Mobile technology has advanced beyond our imagination, increasing the usage of smartphones. These gadgets are now both critically essential personal items and crucial business tools. Most people replace their phones every two to three years, but have you thought about getting a new cellular plan?
Switching your wireless provider can help you reduce your monthly bill, but the task is not as simple. The most crucial requirement of a mobile carrier is its availability which is why most people choose the best options. AT&T and Verizon are the two largest and most prominent mobile carriers in the nation. This AT&T Wireless vs. Verizon Wireless comparison will save you from sifting through the confusing mess of different wireless carriers to find the right plan.
AT&T Wireless
As the oldest name in the telecommunication market, AT&T is the largest internet provider in the country, known for offering an assortment of broadband and other services. Based in Dallas, AT&T is also one of the largest mobile carriers in the country, delivering 4G and 5G services nationwide.
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- High Speed 5G Data
- Unlimited Wireless Plans
- Free ActiveArmor Mobile Security
- Unlimited Plans Start at $35/mo. per line
It offers affordable mobile plans with unlimited data with numerous perks. And while its 4G coverage is not on par with Verizon, it is slightly ahead with its 5G coverage. Besides this mobile service, the company has made its mark with one of the fastest fiber internet services.
Pros
- Better 5G coverage
- Cheaper than Verizon
- Occasional discounts
Cons
- Limited Access to WiFi Hotspots
Verizon Wireless
As one of the largest descendants of the original Bell System, Verizon Communications is another major player in the telecommunication market. Its subsidiary for delivering 4G and 5G services, Verizon Wireless, has the most subscribers in the country, making it the largest mobile carrier in America.
Verizon Wireless offers both prepaid and postpaid plans with excellent perks, and while its 5G coverage is the smallest among the other top carriers, its 4G coverage is incomparable. In addition to this wireless mobile service, the company also offers residential broadband access through its fiber-optic network.
Pros
- Excellent 4G coverage
- Remarkable perks
Cons
- Expensive plans
- Lower data caps
- Limited 5G coverage
Wireless Service – AT&T vs Verizon
| Features | AT&T Wireless | Verizon Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Plans | 3 | 4 |
| Multi-line Price (for 2 lines) | $60 – $75/mo. | $60 – $80/mo. |
| Single-line Price | $65 – $85/mo. | $70 – $90/mo. |
| Plan Types | Postpaid & Prepaid | Postpaid & Prepaid |
| Max Hotspot Data | 50 GB | 50 GB |
| 4G Coverage | Strong | Excellent |
| 5G Coverage | Decent | Thin |
| Promotions | Available | Available |
| Contact Provider | Call Now | Call Now |
The top American carriers are similar to one another in many ways. Both AT&T and Verizon have 4G and 5G networks, offering their customers a comparable selection of prepaid and unlimited plans with unique perks and tempting discounts.
Although AT&T’s 5G coverage is superior since it covers the extra ground, Verizon’s 4G coverage is unmatched because it reaches many rural locations. They also have different pricing models, with AT&T offering cheaper plans and more high-speed data in its premium package. On the other hand, Verizon provides faster data speeds. To further comprehend their differences, let’s compare AT&T Wireless vs. Verizon Wireless in more detail.
Mobile Plans – AT&T Wireless vs Verizon
Long-distance communication is made simple by AT&T and Verizon’s top-notch postpaid and prepaid plans. These plans ensure optimal connectivity by offering varying data allowances. Both Verizon and AT&T go above and beyond to fulfill the needs of their customers. For instance, each mobile carrier offers incredible perks like HD streaming and hotspot data.
These mobile carriers also facilitate your family members through discounted family plans. AT&T and Verizon both lower the price of their unlimited plans as you add extra lines. However, AT&T appears to be the best choice in terms of price structure.
Unlimited Plans
AT&T Wireless
AT&T unlimited plans are slightly cheaper than Verizon. The carrier offers three plans starting at $65 for one line, and just like any other mobile carrier, it gives you multi-line discounts that bring the cost down as you add additional lines. The plans include unlimited high-speed data and a range of 3 GB to 50 GB data threshold for mobile hotspots. The only issue with AT&T Wireless is that its first-tier unlimited plan is subject to deprioritization. However, AT&T gives you free 5G access with every unlimited plan.
| Features | AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan | AT&T Unlimited Extra Plan | AT&T Unlimited Premium Plan |
| Price for a single line | $65.00/line/mo. | $75.00/line/mo. | $85.00/line/mo. |
| Price for 2-line | $60.00/line/mo. | $65.00/line/mo. | $75.00/line/mo. |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Text from the U.S. to 200+ countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hotspot Data per line per month | 3 GB | 15 GB | 50 GB |
| AT&T ActiveArmor advanced mobile security | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Call 877-209-3574 Now! | |||
Verizon Wireless
The unlimited plans from Verizon provide you with more choices, but they also cost more than those from AT&T, beginning at $70 for one line. Verizon and AT&T are comparable in that their basic plans are both deprioritized. On the other hand, Verizon’s entry-level plan charges $10 for 5G access.
