Why pay more for an MNO’s service when you can access a reliable mobile plan for half the price? Spectrum Mobile and Verizon are both reliable wireless cell phone service providers. But where Verizon is one of the largest mobile network operators (MNO) in the USA, Spectrum is a relatively new name in the market. The most fascinating thing is that they both have the same coverage since Verizon is Spectrum’s host network.
However, the main difference between the two is their availability. While anyone can subscribe to Verizon’s mobile plans, Spectrum Mobile is only available to Spectrum Internet customers. Moreover, you get a variety of data options with Verizon. But Spectrum Mobile’s prices are much better. Let’s explore their other differences!
- Spectrum Mobile
- Verizon Mobile
- Key Difference – Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
- Plans & Pricing Details: Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
- Perks – Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
- Wider Coverage Area – Spectrum Mobile or Verizon?
- Better Customer Service – Spectrum Mobile or Verizon?
- Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon Mobile – Winner: Spectrum
Spectrum Mobile
Spectrum’s mobile service might be new in the market, but it has already made a significant impact, at least for its internet customers. Instead of setting up its towers, the carrier relies on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks to provide affordable mobile plans.
Spectrum Mobile eliminates all the exciting perks to offer two cost-effective unlimited and one flexible fixed data plan. This service is suitable for all types of mobile data users, allowing you to test and upgrade your plans based on your requirements. Spectrum Mobile’s plans are straightforward, with no additional taxes, hidden fees, or contracts.
Verizon Mobile
As one of the primary MNOs, Verizon Wireless holds a distinctive position in the cellular market. It has one of the best 4G LTE and 5G coverage in the US. While the carrier offers a variety of options, from data to prepaid, it is famous for its powerful unlimited plans.
These plans provide unlimited premium data, unprecedented speeds, and a significant hotspot data allowance. Unlike Spectrum Mobile, Verizon pairs its plans with additional perks to attract more customers. However, this also makes it more expensive than Spectrum Mobile.
Key Difference – Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
| Main Features | Spectrum Mobile | Verizon Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Plans | 2 | 3 |
| Fixed Plans | 1 | 3 |
| Price Range for a single line | $19.99 – $39.99/line per mo. | $35.00 – $90.00/line per mo. |
| Multi-line discounts on unlimited plans | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Hotspot | Uses the allocated data | 5 GB – 60 GB |
| High-Speed Mobile Data | 5 GB – 50 GB | 15 GB – Unlimited |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| 4G LTE | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | Yes | Yes |
| International Texting Abroad | Over 200 countries | Over 210 countries |
| Contract | None | None |
| Streaming Quality | Up to 720p | Up to 1080p |
| Additional Perks | No | Yes |
Plans & Pricing Details: Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
Spectrum Mobile takes a simple approach. It offers one fixed and two unlimited data plans at reasonable prices. The carrier charges just $29.99 for a single line of its basic unlimited data plan and $10 more for its Unlimited Plus plan. Meanwhile, Spectrum Mobile’s fixed data plan offers 1 GB of data for just $19.99 per month. However, it allows you to use up to 5 GB of data in a month for an additional $5/GB after the first GB.
In contrast, Verizon Mobile offers three unlimited and three fixed data plans. Like other major MNOs, Verizon charges a higher price to maintain its infrastructure. Unlike Spectrum Mobile, Verizon’s unlimited plans, starting at $65 for a single line, are truly unlimited. On the other hand, its fixed data plans are slightly more affordable, but they offer limited premium and hotspot data.
Spectrum Mobile Plans
| Features | By the Gig | Unlimited | Unlimited Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Price (single line) | $19.99/mo. for first GB | $29.99/mo. per line | $39.99/mo. per line |
| Taxes & Fees | Included | Included | Included |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access (with eligible device) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard Mobile Data | 1 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Mobile Data | 5 GB/line(After which speeds are reduced to 256 Kbps) | 30 GB(After which speeds are reduced to 1 Mbps download & 512 Kbps upload) | 50 GB(After which speeds are reduced to 1 Mbps download & 512 Kbps upload) |
| Mobile Hotspot | Uses allocated data(Speeds are reduced to 256 Kbps after 5 GB) | Uses allocated data(Speeds are reduced to 256 Kbps after 5 GB) | Uses allocated data(Speeds are reduced to 600 Kbps after 10 GB) |
| WiFi Calling | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Streaming Quality | 480p | 480p | 720p |
| WiFi Hotspots access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free International Calls | Mexico & Canada (2,000 mins/mo.) | Mexico & Canada(2,000 mins/mo.) | Mexico & Canada(2,000 mins/mo.) |
