Att Wireless vs Verizon Wireless: Which Is Best for You?
Choosing a new cell phone plan can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The competition between major carriers is fierce, each vying for your attention and your business. Two of the biggest names in the industry, AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless, consistently top the charts.
Both AT&T and Verizon offer extensive coverage across the United States, but their strengths and weaknesses differ. Understanding the nuances of their plans, pricing, and features is crucial to making an informed decision. This comparison will dive deep into what makes each provider unique.
We’ll explore network performance, plan options, and customer satisfaction to help you determine which carrier best suits your needs. Whether you prioritize blazing-fast speeds, affordable pricing, or excellent customer service, we’ll provide the insights you need to choose between AT&T and Verizon.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | att | verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Varies | Varies |
| 5G Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Data Plans | Unlimited & Shared | Unlimited & Shared |
| Hotspot Data | Included | Included |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | Varies | Varies |
| Device Selection | Wide Range | Wide Range |
| Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) | Yes | Yes |
| Family Plans | Available | Available |
| Data Throttling | May Occur | May Occur |
| Streaming Services Bundles | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Network Speed | Varies | Varies |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Network Coverage
- Att Wireless: AT&T boasts extensive 4G LTE coverage across the United States, and is rapidly expanding its 5G network. However, some rural areas may have weaker signal strength compared to Verizon. Coverage is generally reliable in urban and suburban areas.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon is known for its consistently strong network coverage, especially in rural areas. Their 5G network is also growing, and they generally offer the most reliable coverage nationwide. However, Verizon can be more expensive.
- Winner: Verizon
Pricing & Plans
- Att Wireless: AT&T offers a variety of plans, including unlimited data options, family plans, and prepaid options. Their pricing can be competitive, especially when bundled with other AT&T services. Promotions and discounts are frequently available.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon’s plans are often positioned at the premium end, with more expensive unlimited data options. They also offer family plans and prepaid options. Prices can be higher, but often include extra perks or features.
- Winner: AT&T
Data Speeds
- Att Wireless: AT&T’s data speeds are generally good, with competitive 5G performance in areas with 5G coverage. Speed can vary depending on location and network congestion.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon typically offers very fast data speeds, especially on their 5G Ultra Wideband network. This network offers the highest speeds, but is available only in select areas. Even on LTE, speeds are often impressive.
- Winner: Verizon
Customer Service
- Att Wireless: Customer service can vary depending on the location and the specific representative. Some customers report positive experiences, while others cite long wait times or difficulty resolving issues.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon’s customer service receives mixed reviews. Some customers praise the helpfulness and efficiency, while others have reported issues with billing or technical support.
- Winner: Tie
International Features
- Att Wireless: AT&T offers international roaming options, including data and calling packages, as well as the ability to use your existing plan in certain countries.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon provides international roaming, with various plans and options for data and calling while traveling. They often include global calling and texting.
- Winner: Tie
Device Selection
- Att Wireless: AT&T offers a wide selection of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, including the latest models from major manufacturers. They also provide financing options.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon has a vast selection of devices, including the newest phones and other connected devices. They offer a variety of financing and trade-in programs.
- Winner: Tie
Bundling Options
- Att Wireless: AT&T allows bundling of wireless plans with other services, such as home internet and TV, to provide potential discounts and convenience.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon offers bundling opportunities with home internet and TV services, creating potential savings and a simplified billing process.
- Winner: Tie
Hidden Fees & Charges
- Att Wireless: AT&T has been known to have additional fees. It is important to review the fine print to understand all potential costs.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon sometimes includes extra fees. It is vital to check the details of your plan to avoid unexpected charges.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Network Coverage (Overall) | Varies |
| 5G Availability | Tie |
| Data Plan Options | Tie |
| Customer Service | Varies |
| Pricing | Varies |
| International Roaming | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Unlimited Data Options: Both AT&T and Verizon offer various unlimited data plans, catering to users with high data consumption needs. These plans often include features like HD streaming and mobile hotspot data.
- 5g Network Access: Both providers have invested heavily in 5G infrastructure, offering access to their 5G networks in many areas, providing faster speeds and improved performance compared to 4G LTE.
- Wide Device Selection: Customers can choose from a broad range of smartphones, tablets, and other devices from both AT&T and Verizon. Both companies offer the latest models from popular brands.
- Family Plan Options: Both carriers provide family plans, allowing multiple lines to be added to a single account, often resulting in cost savings compared to individual plans. These plans usually include shared data and other benefits.
- Bring Your Own Device (byod) Support: Both AT&T and Verizon allow customers to bring their own unlocked devices to their networks, offering flexibility and potentially saving money by avoiding device purchase costs.
Att Wireless Vs Verizon Wireless Buying Guide
Coverage Area
Both AT&T and Verizon offer extensive nationwide coverage, but there are subtle differences. Verizon generally boasts a slightly wider and more reliable 4G LTE network, particularly in rural areas. AT&T, however, has made significant strides in expanding its 5G network, offering faster speeds in areas where it’s available. The best choice depends on your location and where you spend most of your time. Consider checking coverage maps for both providers in your specific areas to determine which offers the strongest signal strength and most consistent service for your needs.
