When choosing a major wireless provider in the US, AT&T and Verizon are two titans that inevitably come up. Both boast vast networks, a wide array of plans, and the latest devices. But the crucial question for many potential subscribers is, is at&t better than verizon? As with most carrier comparisons, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it depends heavily on your specific needs, location, budget, and priorities. Let’s compare them side-by-side.
Contents
Network Coverage: Who Reaches Further?
Coverage reliability is often a top concern. Both AT&T and Verizon operate extensive nationwide networks, but with nuanced differences:
- AT&T’s Strengths: AT&T often covers slightly more geographic land area with its 4G LTE network compared to Verizon. It has also been more aggressive in deploying its standard 5G network (using low and mid-band spectrum), resulting in broader 5G availability than Verizon’s overall 5G footprint in many areas. Recent independent tests (like RootMetrics 2H 2024) have sometimes given AT&T top marks for combined national reliability and overall performance.
- Verizon’s Strengths: Verizon has a long-standing reputation for excellent 4G LTE population coverage (claiming 99% of Americans covered) and network reliability. While its standard “5G Nationwide” coverage is extensive, its high-performance “5G Ultra Wideband” network (using faster mmWave and C-Band spectrum) is geographically more limited but offers significantly higher speed potential where available. Some reports (like Opensignal Jan 2025) give Verizon the edge in overall “Coverage Experience,” which measures coverage where people typically live, work, and travel.
Verdict: It’s extremely close. AT&T might offer slightly broader standard 5G availability and land area coverage. Verizon often holds the edge in overall 4G LTE population coverage and network reliability reputation. Checking coverage maps for your specific locations is essential.
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Network Speed & Performance: A Tight Race
Both carriers deliver fast speeds, but independent tests show varying results:
- Recent Findings: T-Mobile frequently leads in overall average speed tests. Between AT&T and Verizon, recent results are mixed. RootMetrics (2H 2024) awarded AT&T national wins for overall network speed (based on their methodology considering speed consistency). Opensignal (Jan 2025) showed both AT&T and Verizon with similar, lower average download speeds compared to T-Mobile, but Verizon slightly edged out AT&T in some 5G experience metrics like gaming and video, and led in 5G upload speed.
- High-Speed 5G: Both carriers offer faster tiers of 5G (AT&T’s “5G+”, Verizon’s “5G Ultra Wideband”). Verizon’s 5G UW often demonstrates higher peak speed potential due to its use of mmWave spectrum in some areas, though AT&T’s 5G+ (using mid-band) has wider availability.
Verdict: Neither carrier consistently dominates the other in all speed metrics across all reports. Both offer fast, reliable service. Verizon may have higher peak 5G speed potential where its Ultra Wideband network exists, while AT&T sometimes shows better overall speed consistency in certain tests.
Plans & Pricing: Similar Structures, Different Perks
AT&T and Verizon structure their main postpaid unlimited plans similarly, with tiered options offering increasing levels of premium data, hotspot allowances, and features.
- Pricing: Base prices for comparable tiers are often very close, typically within $5-$10 per month for a single line. Both offer significant per-line discounts when adding multiple lines to a family plan. Note that taxes and fees are generally not included in the advertised prices for either carrier.
- Features & Perks: Both provide unlimited talk/text and generally include usage in Mexico and Canada on most unlimited plans.
- AT&T: Higher-tier plans (like Unlimited Premium PL) offer large hotspot allowances (60GB) and sometimes include broader international benefits (e.g., usage in certain Latin American countries). Perks like included streaming services (e.g., formerly HBO Max) are less common now.
- Verizon: Uses its “myPlan” system where customers on Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plans can add optional $10-$15 perks (like the Disney Bundle, Apple Music/Apple One, Walmart+, extra hotspot data, TravelPass days), offering flexibility but potentially increasing the total cost if multiple perks are chosen. Hotspot allowances vary by tier (Welcome has none included, Plus has 30GB, Ultimate has 60GB).
Verdict: Pricing and core features are very competitive. AT&T may offer slightly more basic value on entry plans or larger included hotspot on its top tier. Verizon offers greater flexibility to customize perks, which can be valuable if you utilize those specific services.
Prepaid Options
Both carriers have strong prepaid brands offering no-contract service at lower price points than their postpaid plans. They offer similar ranges of plans with limited data buckets or unlimited options, often requiring Auto Pay for the best rates.
Customer Service
Customer satisfaction rankings often place AT&T and Verizon closely together, though sometimes behind T-Mobile in recent surveys. Both are large companies with extensive support infrastructures (phone, chat, online, stores). J.D. Power network quality studies frequently rank both carriers highly, sometimes tying or trading top spots regionally for fewest network problems reported.
Conclusion: Is AT&T Better Than Verizon?
Deciding if is at&t better than verizon comes down to weighing their strengths against your priorities:
- Choose AT&T if: Your priority is the widest possible standard 5G network availability, potentially slightly lower entry-level plan costs, or if you benefit strongly from bundling with AT&T Fiber home internet (where available). Its overall network reliability is also highly rated.
- Choose Verizon if: Your priority is the absolute best historical network reliability and 4G LTE population coverage, accessing the highest potential peak 5G speeds (where 5G Ultra Wideband is available), or you prefer the flexibility of choosing specific plan perks à la carte through the myPlan system.
