It depends on your area. Verizon is known for coverage, while AT&T is competitive on price and speed, so check coverage maps for your address.
Verizon
- Known for broad coverage and network quality.
- Higher prices.
- Strong 5G Ultra Wideband in cities.
AT&T
- Competitive pricing and bundle deals.
- Wide coverage and fiber internet.
- Good 5G speed in many cities.
Which is better
Depends on your local coverage. Check each carrier’s map.
Independent tests
Opensignal and RootMetrics rate Verizon strongly for reliability.
Tip
Test with a trial.
How coverage compares
Network quality varies by location. In recent RootMetrics and Opensignal reports, Verizon often leads in reliability and rural coverage, while AT&T scores close in speed and consistency in many markets, and T-Mobile frequently leads in 5G availability. Results differ by region and period.
- Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband uses mmWave and C-band spectrum, and AT&T uses C-band and low-band 5G.
- Pricing is similar for unlimited plans, commonly 65 to 90 USD per month for a single line, with multi-line discounts.
- AT&T FirstNet serves first responders and Verizon has similar public safety services.
How to choose
Check coverage maps at your home, work and travel locations and read recent independent tests. Many carriers offer free trials, such as through eSIM, to test signal. Compare plan perks like streaming bundles, hotspot data and international roaming. Prepaid brands on each network, such as Visible on Verizon and Cricket on AT&T, can cost less.
How coverage compares
Verizon and AT&T have the largest 5G and LTE networks in the US. Independent tests by RootMetrics and Opensignal show results vary by region, with Verizon often rated for reliability and T-Mobile for speed. AT&T reaches a large share of the population with LTE and has expanded 5G. Prices for unlimited plans range from about 65 to 90 USD per line for one line.
How to choose
Check coverage maps at your home and work, compare plan features such as hotspot data and streaming quality, and test with a trial eSIM if offered. Discounts for families and promotions can alter cost.
Coverage and plan numbers
Verizon covers about 99 percent of US population with LTE and AT&T covers about 99 percent too, per carrier claims. Third party tests by Opensignal and RootMetrics vary by year. AT&T’s 5G+ uses mmWave and mid band. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband mixes bands. T-Mobile leads mid band 5G coverage.
Plans and extras
Unlimited plans cost roughly 65 to 90 USD per month per line for one line, with discounts for multiple lines. Verizon offers prepaid brand Visible and AT&T has Cricket. Check hotspot allowances, international roaming and device payment terms. Switching carriers involves unlocking the phone.
Based on data from Opensignal, RootMetrics and carrier websites
