Is Verizon or AT&T cheaper?
When thinking of cell phone plans, two key providers to pay particular attention to are Verizon and AT&T. However, which of them is cheaper in reality? The answer to this question depends on your particular requirements and frequency of usage. Let’s analyze how Verizon and AT&T stand in terms of cost:
Monthly Plans
At first glance, Verizon and AT&T Internet seem to provide plans at nearly the same price range. For instance, their cheap unlimited talk and text offers are offered for as low as $35 per month. However, there are some key differences: However, there are some key differences:
- Data amounts: The basic plans offered by AT&T offer more data than their counterparts from Verizon (for instance, 5GB to 500MB). This makes AT&T’s basic plans more attractive for most consumers.
- Single vs shared data: Today, Verizon is only available with shared data plans that are not cost-effective for a single user. However, AT&T still provides some single-user data bundles.
- Taxes and fees: Verizon offers a range of plans that tend to have higher taxes, fees, and surcharges added to your monthly bill that can add up to 20% or more.
Therefore, what on the surface may appear to be minor differences in the monthly rates, the real cash paid out is slightly lower for similar plans on AT&T.
Family Plans
T-Mobile wins for families and shared plans since both offer cheaper rates than the individual plan. Verizon usually has slightly lower per-line costs, although the difference is usually in the range of $5-10 per month. Verizon also does not increase taxes/fees as much in the family plans as it does in the individual ones. In the broad spectrum, Verizon family plans are slightly cheaper than T-Mobile ones in most scenarios.
Data Overage Charges
Both carriers have recently expanded their unlimited data plans. However, tying oneself to a fixed data allowance can prove financially beneficial each month. Additionally, if you find yourself using more than the amount of data you subscribed to in a month, AT&T will charge $10 per GB. Verizon’s overages are generally $15 for each GB, which is 50% more.
Discounts
AT&T and Verizon offer a variety of ways to save on your cell phone bill through discounts: AT&T and Verizon offer a variety of ways to save on your cell phone bill through discounts:
- Employer discounts
- Student discounts
- Military discounts
- Senior discounts
- Offering as an addition to home internet or as part of a TV package
Availability and the amount of a discount can be different. Nonetheless, AT&T is willingly using the discounts with more types of customers than Verizon. Therefore, it is often more effective to reduce your AT&T cell phone bill using the stacking method.
Prepaid Plans
The two carriers provide prepaid packages at a relatively lower price than the postpaid contracts. Rates vary depending on the services required and begin at $30 monthly. Verizon has a slightly better option for prepaid service that comes with more data and cheaper phones. Thus, Verizon enables prepaid customers to save even more.
Bring Your Device
In addition, you will be able to avoid some of the costs associated with purchasing or leasing another phone by bringing your cell phone. Verizon used to get paid for the activation of using a device you already owned but it no longer does. However, at the moment, AT&T continues to impose the activation fee, which ranges from $15 to $50 based on a particular gadget.
Coverage and Network Quality
From the standpoint of cost, AT&T emerges as the winner most of the time. However, coverage and the quality of the network are also important factors when selecting a carrier. Verizon holds its position as the largest and most dependable network throughout the United States. Well, for example, if Verizon has a better connection in your area, the additional monthly charges may very well be justified. You will have to look for the coverage maps for your address.
In a nutshell, the price of a cell phone is very complex! However, it is important to note that AT&T has lower individual plans, more discounts, and lower overage charges. However, Verizon can be better for families or prepaid or has the best overall network quality. You will have to view all the aspects of your scenario to establish which provider is the most economical. When choosing any of the carriers, the focus should be on how to maximize the discounts offered.
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