| Free International Roaming | ╳ | ╳ | ✔(Mexico & Canada) |
**Only available to Spectrum Internet customers.
Verizon Mobile Plans
Verizon Mobile Unlimited Plans (myPlan)
| Features | Unlimited Welcome | Unlimited Plus | Unlimited Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Price(single line) | $65.00/mo. per line | $80.00/mo. per line | $90.00/mo. per line |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access (with eligible device) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard Mobile Data | 5G | 5G Ultra Wideband | 5G Ultra Wideband |
| Premium Data | ╳ | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Mobile Hotspot | ╳ | 30 GB(Speeds are reduced to 3 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps on 5G/4G LTE network) | 60 GB(Speeds are reduced to 3 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps on 5G/4G LTE network) |
| Streaming Quality | 480p HD | 720p HD | 1080p HD |
| International Talk & Text from the US | Free(Mexico & Canada) | Free(Mexico & Canada) | Free(Mexico, Canada & one country of your choice) |
**With a $10 AutoPay & Paperless billing discount.
Verizon Mobile Prepaid Plans
| Features | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Price (single line) | $35.00/mo. per line($45.00/line in 1st month) | $50.00/mo. per line($60.00/line in 1st month) | $60.00/mo. per line($70.00/line in 1st month) |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access (with eligible device) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4G LTE | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Premium Data | – | – | 50 GB |
| Mobile Hotspot | Uses allocated data | 5 GB(After which speeds are reduced to 600 Kbps) | 25 GB(After which speeds are reduced to 3 Mbps on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps on 5G/4G LTE network) |
| Streaming Quality | 480p | 480p | 480p |
| International Talk & Text from the US | Free(Mexico & Canada) | Free(Mexico & Canada) | Free(Mexico, Canada ) |
**A $10 AutoPay & Paperless billing discount is applied after 1st month.
Perks – Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon
Both mobile carriers offer top-notch plans, but only one is known for its extra perks. Verizon Mobile’s extensive 4G LTE and reliable 5G networks let you make calls, text, and surf the web more conveniently. The carrier offers generous hotspot premium data and incredible speeds. Besides these main features, Verizon Mobile offers incredible streaming bundles and exclusive deals. It makes its mobile plans more attractive by including additional benefits like exclusive discounts on 5G home internet, the latest devices, and connected car plans, like Hum.
Spectrum Mobile, on the other hand, focuses more on providing an affordable service to its customers. The carrier eliminates all the hidden charges and provides contract-free mobile plans with generous high-speed data allowance. Moreover, it offers free device upgrades to its Unlimited Plus customers, allowing them to switch to a better smartphone anytime and as frequently as they want.
Wider Coverage Area – Spectrum Mobile or Verizon?
Spectrum Mobile and Verizon have similar 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Verizon’s availability map highlights its nationwide coverage, covering over 70% of the area and 99% of the US population. On the other hand, its 5G network is currently available in 2,700 cities. The best part is that Verizon is continuously expanding its 5G coverage.
Since Spectrum Mobile relies on Verizon’s network to provide service to its customers, it also has nationwide coverage. However, it is not as widely accessible. Only Spectrum’s internet customers can subscribe to this service. Hence, you can only use this service within Spectrum’s coverage area. Check out Spectrum’s availability to see where you can access its mobile service.
Better Customer Service – Spectrum Mobile or Verizon?
Smart service providers focus on improving customer service to grow their subscriber base. Although Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO, its customer service is better than its host network. Spectrum Mobile has claimed the top spot among other MVNOs in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report.
ACSI has given Spectrum Mobile a score of 79/100 based on its network coverage, quality and reliability of mobile app, website satisfaction, call quality, responsive staff, and more. In contrast, Verizon is ranked last in ACSI’s Mobile Network Operators category with 74/100 points. While its score has improved from last year, it is still two points below the industry average.
| Wireless Phone Service | Verizon | Spectrum Mobile | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 74 | 79 | 76 |
| 2023 | 73 | 75 | 74 |
Spectrum Mobile vs Verizon Mobile – Winner: Spectrum
Spectrum Mobile is a better option than Verizon for eligible customers. Although Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO, it has the upper hand on Verizon due to its excellent customer service and affordable mobile plans. The carrier offers generous high-speed data and unlimited talk and text with no contracts or hidden charges. Its cellular plans satisfy every type of customer, including casual and heavy data users. The only downside is that this mobile service is exclusively available to Spectrum Internet customers.
