Verizon vs AT&T: Plans Compared

AT&T and Verizon are the two biggest cell phone carriers in the country, known for their perk-heavy plans and wide-reaching 4G and 5G networks. But which is better? 

In this article, we'll try to answer that question by looking at each carrier's respective coverage, prices, perks, and multi-line discounts. Reach on as we do a deep dive into AT&T vs. Verizon.

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AT&T vs Verizon: Similarities

• AT&T and Verizon offer customers nationwide 4G LTE coverage and are actively expanding their 5G coverage. 
• Both carriers own their networks rather than renting them from other companies. This is a win for Verizon and AT&T customers because when the networks get busy, it's the renters that get deprioritized data (aka slower speeds) first.
• AT&T and Verizon do not include taxes and fees in their plan pricing.
• AT&T and Verizon offer multi-line discounts, bringing the monthly per-line cost down for additional lines.

AT&T vs Verizon: Differences

• Verizon offers a wide range of add-ons to its plans at an additional cost of $10 per month each, including extra hotspot connectivity, more streaming services, and smartwatch/tablet capabilities. AT&T does not, having done away with streaming perks and the like some years ago.
• AT&T plans offer talk, text, and data connectivity in all of Latin America, while Verizon plans may be a better fit if your international traveling is limited to Canada and Mexico.

AT&T vs Verizon: Coverage 

AT&T and Verizon both offer excellent overall coverage, and the competition between the two for nationwide supremacy is especially close when it comes to 4G LTE. Indeed, the two are a mere 3% apart: 

National 4G LTE Coverage:

• AT&T: 59%
• Verizon: 56%

This 4G LTE coverage tends to be what's most readily available in rural areas, so the fact that both AT&T and Verizon wield formidable 4G networks is reassuring if you're considering signing up with one or the other.

Things are a little less competitive when it comes to 5G coverage, as AT&T's network covers a full 20% more of the country than Verizon's: 

National 5G Coverage:

• AT&T: 29%
• Verizon: 9%

That said, in the places Verizon's 5G signal is available, you may be able to tap into the fastest speeds, thanks to the carrier's 5G Ultra Wideband network. This 5G UW spectrum offers lightning-fast speeds and enhanced signal reliability.

AT&T vs Verizon: Entry-Level Unlimited Plans

If you’re looking for the least expensive unlimited plan from AT&T or Verizon, the entry-level plans below are the most comparable. These plans are ideal for data users who never or rarely use their phones as a mobile hotspot and primarily use their phone’s Wi-Fi connection to read the morning news, check emails, and watch the occasional YouTube video.

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AT&T vs Verizon Mid-Level Unlimited Plans

Both AT&T and Verizon sell mid-level unlimited plans that strike a nice balance between price and functionality. These plans are designed to appeal to the widest section of subscribers, with dedicated hotspot data, plentiful premium cellular data, international perks, and price tags that stay below the $80/month threshold. Check out the options from the two carriers: 

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AT&T vs Verizon Premium Unlimited Plans

If you want to be able to use your phone to connect as a mobile hotspot more than 3 times per week, scroll and post photos to social media apps to your heart's content, binge-watch your favorite shows on streaming services, and play graphic-intensive games, you’ll want a plan that can keep up with your heavy data usage. The AT&T and Verizon unlimited plans below give you all the premium data you need without deprioritization.

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The Bottom Line

Both AT&T and Verizon offer generally excellent upsides, and you're unlikely to be disappointed with either. AT&T wields slightly better coverage, while Verizon comes out ahead when it comes to perks (especially via its a la carte myPlan system). Their respective plans lineups are priced similarly, though Verizon's mid-range and premium plans may be a hair's breath cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do more people use AT&T or Verizon?

As of early 2024, Verizon tops the U.S. mobile market with over 37% of wireless subscriptions, according to Statista. T-Mobile and AT&T aren’t far behind, but Verizon leads overall usage.

Is Verizon or AT&T better?

Both AT&T and Verizon offer great 4G LTE coverage across the country, but each offers other benefits. Verizon shines in rural and remote areas with solid coverage, while AT&T has broader 5G access in more areas.

How can I make my AT&T plan cheaper?

When an AT&T account holder enrolls in AutoPay, each line may get an up to $15 discount each month on some monthly Unlimited Plans. However, AutoPay discounts may vary depending on the plan.