In the last decade, Verizon’s rise to the top ended the long-standing tussle between the Big Three. Verizon expanded its fixed wireless coverage across the country to increase its subscription total to 143 million customers. But at the moment, Verizon Wireless service is only available in 70 percent of the country. Check out these top 5 alternatives to Verizon Wireless to get uninterrupted cellular coverage in your area
Best Alternative to Verizon Wireless: Spectrum Mobile™
In 2018, Spectrum launched its cellular phone service for its Internet customers across 41 states of the USA. Spectrum forged a partnership with Verizon to offer mobile phone plans to its customers on Verizon’s fixed wireless (4G and 5G) network. In this regard, Spectrum became a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) for Verizon. Spectrum purchases quoted bandwidths from Verizon Wireless and sell them to its customers. Such kind of a partnership gives Spectrum Mobile™ the flexibility to curate its mobile plans by deciding the prices, data caps, and network speeds for each plan.
Spectrum Mobile™ plans are only available for existing Spectrum Internet® customers. At the moment, Spectrum is offering only one limited and one unlimited mobile phone plan on its network.
Spectrum Mobile™ By The Gig Plan
Spectrum Mobile’s™ By The Gig plan is one of the cheapest alternatives to Verizon Wireless plans. The prepaid plan costs just $14 per month and you get 1 GB of mobile data with unlimited calls and texts to any network, nationwide. It is important to understand that the By The Gig plan does not come with hard data caps. So, if you exceed your 1 GB limit in the same monthly cycle, another 1 GB is automatically added to your line for an additional $14. Hence the term, “pay by the gig”. Now, you might be thinking that 1 GB is hardly enough data for all your online activities. But in a 1 GB data allowance, you can listen to 16.5 hours of audio (messages, songs, podcasts, etc.), enjoy 10 hours of online gaming or browsing, and smoothly watch a half hour of HD quality video.
The Spectrum Mobile™ By The Gig plan is perfect for those who mostly rely on WiFi connections and use mobile data for basic browsing while on the go.
BY THE GIG
$14/GB
per month
- Share data up to 10 lines
- Pay for the data you use
- Switch to Unlimited anytime for more data
** Spectrum Mobile™ By The Gig plan users can only add up to 5 GB of data on their lines in a given month. After you exceed 5 GB of data usage, your speeds will be reduced until the next billing cycle.
Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Plan
For non-stop connectivity, go unlimited! Spectrum Mobile’s Unlimited plan is the best alternative to Verizon Wireless. Firstly, for a price of just $29.99/line per month, you get unlimited data, calls, and texts. And secondly, imagine surfing or streaming at ultrafast 5G speeds throughout the country. You don’t have to sign any contracts or pay for porting your number to the Spectrum network. The plan can be purchased as long as you are connected to Spectrum’s internet service. And guess what, all new Spectrum Internet customers can get the Unlimited plan for free for the first 12 months through the Spectrum One bundle deal.
** Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Plan customers will experience speed throttling on the 5G network after exceeding the 25 GB data limit in a single billing cycle.
Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Plus Plan
Experience HD streaming like never before! The Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Plus Plan is tailored for gamers and movie buffs who don’t mind the screen size as long as they get their ‘adrenaline dose’. For a price of just $55 per month, Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Plus plan customers get 30 GB of high-speed, priority data with unlimited calling and texting throughout the country. The plan includes international calling and a 5 GB hotspot data allowance because sharing is caring.
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Plus
$55/month
Unlimited Data
Unlimited Minutes
Unlimited Texts
- Verizon Coverage
- 5G access
- 30 GB priority data, then deprioritized
- Full Speed data
- 5G hotspot data
- Hotspot included
- 480 video Streaming
- VoLTE
- WI-FI Calling
- Visual Voicemail
- Domestic roaming
- International Calling included
- International data roaming add-on available
** Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited Plus plan users will experience speed throttling after exceeding 30 GB of the soft data cap.
Most Widely Available Alternative to Verizon Wireless: AT&T Wireless
AT&T is the second biggest mobile phone carrier in the USA after Verizon. With more than 44.8 percent market share, AT&T’s 5G LTE network is available in 68 percent of the country. In that regard, AT&T can rightly be called the most widely available alternative to Verizon Wireless.
AT&T Mobility, also known as AT&T Wireless was founded in 2000 to offer cellular network coverage throughout the country at the lowest rates possible. Currently, AT&T Wireless plans are offered as prepaid and postpaid services to more than 102 million subscribers. The AT&T Wireless plans start at $25 per month and include unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico. AT&T is the only phone carrier in the USA that allows unlimited texting to more than 230 countries at standard rates.
AT&T Prepaid Phone Plans
The AT&T Wireless prepaid phone plans come with ActiveArmor device and network security software. AT&T is the only alternative to Verizon Wireless that allows you to carry forward your unused mobile data into the next billing cycle. It must be noted that AT&T’s 5G network is not available in all parts of the country and therefore, some users might have to bear with comparatively slower 4G speeds. Also, you must have a device that is compatible with AT&T’s 5G network to receive high-frequency C-band coverage.
