AT&T vs Verizon 2026: Speed, Coverage & Price Comparison

Quick Answer: AT&T vs Verizon

AT&T (15M+ broadband customers) leads in coverage (22 states, 100+ metros) and max speed (5 Gbps fiber) with plans from $55/month. Best for users prioritizing speed and availability.

Verizon Fios (7M+ customers, Northeast only) wins on reliability (#1 J.D. Power 2023-2025) and value (starts at $50/month) with up to 2.3 Gbps fiber. Best for Northeast users prioritizing quality and service.

Quick verdict: AT&T for max speed and wider coverage, Verizon for reliability and Northeast value.

Side-by-Side Comparison

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Speed Comparison

Fiber Internet Speed

AT&T Fiber Plans:

• 300 Mbps: $55/month (300/300 Mbps symmetrical)
• 500 Mbps: $65/month (500/500 Mbps symmetrical)
• 1 Gig: $80/month (1000/1000 Mbps symmetrical)
• 2 Gig: $110/month (2000/2000 Mbps symmetrical)
• 5 Gig: $180/month (5000/5000 Mbps symmetrical) - Fastest residential fiber in US

Verizon Fios Plans:

• 300 Mbps: $50/month (300/300 Mbps symmetrical)
• 500 Mbps: $65/month (500/500 Mbps symmetrical)
• 1 Gig: $90/month (1000/1000 Mbps symmetrical)
• 2 Gig: $120/month (2300/2300 Mbps symmetrical)

Winner: AT&T for max speed (5 Gbps available), Verizon for value (cheaper entry point).

5G Home Internet Speed

AT&T 5G Home Internet:

• Speed: Up to 2 Gbps (typical: 150-500 Mbps)
• Price: $60/month
• Availability: Where AT&T 5G coverage exists

Verizon 5G Home Internet:

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (typical: 85-300 Mbps)
• Price: $50/month (with mobile), $70/month (standalone)
• Availability: 50M+ homes nationwide

Winner: AT&T for max theoretical speed, Verizon for wider 5G availability (50M+ homes).

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Coverage Comparison

Fiber Coverage

AT&T Fiber:

• 22 states: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NC, NV, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, WI, AL, MS
• 100+ metro areas: Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Indianapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc.
• Coverage focus: Major metros in South, Midwest, West Coast
• Availability: ~15M+ households passed

Verizon Fios:

• 9 Northeast states: NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, MA, RI, Washington DC
• Metro focus: NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore
• Coverage focus: Dense Northeast corridor only
• Availability: ~7M+ households passed

Winner: AT&T for geographic coverage (22 states vs 9), Verizon for Northeast density.

5G Home Internet Coverage

AT&T 5G Home:

• Available where AT&T 5G network exists
• Growing coverage in major metros
• Typical speeds: 150-500 Mbps

Verizon 5G Home:

• 50M+ homes eligible nationwide (most widespread)
• Available in all 50 states
• Typical speeds: 85-300 Mbps

Winner: Verizon for 5G Home availability (50M+ homes vs AT&T’s limited rollout).

Coverage Verdict: If you’re in the Northeast, Verizon Fios dominates. Outside the Northeast, AT&T Fiber is more likely available. For wireless home internet, Verizon leads.

Pricing Comparison

Fiber Plans Comparison

Entry-Level Fiber (300 Mbps):

• AT&T: $55/month (300/300 Mbps, unlimited data, free install)
• Verizon: $50/month (300/300 Mbps, unlimited data, free router)
• Savings: Verizon is $5/month cheaper

Mid-Tier Fiber (500 Mbps):

• AT&T: $65/month (500/500 Mbps, no equipment fee with autopay)
• Verizon: $65/month (500/500 Mbps, free router, Disney+ 6 months)
• Tie: Same price, Verizon adds Disney+ bonus

Gigabit Fiber (1 Gbps):

• AT&T: $80/month (1000/1000 Mbps, HBO Max included)
• Verizon: $90/month (1000/1000 Mbps, Disney+ 12 months, 200GB cloud)
• Savings: AT&T is $10/month cheaper

2 Gig+ Fiber:

• AT&T 2 Gig: $110/month (2000/2000 Mbps, HBO Max)
• AT&T 5 Gig: $180/month (5000/5000 Mbps, HBO Max) - Fastest residential plan
• Verizon 2 Gig: $120/month (2300/2300 Mbps, Disney+, YouTube TV discount, 1TB cloud)
• Advantage: AT&T offers faster 5 Gig option, Verizon includes more perks

5G Home Internet Pricing

AT&T 5G Home:

• $60/month standalone (no mobile line required)
• Unlimited data, equipment included

Verizon 5G Home:

• $50/month (with Verizon mobile line)
• $70/month (standalone)
• Unlimited data, equipment included

Winner: Verizon is cheaper with mobile ($50 vs $60), AT&T cheaper standalone ($60 vs $70).

