AT&T vs. T-Mobile: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to T-Mobile vs. AT&T, picking the right carrier can feel like choosing between chocolate and vanilla—both are great, but one might suit your taste better. Your phone carrier impacts everything from your streaming quality to your travel convenience, so making the right choice is key.

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AT&T and T-Mobile are two heavyweights in the U.S. telecom market, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Whether you’re comparing AT&T coverage to T-Mobile coverage, or debating their perks and prices, we’ve got the scoop to help you decide.‍

Plans & Pricing Comparison

When it comes to AT&T and T-Mobile prices, both carriers have something for everyone—whether you’re single, part of a family, or just looking for a simple prepaid plan.

• Unlimited Plans:
  • AT&T’s entry-level unlimited plan starts at $65/month, offering solid value but with some limits on premium data. Their higher-tier plan, Unlimited Premium, is $85/month and includes priority data and HBO Max.
  • T-Mobile’s Essentials plan starts at $60/month, and their Magenta MAX plan costs $85/month with taxes and fees included—plus perks like Netflix on Us.
• Family Plans:‍
  • Both carriers shine here, with multi-line discounts that make it easy to save. T-Mobile edges out AT&T with lower prices for families, and taxes/fees are baked into their prices, making the bill less of a shock.
• Prepaid Options:‍
  • AT&T offers a robust prepaid lineup starting at $30/month. T-Mobile’s prepaid plans start at $40/month but include unlimited data at higher tiers, which is great for streamers.

Need help figuring out which plan fits your budget? Use Goji Mobile to compare both AT&T and T-Mobile’s pricing in seconds to find the best deal for you.

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Coverage Comparison

Comparing AT&T coverage and T-Mobile coverage? Think city slicker vs. country roadster.

• 4G LTE Coverage:
  • AT&T dominates rural areas with 68% U.S. coverage, making it the go-to for travelers and those living off the grid.
  • T-Mobile is a strong player in urban and suburban areas, but its rural reach doesn’t quite stack up.

• 5G Coverage:
  • Here’s where T-Mobile flexes: it leads the nation with over 53% 5G coverage, thanks to its massive mid-band spectrum.
  • AT&T is catching up, but it’s not quite there yet.

Need proof? Check out Goji Mobile’s coverage map to see which carrier performs best in your area.

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Here’s a side-by-side look at the 5G coverage for both carriers:

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AT&T

T-Mobile

Network Speeds & Performance

Speed and reliability are key when choosing a carrier. Comparing AT&T network speed to T-Mobile's gives you a clear picture of how they perform.

• 5G Speeds:
  • T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum gives it an edge in speed, making it one of the fastest 5G networks in the U.S.
  • AT&T takes a balanced approach, offering competitive speeds across both its 4G and 5G networks, ensuring reliability without major slowdowns.
• Congestion Management:
  • T-Mobile uses advanced technology to reduce slowdowns in high-traffic areas, keeping your connection fast even during peak times.
  • AT&T prioritizes traffic dynamically to maintain smooth performance, especially in areas with heavy usage.

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Perks & Extras

Let’s talk freebies. T-Mobile and AT&T perks can make or break a deal.

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‍Streaming Services:

• AT&T offers HBO Max on premium plans. T-Mobile gives you Netflix and Apple TV+ on select plans. Who wins? Depends on your binge preferences.

‍Travel Benefits:

• T-Mobile’s unlimited international data and texting in over 215 countries are unmatched. AT&T’s international day pass isn’t bad, but it doesn’t have the same carefree appeal.

‍Hotspot Data:

• AT&T provides more hotspot data on premium plans, while T-Mobile gives you just enough to stay connected on the go.

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Customer Service & Satisfaction

When it comes to T-Mobile customer service vs. AT&T customer service, T-Mobile consistently takes the crown.

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‍T-Mobile:

• Their “Team of Experts” ensures personalized support and fast resolutions. Customer satisfaction surveys put T-Mobile at the top.

AT&T:

• AT&T has made strides in digital support, but reviews are mixed—especially on billing accuracy.

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Device Compatibility & Upgrades

Both carriers offer plenty of options for AT&T and T-Mobile devices, plus easy ways to bring your own.

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‍New Devices:

• Both have the latest smartphones, tablets, and wearables, but T-Mobile’s deals are often flashier.

Trade-Ins:

• Both carriers provide generous trade-in options, making it easy to score a discount when upgrading.

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Pros & Cons Summary

Here’s the TL;DR of AT&T vs. T-Mobile:

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AT&T Pros:

• Unbeatable rural coverage.
• Excellent device trade-in deals.
• Balanced network performance.

AT&T Cons:

• Plans can be pricier.
• 5G expansion isn’t as robust as T-Mobile’s.

‍T-Mobile Pros:

• Best 5G coverage.
• Perks like Netflix and international roaming.
• Taxes and fees included in prices.

T-Mobile Cons:

• Rural coverage lags behind AT&T.
• Some plans recently saw price hikes.

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FAQ

‍Which carrier offers better rural coverage?

‍AT&T is the clear winner for rural areas, thanks to its extensive 4G LTE network.

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‍Which carrier includes taxes and fees in their pricing?

‍T-Mobile includes taxes and fees in most of its plans, so what you see is what you pay. AT&T’s listed prices do not include taxes and fees, which may increase your total bill.

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‍Can I keep my phone number if I switch?

‍Yes! Both carriers allow you to transfer your existing phone number when switching plans.

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‍Which carrier has better perks for travelers?

‍T-Mobile leads the way with unlimited texting and data in over 215 countries. AT&T offers an International Day Pass for a daily fee, which might suit occasional travelers better.

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‍How do hotspot data limits compare?

‍AT&T provides more mobile hotspot data on premium plans, while T-Mobile’s hotspot limits are slightly lower but sufficient for most users.

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‍Are there exclusive device deals when switching?

‍Yes, both carriers offer trade-in deals and exclusive discounts for new customers, often making it more affordable to upgrade to a new phone.

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‍Do both carriers support Wi-Fi calling?

‍Yes, both AT&T and T-Mobile offer Wi-Fi calling, which is especially useful if you live or work in areas with weaker cellular signals.