Is T-Mobile better than Verizon?
By Rob Webber - Last updated on
For years, Verizon and T-Mobile have been at each other's throats, striving for the number one position and the attention of consumers throughout the nation.
How do you decide which network is best for you?
Just as important - how do you get the best price on cell phone service on the T-Mobile and Verizon networks?
We're going to answer both of these questions and also address customer service, plans and pricing, and the cheapest cell phone deals.
Table of Contents
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Plans
T-Mobile unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| T-Mobile Magenta Max | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
Best cheap T-Mobile plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Only $90 for 3 Months Service
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Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Plans
Review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $480 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $40/mo | $480/yr | |
Verizon unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
Verizon vs Ting comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $420 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Ting | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $45/mo | $540/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $420/yr | |
Plan features
- 4G & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Coverage
T-Mobile coverage map
Verizon coverage map
Compare network performance
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Family plans
T-Mobile family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Magenta | $70 | $120$60/line | $120$40/line | $140$35/line |
| T-Mobile Magenta Max | $85 | $140$70/line | $141$47/line | $172$43/line |
Cheapest T-Mobile MVNO multi-line plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 4GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| Mint Mobile 10GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| Mint Mobile 15GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | $30 | $60$30/line | $90$30/line | $120$30/line |
Verizon family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | $80 | $140$70/line | $165$55/line | $180$45/line |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | $80 | $140$70/line | $165$55/line | $180$45/line |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | $90 | $160$80/line | $195$65/line | $220$55/line |
Cheapest Verizon MVNO multi-line plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | $8 | $16$8/line | $24$8/line | $32$8/line |
| US Mobile 1GB | $12 | $24$12/line | $36$12/line | $48$12/line |
| US Mobile 5GB | $15 | $30$15/line | $45$15/line | $60$15/line |
| US Mobile 12GB | $20 | $40$20/line | $60$20/line | $80$20/line |
| US Mobile 18GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Data plans
T-Mobile data only plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB data only plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $6 |
| US Mobile 2GB data only plan | 2GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $10* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Tello 2GB data only plan | 2GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Tello 5GB data only plan | 5GB | T-Mobile | $15 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB data only plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
Verizon data only plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 2GB data only plan | 2GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $10* Free 10 Day Trial |
| US Mobile 4GB data only plan | 4GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $15* Free 10 Day Trial |
| US Mobile 6GB data only plan | 6GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| US Mobile 15GB data only plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $26* Free 10 Day Trial |
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Cell phone deals
T-Mobile cell phone deals
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone 12 mini 64GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $20/mo for 24 mths | $479 | Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $30/mo for 24 mths | $729 | Apple iPhone 14 128GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro 128GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro 128GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $46/mo for 24 mths | $1,099 | Apple iPhone 12 128GB T-Mobile | US Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $65/mo for 12 mths | $779 | Apple iPhone SE T-Mobile | US Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | - | $429 |
|---|
Verizon cell phone deals
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone SE Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone 12 mini 64GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 64GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $31/mo for 36 mths | $1,099 | Apple iPhone 14 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $884 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $41/mo for 24 mths | $980 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 |
|---|
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Customer service
| NETWORK | TRUSTPILOT RATING |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile user rating | 1.5 |
| Verizon user rating | 1.3 |
T-Mobile vs Verizon: MVNOs
Cheap T-Mobile carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile |
| FreeUP Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Republic Wireless | T-Mobile |
| Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Tello | T-Mobile |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Gen Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Hello Mobile | T-Mobile |
| GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Lycamobile | T-Mobile |
| Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Speedtalk Mobile | T-Mobile |
Cheap Verizon carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| CREDO Mobile | Verizon |
| Lively | Verizon |
| Net10 Wireless | Verizon |
| Page Plus Cellular | Verizon |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Spectrum Mobile | Verizon |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Total Wireless | Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Twigby | Verizon |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Visible | Verizon |
| Xfinity Mobile | Verizon |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Affinity Cellular | Verizon |
| Selectel Wireless | Verizon |
Cheap carrier benefits
- Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
- Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
- No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
- Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
- Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
- Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
- Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
T-Mobile vs Verizon FAQs
Is T-Mobile as good as Verizon?
Verizon consistently comes top with its 4G LTE coverage, but T-Mobile has faster data speeds.
Is it worth switching to T-Mobile from Verizon?
Both carriers offer different benefits, so it depends on what you need from your cell phone plan. Verizon has better overall coverage, whilst T-Mobile's data speeds are faster.
Recap
With all of the major wireless networks so close in coverage and reliability, it's up to you to decide which one works better for you.
One thing is crystal clear, though - MVNOs give you the same quality service for much less money.
Finally, to see all the best plans side-by-side, use our comparison tool to find a cheap cell phone plan.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
- We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
- We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
- We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
