AT&T vs. Verizon: Coverage, Speed, & Reliability Compared
March 7, 2025
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Choosing a mobile carrier is a big decision—after all, your phone is basically your lifeline. If you’re stuck between AT&T and Verizon, you’re not alone. These two powerhouses dominate the industry, but which one is actually better for coverage, speed, and reliability?
We’re breaking it all down for you—just the facts.
Plans & Pricing Comparison
Unlimited Plans
- Price: $76/month for a single line.
- Data: Unlimited data with 75GB of premium data before potential slowdowns during congestion.
- Hotspot: 30GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
- Price: $80/month for a single line.
- Data: Unlimited premium data without deprioritization.
- Hotspot: 30GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
Family Plans
AT&T Unlimited Extra (4 Lines)
- Price: $41/month per line for 4 lines.
- Features: Includes all benefits of the Unlimited Extra plan above.
Verizon Unlimited Plus (4 Lines)
- Price: $40/month per line for 4 lines.
- Features: Includes all benefits of the Unlimited Plus plan above.
Prepaid Plans
- Price: $65/month per line.
- Data: Unlimited data (may be slowed during congestion).
- Hotspot: 25GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada.
- Price: $60/month per line with AutoPay discount.
- Data: Unlimited data (may be slowed during congestion).
- Hotspot: Unlimited high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Roaming in 4 countries.
Travel Plans
- Price: $86/month for a single line.
- Data: Unlimited premium data without deprioritization.
- Hotspot: 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Roaming in 21 countries.
- Price: $90/month for a single line with AutoPay.
- Data: Unlimited premium data without deprioritization.
- Hotspot: 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International: Free talk and text in 2 countries and 10GB of data a month in over 210 countries.
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Coverage Comparison
Coverage is one of the biggest factors when choosing between AT&T and Verizon. While both carriers have strong nationwide networks, there are key differences in where each one excels.
- Verizon: Claims to cover 99% of the U.S. population with its 4G LTE network, making it one of the most expansive networks available.
- AT&T: Covers around 68% of the land area in the U.S. with 4G LTE, but has a wider 5G footprint, offering 5G coverage in more places than Verizon.
- 5G Differences:
- AT&T has broader 5G coverage, particularly with its low-band and mid-band 5G networks.
- Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network provides faster speeds in certain cities, but it’s not as widespread as AT&T’s standard 5G.
📍 Check coverage in your area:
The best way to know which carrier works at your specific address is to check coverage maps. Use the Goji Coverage Map to compare AT&T and Verizon at your location.
Curious to see what AT&T’s 5G Map looks like? Here’s a snapshot:
Curious to see what Verizon’s 5G Map looks like? Here’s a snapshot:
Network Speeds & Performance
5G Network Performance
- AT&T: Provides 5G services in certain cities, showcasing significant improvements over its 4G LTE performance.
- Verizon: While specific 5G speed data is limited, Verizon has been recognized for its consistent performance in 5G video experience, live video experience, games experience, and upload speeds.
AT&T's 5G network demonstrates notable speed enhancements, while Verizon emphasizes reliability across various 5G applications.
Network Availability and Coverage
- AT&T: Has been aggressively expanding its next-gen 5G network, covering over 160 million people.
- Verizon: Covers around 125 million people with its 5G network, indicating a more gradual rollout compared to AT&T.
AT&T currently offers broader 5G coverage, providing more users with access to its next-generation network.
Consistency and Reliability
- Verizon: Recognized for its consistent performance, particularly in 5G video experience, live video experience, games experience, and upload speeds.
- AT&T: While offering solid performance, it has room for improvement in certain areas compared to its competitors.
Both carriers provide reliable networks, with Verizon having a slight edge in specific performance metrics.
Real-World Performance
- Urban Areas: Both AT&T and Verizon deliver strong performance, with AT&T's 5G network offering higher speeds in certain cities.
- Suburban and Rural Areas: Verizon's extensive 4G LTE network provides reliable coverage, while AT&T continues to expand its reach.
