AT&T vs Verizon Coverage Map: Which Network Is Best?

Key Points

• AT&T vs Verizon coverage debate has been ongoing for years.
• AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage is superior to Verizon’s in several areas.
• AT&T offers more coverage than Verizon for outdoor stationary 5G at 7/1 Mbps.
• AT&T consistently outperforms Verizon in terms of coverage across the nation.
• AT&T takes the lead in terms of reliable and widespread network coverage.

AT&T and Verizon are two giants in the nation’s telecommunications arena. Naturally, the AT&T vs Verizon coverage debate has been raging on for years now. It’s the burning question on everyone’s mind: Which network truly reigns supreme in terms of 4G LTE and 5G coverage? Let’s compare the nationwide coverage maps of AT&T and Verizon, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that might tip the scales in favor of one over the other. When all is said and done, which network is best? The answer lies in the providers’ coverage maps.

AT&T vs Verizon Coverage Overview

Looking beyond pricing, beyond special features, and beyond exclusive deals, how do AT&T and Verizon compare where it matters most? We’re talking, of course, about coverage. Which network has the best coverage in the country? The answer can be found in the coverage maps from the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection.

Let’s home in on six specific coverage types: Outdoor stationary and in-vehicle mobile coverage for 4G LTE, 5G 7/1 Mbps, and 5G 35/3 Mbps speeds. Check out the chart below for an overview of AT&T vs Verizon coverage stats, then look to the maps below for more specific detail. In the end, we’ll be able to tell with certainty which network is best.

AT&T vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: Outdoor Stationary

When outdoors and stationary, AT&T and Verizon’s 4G LTE coverage differs by just 0.06%. Looking at the numbers alone, AT&T’s coverage narrowly edges ahead of Verizon’s. However, when looking at the map, there are several areas, such as rural Oklahoma, Utah, Montana, Kentucky, and beyond, where AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage (red) fills gaps left by Verizon’s (blue).

Verizon, by comparison, only covers AT&T’s dead zones in parts of Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and a select few other locations. This visual aid emphasizes how AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage is superior to Verizon’s.

AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary

Switching over to outdoor stationary 5G coverage at speeds of 7/1 Mbps, AT&T (red) once again triumphs over Verizon (blue). This time, the two don’t even come close. AT&T offers 31.49% coverage at this speed, while Verizon can only offer a measly 12.08%.

Looking at the map, Verizon’s coverage is limited primarily to the east and west coasts as well as parts of the Midwest. AT&T’s coverage is much more spread out across the nation, encompassing many more areas than its rival provider. Alas, neither can provide reliable coverage to much of Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and other parts of the northwestern U.S.

AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary

Bumping up outdoor stationary 5G speeds to 35/3 Mbps, the divide between AT&T (red) and Verizon (blue) narrows. AT&T offers 10.92% coverage, while Verizon offers slightly less at 8.11%. Looking at the map, AT&T still delivers greater midwestern coverage than Verizon.

However, the lack of coverage in the northwestern part of the country shows through here. This isn’t a good look for either provider, to be clear. Residents of Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and other neighboring states get left high and dry by both AT&T and Verizon in this regard.

AT&T vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: In-Vehicle Mobile

For 4G LTE coverage while in-vehicle mobile, the story isn’t much different. AT&T (red) continues to best Verizon (blue) in overall coverage, this time by more than 20%. AT&T provides coverage to 43.03% of the country in this respect, while Verizon offers just 22.06% by comparison.

It’s becoming increasingly clear how this AT&T vs Verizon coverage debate is probably going to shake out. Nevertheless, it’s worth pointing out that AT&T does a better job covering the western side of the country while Verizon manages to cover some AT&T dead zones on the eastern side of the country.

AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile

Talk about a tremendous step down between 4G LTE and 5G. When looking at AT&T’s (red) and Verizon’s (blue) 5G coverage at speeds of 7/1 Mbps, AT&T can guarantee 26.13% coverage, while Verizon can only offer 2.96%.

Most of Verizon’s 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps is limited to the east and west coasts with select portions of the Midwest. AT&T, comparatively, stretches its 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps throughout the entirety of the map. (And, once again, the northwest is left high and dry by both providers.)

AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile

Bumping up 5G speeds to 35/3 Mbps, we see a lot more white space across the western portion of the U.S. Interestingly enough, we also start to see some gaps in coverage in the eastern portion of the country.

AT&T (red) offers 9.96% 5G coverage at 35/3 Mbps while in-vehicle mobile. Verizon (blue) gives you just 1.40% 5G coverage under the same parameters. Neither network is necessarily excellent in this regard, but AT&T still comes out looking better than Verizon.

AT&T vs Verizon: Which Has the Better 5G Network?

A good way to identify who has the better 5G network between AT&T and Verizon? Look at the areas with at least 50% coverage when outdoor stationary and in-vehicle mobile. Let’s check out the maps and see how the two providers compare in the respects below.

At Least 50% Coverage When Outdoor Stationary

This is interesting: AT&T and Verizon 5G coverage maps both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages when outdoor stationary. Verizon has the eastern part of the U.S. and portions of the east and Midwest covered. Comparatively, AT&T has some serious gaps on the east and west coast while doing a much better job covering the north and south parts of the country.

At Least 50% Coverage When In-Vehicle Mobile

You might need a magnifying glass to see it, but there is a little bit of Verizon (blue) coverage on the map above. However, AT&T is far and away the more reliable provider of 5G coverage while in-vehicle mobile.

AT&T vs Verizon Coverage: Which Network Is Best?

Looking at AT&T vs Verizon coverage, one network emerges as the clear winner. Across the nation, AT&T shines brighter than Verizon in every type of coverage seen on the map. Whether it’s the broad expanse of their 4G LTE network or the cutting-edge reach of their 5G, AT&T consistently outperforms Verizon. From bustling city centers to remote rural corners, AT&T’s commitment to expansive coverage ensures that more people stay connected on their network than Verizon’s. So, when it comes to reliable and widespread network coverage, AT&T takes the lead.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/AnuchaCheechang.