Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: Which carrier should you choose in 2024?

Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T
Best cellular partner in 2024 (Image via YouTube/Stetson Doggett)

Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T is a crucial comparison that needs attention, as a good carrier partner is very important for reliable communication and efficient data services. While there are many small and big carriers, the abovementioned carriers have secured a unique place in this competitive market. Each of them is well-known for their robust and reliable services.

Choosing the best cellular plan was never easy. And with the recent changes in prices and data allocation, it has become more complicated. To aid you in choosing an ideal plan, we have created a comparison between Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it.


Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: The 5G speed battle

The 5G speed test of carriers (Image via Samsung)
The 5G speed test of carriers (Image via Samsung)

There has been a tremendous shift towards the 5G network, with cell network providers transitioning from 4G toward 5G. Comparing Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T for the latest network band, the "Un-carrier" has managed to extend its lead.

Both Verizon and AT&T provide a good download speed over 5G, which is 135.3Mbps and 123.5Mbps. But they both are way behind T-Mobile’s 204.9Mbps result. For uploads, Verizon is leading the race with 19.9Mbps. T-Mobile and AT&T are not far behind, with 17.6Mbps and 14.1Mbps, respectively.

CarrierDownload speed in MbpsUpload speed in Mbps
Verizon135.319.9
AT&T123.514.1
T-Mobile204.917.6

Comparing both the download and upload speeds, T-Mobile gets extra points for the 5G speed battle. Although, you will need a device that supports the latest technology to enjoy the speed. You can check the best budget 5G phones here.


Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: Availability

The network availability of carriers (Image via YouTube/Simple Alpaca)
The network availability of carriers (Image via YouTube/Simple Alpaca)

The availability of the network is a crucial aspect of selecting a carrier plan. All these telecommunications companies offer great coverage. However, AT&T is the leader for Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T regarding overall network availability (based on Opensignal's research).

The availability(time) of these carriers are:

  • AT&T- 99.5%
  • T-Mobile- 98.5%
  • Verizon- 99.2%

AT&T provides comprehensive coverage, making it a strong choice for users who require a reliable network in both urban and rural areas. With the highest availability percentage, you will get the least downtime from the carrier.

Following that, Verizon provides consistent coverage across the country, with just 0.3 percentage points behind; it is a premium carrier delivering high-quality connectivity.

T-Mobile's availability is the least on the list. It has 1.5% of downtime. This means you might not be able to use the internet for around 20 to 25 minutes a day. Which is around 11 and seven minutes in Verizon and AT&T, respectively.

It's important to note that downtime percentages can be influenced by various factors. So, you should consider your location and usage while selecting a carrier partner.


Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: Prices

Best cellular plans (Image via YouTube/Stetson Doggett)
Best cellular plans (Image via YouTube/Stetson Doggett)

The plan prices for all the carriers are almost similar. But T-Mobile offers some extra plans as compared to other competitors. The base plan for T-Mobile starts at $60, which is $5 less than the AT&T and Verizon.

The prices of the plans go up to $85 for AT&T and $90 for the remaining carrier partners. Every plan has different priority data, phone hotspot data, hotspot speed above the data cap, and streaming video resolution.

Carrier

Cost

Priority Data

Hotspot data cap

Hotspot speed above data cap

Video streaming quality

Verizon

$65

None, low-band 5G only

None

N/A

480p

Verizon

$80

Unlimited

30GB

3 Mbps on Ultra Wideband 5G, 600 Kbps otherwise

4K UHD on Ultra Wideband 5G, 720p otherwise

Verizon

$90

Unlimited

60GB

3 Mbps on Ultra Wideband 5G, 600 Kbps otherwise

4K UHD on Ultra Wideband 5G, 1080p otherwise

AT&T

$65

None

3GB

128 Kbps

480p

AT&T

$75

50GB

15GB

128 Kbps

480p

AT&T

$85

Unlimited

50GB

128 Kbps

4K UHD

T-Mobile

$60

50GB

Unlimited at 600 Kbps

N/A

480p

T-Mobile

$70

100GB

5GB

600 Kbps

480p

T-Mobile

$75

100GB

15GB

600 Kbps

720p

T-Mobile

$85

Unlimited

40GB

600 Kbps

4K UHD

T-Mobile

$90

Unlimited

50GB

600 Kbps

4K UHD

(Data allotments on older plans may vary)

Verizon plans are better in terms of priority data. Except for the base plan, all the plans have unlimited data in the plan. While the other cellular companies do offer the same benefit, you need to spend an extra amount to get their plans.

