Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless

If you’re wondering which wireless carrier to choose between AT&T and Verizon, who could blame you? These two just happen to be two of the largest wireless mobile carriers in the U.S. They both have great features that make them some of the best out there. However, they also have unique features that could make one a better choice for your individual needs. Read on to find out why these two are amongst the best and which is likely to give you more bang for your buck.

In this comparison, Verizon and AT&T go head-to-head in:

• Price Plans
• Coverage
• Hotspot Data
• Speeds
• Customer Service

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Unlimited Price Plans

Verizon and AT&T are two of the most expensive wireless services. However, they both operate from the premise of “go hard or go home,” as they specialize in unlimited plans. Neither offers many limited data plans options.

While both carriers are similarly priced and push towards the $100/mo threshold for top-end services, Verizon’s plans cost slightly more by $5 or $10 per month.

Here are some examples of both carriers’ unlimited plans for each tier.

Tier One

Verizon Start Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $70/mo

AT&T Unlimited Starter: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $65/mo

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Tier Two

Verizon Do More Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $80/mo

Verizon Play More Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $80/mo

AT&T Unlimited Extra: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $75/mo

Tier Three

Verizon Get More Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $90/mo

AT&T Unlimited Elite: Unlimited Data, No Contract, $85/mo

So if you’re basing your decision on price alone, AT&T is the better option. Now let’s look at what both companies offer for your money.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Coverage

Despite 5G hype, 4G LTE remains the primary cellular signal our phones use for voice and data service. And when it comes to 4G LTE, Verizon wins; they offer more nationwide coverage than AT&T or any other major carrier.

On the other hand, 5G is a different story. AT&T features a broader 5G network than Verizon at the time of writing, with 18% of coverage compared to Verizon’s 11%. However, Verizon could quickly take over AT&T’s position soon, as it has the financial means to do so. Verizon claims to have the fastest 5G speeds at selected hotspots across the country.

Verizon’s authority in 4G LTE, as well as its potential 5G growth, suggests that it’s the winner when it comes to coverage.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Hotspot Data

Mobile hotspot data is one of the many benefits of choosing either carrier’s unlimited plan. Having the means to connect to the internet via an ad hoc wireless access point can be a real lifesaver whenever internet access is limited.

All major mobile carriers and most smaller ones will include some hotspot data with their unlimited plans. Verizon and AT&T are pretty generous with the amount they have in their post-paid plans. Here are some examples of how their hotspot data allowances compare:

Verizon

• Start Unlimited: None
• Play More Unlimited: 15GB
• Do More Unlimited: 15GB
• Get More Unlimited: 30 GB

AT&T

• Unlimited Starter: None
• Unlimited Extra: 15GB
• Unlimited Elite: 30GB

Both Verizon and AT&T’s midrange plans offer 15GB of high-speed hotspot data, and their top-tier plans offer 30GB. Here we have a draw.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Speeds

We’ll let you in on a bit of a secret.

Unlimited data is seldom unlimited. Many wireless providers implement “data deprioritization,” through which your data provision is likely to slow down when you’ve used up a specific amount in a given month. The purpose of this is to make available speed and bandwidth for customers who have used fewer data at a particular time.

This detail is included in the small print of an unlimited plan, so check it out beforehand. And as you read through your plan’s details, you’ll likely come across a “premium data” section. This is the high-speed allowance you’re given prior to the carrier potentially throttling your speeds.

The question is, which of the two offer extra high-speed data? Well, it depends on the plan you go for. However, in short, AT&T’s “Unlimited Elite” plan provides the highest share of high-speed, high-quality data compared to Verizon. Therefore, AT&T wins here on speed.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Perks

When deciding on a mobile carrier in general, a great plan is incomplete without solid incentives. What else can the mobile carrier offer you? Many people decide which carrier and plan to take based on the perks. Let’s take a look at some of the bonuses available at the time of writing that may contribute to your final decision:

Tier One: Verizon

• Video: Six months of Disney Plus
• Music: Six months of Apple Music

Tier One: AT &T

• Video: None
• Music: None

Tier Two: Verizon

• Video: ESPN Plus, Hulu and six months of Disney Plus
• Music: Six months of Apple Music

Tier Two: AT &T

• Video: None
• Music: None

Tier Three: Verizon

• Video: ESPN Plus, Hulu and Disney Plus
• Music: Apple Music

Tier Three: AT &T

• Video: None
• Music: HBO Max

As you can see, Verizon offers far more video and music perks. So if you’re into streaming with Verizon, you’ll have plenty of choices. Verizon is a clear winner here.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Customer Service

Both Verizon nor AT&T are not known for offering customized customer services. Their chatbots have been known to be unsatisfyingly slow at resolving issues.

However, both wireless network providers come with the advantage of plenty of store locations all over the U.S., so you’ll always have the option to get help in person. Also, the Verizon and AT&T store associates are typically well-trained, knowledgeable, and keen to assist you with your query.

You can reach out to Verizon seven days a week through a phone call, online chat, or Facebook Messenger. The AT&T customer service is available via phone, email, or dedicated app.

In comparison, both customer service services are similar. They both strive to offer personalized customer service online and by phone, yet the result is impersonal. For both, you’re more likely to get your problem resolved in-store. Therefore, it’s another tie for Verizon and AT&T’s customer service.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless: Which Is Better?

Verizon and AT&T are two of the largest mobile phone carriers in the U.S. The advantages of both are that they focus mainly on unlimited plans, so you won’t be short on choice and have excellent coverage. However, their in-person customer service experience is better than their online service managed by chatbots.

So which one is better? If coverage is most important to you, Verizon would be the safest bet. In addition, Verizon triumphs when it comes to accessing a variety of streaming services. If your decision comes down to price, AT&T is probably the one for you.