Network performance can vary based on location, device compatibility, and network congestion.
Perks & Extras
Beyond coverage and speed, AT&T and Verizon offer extra perks to make their plans more appealing. These can include streaming subscriptions, hotspot data, international roaming, and discounts on additional lines or devices.
AT&T Perks
- Streaming Benefits: HBO Max is included with certain premium plans.
- Bundling Discounts: Save when you combine AT&T Internet, TV, or wireless plans.
- Hotspot Allowances: Higher-tier plans offer up to 60GB of mobile hotspot data.
- International Perks: Free talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada; select plans also include 20 Latin American countries.
Verizon Perks
- Streaming Benefits: Select plans include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
- Apple Music & Cloud Storage: Some plans include Apple Music trials and Verizon Cloud storage.
- More Hotspot Data: Higher-tier plans offer up to 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- International Perks: Free talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada; some plans offer 10GB of high-speed data per month in over 210 countries.
If entertainment is a priority, Verizon’s streaming bundles offer more value. If you’re looking for better bundling with home services, AT&T is a stronger choice.
Customer Support & Satisfaction
Customer service can make or break your experience with a carrier, especially when dealing with billing issues, device upgrades, or technical problems.
- Verizon: Generally ranked higher in customer satisfaction, with strong in-store, phone, and online support.
- AT&T: Has improved over the years but still receives mixed reviews, particularly regarding wait times and issue resolution.
- Support Channels: Both carriers offer phone, chat, and in-store support, but Verizon is often praised for quicker issue resolution.
If customer service is a priority, Verizon has a better reputation for fast and reliable support.
Device Compatibility & Upgrades
Both AT&T and Verizon support a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and other top brands. However, there are key differences in upgrade options and compatibility.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Both carriers allow unlocked phones to be used, but compatibility depends on network bands.
- 5G Device Support: Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network requires specific 5G-compatible phones to access the fastest speeds.
- Upgrade Programs:
- AT&T Next Up ($6/month) allows you to upgrade after paying off 50% of your phone.
- Verizon’s Upgrade Program offers early upgrades with trade-ins but generally requires paying off 50% or more of your current phone.
- Trade-In Deals: Verizon typically offers higher trade-in values, especially for flagship devices like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
If upgrading often is important, Verizon’s trade-in deals can save you more in the long run, but AT&T’s Next Up program allows upgrades at a lower threshold.
Pros & Cons Summary
Still undecided? Here’s a quick rundown of each carrier’s strengths and weaknesses.
AT&T Pros
- Better 5G coverage across the U.S.
- More affordable unlimited plans compared to Verizon.
- HBO Max included on certain plans.
- Good bundling options if you have AT&T Internet or TV.
AT&T Cons
- 4G LTE coverage isn’t as strong as Verizon’s.
- Data speeds can be inconsistent depending on location.
- Customer service is hit or miss in some cases.
Verizon Pros
- Industry-leading 4G LTE coverage, reaching 99% of the U.S. population.
- Fastest overall data speeds, particularly on 4G LTE.
- Premium perks like Disney+, Hulu, and Apple Music.
- Better trade-in and upgrade deals than AT&T.
Verizon Cons
- More expensive plans compared to AT&T.
- 5G coverage isn’t as widespread as AT&T’s.
- Lower-tier plans don’t include as many perks compared to premium options.
FAQ
Is AT&T better than Verizon?
It depends! AT&T has better 5G coverage and cheaper plans, while Verizon has better 4G LTE coverage and faster speeds.
How do I switch carriers?
Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the other carrier. Then, contact the carrier to transfer your number and activate a new plan.
Is AT&T cheaper than Verizon?
Yes, AT&T’s unlimited plans tend to be slightly cheaper, especially if you bundle with AT&T Internet or TV.
Can I use an AT&T phone on Verizon’s network?
If it’s unlocked and supports Verizon’s network bands, you should be able to switch. It’s always best to check before making the move.
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