Verizon vs AT&T Complete Comparative Review To Help You Choose

Updated on August 14, 2022

Changing cell phone plan is all fun and games until you have to choose between Verizon vs AT&T, two of the best and the biggest carriers in the United States!

Verizon offer the best 4G LTE coverage but AT&T takes the lead with 3G and 5G provision. AT&T is more affordable but Verizon offers user-friendly premium data plans and perks.

• So, how can you decide which carrier is right for you?

There are a lot of features to compared before making the final choice. Here’s a quick overview of where each service stands with some of the most important things to consider in a internet carrier.

Take a look!

	Verizon	AT&T
Coverage	4G LTE	3G Network
Price	Expensive	More Affordable
Data Speed	Higher	Lower
Family plans	Unlimited plans with additional perks	Unlimited plans with additional perks
Hotspot Service	Up to 30 GB	Up to 30 GB
Customer Service	Inefficient	Inefficient
Devices and Phones	CDMA-Supported	GSM-Supported
Other Perks	Disney Plus, Discovery Plus, Hulu, Apple Music	HBO Max

As you can see, there are a lot of features to take into account making it even more difficult to choose which cellular service to go for.

Before we walk you through everything, take a look at some of the note-worthy features of Verizon and AT&T. These may help you make a final pick easily.

What Verizon Stands Out For

• Outstanding 4G LTE network coverage
• Premium data allowances
• Great plan perks

What AT&T Stands Out For

• Higher data caps
• Better 5G coverage
• More affordable subscription plans

Verizon vs AT&T – Complete Comparative Analysis

Still can’t make up you mind?

Go through this detailed comparative guide for Verizon vs AT&T to find out everything and more about the two carriers.

Coverage

In terms of area coverage both the networks, AT&T and Verizon, provide extensive range. However, the real competition comes down to what type of network are you are looking at?

• AT&T is user’s favorite with 3G networking whereas Verizon stands out as 4G LTE service provider.

Basically, the two carriers are available in similar regions. Customers often choose Verizon 4G for its fast speed and AT&T as a reliable backup when the first service is not available.

As for 5G networking, AT&T and Verizon have something different in stock.

Verizon relies on high-band, high-speed network for 5G coverage. AT&T, on the other hand, makes use of low-band network.

This means it is not able to reach the same speeds as Verizon but it covers larger area within the country.

Verizon offers 4G LTE networking and AT&T provides 3G networking in similar regional locations. For 5G networking, Verizon provides better speed whereas AT&T covers larger area within the US.

Price

It won’t take much scrutiny to realize that Verizon is more expensive than AT&T.

For some of its outstanding cell phone plans, you have to pay up to $100/month whereas the same offerings might cost $10 less with AT&T.

AT&T is expected to further reduce its prices for some of the unlimited plans.

For example, you can avail the AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan for just $60/month via promotions deals as compared to $85/month original price.

• Verizon promises extra perks for the additional fee but are they worth it?

Verizon does charge $10 more for most of the plans than AT&T but it makes it worth your while by offering up to 6 streaming services including Hulu and Disney+. In contrast, HBO Max is the only entertainment perk you will get AT&T.

Here’s a quick comparison of pricing with the two cell phone services.

AT&T unlimited plans are more pocket-friendly but for the extra $10 that you pay with Verizon, you will have access to additional perks and larger number of streaming channels.

Data Speed

There is simply no comparison here as Verizon took the lead in almost all the speed tests that users have carried out. The wireless download and upload speeds were found to be 2X better than what AT&T offered.

• Verizon Average Download Speed: 32.3 Mbps
• Verizon Average Upload Speed: 12.89 Mbps
• AT&T Average Download Speed: 28.9 Mbps
• AT&T Average Upload Speed: 9.4 Mbps

So whether you are talking about streaming a video or simply spending time on you social media website, Verizon would give better speeds and a faster experience.

Verizon clearly takes the lead in providing high speed data to its users.

Unlimited and Family Plans

When you have to choose between Verizon and AT&T on the basis of subscription plans, the final choice would come down to speed and coverage that each carrier offers.

Unlimited data plans are definitely worth the bucks here but you have to choose depending on your needs. Also keep in mind that unlimited does not necessarily mean “unlimited”. The cap is still there and therefore you need to consider the pricing before you choose.

First-tier Unlimited Plans

The plans include:

• First-tier Unlimited Plan for Verizon: Start Unlimited Plan
• First-tier Unlimited Plan for AT&T: Unlimited Started Plan

Well, the name says it all. These are the starting plans priced at just $5 difference with Verizon, obviously, being the more expensive option.

The started plan for AT&T offers 1.5 Mbps video streaming at $65 per year. Verizon also offers somewhat the same quality (480p for pictures) but it is more expensive by $5. Not much of a difference, right?

However, there’s a drawback: Although no data-cap is mentioned, users have complained about down-performance during times of traffic congestion. That means, the bottom-tier plans might not be a reliable option after all.

Second-tier Unlimited Plans

The plans include:

• Second-tier Unlimited Plan for Verizon: Do More and Play More Plans
• Second-tier Unlimited Plan for AT&T: Extra Plan

These plans guarantee full-speed data regardless of the carrier you choose. There have been no complains about the bandwidth usage as well.

Second-tier plans (Do More and Extra Plan) offer up to 50 GB. Quite a lot! In contrast, if you go with Verizon Play More Unlimited plan, you would have a cap at 25 GB.

• Verizon second-tier unlimited plans differ in video quality.