T-Mobile plans, however, are more flexible. It offers different plans to cater to the unique needs of the users. So, T-Mobile gets an edge over here.


Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: Phone deals

Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: best phone deals. (Image via Samsung)
Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: best phone deals. (Image via Samsung)

All three players offer phone financing options to their customers. Further, they offer high discounts and deals, so long as you meet specific requirements and will continue using the same carrier.

These offers include the latest flagships from brands like Apple and Samsung, models from last year, and older premium phones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max or the Pixel 7 Pro.

Best iPhone deals

Carrier

Included phone

Data

Type

Current deal

Total price

AT&T

iPhone 15 Pro 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)

Get up to $1000 off with eligible trade-in

$103.77 per month with AutoPay & Paperless billing + $30 Upfront


Verizon

iPhone 15 128GB

Unlimited Data

Outright

Get up to $830 off this phone with a trade-in

$80 per month with Auto-Pay & paperless discount

+ $864.99 Upfront


T-Mobile

iPhone 15 Pro 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (24 mos)

Get up to $1000 off with a trade-in on Go5G Next

$141.67 per month

with AutoPay


Best Samsung deals

Carrier

Included phone

Data

Type

Current deal

Total price

AT&T

Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)

Get up to $800 off w/ installments & eligible trade-in

$99.88 per month

with AutoPay & Paperless billing

+ $30 Upfront


Verizon

Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)



Get up to $800 off with trade-in & new line

$103.88 per month

with Auto-Pay & paperless discount

+ $35 Upfront


T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S24 5G 256GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (24 mos)

Get up to $1000 off w/ trade-in on Go5G Plus/Next plan

$92.50 per month

with AutoPay


Feel free to check the best deals on Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ in the meantime.

Best Pixel Deals

Carrier

Included phone

Data

Type

Current deal

Total price

AT&T

Google Pixel 8 Pro 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)

Free w/ installments & trade-in an eligible smartphone on an unlimited plan

$104.88 per month

with AutoPay & Paperless billing

+ $30 Upfront



Verizon

Google Pixel 8 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)



Get up to $799.99 off with a new line on Unlimited Plus

$80 per month

with Auto-Pay & paperless discount

+ $35 Upfront



T-Mobile

Google Pixel 8 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (24 mos)

Get $800 off this phone w/ new line on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next

$90 per month

with AutoPay



Verizon

Google Pixel 7a 128GB

Unlimited Data

Installments (36 mos)

Get this phone free with a new line on Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan

$80 per month

with Auto-Pay & paperless discount

+ $35 Upfront


These are all the latest best deals offered by the carrier. For more details, you can visit their respective websites. Feel free to check the Verizon iPhone 15 trade deal.


Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T: The ultimate winner

The best carrier partner between Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. (Image via T-Mobile)
The best carrier partner between Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. (Image via T-Mobile)

Although personal opinions may differ, considering all the details, we can say that T-Mobile stood out as the winner of the Verizon vs T-Mobile vs AT&T battle. It provides a better 5G speed as compared to other competitors and offers a wide range of plans to select from.

That being said, the remaining carrier partners are not very far behind in the race. The Verizon plans are more compatible, and AT&T wins in terms of network availability.


Check out other comparisons:

Nothing Phone 2a vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE || Oneplus 12 vs Pixel 8 ||Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Moto Edge Plus || Apple iPhone 15 vs Nothing Phone 2

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Edited by Jito Tenson
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