Verizon Coverage Map: How It Compares to AT&T, T-Mobile & Sprint

It’s no secret that the Verizon coverage map is the gold standard when it comes to wireless coverage. The rare expert that doesn’t have Verizon on the top of their list for best coverage, tends to have them at a very close second.

But it’s 2020, and you aren’t just going to let some so-called experts tell you that Verizon has the most robust coverage map of all the major carriers. You need hard data and facts. And that’s what we’re going to provide you with. We’re going to actually show you Verizon’s coverage map and compare it to the other major US networks.

Verizon Coverage: The Good & The Bad

The Good

Quite frankly, there isn’t a conversation to be had when it comes to network coverage and availability, if that conversation doesn’t involve Verizon. The major carrier has set the standard of network connectivity, providing over 70% of the country with its reliable 4G LTE coverage. Taking a quick glimpse at the Verizon Wireless coverage map you’ll see a country blanketed by Verizon coverage.

The Bad

While there are certainly small gaps of coverage here and there, it’s hard to fault Verizon when the other major networks have similar (if not bigger) gaps. When it comes to Verizon’s coverage, the gripe that many customers have is with the price of that coverage. They, understandably, consider themselves the best, and as with so many things in life, the best comes at a hefty price.

Where Verizon Has the Best Coverage

Throw a dart on a US map, and chances are you’ll find a place with great Verizon coverage. Okay, that might be hyperbole, but it’s not too far from the truth. Consider this, Verizon provides 27 states with over 90% of cellular coverage. Of those states, Arkansas, Georgia, and Kansas are nearly completely covered by Verizon.

Zooming out a bit, it’s clear Verizon has a strong presence in major cities throughout the country. This includes rural areas that have been otherwise underserved by other major carriers. It really is no wonder that many consider Verizon’s network to be the best in the country.

Verizon’s Least-Covered Areas

Despite being the overall coverage champ, even Verizon has areas where service is spotty. Alaska is left out in the literal cold, with just 1.92% of the state covered by Verizon’s mobile network. Other states will experience pockets without coverage, including:

• West Virginia: 52.24%
• Montana: 58.93%
• Nevada: 59.43%

Who Is Verizon’s Coverage Best For?

If you want a reliable network with consistent speeds and connectivity, a Verizon cell phone plan should be towards the top of your shopping list. Anyone in rural areas should definitely look into Verizon whose coverage in these areas is likely to give you the best service.

With a coverage map that outshines its competitors, it should be noted that Verizon is also the smart choice for those who often travel frequently throughout the country. No matter where you’re traveling to, chances are you’ll be in a place well covered by Verizon.

Verizon Coverage vs. Other Major Carriers

Data correct as of 2/25/20

Verizon Coverage Map vs. Sprint

The big takeaways from a Verizon and Sprint coverage map comparison are:

• Sprint’s 4G coverage reaches only 30% of the country as opposed to Verizon’s 70%
• Verizon’s coverage in rural areas far exceeds Sprint’s coverage in the same areas
• Verizon also has strong coverage in major metropolitan areas where Sprint has its best coverage

Winner: Verizon

When comparing Verizon’s coverage map to Sprint’s coverage map, it doesn’t take long to conclude that Verizon’s network is better. Sprint’s coverage map is full of large gaps while Verizon’s map has relatively few and much smaller gaps. Simply put, Verizon has the best coverage in the nation of the big four cell phone carriers, while Sprint has the worst.

Verizon Coverage Map vs. AT&T

Comparing Verizon’s coverage map to AT&T’s consider the following:

• Verizon outshines AT&T in 4G coverage with 70% nationwide coverage compared to AT&T’s 68%
• While Verizon is a winner in rural areas, AT&T does provide competitive coverage in these areas
• Both carriers are especially strong in metropolitan areas

Winner: Verizon

Of the four major cell phone carriers, AT&T’s 4G network coverage ranks second, having jumped 10% to overtake the slot previously occupied by T-Mobile. And though Verizon wins out for the fastest connectivity, AT&T’s 3G network is tops in the U.S.—which is good news for people who are primarily concerned with dropped calls, as this is the network your phone falls back to in the absence of a 4G signal. In this case, Verizon’s 3G coverage comes in second. All in all, AT&T’s cell phone coverage is excellent and even gives Verizon a run for its money in certain areas, but Verizon still takes the cake.

Verizon Coverage Map vs. T-Mobile

This matchup pits number one against number two. Highlights of this comparison include the following:

• T-Mobile’s 4G coverage (62%) falls behind Verizon’s (70%)
• Verizon is well ahead of T-Mobile when it comes to coverage in rural areas

Winner: Verizon

T-Mobile takes 3rd place in the battle of network coverage, and a look at their coverage map compared to Verizon’s can help you see why. There are considerable gaps in rural areas on the T-Mobile map where Verizon otherwise has a strong presence. T-Mobile also lags behind in 3G coverage which is still heavily relied upon when it comes to calls and SMS. Verizon continues to have one of the stronger 3G networks.

Verizon Wireless Plans

If you want the best, you’re going to have to pay for it. Verizon charges some of the highest prices in the mobile market with their primary offerings made up of three unlimited plans: Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited.

Key features of Verizon unlimited plans include:

• Unlimited talk and text
• “Unlimited” data – Data may be slowed down at times of heavy network congestion:
  • At any point—Start Unlimited
  • After 25GB of usage—Play More Unlimited
  • After 50GB of usage—Do More Unlimited
  • After 75GB of usage—GetMore Unlimited
• Canada and Mexico talk, text and data
• Apple Music subscription (Play More Unlimited, Get More Unlimited)

All of this backed by the best network in the country. Take a closer look at Verizon’s offerings and find the one that’s right for you.