In addition to unlimited talk and text, All Verizon Unlimited Plans provide hotspot data allowances ranging from 5 GB to 50 GB and 50 GB of premium network access. They also offer numerous third-party perks, like a free subscription to Disney+. Hulu, ESPN+, and more. Here is a short summary of each Verizon Wireless plan.
| Features | 5G Start | 5G Do More | 5G Play More | 5G Get More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price for a single line | $70/line/mo. | $80/line/mo. | $80/line/mo. | $90/line/mo. |
| Price for 2-line | $60.00/line/mo. | $70.00/line/mo. | $70.00/line/mo. | $80.00/line/mo. |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Ultra-Wideband | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Network Access | Unlimited data | 50 GB premium network access, then unlimited data | 50 GB premium network access, then unlimited data | Unlimited premium network access |
| Hotspot Data per line per month | 5 GB | 25 GB | 25 GB | 50 GB |
Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans are your best option if you are looking to control your spending. You pay for these plans before using them, which prevents you from paying hefty penalties when you cross the allotted amount of data. You have the option to either reactivate or stop the service. Verizon and AT&T each have three prepaid plans. Let’s examine their differences.
AT&T Wireless
AT&T’s prepaid plans, starting at $30, are again cheaper than Verizon’s. These plans also offer unlimited talk and text to all networks within the country, 5G access, and mobile security. You can pick high-speed data with AT&T prepaid plans that range from 5 GB to 50 GB in size, depending on your consumption.
The first two AT&T plans use the given data for mobile hotspots, but with Prepaid Unlimited, AT&T offers you 5 GB of data. The carrier also allows you to send unlimited texts internationally. Here are all the crucial details about AT&T Wireless prepaid plans.
| Features | AT&T Prepaid5 GB | AT&T Prepaid16 GB 12-month | AT&T PrepaidUnlimited (with Autopay) |
| Price for a single line | $30.00/month | $25.00/month(if you prepay $300) | $50.00/month |
| Price for 2-line | $50.00/month | N/A | $90.00/month |
| Unlimited Talk, Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Text from the U.S. to over 230 Countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| High-Speed Data | 5 GB | 16 GB | Unlimited |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mobile Hotspot | Uses plan data allotment. | Uses plan data allotment. | 5 GB |
| AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Call 877-209-3574 Now! | |||
Verizon Wireless
Verizon’s prepaid plans are also more expensive, starting at as low as $45. But after one month of service, Verizon reduces the prices of its plans by $10. Like AT&T, you also get unlimited talk, text, international texting, and 5G access with Verizon prepaid plans. However, only Unlimited Plus gives you access to 5G Ultra-Wideband. Verizon Prepaid plans give you more premium and hotspot data allowance than AT&T.
| Features | 15 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Price | $45/mo. | $60/mo. | $70/mo. |
| After 1 month | $35/mo. | $50/mo. | $60/mo. |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| International Texting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Network Access | 15 GB data | Unlimited | 50 GB premium then unlimited |
| Mobile Hotspot | Share your wireless connection with other devices over WiFi | 5 GB of 5G/4G LTE data, then speeds are reduced to 600 Kbps | 25 GB premium data |
| 5G Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5G Ultra-Wideband | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ |
Family Plans
Getting your entire family under one plan can help you save a significant amount of money. As mentioned before, mobile carriers provide multi-line discounts and grouping your children, siblings, and other family members under one AT&T and Verizon family plan can help you save up to $30 to $35 a month.