Do More can not give anything more than a picture in Standard quality whereas Play More Unlimited is what you need for a true HD experience.

Top-tier Unlimited Plans

The plans include:

• Top-tier Unlimited Plan for Verizon: Get More Plan
• Top-tier Unlimited Plan for AT&T: Unlimited Elite Plan

Willing to spend a few extra dollars to enjoy unlimited YouTube videos and PUBG gaming? Then the top-tier plans are what you are looking for!

Verizon’s top-tier plan offers 75 GB data which means you shouldn’t have any trouble watching every episode of your favorite show back to back.

Still not enough?

Then go for AT&T unlimited elite plan that had 100 GB in stock. No matter what type of a phone or a movie-junkie you are, now this is the amount of data which you just can’t get close to finishing!

• Verizon and AT&T top-tier plans have some additional perks and benefits as well.

You can make use of 30 GB hotspot data and free access to HBO Max with AT&T top-tier Unlimited Elite Plan. As for the Verizon users, they can enjoy 30 GB of hotspot data along with free subscription of Apple Music and Disney Plus.

Family Plans

Even for the family plans, the offerings of Verizon and AT&T remain somewhat the same: AT&T provides better coverage whereas Verizon is the go-to choice if you are looking for faster speeds.

Both the carriers have a huge collection of family plans including limited and unlimited plans available for all sorts of budgets.

All of Verizon data plans are $5 to $10 more expensive than AT&T but come with additional perks and benefits.

Hotspot Service

Speaking from personal experience, hotspot data connection can really save your day when the home network is acting up.

Consequently, many users prefer phone carriers that offer considerable amount of hotspot data with their unlimited plans.

• Verizon and AT&T include selective amount of hotspot data as part of their unlimited plans.

However, for the data that is inclusive in the plans, AT&T is more generous offering 30 GB to its clients for the package equivalent to which Verizon offers 15 GB. Here’s a summary of what we are talking about.

Verizon Plans	Hotspot data	AT&T Plans	Hotspot Data
Start Unlimited	0 GB	Unlimited Started	0 GB
Play More Unlimited	15 GB	Unlimited Extra	15 GB
Do More Unlimited	15 GB	Unlimited Elite	30 GB

Additionally, Verizon has Get More Unlimited plan that offers 30 GB. It is expensive than any of the plans that AT&T offers.

AT&T and Verizon offer up to 30 GB of hotspot data but Verizon is more expensive in terms of the plan with which this amount is due.

Customer Service

As much as we hate to say it, neither of the services offer note-worthy customer support service. Users have continuously complained about:

1. Delayed response after dialing.
2. Slow chatbots that are impossible to communicate with.
3. Lack of in-person help.

You can have a better experience with their customer support team by visiting a nearby retail location instead. So if you need help with Verizon service or AT&T usage, you have to move!

Luckily, these are in abundance and majority of their assistance team is high-qualified, well-trained, and helpful.

Both, Verizon and AT&T lack reliable on-phone customer support service. In contrast, seeking help at a physical store is likely to get your issue resolved.

Devices and Phones

There is not any major different in the list of devices and phones that AT&T and Verizon offer. Apple, Samsung, Google, and you name it! Almost all devices are supported by the two phone carriers so there is nothing you need to worry about here.

As for the minor different, each service has options of its own. For example, Verizon comes with Motorola Edge Plus and Razr whereas AT&T allows you to pick Microsoft’s Surface Duo.

• It is better to differentiate between carrier phones in terms of GSM and CDMA technology.
• GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communication, is the most recent universally accepted standard. AT&T provides GSM service, which makes it more convenient for regular travellers.CDMA technology underpins Verizon’s wireless network. Code-division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a radio communication method that guarantees call quality, however speech quality may be inferior to that of GSM.AT&T and Verizon both support the same amount of devices. The services, on the other hand, employ a variety of communication techniques (GSM and CDMA for AT&T and Verizon respectively).Other AdvantagesWhen you need to construct a superb plan, a fantastic plan, you go for extra rewards and incentives. Thankfully, AT&T and Verizon are both aware of the situation.Verizon, on the other hand, leads with a wider selection of channels, ensuring that each client may find something that suits them.

  Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN are all included in Verizon’s unlimited plans.

  Verizon users will also receive access to Discovery Plus for up to 12 months after subscribing to the unlimited plan.

  Verizon offers music fans something in addition to streaming channels. Apple Music offers three distinct subscriptions for free for up to six months: Unlimited, Play More, and Do More. You will have unlimited access to Apply Music if you purchase the Get More bundle. Sweet!

  Fans of HBO will appreciate AT&T’s premium subscription, which offers HBO Max access as well as an endless collection of movies and seasons.

  Customers of AT&T and Verizon receive additional privileges and promotional opportunities. Verizon is the first to offer at least six streaming channels, as well as Apply Music, to its customers.

In a Nutshell

Overall, both Verizon and AT&T’s services are fantastic, with intriguing monthly rates, fast data speeds, excellent coverage, and a few extra perks to top it off.

You should keep in mind, however, that neither service is inexpensive. In comparison to other wireless competitors on the market, they both charge a lot of money. Although AT&T is marginally less expensive than Verizon, the latter explains the difference with unlimited plans and higher data allowances.

Here’s a quick rundown of Verizon vs. AT&T.
Verizon is the clear winner in terms of consistent coverage, a wide range of subscription plans, and premium services, whereas AT&T is a better option if you want to save money while still getting more data.

Do you think our conclusion is correct? Don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Verizon vs AT&T