While AT&T and Verizon continue to control the U.S. telecom market, choosing a mobile carrier in 2025 isn’t as easy as it used to be. For most consumers, it comes down to navigating trade-offs between price and coverage, signal strength and data limits, or convenience and privacy.

Besides regular metrics, you should evaluate how these telco giants deal with increasing data privacy concerns and SIM jacking threats, which have damaged their credibility in the past decade.

In this AT&T vs. Verizon guide, we’ll go over the key parameters of both providers, including coverage, plans, privacy, and security.

Verizon vs. AT&T: Key Points To Compare

*Data sourced in May 2025. Availability of some features and offers may differ depending on the selected plan or location.

With flexible unlimited plans, leading 5G speeds, and nationwide 4G LTE coverage, Verizon remains one of the top wireless network operators. Its consistent performance makes it an optimal choice for consumers who prioritize dependability, especially in rural locations.

AT&T, on the other hand, offers a broader low-band 5G coverage than most providers, available in more than 22,000 cities and towns. Affordable family plans and generous mobile hotspot data are some of the perks that place it among the “big three” mobile providers.

While both options are popular, you should evaluate four key criteria to see what works for you:

1. 1. Coverage
2. 1. Plans and pricing
3. 1. Customer service
4. 1. Privacy and security

1. AT&T vs. Verizon: Coverage

AT&T and Verizon offer decent 4G and 5G coverage, but the quality you get can differ based on factors like your location and city density, as well as the provider’s 5G rollout strategy.

When it comes to 5G coverage, AT&T has a slight upper hand over Verizon, providing over 315 million users with low-band 5G. The catch with low-band 5G is that speeds are closer to the 4G range, which may be an issue for consumers who value speed over coverage. While it favors everyday users, low-band 5G may not be optimal for downloading large files, video streaming, or gaming.

Here’s a complete list of AT&T’s 5G service options:

1. 1. 5G (Low-Band): Operating on 850 MHz spectrum, it relies on range and coverage while offering modest speeds comparable to 4G LTE.
2. 1. 5G+ (Mid-Band): It uses AT&T’s mid-band and mmWave network, striking a balance between wide coverage and speed.
3. 1. 5G Evolution (5GE): Often described as an improved version of 4G LTE, 5GE is a robust solution for high-demand urban areas.

While AT&T may do better in terms of 5G availability, Verizon strives for quality over quantity. In the RootMetrics State of the Mobile Union Report for the second half of 2024, Verizon’s 5G network was recognized as the best, fastest, and most reliable. Verizon introduced the 5G Ultra Wideband network as an ideal solution for power users, built for large downloads, file sharing, and low-latency video streaming, although it’s not as widely available as AT&T’s 5G.

Verizon also has better coverage for 4G LTE, which makes it a more dependable choice for consumers living in remote areas or those frequently on the go. Here’s what one customer had to say:

“AT&T used to compete pretty closely with Verizon in my area when it was mostly still LTE. However, now that they’ve pushed more 5G+ in my area, it’s actually been worse. In the areas my phone says 5G+, my data slows down so much it is basically non-existent. Verizon still seems to have better building penetration in my area.”

2. AT&T vs. Verizon: Plans and Pricing

Though their coverage and network performance may be considered similar in some locations, the plan structure is what sets them apart. AT&T and Verizon plans differ in priorities: AT&T offers unlimited plans that won’t break the bank, while Verizon prioritizes consumers who prefer perks and extras in their bundles.

AT&T
AT&T offers numerous unlimited plans at affordable rates, prioritizing unlimited calls and texting from the U.S. to more than 200 countries. The table below outlines AT&T’s top tiers:

*Baseline prices for four lines. You are allowed five lines per plan and can avail of a discount on the fifth one.

Verizon
Verizon, on the other hand, offers bundles packed with additional perks and streaming services, providing a more comprehensive experience. Find the most popular Verizon plans in the table below:

*Baseline prices for four lines. You can opt for up to 12 lines for a specific plan for adjusted pricing.

You can also build your plan from scratch by choosing from Unlimited plans and adding desired perks for a $10 monthly fee. While this option is available to new consumers, you can upgrade to a tailored Unlimited plan as an existing myPlan user.

3. AT&T vs. Verizon: Customer Service

Both AT&T and Verizon offer a robust customer support system across multiple channels, but their efficacy may vary depending on the requested service.

The AT&T GuaranteeSM program protects consumers in case of a network interruption, offering instant resolution by providing credit for the entire day of service. With MyAT&T, you can pay bills, manage accounts, and access customer support directly in the app. However, many reviews cite issues such as long wait times, inconsistent information provided by representatives, and the time-consuming process of proving that the cancellation wasn’t authorized.

“…A few months ago, somehow AT&T got my address wrong and let some random person who didn’t have any of my information cancel my account. And it has been nothing but a mess since. I have probably called in at least five times, and each time it’s a major headache just to get the automated system to get you to a rep, and then when I do get connected, I have spent hours on the phone for the rep to “fix” what I’m calling about but then mess up something different. Tonight was my final straw when all I needed was for them to send me the most recent bill, and that turned into my account being canceled again, and I don’t have Wi-Fi.”

My Verizon app is an all-in-one hub for managing your account and payments, switching plans, and getting help via the voice-enabled Verizon Assistant. In addition to the app, Verizon chat and social response teams on Facebook Messenger seem to be the preferred sources of information. Despite multiple channels of communication and 24/7 customer support, there are many customer complaints regarding hidden fees, lack of transparency in pricing, and extended response times.