By selecting AT&T Mobility as an alternative to Verizon Wireless, you can share data through mobile hotspots at 5G speeds.
| AT&T Wireless Prepaid Plans | ||||
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data | Talk & Text | Call AT&t |
| AT&T 16 GB | $25.00/mo |
|
Unlimited | 877-209-3574 |
| AT&T Prepaid | $30.00/mo |
|
Unlimited | 877-209-3574 |
| AT&T 8 GB | $33.00/mo |
|
Unlimited | 877-209-3574 |
| AT&T 15 GB | $40.00/mo |
|
Unlimited | 877-209-3574 |
| AT&T Unlimited | $50.00/mo |
|
Unlimited | 877-209-3574 |
AT&T Postpaid Phone Plans
The AT&T postpaid plans are available for fixed as well as unlimited 5G data. All the AT&T postpaid plans include ActiveArmor mobile security and unlimited calls and texts in the USA and to Canada and Mexico. The cheapest AT&T postpaid plan costs $50 per month and offers up to 4 GB of high-speed data.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data | Call AT&T |
| Unlimited Starter | $65.00/mo |
|
877-209-3574 |
| Unlimited Extra | $75.00/mo |
|
877-209-3574 |
| Unlimited Premium | $85.00/mo |
|
877-209-3574 |
| Value Plus Plan | $50.00/mo |
|
877-209-3574 |
| 4 GB Plan | $50.00/mo |
|
877-209-3574 |
Fastest Alternative to Verizon Wireless: T-Mobile
T-Mobile USA is a subsidiary of German telecommunications giant, Deutsche Telekom. The company was founded in 2001 on the premise of distributing cellular voice and data services across the United States. In 22 years, T-Mobile has become one of the three leading telecommunications companies in the country following closely behind Verizon and AT&T.
Currently, more than 110 million subscribers are using T-Mobile’s robust, nationwide network, which is available in all 50 states. T-Mobile is the only phone carrier in the country that offers nationwide 5G data service.
In the first quarter of 2022, Ookla conducted various speed tests in different parts of the country, which revealed that T-Mobile’s 5G cellular network is the fastest of the Big Three (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile). The median download speed of T-Mobile 5G is 117.83 Mbps, whereas the download speeds for Verizon and AT&T 5G networks are 62.62 Mbps and 56.10 Mbps respectively. Therefore, T-Mobile is the fastest alternative to Verizon Wireless.
All the other MVNOs for T-Mobile, such as Google Fi, Altice, EarthLink, and Ultra Mobile are also promising similar, superfast download speeds on T-Mobile’s 5G network.
T-mobile offers a range of affordable prepaid and postpaid plans to its customers, starting at $10.00 per month.
T-Mobile Connect: Low-Cost, Prepaid Plans
T-Mobile Connect plans are one of the most affordable alternatives to Verizon Wireless plans. Starting at just $10 per month, these basic Connect plans include up to 12 GB of mobile data with unlimited talk time and texts to any network nationwide.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data |
|---|---|---|
| Connect- 1 | $10.00/mo | 1 GB of mobile data Video streaming in SD quality |
| Connect- 2 | $15.00/mo | 3 GB of mobile data Video streaming in SD quality |
| Connect -3 | $25.00/mo | 6 GB of mobile data Video streaming in SD quality |
| Connect- 4 | $35.00/mo | 12 GB of mobile data Video streaming in SD quality |
T-Mobile Unlimited, Post-paid Phone Plans
The three most popular mobile phone plans on the T-Mobile network are its Unlimited postpaid plans for high volume internet users. The entry-level plan costs $60 per month and subscribers can enjoy up to 50 GB of superfast 5G data. T-Mobile’s premium postpaid plan, called the Magenta Max, includes free access to Netflix and up to 40 GB of hotspot data sharing. You can add up to 5 lines on each plan and benefit from unlimited data sharing and monthly discounts.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data | Calls and Texts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $60.00/mo | 50 GB premium data Unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds | Unlimited, nationwide |
| Magenta | $70.00/mo | 100 GB premium data 5GB high-speed hotspot data | Unlimited, nationwide |
| Magenta Max | $85.00/mo | Unlimited premium data 40 GB high-speed hotspot data | Unlimited, nationwide |
T-Mobile users can save up to $25 per month, per line when they add 5 lines on their Unlimited, postpaid plans.
T-Mobile Prepaid Phone Plans
While T-Mobile Connect is a basic and low-cost option for prepaid users, the Unlimited Prepaid plans are designed to provide more data with greater benefits. T-Mobile users can choose between three different prepaid plans based on their 5G data usage. All the T-Mobile prepaid phone plans include unlimited calls and texts within the USA.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data | Calls and Texts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | $40.00/mo | 10 GB mobile data 10 GB hotspot | Unlimited, nationwide |
| Unlimited | $50.00/mo | Unlimited data Unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds | Unlimited, nationwide |
| Unlimited Plus | $60.00/mo | Unlimited data 10 GB high-speed hotspot Unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds | Unlimited, nationwide |
T-Mobile Prepaid Plans for 5G Device Data
T-Mobile gives its customers the convenience of paying for dedicated 5G service on their chosen devices. The service is compatible with the latest models of cell phones, tablets, and hotspot devices. You can select your 5G data allowance for the month and pay for the service as you go. Customers can purchase instant 1 GB of 5G data for $5 per month at any of their nearest T-Mobile stores.
