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A dynamic split-screen image showcasing Verizon and AT&T logos with contrasting backgrounds symbolizing competition.

Which is better: Verizon or AT&T?

3 min read
Sources (27)
technologybusinessfinancetechnology trends

Summary

Verizon leads in network coverage, especially in rural areas, with 98% 4G LTE coverage, while AT&T covers 95%, excelling in urban areas. Verizon offers fast mmWave 5G in cities; AT&T provides consistent nationwide 5G. AT&T is slightly cheaper. Both offer extensive device selections and reliable customer service.

Network Coverage and Speed 📡

When comparing the two largest wireless carriers in the United States, network coverage plays a crucial role. Verizon traditionally leads in overall coverage, especially in rural areas, with 4G LTE coverage available in over 98% of the country. AT&T maintains strong coverage in urban centers but slightly trails with around 95% coverage. According to RootMetrics and OpenSignal, both carriers offer competitive networks with distinct advantages.

5G Performance 🚀

  • Verizon: Offers impressive mmWave speeds in select urban areas
  • AT&T: Provides more consistent nationwide 5G coverage
  • Both carriers continue expanding their networks

💰 Pricing and Plans

Both carriers offer similar pricing tiers, though AT&T tends to be slightly more affordable:

Plan TypeVerizonAT&T
Basic$70/mo$65/mo
Premium$80/mo$75/mo
Ultimate$90/mo$85/mo

Verizon Plans:

  • Start Unlimited: Basic unlimited plan with no mobile hotspot
  • Play More Unlimited: Includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+
  • Get More Unlimited: Premium plan with 30GB of mobile hotspot data

AT&T Plans:

  • Unlimited Starter: Entry-level unlimited plan
  • Unlimited Extra: Includes 15GB of mobile hotspot data
  • Unlimited Elite: Premium plan with HBO Max included

🤝 Customer Service Experience

According to J.D. Power's customer satisfaction surveys, both carriers provide reliable customer service through multiple channels:

  1. Online support options
  2. Store experience
  3. Phone support response times

Both carriers maintain comprehensive support websites (Verizon Support and AT&T Support) for troubleshooting and FAQs.

📱 Device Selection and Additional Features

Both carriers offer extensive device selections, including:

  • Latest iPhone models
  • Premium Android devices
  • Tablets and smartwatches
  • Mobile hotspots

Additional Perks ⭐

Verizon Extras:

  • Disney+ bundle options
  • Verizon Up rewards program
  • Mobile hotspot allocation
  • Premium network access

AT&T Extras:

  • HBO Max with select plans
  • AT&T ActiveArmor security
  • Mobile security features
  • International benefits in over 200 countries

The Verdict

The choice between Verizon and AT&T depends on your specific needs:

Choose Verizon if you:

  • Live in rural areas
  • Prioritize network reliability
  • Want extensive mmWave 5G coverage in cities
  • Value premium perks

Choose AT&T if you:

  • Want slightly lower prices
  • Live in urban areas
  • Prefer HBO Max as an entertainment option
  • Need strong international coverage
  • Need strong coverage in the southeastern U.S.

For more detailed comparisons, check out resources like CNET's carrier comparison or Tom's Guide.

Sources

RRootMetricshttps://rootmetrics.com/en-US/content/us-state-of-mobile-union-1h-2023WOpenSignalhttps://www.opensignal.com/reports/2023/09/netherlands/mobile-network-experienceWJ.D. Power's customer satisfaction surveyshttps://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-customer-service-index-csi-study?srsltid=AfmBOopGXlsaEwu_TzAuors6RiC01cNOOL61xwnG6OfO9Yqe2aFEq6_qWVerizon Supporthttps://www.verizon.com/support/WAT&T Supporthttps://www.att.com/support/WCNET's carrier comparisonhttps://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-phone-plans/WTom's Guidehttps://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-phone-carrierRRootMetricshttps://rootmetrics.com/en-US/content/verizon-wins-2023WOpenSignalhttps://www.opensignal.com/reports/2023/09/usa/mobile-network-experienceWCNET's carrier comparisonhttps://www.cnet.com/news/best-phone-carrier/WTom's Guidehttps://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-phone-carriers,review-2760.htmlWOpenSignal's latest reporthttps://www.opensignal.com/WJ.D. Power's customer satisfaction surveyshttps://www.jdpower.com/W4G LTE coveragehttps://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/W4G LTE coveragehttps://www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage.htmlWextended coveragehttps://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-extends-4g-lte-coverage-rural-areasWunlimited planshttps://www.verizon.com/plans/Wunlimited planshttps://www.att.com/plans/unlimited/Wfree streaminghttps://www.att.com/shop/bundles/streaming.htmlWinternational coveragehttps://www.att.com/international/Winternational coveragehttps://www.verizon.com/support/international-services/WJ.D. Power ratinghttps://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2022-us-wireless-network-quality-performance-study-volume-1Wwebsitehttps://www.verizon.com/Wmobile apphttps://www.verizon.com/support/apps/Wwebsitehttps://www.att.com/Wmobile apphttps://www.att.com/support/apps/Wplan optionshttps://www.att.com/plans/