Pricing and Plans
The pricing structures of AT&T and Verizon are often competitive, but the specifics vary. Both offer a range of plans, including unlimited data options, tiered data plans, and prepaid options. AT&T frequently provides bundle discounts when you combine wireless service with other services, such as home internet or TV. Verizon sometimes has promotions that offer significant savings on devices or monthly bills. Comparing the total cost, including taxes and fees, is crucial to finding the most affordable plan for your data usage and budget. Always check for hidden fees.
Data Speeds and Performance
When it comes to speed, both providers offer excellent performance, especially in 5G areas. Verizon has a reputation for fast download speeds, and its 5G Ultra Wideband network provides exceptional performance in select locations. AT&T is rapidly expanding its 5G network, and it often provides competitive speeds. Testing the speeds in your area is the best way to determine which network offers the best performance for you. Consider factors like latency and consistency, in addition to raw download and upload speeds, for a complete picture of performance.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service experiences can vary significantly. Both AT&T and Verizon offer customer support through various channels, including phone, online chat, and in-store assistance. Reviews of customer service are mixed for both providers, with some customers reporting positive experiences and others expressing frustration. Before committing to a plan, research customer service reviews and consider factors such as response times, helpfulness of representatives, and ease of resolving issues. Good customer service is essential for a positive overall experience.
Device Selection
Both AT&T and Verizon offer a wide selection of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. You can purchase devices directly from the carriers, bring your own device (BYOD), or purchase unlocked phones from other retailers. The choice of devices available often overlaps between the two carriers, including the latest flagship smartphones from popular manufacturers. However, there might be exclusive deals or promotions on specific devices. Consider which devices you are interested in and compare the prices and available options from each provider before making your decision.
Extra Perks and Features
Both AT&T and Verizon offer extra perks and features to entice customers. Verizon often includes perks like streaming subscriptions (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) with its unlimited plans. AT&T might offer perks such as free access to premium entertainment content, exclusive discounts, or international calling options. Consider the features that are important to you. Evaluate the value of these perks relative to the overall cost of the plan. This can significantly impact the value of your monthly plan.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy att wireless If…
- You prioritize potential cost savings through bundled deals or promotions.
- You travel internationally frequently and require reliable international roaming options.
- You live in an area where AT&T’s network coverage is strong and reliable.
- You prefer bundling your wireless service with other AT&T services like TV or internet.
Buy verizon wireless If…
- You prioritize overall network reliability and consistently fast data speeds, especially in congested areas.
- You value Verizon’s reputation for strong customer service.
- You live in an area where Verizon has a particularly strong 5G or 4G LTE network.
- You are willing to pay a premium for potentially superior network performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between AT&T and Verizon?
The primary difference often lies in coverage and network performance. Verizon is known for its extensive 4G LTE coverage, particularly in rural areas. AT&T is rapidly expanding its 5G network, offering potentially faster speeds in 5G areas. Pricing, plan options, and customer service experiences can also vary between the two carriers. Consider where you live and travel most.
Which carrier has better coverage?
Verizon generally has a slightly broader 4G LTE coverage area. However, the best coverage depends on your location. AT&T is investing heavily in 5G, and its 5G coverage is expanding. Check coverage maps for both providers in your specific areas. You can also ask friends and family which carrier they use and how their service is.
Which carrier offers cheaper plans?
Pricing varies based on promotions, plan types, and data allowances. Both AT&T and Verizon offer competitive pricing. It’s essential to compare plans for your specific data needs. Consider taxes, fees, and any included perks. Check for bundle discounts if you also need home internet or TV service. Evaluate the total monthly cost.
Which carrier has the fastest data speeds?
Both providers offer fast data speeds. Verizon is often praised for its high 4G LTE speeds. AT&T’s 5G network is rapidly improving. Speeds vary based on location and network congestion. Test speeds in your area or compare performance reviews. Evaluate factors like latency and consistency.
What about customer service?
Customer service experiences vary. Both AT&T and Verizon offer support through phone, online chat, and in-store. Reviews are mixed. Consider researching customer service reviews. Consider response times, helpfulness, and resolution rates. Good customer service is crucial for a smooth experience, so this is important to research.
Can I bring my own device (BYOD)?
Yes, both AT&T and Verizon generally allow you to bring your own compatible device. Ensure the device is unlocked and compatible with their network technologies. Check the carrier’s website for a list of compatible devices. This can be a great way to save money and keep the device you already have.
Which carrier is better for international travel?
Both carriers offer international roaming options. However, the specific rates and included features vary. AT&T might offer more competitive international calling plans, while Verizon sometimes has better roaming agreements. Compare international rates and data allowances for your destinations. Consider your travel habits when selecting a plan.
Final Verdict
Both AT&T and Verizon are excellent wireless providers, each with its strengths. Verizon tends to have slightly better overall 4G LTE coverage, while AT&T is aggressively expanding its 5G network. The best choice depends on your location, usage habits, and priorities regarding price and perks. Consider factors like coverage, data speeds, customer service, and plan features.
Winner: Verizon Wireless