Who is better, T-Mobile or AT&T?
Nowadays, when selecting a wireless carrier in the United States, two of the leading options are T-Mobile and AT&T. These two companies have a wide network that covers the entire country and they both have multiple plans to select from as well as multiple phones to choose from. But how do you draw a line between which one of the two is more suited for your needs? This means that we will be able to compare areas such as coverage, the number and type of plans, the phones offered, and so on.
Network Coverage
As for coverage, T-Mobile and AT&T Internet utilize different network technology, which influences where the former has a denser signal. T-Mobile utilizes GSM and LTE technology, with the 600Mhz spectrum to provide a more robust rural network and in-building service. AT&T utilizes more of the older and less efficient 700Mhz band, delivering a larger total coverage area but less rural or indoor penetration.
Third-party validation reveals T-Mobile claiming 91% population coverage to AT&T’s 94%. T-Mobile tends to have a better signal in densely populated areas while AT&T's signal is generally better in rural areas. For the majority of customers, both of these companies offer sufficient coverage, especially if you do not frequently visit areas that are quite distant from interstates and metropolitan areas.
Data Speeds & 5G Access
All the major carriers currently provide 5G access which is an internet service that provides users with very high data speeds under certain conditions. The work done by Root Metrics and Open Signal shows that T-Mobile has the fastest average 5G download speed across the country. AT&T is ranked second or third depending on the test conducted.
T-Mobile has the most mid-band 5G spectrum, which means it leads to broader, faster 5G coverage. Currently, they serve 225 million people and are very active in their growth. Mid-band coverage has not been developed as actively by AT&T, however, the company is actively working to change that after new investments. Almost any current generation 5G phones can hit fast speeds on either carrier.
Plan Options & Pricing
T-Mobile and AT&T both have single-line as well as unlimited family plans. T-Mobile usually sets the tone on the pricing of the unlimited plans whereas AT&T offers bundled price adjustments if you also have or sign up for home phone, internet, or TV services. Some key plan differences:
- T-Mobile Essentials costs $60 a line per month for unlimited everything but with slower speeds than those included in Magenta tariffs. Video streams at 480p.
- Magenta costs $70/line and includes 100GB high-speed data per line, 3GB mobile hotspot, and HD streaming.
- Magenta Max is their top-tier plan that costs $85/line which includes truly unlimited high-speed data and 40GB of hotspot usage. Streaming rises to 4K UHD.
- Starting with the entry unlimited plans, AT&T offers Unlimited Starter which costs $65/line and throttles speeds down to 3Mbps with SD video streaming. Unlimited Extra at $75/line can be availed to get 30GB high-speed allotment and for watching HD streaming.
- The Unlimited Elite competes directly with Magenta Max at the same $85/line with 100GB of priority data, 30GB mobile hotspot, and 4K streaming.
Lastly, T-Mobile’s plans offer you more data amount at cheaper prices, and on the other side, AT&T provides more attractive bundled discounts.
Phone Deals & Selection
They both provide a wide range of Android devices and iPhones with most of the buyers’ preference for iOS or Android devices at affordable prices to high-end gadgets. Every time they go for promos where they offer new devices at cheaper rates if you want to switch, upgrade, or add lines. For instance, while proposing a similar set of top phones, AT&T adds gift cards, vehicle trackers, or connected devices into the mix.
One major distinction is that T-Mobile allows customers to pay for cheaper plans with costs distributed over 2 years without the price per month being raised. AT&T restricts its financing to Unlimited plans only. However, AT&T has Access Discount Plans for military, veterans, teachers, nurses, and doctors that can lower the service price by 25%. Military and veterans are also eligible for first responders, military, and veterans with 25% off accessories with AT&T.
Perks & Extras
T-Mobile subscribers receive weekly T-Mobile Tuesdays free vouchers and free items, as well as get free things from partners, for instance, Shell Fuel Rewards, MLB.television, Apple TV plus, and more. It is also worth noting that most T-Mobile plans come with free Scam Shield protection.
ATH wireless customers do not have similar benefits except for entertainment packages and other offers as mentioned earlier if they have home internet or TV subscriptions with AT&T. They highlight the benefit of global WiFi hotspots with over 1 million locations in restaurants, hotels, and other public places.
Key Takeaways
- T-Mobile currently has better 5G coverage today as compared to AT&T though AT&T is improving with their recent spectrum assets. 5g Experience – Both provide an exceptional 5G experience.
- T-Mobile has a stronger signal in metro and suburban areas whereas AT&T has better signal strength in rural areas.
- They also note that T-Mobile's unlimited pricing is better than AT&T's in this regard. AT&T responds with larger entertainment/home internet packages.
- Choice and offers involving phones are closely matched. Being one of the customer-oriented companies, AT&T offers more discounts for the military, first responders, and teachers.
- Many offerings such as T-Mobile Tuesdays and Scam Shield are unique to T-Mobile and not offered by AT&T at the moment.
Thus it all boils down to what aspect of the network is more important to them; stronger and more extensive rural coverage, lower prices for the services offered, entertainment packages, or some form of incentive. Do not choose based on the ads you see, but look for areas where you frequently use your phone to check the coverage maps. Both networks are progressing the capabilities of 5G quickly, so, it is more now about which company you prefer and what they charge.
I ensured I narrowed down my research to a simple comparison of factors that people consider while choosing between these two large wireless operators. If you need me to change or extend the comparison in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can also quickly add more information about any part of the writing ranging from plans to phone deals to even 5G coverage. Just indicate which aspects require further development.
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