| Plans | Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Device Data- 1 | $10.00/mo | 2 GB of 5G data |
| 5G Device Data- 2 | $20.00/mo | 5 GB of 5G data |
| 5G Device Data- 3 | $30.00/mo | 10 GB of 5G data |
| 5G Device Data- 4 | $40.00/mo | 30 GB of 5G data |
| 5G Device Data- 4 | $50.00/mo | 50 GB of 5G data |
Cheapest Alternative to Verizon Wireless: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile delivers 4G and 5G coverage on Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s fixed wireless networks depending on the availability. Being an MVNO Mint Mobile has the advantage of offering its 5G cellphone service at rates cheaper than that of its mobile network operators (MNO- in this case, Verizon and T-Mobile). Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans start at $15 per month and include high-speed 4 GB of mobile data with unlimited talk and text. Therefore, Mint Mobile is the cheapest alternative to Verizon Wireless, offering maximum data allowance on its entry-level plan.
Mint Mobile Prepaid Plans
Mint Mobile is offering promo rates** on all its monthly prepaid plans. All new Mint Mobile customers can enjoy the next 3 months of free service when they pay upfront for the first 3 months. So, if you pay $45 in advance for your Mint- 4GB plan, you get 6 months of service instead of 3.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data | Calls and Texts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint- 4 GB | $15.00/mo | 4 GB of mobile data | Unlimited talk and text |
| Mint- 10 GB | $20.00/mo | 10 GB of mobile data | Unlimited talk and text |
| Mint- 15 GB | $25.00/mo | 15 GB of mobile data | Unlimited talk and text |
| Mint- Unlimited | $30.00/mo | Unlimited mobile data | Unlimited talk and text |
Mint Mobile Family Plans
You can add up to 5 lines on all your Mint Mobile prepaid plans. The greatest benefit of a Mint Mobile Family Plan is that it allows free calls and texts between family members and you can avail of significant savings through 3 months of advance payments. So, buy 3 months of the Mint Mobile Family package to get 3 months free.
| Plans | Price for 5 Lines | Mobile Data |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Family- 1 | $75.00/mo | 4 GB of mobile data |
| Mint Family- 2 | $100.00/mo | 10 GB of mobile data |
| Mint Family- 3 | $125.00/mo | 15 GB of mobile data |
| Mint Family- 4 | $150.00/mo | Unlimited mobile data |
Best Rural Alternative to Verizon Wireless: Cricket Wireless
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless service provider. The company is owned by AT&T and therefore, uses the AT&T LTE network to provide cellular service to its customers. Cricket Wireless is known to be the best alternative to Verizon Wireless in rural areas of the country. The only downside of AT&T’s MVNO is that data speeds may be deprioritized for Cricket Wireless customers in crowded areas and during network congestion. Still, with costs as low as $30 per month and 4G/ 5G speeds available in most of the countryside, Cricket Wireless has made it to our list of top 5 alternatives to Verizon Wireless.
Cricket Wireless Prepaid Phone Plans
The Cricket Wireless prepaid-only phone plans come with both, fixed and unlimited data caps. All the plans include unlimited, countrywide calling and texting.
| Plans | Price | Mobile Data |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket 5 GB | $30.00/mo | 5 GB of mobile data |
| Cricket 10 GB | $40.00/mo | 10 GB of mobile data |
| Cricket Core | $55.00/mo | Unlimited mobile data |
| Cricket More | $60.00/mo | Unlimited mobile data at 5G speeds 15 GB of mobile hotspot |
Cricket Wireless Family Plans
You can add 5 lines to your Cricket Wireless Family plans and enjoy savings of up to $70 per month. For example, if you add a second line to your Cricket More plan, you will get a $5 discount and each user will pay $55 per month. You can get an additional $5 discount each month by enrolling for the AutoPay payment method. Adding a third line on the same plan will result in a $10 discount, dropping the cost to $50 per month, per user. Having 5 lines on the same plan will result in each user paying just $46 per month for the unlimited wireless service. When you switch to Cricket Wireless Family plans, you undoubtedly get more for less.
Conclusion
Verizon is the largest wireless carrier in the USA in terms of its network coverage. More than 70 percent of the country has access to Verizon’s fixed wireless network and in 27 states, Verizon is the undefeated leader with 90 percent cellular coverage. With such widespread accessibility, it is rare for American handphone users to look for alternatives to Verizon Wireless.
However, if you do happen to be one of those, then rest assured that you have found your spare in the likes of Spectrum Mobile™, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Cricket Wireless. These five best alternatives to Verizon Wireless ensure high-speed and reliable connectivity, unlimited talk time, and texting at the lowest possible rates. Running solely on Verizon’s nationwide 5G network, Spectrum Mobile™ is the best overall alternative for Verizon Wireless.
FAQs