“Coverage is great, but they’ll nickel-and-dime you to death. Bill creep is REAL. Customer service? Good luck—you’ll be on hold for hours.”

4. AT&T vs. Verizon: Privacy and Security

While AT&T and Verizon offer industry-standard security features to protect customers, their approaches tend to center around fraud prevention and overall user experience, rather than data security.

AT&T’s first line of defense when it comes to user security is ActiveArmor, a proactive app that allows you to:

• • Customize call controls to block fraudsters
• • Block scam texts and harmful websites
• • Upgrade to ActiveArmor Advanced Mobile Security with public Wi-Fi protection, Identity Monitoring, and Caller ID

Verizon relies on an interconnected system of protective mechanisms, including:

• • Identity Secure and Digital Secure for enhanced security online
• • Call Filter app for filtering calls and auto-blocking spam
• • Two-factor authentication for an added security step
• • SIM Protection and Number Lock to curb SIM swap

While both carriers strive to protect consumers from online threats, this doesn’t shield their subscribers’ personal information effectively. In 2024 alone, AT&T experienced two major data breaches affecting millions of consumers. The first breach occurred in March and compromised the sensitive information of over 70 million people, exposing valuable data like Social Security numbers. Only a month following the first incident, another breach revealed cell site identification and phone numbers.

Unfortunately, Verizon isn’t far behind when it comes to privacy concerns. According to Cape’s Telco Data Breach Timeline, Verizon has experienced several security incidents in recent years. These include SIM swapping activities, cybersecurity attacks, and internal data breaches.

For instance, a Verizon employee was found leaking the personal information of more than 63,000 people in 2024. In a more recent security incident, the very system designed to protect the subscribers—Verizon Call Filter iOS app—became a vulnerability. A security researcher, Evan Connelly, detected a significant flaw in the app, which allowed intruders to access call data, including detailed incoming call records, for any Verizon number.

Despite the alarming trends in data security, the industry has failed to make any meaningful progress. Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), an analysis of industry trends based on investigations and contributions from partners, shows that system intrusion breaches have doubled compared to 2024.

Which Mobile Carrier Should You Choose?

AT&T and Verizon offer near-interchangeable services in many aspects, so the choice boils down to your priorities. The general trend suggests that AT&T is the more affordable option with straightforward plans and widespread standard 5G coverage, while power users will appreciate Verizon’s superior 5G Ultra Wideband service and customization options.

The problem is that both brands have suffered significant trust erosion in the past couple of years. Let’s consider superficial security measures, for instance—both providers focus only on generic fraud prevention and overlook the vulnerabilities around sensitive user data exposed to third parties. Their credibility has further weakened after both AT&T and Verizon were fined $47m and $80m by the FCC in 2024 for selling real-time location data to data aggregators, which allowed malicious actors to locate potential targets with precision.

Multiple data leaks and breaches over the years reveal a singular pattern: these carriers collect vast personal information without offering consumers effective safeguards or controls, which attracts espionage-motivated attacks.

Luckily, there is a straightforward solution. If you want more control over your data privacy and security without compromising coverage and speeds, switch your cellular service to Cape—America’s leading privacy-first mobile carrier.

Cape: Privacy Hand-in-Hand With Nationwide Connectivity

The weakest point in the security systems of major mobile carriers is the amount of data they access and collect—and unfortunately often leak or sell.

Cape is a privacy-first mobile carrier that doesn’t demand blind faith from subscribers and collects only the minimum amount of data required to provide its service.

Cape is designed to provide an accessible and easy-to-manage service on par with all premium mobile carriers. Cape provides:

• • Nationwide coverage
• • Fast 4G and 5G speeds
• • Industry-leading network density
• • ESIM support (Bring your own device)
• • Live 24-hour support (chat with real people in minutes)

What sets Cape apart is that it’s built to forget. With traditional cellular networks, collecting and retaining personal information, such as payment details, location data, and call logs, is a given. They rely on legacy infrastructure, outdated security protocols, and a business model centered around profiting off your personal data.

Cape, on the other hand, follows a minimal-trust model. It can never monetize or lose your sensitive information because it isn’t collected or stored in the first place. Cape leaves legacy tech behind, operating its own cloud-based mobile core. This gives Cape unique control over the implementation of security protocols, workflow encryption, and how data is (or is not) collected and stored.

Get Started With Cape Today

Signing up for Cape is completely anonymous. Here’s how you can make the switch in a few simple steps:

1. 1. Verify your eligibility on the website
2. 1. Download the Cape mobile app from the Play Store/App Store
3. 1. Choose a new number or port in your existing number
4. 1. Save your unique 24-word passphrase
5. 1. Download and activate your eSIM

By switching to Cape, you get access to a reliable network without sacrificing your privacy and security. A single all-inclusive plan gives you complete access—no catch, hidden fees and taxes, or add-ons. For $99/month, you get:

• • Unlimited talk, text, and data
• • Enhanced signaling protection
• • Encrypted voicemail
• • SIM swap protection
• • Mobile hotspot
• • And more

Cape is currently in beta, so features are continuously being improved and released.

Thanks to Cape’s partnership with Proton, you can also get Proton Unlimited or Proton VPN Plus for just $1 for six months.

Your account isn’t tied to a contract, so if you decide to cancel at any point, there’s no waiting period or cancellation penalties.