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As Sprint is merged to T-Mobile, there are now T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T as the three major cell phone 4G networks in the United States. They’re striving it out for coverage superiority. Also, they continue to expand their networks and add new 5G networks. If you’re shopping for a data plan or device, how do you choose between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T? We’ll help you to decide which network provides the most reliable coverage across the country. Here’s the comparison table between T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T. Keep reading below to find out more about each provider!
Comparison between T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T
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| Fact | T-Mobile | Verizon | AT&T |
| Possible Slow Network in | Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington | Rural areas in Southwest, Midwest, and Northwest | Alaska, Idaho, Maine, and Nevada |
| Cheapest Postpaid Plans (per month) | $60 (Essentials) | $70 (Start Unlimited) | $65 (Unlimited StarterSM) |
| Cheapest Prepaid Plans (per month) | $5 (Mexico and Canada) | $40 | Yes |
| Best Plan | Unlimited Prepaid | Unlimited data plan for Prepaid | Unlimited EliteSM Wireless Plan |
| Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Talk | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Data | 2.5GB | 10GB | Unlimited |
| Bonus | Music Unlimited | Free international texting to 200 countries | 100GB premium data HBO Max HD Streaming |
| Best Plan Price (per month) | $15 | $65 | $85 |
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T-Mobile
T-Mobile is owned by Deutsche Telekom AG and operates in the United States, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. With the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, they create America’s fastest, largest, and most reliable network, including the 5G network. Find out how to get T-Mobile service without paying.
Coverage
As one of the three major carrier companies, T-Mobile’s coverage falls behind AT&T and Verizon. But, it offers very high data speeds, making it the fastest cell phone option in the market. If you’re a social media addict, data speed is important for you to watch or post content. Twitter videos, YouTube videos, or Instagram stories are among the contents you can watch and post.
T-Mobile covers 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, and 5G network across the United States. It covers Montana, Colorado, Michigan, Georgia, and more states. In some areas, you may get less reliable coverage, especially in the rural areas of the country. These include Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington. To check coverage in your location, go to T-Mobile coverage networks.
T-Mobile cell phone plans
Not only have a solid nationwide coverage, but T-Mobile also offers unlimited plans with packed features. You’ll pay cheaper if you add extra lines. T-Mobile Family Plans allow you to add up to four extra lines.
Below are T-Mobile cell phone plans:
Essentials
Essentials is a postpaid plan for $60 per month, excluding taxes and fees for one line. This plan includes unlimited text, call, and 5G & 4G LTE data. If you reach premium data (50GB of data in a month), speed may be slower.
Also, you’ll get unlimited 3G speed for mobile hotspot data. What’s more, you can access video streaming on a smartphone/tablet at DVD quality (480p). Get a lower price if you add extra lines, for up to four lines.
Essentials Family Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $45
- 3 lines for $30
- 4 lines for $26
- 5 lines for $24
Magenta
Magenta Plan at $70 (including taxes and fee) per month offers unlimited talk, text, and 100GB of premium data. It means the network may get slower when you use 100GB of data.
If you have 2 or more additional lines, you’ll also get free Netflix Basic for 1 Screen SD. All Magenta customers will get 5GB of high-speed data, then unlimited data at 3G speeds on mobile hotspot. Also, free video streaming for DVD quality.
If you’re traveling outside the United States, you’ll get unlimited international text. Besides, you can enjoy free unlimited text, talk, and 2GB of data roaming while you’re in Mexico and Canada.
Magenta Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $60
- 3 lines for $40
- 4 lines for $35
- 5 lines for $32
Magenta Max
Get unlimited text, call, and data without usage limitation with Magenta Max for $85 per line. The price includes taxes and fees. Also, you’ll get one free Netflix Basic (screen SD). A family plan with two or more extra lines will get 2 screens of SD Netflix Standard.
Magenta Max provides 40GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data. If you reach the limit, you’ll get unlimited mobile hotspots at 3G speeds. Stream your favorite videos and music with its free up to 4k UHD streaming.
Other travel features are also included. Get free international text and international 2G data. Plus, you’ll get unlimited calls, text, and 5GB of data roaming if you’re in Canada and Mexico. What’s more, the plan includes unlimited in-flight texting and one hour of Gogo® in-flight Wi-Fi.
Magenta Max Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $70
- 3 lines for $47
- 4 lines for $43
- 5 lines for $40
Go to https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans and choose your T-Mobile cell phone plans!
T-Mobile prepaid plans
Not only postpaid plans, but T-Mobile also offers prepaid plans. There are also additional services. You can get unlimited text and talk, plus 5GB of 4G data in Mexico and Canada for only $5 per month. Another add-on is Stateside International Calling for $15 each month.
Here are the T-Mobile prepaid plans available:
- The $40 10GB Family Plan
- The Unlimited $50 Plan
- The Unlimited Plus $60 Plan
All prepaid plans include unlimited talk and text within the United States. Also, you’ll get a mobile hotspot (data allotment varies for each plan). Other features are included, like Wi-Fi calling and Data Maximizer. Not to mention Music Unlimited and scam-blocking protection.
T-Mobile prepaid plans also allow you to get additional lines for up to four lines. It saves you more, and you’ll get a discount on each line. What’s more, the company offers the lowest-priced plans, with only $15 and $25 per month.
You’ll get unlimited text and call, plus 2.5GB of high-speed data for a $15 Plan and 5.5GB of data for a $25 Plan. To get one of the plans that suit your need, check T-Mobile prepaid plans.
Verizon
Verizon was founded as a joint venture by Bell Atlantic (an American telecommunications firm) and Vodafone, a British multinational telecommunications company. Later on, Bell Atlantic became Verizon Communications and the sole owner after buying Vodafone’s shares.
Coverage
When you compare the coverage of T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T, it’s clear that Verizon provides most coverage in the United States. It covers 4G LTE networks in 70% of the country, making it the best wireless communication company. Your coverage may probably more reliable, depends on your location. However, there are some rural areas in Southwest, Midwest, and Northwest with a slower network.
Also, there are some smaller carriers operates on the Verizon network. It gives you the same great coverage. So, if getting cell phone service is important to you, Verizon is a wise choice. Like T-Mobile, Verizon offers postpaid and prepaid plans, so you can choose which one is more suitable for you. In case you’re still looking for which phone to buy, see our list of phones that can be used on Verizon Network.
Verizon cell phone plans
Here are some of Verizon cell phone plan services:
Start Unlimited $70 Plan
The Start Unlimited $70 features high speed 4G LTE network and 5G network. The plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data. Plus, unlimited text and talk to Mexico and Canada. Unlimited texting is also included in over 200 countries.
Also, you’ll get unlimited talk, text, and data while you’re traveling in Canada and Mexico. What’s more, customers will get free Disney+, Apple Music, and discover+ for 6 months.
The Start Unlimited $70 Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $60
- 3 lines for $45
- 4 lines for $35
- 5 lines for $30
Play More Unlimited $80 Plan
With this plan, customers will get tons of shows, movies, sports, and premium network access. These include 5G total access for both nationwide and ultra-wideband. The 15GB of 5G and 4G LTE is also included. Plus, you’ll get a mobile hotspot, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Other features include Apple music for 6 months and discovery+ for 12 months.
Like Start Unlimited Plan, the plan also gives customers unlimited talk, text, and data. The plan includes unlimited text and talks to Mexico and Canada. lastly, it features unlimited texting to over 200 countries are also included.
The Play More Unlimited $80 Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $70
- 3 lines for $55
- 4 lines for $45
- 5 lines for $40
Get More Unlimited $90 Plan
Experience the ultimate performance and features, including more music and entertainment. You can have these features with Get More Unlimited $90 Plan. Other than unlimited text, talk, and access to the 5G network, the plan includes 30 GB of 5G Nationwide / 4G LTE data mobile hotspot.
Unlimited text and talk to Canada, Mexico, plus unlimited texting to over 200 countries remain the same. Other features Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Other features include Apple music for 6 months and discovery+ for 12 months. On top of that, you’ll get 600GB of cloud storage, which can be upgradeable for only $5 per month.
Get More Unlimited $90 Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $70
- 3 lines for $55
- 4 lines for $45
- 5 lines for $40
Verizon prepaid plans
Did you know that some unlocked phones can be used with Verizon? If you want to save more, Verizon provides pre-paid cell phone plans start from $40 for 5GB. Unlimited data plan starts from $65, which includes 10GB of the mobile hotspot in 5G and 4G LTE. All prepaid plans include unlimited text and calls within the United States, also unlimited international texting to 200 countries. Need more lines? Worry not! Verizon allows customers to add up to four extra lines. For more prepaid plan details, visit Verizon prepaid plans.
Though Verizon cell phone plans are some of the most expensive prices, Verizon also provides exclusive offerings and discounts. These include nurses, teachers, first responders, veterans, and retirees. For the latter, find out more on how to get verizon wireless discounts.
AT&T
AT&T is an American communications company that provides wireless service in the United States. But, it excludes U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The company has been in the communication business for more than 100 years. They aim to create a connection with each other by their reinvented technologies.
Coverage
You can find AT&T coverage in the states of Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, New Jersey, and more. The company offers data speeds with its strong coverage. It’s why the company becomes the second most extensive coverage in the U.S. But, some states have less coverage area, such as Alaska, Idaho, Maine, and Nevada.
If AT&T doesn’t cover your area, choosing MVNOs that run on AT&T’s network can be an option. There plenty of carriers, including TracFone, Cricket, and FreeUP. These carriers give you the same AT&T cell phone service.
AT&T Wireless Plan
AT&T offers some cell phone plans with a fast and reliable connection. Here are the plans.
AT&T Unlimited StarterSM
With $65/month for one line, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data. 5G network is included. The plan features unlimited text, talk, and data while you’re in Canada and Mexico. Also, it includes unlimited texting to over 120 countries. Other features are available, such as spam & fraud call blocking and SD streaming.
AT&T Unlimited StarterSM Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $60
- 3 lines for $45
- 4 lines for $45
- 5 lines for $30
AT&T Unlimited ExtraSM
Get unlimited talk, text, data, and 50GB of premium data at $75 per month. When you reach 50GB of data, the speeds may get slower if the network is busy. The plan includes 5G access, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada.
You’ll also get 15GB of mobile hotspot data, unlimited text from the United States to over 120 countries. With the Advance Mobile Security feature, you can spam & fraud call blocking, identity monitoring, and Caller ID. Watch your favorite video or musing streaming with its free SD streaming.
AT&T Unlimited ExtraSM Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $65
- 3 lines for $50
- 4 lines for $40
- 5 lines for $35
AT&T Unlimited EliteSM
AT&T Unlimited EliteSM features unlimited text, talk, data, and 100GB of premium data. Also, it has other features, like 30GB hotspot data per line per month and unlimited international texting to other countries. You can get all the features at $85/month.
Connect with your family and friends while you’re traveling to Mexico and Canada with its unlimited talk, text, and data. Enjoy the additional bonus HBO Max™ and HD streaming to entertain yourself. Caller ID, spam & fraud call blocking, and more remain the same.
AT&T Unlimited EliteSM Plan for each line
- 2 lines for $75
- 3 lines for $60
- 4 lines for $50
- 5 lines for $45
AT&T Prepaid Plans
When you want to find out which one is the best between T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T, choosing prepaid plans can be your one of your consideration. AT&T offers prepaid plans at a lower price to save your money.
Starting from $25 with AT&T PrepaidSM, you’ll get 8GB of high-speed data per month if you prepay for 12 months. Other prepaid plans include Budget Conscious 5GB for $30/month and Big Deal Plan 15GB at $40/month. Choose one that really suitable for you by visiting AT&T prepaid plans.
Conclusion
Now, here comes the question. What should you choose of T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T? We believe there are several variables to consider. So, it’s a bit impossible to come to one conclusion that fits everyone. However, Verizon outdoes AT&T and T-Mobile in 4G coverage with 70% of the United States coverage. In most metropolitan areas,
Verizon and AT&T provide strong coverage. The three carriers also provide a 5G network, which T-Mobile has the strongest 5G network compared to the other two. Meanwhile, Verizon’s cell phone plans are quite expensive. AT&T and T-Mobile offer competitive cell phone plans. Both offer unlimited plans and superior data speeds at $85 per month, T-Mobile Magenta Max and AT&T Unlimited EliteSM. If you want to save more, the family plan can be considered.