Price-to-Performance Ratio

Pricing Verdict: Verizon wins at entry-level, AT&T wins at gigabit and above. AT&T uniquely offers 5 Gbps.

Reliability & Performance

Network Reliability

AT&T:

• Industry-average reliability ratings
• Fiber network congestion rare
• Customer satisfaction: 3.5/5 average across review sites
• Symmetrical upload/download speeds (no throttling)

Verizon Fios:

• #1 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction (residential internet, 2023-2025)
• #1 PCMag Readers’ Choice (2024)
• 99.9% network uptime claimed
• Customer satisfaction: 4.0/5 average across review sites
• Consistently ranked highest for reliability

Winner: Verizon Fios for reliability and customer satisfaction (industry-leading ratings).

Speed Consistency

AT&T Fiber:

• Symmetrical speeds mean equal upload/download
• Minimal speed variation during peak hours
• Fiber infrastructure ensures low latency (typically 5-15ms)
• No throttling or data prioritization

Verizon Fios:

• Symmetrical speeds on all plans
• Industry-best consistency ratings (PCMag tests)
• Low latency (typically 3-12ms, often lower than AT&T)
• No throttling or data prioritization

Winner: Verizon edges ahead with slightly better consistency and lower latency.

Customer Service

AT&T:

• 24/7 phone support
• Online chat support
• AT&T stores nationwide for in-person help
• Mixed customer service reviews

Verizon:

• 24/7 phone support
• Online chat and social media support
• Verizon stores in Northeast for in-person help
• Higher-rated customer service (J.D. Power surveys)

Winner: Verizon for customer service quality.

Pros and Cons

AT&T Advantages ✅

• ✅ Widest fiber coverage - 22 states, 100+ metros (vs Verizon’s 9 states)
• ✅ Fastest fiber speed - 5 Gbps available (vs Verizon’s 2.3 Gbps max)
• ✅ More availability - 15M+ households passed (more than 2x Verizon)
• ✅ Lower gigabit pricing - $80 for 1 Gig (vs Verizon’s $90)
• ✅ HBO Max included - On 1 Gig+ plans
• ✅ Free installation - All fiber plans include free professional install
• ✅ 5G Home Internet - Up to 2 Gbps theoretical max

AT&T Disadvantages ❌

• ❌ Higher entry price - $55 vs Verizon’s $50 for 300 Mbps
• ❌ Lower reliability ratings - Industry average vs Verizon’s #1 J.D. Power
• ❌ Weaker customer service - Lower satisfaction scores
• ❌ Legacy DSL limitations - DSL plans have 1 TB data cap
• ❌ Less OTT variety - Only HBO Max vs Verizon’s Disney+ options

Verizon Advantages ✅

• ✅ #1 reliability - J.D. Power winner 2023-2025
• ✅ Best customer service - Highest satisfaction ratings
• ✅ Lower entry price - $50 for 300 Mbps (vs AT&T’s $55)
• ✅ Better 5G Home coverage - 50M+ eligible homes nationwide
• ✅ Disney+ included - 6-12 months free on 500 Mbps+ plans
• ✅ Free router rental - All Fios plans include free WiFi router
• ✅ Lower latency - Typically 3-12ms (vs AT&T’s 5-15ms)
• ✅ No data caps ever - All plans unlimited, no exceptions

Verizon Disadvantages ❌

• ❌ Limited fiber coverage - Northeast only (9 states vs AT&T’s 22)
• ❌ Lower max speed - 2.3 Gbps max (vs AT&T’s 5 Gbps)
• ❌ Fewer eligible homes - 7M vs AT&T’s 15M+ fiber households
• ❌ Higher gigabit price - $90 for 1 Gig (vs AT&T’s $80)
• ❌ Regional limitation - If you move outside Northeast, no Fios option

Which Should You Choose?

Choose AT&T If:

• ✅ You live outside the Northeast - Verizon Fios not available
• ✅ You need extreme speed - 5 Gbps for power users, 4K streaming, large households
• ✅ You want wider coverage - More likely to find AT&T Fiber in your metro
• ✅ You’re a HBO Max subscriber - Save on subscription with 1 Gig+ plans
• ✅ You need better availability - 15M+ households vs Verizon’s 7M
• ✅ You value speed over price - Willing to pay $5 more at entry level for 2x coverage options

Choose Verizon Fios If:

• ✅ You live in the Northeast - Best option for NY, NJ, PA, MA, MD, VA, DC area
• ✅ Reliability is priority - #1 J.D. Power ratings 3 years straight
• ✅ You value customer service - Highest satisfaction scores
• ✅ You want best value at entry - $50/month for 300 Mbps (cheapest symmetrical fiber)
• ✅ You’re a Disney+ subscriber - Save on subscription with 500 Mbps+ plans
• ✅ You prioritize consistency - Best speed consistency and lowest latency
• ✅ You don’t need 5 Gbps - 2.3 Gbps more than sufficient for most users

Use Case Recommendations

Technology Comparison

Fiber Technology

AT&T Fiber:

• Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP)
• Symmetrical upload/download on all plans
• BGW320 WiFi 6 gateway (included)
• Supports multi-gig speeds with compatible equipment

Verizon Fios:

• Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP)
• Symmetrical upload/download on all plans
• CR1000 series WiFi router (free rental)
• Supports up to 2.3 Gbps with included equipment

Tie: Both use FTTP fiber with symmetrical speeds. AT&T goes faster, Verizon includes router rental free.

5G Home Internet Technology

AT&T 5G Home:

• Uses AT&T 5G network (mmWave + C-band)
• Up to 2 Gbps theoretical
• Gateway: AT&T Wireless Internet device
• No data caps

Verizon 5G Home:

• Uses Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband (C-band primarily)
• Up to 1 Gbps typical
• Gateway: Verizon 5G Gateway or ASK-NCQ1338FA
• 50M+ eligible homes (widest availability)
• No data caps

Winner: AT&T for max speed, Verizon for coverage (50M+ homes).

How to Run a Fair Speed Test

To compare AT&T and Verizon accurately, test under the same conditions. Use the same device, the same room, and the same connection method (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet) for each run. Run at least three tests per provider and compare the median result rather than a single peak number.

Quick test steps:

1. Pause large downloads, streaming, and cloud backups.
2. Use Ethernet if possible; if not, test next to the router.
3. Run 3 tests during off‑peak hours and 3 during peak hours.
4. Compare download, upload, and latency together.
5. Note the plan tier you’re on for each provider.

Factors That Affect Results

Speed tests are highly sensitive to environment and congestion. If AT&T or Verizon looks slower, it may be a timing or Wi‑Fi issue rather than a network limitation. Focus on the pattern across multiple tests rather than one result.

Common factors:

• Wi‑Fi quality (router placement, interference, older hardware)
• Network congestion (evenings and weekends are slower)
• Server distance (closer servers usually show lower latency)
• Device limits (older devices cap speeds)
• Plan tier (entry plans may never reach gigabit speeds)

What to Check Before Switching

When choosing between AT&T and Verizon, evaluate more than max speed. Stability, upload performance, and plan terms matter just as much.

Consider:

• Upload needs (video calls, cloud backups, streaming)
• Equipment fees and router quality
• Contract terms and promo expiration
• Data policies and fair‑use limits
• Local availability (address‑level differences)

Speed Test Checklist

• Test at least 3 times on each provider
• Compare median results, not peaks
• Use the same device and connection method
• Record download, upload, latency together
• Retest after any equipment changes

Plan Comparison Checklist

When comparing AT&T and Verizon, use a consistent checklist so you evaluate the same attributes across both providers. Advertised download speed is only one piece of performance.

Focus on:

• Upload speeds for video calls, cloud backups, and live streaming.
• Latency and jitter for gaming and real‑time apps.
• Equipment costs (modem/router fees, Wi‑Fi upgrade charges).
• Contract terms (promo length, early termination fees).
• Data policies (caps, throttling, fair‑use limits).

Installation & Availability

Coverage is address‑based. Two neighbors can have different plan options or network types. Before switching:

1. Confirm availability at your exact address for both providers.
2. Compare connection type (fiber, cable, fixed wireless, DSL).
3. Check installation timelines and whether self‑install is available.
4. Ask about equipment compatibility if you plan to use your own modem/router.

Reliability & Consistency

A faster plan is not always a better experience if speeds fluctuate. For stability:

• Test during peak hours (evenings and weekends).
• Compare the median of multiple tests, not a single best result.
• Prioritize upload stability if your household works from home.

Switching Considerations

Before canceling a current plan, evaluate:

• Bundle dependencies (TV or mobile discounts tied to internet service).
• Billing changes after promo periods end.
• Return equipment deadlines to avoid fees.
• Overlapping service windows to prevent downtime.

Speed Test Your Connection

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, AT&T or Verizon?

AT&T Fiber is faster at the top end with 5 Gbps (5000 Mbps) symmetrical speed available, while Verizon Fios maxes out at 2.3 Gbps (2300 Mbps). However, for most users, both provide identical speeds from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Verizon has better speed consistency and lower latency (3-12ms vs 5-15ms), making it feel faster in real-world use despite lower maximum speeds.