Both AT&T and Verizon offer family plans that grow better as more lines are added. However, AT&T is a more appealing option due to its more affordable rates, waived activation costs, higher data caps, and robust 5G coverage.
| AT&T Wireless Family Plans | ||||
| AT&T Plans | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines |
| AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan | 65/mo. | 60/mo. | 45/mo. | 35/mo. |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra Plan | 75/mo. | 65/mo. | 50/mo. | 40/mo. |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium Plan | 85/mo. | 75/mo. | 60/mo. | 50/mo. |
| Call 877-209-3574 Now! | ||||
| Verizon Family Plans | ||||
| Verizon Plans | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines |
| 5G Start | 70/mo. | 60/mo. | 45/mo. | 35/mo. |
| 5G Do More | 80/mo. | 70/mo. | 55/mo. | 45/mo. |
| 5G Play More | 80/mo. | 70/mo. | 55/mo. | 45/mo. |
| 5G Get More | 90/mo. | 80/mo. | 65/mo. | 55/mo. |
Promotions on Mobile Phones – AT&T vs Verizon
AT&T and Verizon offer excellent perks and savings. Exclusive offers vs. third-party incentives are the main difference between the two carriers. While AT&T relies more on its bundles and is famous for its ActiveArmor security, Verizon focuses heavily on providing limited free subscriptions to streaming services. The carriers also offer special discounts on their services to corporate employees, veterans, students, and more. Let’s take a look at AT&T first.
AT&T Wireless Discounts & Promotions
- AT&T provides up to a $1000 discount on the latest cell phones with an eligible trade-in and select unlimited plans.
- AT&T Wireless waives your activation fee when you bring your own device, giving you up to $250 in bill credits.
- You can buy the old Samsung Galaxy and iPhone models with an installment offer of up to $5 or less per month with select unlimited plans.
- AT&T wireless unlimited family plans can start as low as $35 when you add four lines.
- AT&T’s prepaid plans provide a $10 discount to students.
- The carrier also provides a discount to its senior citizens, allowing them to save up to $20 per line each month.
- Subscribing to Auto Pay allows customers to save $5 on their monthly bills.
- AT&T keeps your mobile security with its Active Armor security suite that automatically detects and blocks fraud calls
- You can get up to 50% off on a smartwatch or a tablet
Verizon Wireless Discounts & Promotions
You are eligible for the following discounts with Verizon’s wireless service.
- Verizon wireless family plans can help you save up to $25
- Verizon offers exclusive discounts to teachers, students, nurses, and first responders, allowing them to save up to $25 on unlimited plans if they are eligible
- Verizon has a much vast range of discounts on Apple, Samsung, and Google mobile phones than AT&T. Some of the deals include:
- As of now, Verizon is offering free iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on select unlimited plans. The offer will end on December 5th
- You can get iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Beyond for free with select 5G unlimited plans with eligible trade-in.
- Free or time-limited subscription to streaming and music services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Apple Music depending on the unlimited plan
- You can get up to 50% off a watch, tablet, hotspot, or Hum plan.
Wider Coverage Area – AT&T Wireless or Verizon?
Although AT&T and Verizon are the top two mobile carriers, the latter is unmatchable in terms of 4G coverage. It is the largest mobile carrier, covering 70% of the country and reaching even the rural and remote areas.
However, AT&T is not far behind. AT&T Wireless is the second-largest mobile carrier, as its 4G network covers 68% of the country. On the other hand, AT&T’s 5G coverage is better as it covers 18% of the nation versus Verizon’s 12%. Overall, AT&T supersedes Verizon thanks to a superior 5G and around par 4G coverage.
Better Customer Service – AT&T Wireless or Verizon?
Low customer satisfaction has always been a norm in the telecommunication industry. It is common to find internet and wireless mobile carriers at the bottom of customer satisfaction surveys and rarely do you find providers with decent reviews. However, AT&T and Verizon are among the few carriers recognized for their superior customer service since significant customer services reviewers like ACSI and J.D. Power consistently rank them in their top three.
AT&T has been recognized as the best service provider by J.D. Power for meeting the needs of its business clients. Standing at the top with a score of 730 on a 1000-point scale, it has been the undisputed winner of the J.D. Power’s Customer Satisfaction Award.
Final Verdict – Is AT&T Wireless Better than Verizon?
AT&T and Verizon are well-known mobile carriers, dominating the wireless market and providing excellent phone plans with high-speed data and attractive perks. As discussed in this AT&T Wireless vs. Verizon Wireless comparison, both carriers are parallel in many aspects, but in terms of 5G coverage and affordability, AT&T has a slight edge over Verizon. But ultimately, your choice depends on your requirements and what is available in your area. We hope this comparative analysis helped you evaluate the top two American mobile carriers.
