have to be a headache. Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today to explore in-depth comparisons, read user reviews, and make a confident choice that fits your unique needs. Our comprehensive resources empower you to make informed decisions and unlock the best value for your money. Don’t settle for less – let COMPARE.EDU.VN guide you to the perfect provider!
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