Which has better coverage, AT&T or Verizon?

AT&T Fiber has wider geographic coverage across 22 states and 100+ metro areas (15M+ households), while Verizon Fios is limited to 9 Northeast states (7M+ households). However, for 5G Home Internet, Verizon leads with 50M+ eligible homes nationwide vs AT&T’s limited 5G Home rollout. If you live in the Northeast, Verizon Fios dominates. Outside the Northeast, AT&T Fiber is your best bet.

Is AT&T or Verizon more reliable?

Verizon Fios is significantly more reliable, winning J.D. Power’s #1 ranking for residential internet customer satisfaction three consecutive years (2023-2025). Verizon also earned PCMag’s Readers’ Choice award for 2024. AT&T Fiber receives industry-average reliability ratings. If reliability and customer service are priorities, Verizon Fios is the clear winner.

Which is cheaper, AT&T or Verizon?

Pricing is competitive and tier-dependent. Verizon is $5/month cheaper at entry-level (300 Mbps: $50 vs $55). Both charge $65/month for 500 Mbps. AT&T is $10/month cheaper at 1 Gbps ($80 vs $90). For 2 Gbps, AT&T is $10 cheaper ($110 vs $120), and only AT&T offers 5 Gbps at $180/month. Overall, Verizon wins for budget users, AT&T wins for speed seekers.

Can I get both AT&T and Verizon in my area?

Very unlikely. Verizon Fios is exclusive to 9 Northeast states (NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, MA, RI, DC). AT&T Fiber is available in 22 states, primarily South, Midwest, and West Coast. The only overlapping state is Virginia, where select areas may have both. Use each provider’s address checker to verify availability.

Do AT&T or Verizon have data caps?

AT&T: Unlimited data on all fiber plans. 1 TB data cap on legacy DSL plans ($10 per additional 50GB). Verizon: Unlimited data on ALL plans (Fios fiber, 5G Home, LTE Home) with no exceptions. Winner: Both have unlimited on fiber, but Verizon has no caps across the board.

Which is better for gaming, AT&T or Verizon?

Verizon Fios is better for gaming due to lower latency (typically 3-12ms vs AT&T’s 5-15ms), better speed consistency, and higher reliability ratings. Symmetrical upload speeds on both providers ensure smooth online gaming, but Verizon’s network stability edges out AT&T. Pro gamers and streamers prefer Verizon Fios where available.

Does AT&T or Verizon throttle speeds?

Neither AT&T Fiber nor Verizon Fios throttle speeds or engage in data prioritization. Both provide symmetrical speeds with no slowdowns during peak hours. However, AT&T’s legacy DSL service may experience congestion. AT&T’s 5G Home and Verizon’s 5G Home/LTE Home may experience variable speeds based on network congestion, but no explicit throttling.

Can I switch from AT&T to Verizon (or vice versa)?

Yes, but only if both providers serve your address. Most areas have only one fiber option. If switching, note that installation takes 1-3 weeks for professional fiber setup. You can keep your old service active during installation to avoid downtime. Both offer promotions for new customers (check websites for current deals). No early termination fees if on no-contract plans.

Which has better customer service?

Verizon has significantly better customer service ratings, earning J.D. Power’s #1 residential internet customer satisfaction score three years running (2023-2025). AT&T receives mixed reviews with industry-average scores. Verizon’s phone support, online chat, and in-store assistance are consistently rated higher. If customer service quality matters, Verizon Fios is the better choice.

Summary

AT&T (15M+ broadband customers across 22 states) leads in geographic coverage and maximum speed with 5 Gbps fiber—the fastest residential internet in the US. Best for users outside the Northeast who need extreme speeds or prioritize wide availability over customer service ratings. Starting at $55/month for 300 Mbps symmetrical fiber.

Verizon Fios (7M+ customers in 9 Northeast states) dominates in reliability, customer satisfaction, and service quality with #1 J.D. Power rankings (2023-2025). Offers up to 2.3 Gbps fiber with better consistency, lower latency, and superior customer service. Best for Northeast residents prioritizing reliability and value. Starting at $50/month for 300 Mbps symmetrical fiber.

Decision guide: Choose AT&T for max speed (5 Gbps) and nationwide coverage. Choose Verizon for Northeast reliability, best customer service, and lower latency. Both are excellent fiber providers—your location will likely determine which is available.

Test your actual speed: AT&T Speed Test | Verizon Speed Test

Last Updated: January 27, 2026 Data Sources: AT&T.com, Verizon.com, J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys, PCMag ISP reviews, FCC broadband deployment data, M-Lab speed testing Comparison Methodology: Based on official plan data, customer count statistics, J.D. Power reliability ratings, and real-world speed tests