Everyone loves a good rivalry - just check out Coke vs Pepsi or PlayStation vs Xbox. When looking for your next cellular carrier, however, there is a rivalry that ranks above all: Big Blue vs Big Red. Verizon and AT&T are the two largest American networks. So it only makes sense that they should be the first two that come to mind. You may have trouble deciding which one to choose, so we'll be using AT&T versus Verizon to help you choose.
See also: Verizon Buying Guide | AT&T Buying Guide
It's not enough to look at plans, pricing, or just a selection of phones. We're going to go category by category and get to the roots of each vehicle. Ready to choose your next carrier? Let's dive in!
AT&T vs Verizon Pricing
It's no secret that Verizon is the most expensive carrier on the market. On average, you pay about $ 5 more per line for Verizon's service, especially for higher-tier unlimited plans. The easiest way to stack the prizes against each other is with our handy table below:
As you can see, the unlimited entry plans are essentially a wash. Once you hit two or more lines, you pay the exact same price. However, both Verizon's Play More and Do More plans are more expensive than AT & T's Unlimited Extra plan. Premium network access is identical from both carriers at 50 GB, as is the included 5G access. Both carriers also offer 15 GB of hotspot for their unlimited mid-level plans.
The only way to tell the difference between the two is with the additional benefits that come with your plan. We'll address these a little later when we dive into the promotions available for AT&T and Verizon.
When you choose a high-end service plan, choosing doesn't get any easier. Verizon continues to lead the way when it comes to perks, though Unlimited Elite adds HBO Max to the mix. Both plans also include 30 GB of mobile hotspot per line. However, AT&T outperforms Big Red when it comes to premium data, offering 100GB instead of 50GB.
Of course, you can save some money and access both network operators through an MVNO. There are some tradeoffs to consider, but here are a few options you should consider:
AT&T v Verizon - reporting
Either network operator can claim to have the largest coverage area in the US - but that depends on which network you're looking for. AT&T has the nation's largest 3G network, while Verizon is the leader in 4G LTE coverage. This means you are likely to be managing faster overall speeds with Verizon, although the widespread 3G network is an important backup in areas where 4G LTE is not available.
If you turn your attention to each vendor's 5G access, you will find that speed and availability is the name of the game again. Verizon uses a high-speed mmWave network for its 5G coverage, which is lightning fast but has limited range. AT&T, on the other hand, relies on a low-band network that extends over far more parts of the country, even if it does not reach the same speeds.
See also: Where is 5G available in the US?
You take a look at the AT&T coverage map below and instantly see where 4G LTE and 5G access is available, but it's a little more difficult with Verizon. The limited range of the 5G network means you essentially have to walk street-by-street for connectivity. Fortunately, Verizon has an interactive map that you can check out here.
Here is the AT&T coverage map:
AT&T vs Verizon - Perks and Promotions
Network access is only part of the battle in choosing a new carrier - a great plan isn't complete without solid perks and promotions. If you're into streaming options, Verizon offers a clear advantage. Here is a quick table to show you what each provider offers:
Each of his unlimited plans includes a Disney Plus membership, with "Play More" and "Get More" options adding Hulu and ESPN Plus to the mix. In addition to streaming video, Verizon is offering six months of Apple Music on its Start Unlimited, Play More, and Do More plans. If you choose the Get More plan, you will get Apple Music for the duration of your plan.
See also: 10 best music streaming apps for Android
At AT&T, if you want a streaming bonus, you have to go for the expensive Unlimited Elite plan. The top tier option includes an HBO Max subscription for all of your friends, Game of Thrones, and Curb Your Enthusiasm needs.
Both vendors offer a pretty solid range of promotions, though you'll save mostly on new equipment, not plans. For example, you can currently get up to $ 1,000 off a second Samsung Galaxy Note 20 at Verizon when you buy another Note 20 for a new line of services. Alternatively, many of Verizon's phones like the new LG Velvet are available for as little as $ 10 a month when switched.
Many of AT & T's deals are aimed at saving 50% or more on the price of a new iPhone when you switch and add a line. As an incentive to switch, you can also purchase a new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 for free - although the savings come in the form of billing credits over 24 months.
AT&T vs Verizon Phone Picks
Carrier-exclusive phones are no longer what they used to be. Many of the major US carriers offer nearly identical device lists, and sometimes the only difference is whether the phone is GSM or CDMA based. AT&T and Verizon are no exceptions to this rule, but Big Red is exclusive to offer a good selection of Motorola phones.
See also: Best Verizon Phones | Best AT&T Phones
You could say that Verizon is ahead in this category thanks to the availability of the Motorola Edge Plus and the collapsible Razr - pun intended. With AT&T, you can of course pre-order Microsoft's Surface Duo, so it's not without its own options.
As mentioned earlier, the GSM and CDMA divide is one of the main differences between AT&T and Verizon. Big Red falls on the CDMA side while AT&T holds down the GSM camp. GSM is the newer technology and is used much more often than CDMA. This can be helpful if you travel abroad frequently.
Which carrier is right for you?
Finally, the million dollar question in AT & T's battle against Verizon - which one is right for you? The short answer is that it depends. If you're on a budget and want the largest 4G LTE network, go for Verizon. You can also turn to Big Red if you have an affinity with Motorola phones like the Razr. However, if you want greater flexibility in switching devices or extensive 5G access, AT&T is the right choice.
Ultimately, we can't tell you which network to choose - and maybe none is the right option. If so, maybe take a look at some of our other carrier guides for more options:
