Is AT&T or T-Mobile better?

Posted on: 13 Aug 2024
Is AT&T or T-Mobile better?

If you have to decide between AT&T or T-Mobile for your wireless phone and data plan, some important factors can help define which carrier is more suitable for you. When it comes to the network coverage and speed, number of plans and their prices, customer satisfaction, and the choice of phones, this will offer the necessary information for your decision.

Network Coverage & Reliability

AT&T has the most reliable network connectivity for 4G LTE coverage across the US with high coverage of more than 99% of Americans. While T-Mobile has shown significant progress in recent years, getting above 97% 4G LTE coverage, there are still more black spots, especially in remote areas far from the main roads and cities. So, in coverage, AT&T is ahead which means that the likelihood of dropping the call while in a moving vehicle or when commuting is minimal.

Network Speeds

It is worth it to note that T-Mobile performs slightly better than AT&T Internet in terms of general 4G network speed and performance due to investments in bandwidth. Real-world tests reveal that T-Mobile boasts of data speeds of over 25Mpbs while on the other hand, AT&T sits at roughly 20Mpbs average. And while it may seem snappier to stream videos, download content, and browse the web on T-Mobile now. However, both networks offer decent speeds that would suffice for most contemporary smartphones.

Plan Options & Pricing

The two carriers provide numerous plans to choose from for personal use depending on the usage habits. T-Mobile only has unlimited talk/text/data plans, but allows choice in the amount of high-speed data before throttling to unlimited at a slower speed. Looking at their charges, there are usually no hidden costs and therefore, it is relatively easy to budget for their services. AT&T allows you to choose from plans that include shared data and packages with tiered rates with limits and overage. So depending on whether you would like to get billed more clearly or you would like more freedom in terms of, for example, having multiple devices and different data plans, one [provider] would be better.

Customer & Tech Support

According to the survey and rating, T-Mobile has always been ranked higher than AT&T in the service quality of customer service. It appears that T-Mobile provides more clarity with the bills, better promotions, and less hassle when it comes to support with the phones, plans, or the network in general. But again there are YMMV reports on both sides, so your area and local store/technicians may also play a role in the general satisfaction. However, T-Mobile gains some significant advantages due to its overall highly customer-oriented approach.

Device Selection

You will be able to pick virtually any of the most widely used Android, Apple iOS, or Google Pixel smartphones on either network. Both can offer bring-your-own-device options if purchased unlocked. This means that AT&T may have a small edge in terms of exclusivity of certain devices, access, and special offers such as a bundled offer with a 2018 new Samsung Galaxy. However, where choice of phones is concerned the carriers are almost on par with each other for most buyers who are comparing devices.

Thus, is it better to choose between AT&T and T-Mobile? In terms of reach of voice and data connectivity across the entire country, AT&T is unbeatable, especially for the individuals who traverse to areas that are not very populated. Still, T-Mobile can usually claim the glory when it comes to higher download speeds, better value-for-money plans, and higher customer satisfaction scores. Based on whether you would prefer extensive coverage reach or a consumer-oriented solution for your wireless requirements, you might prefer one over the other. By comparing and analyzing these key categories, it is possible to find out, which one is likely to be a better fit. But both networks still bring upgrades that place them relatively on par with each other in terms of price as well as the choices that are available allowing the consumer to have a good choice between the two networks.

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