Key Points
- Verizon has more coverage than T-Mobile in terms of 4G LTE networks, but T-Mobile has advantages in certain regions.
- T-Mobile has fewer gaps in 5G coverage compared to Verizon.
- T-Mobile surpasses Verizon in terms of coverage for both 7/1 Mbps and 35/3 Mbps speeds on the 5G network.
- Verizon has double the 4G LTE coverage compared to T-Mobile when in a vehicle and on the move.
- T-Mobile has better 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps speeds in comparison to Verizon, especially in the eastern half of the country.
These days, choosing a mobile network is about so much more than just coverage. People want a good deal, they want attractive benefits, they want a nice bundle, and they want a reasonable bill. Such things pale in comparison to the biggest deciding factor of all: reliable mobile coverage. Let’s look beyond all the bells and whistles to focus on this one important spec. How do the T-Mobile and Verizon coverage maps compare to one another? Which network has the most reliable coverage overall? Let’s compare and contrast below.
T-Mobile vs Verizon Coverage Overview
To find out who has the better coverage between T-Mobile vs Verizon, we’re going to take a look at six specific considerations: outdoor stationary and in-vehicle mobile coverage for 4G LTE and 5G networks at 7/1 Mbps and 35/3 Mbps speeds. While you might not have heard of these FCC terms before, they are of utmost importance to your mobile coverage.
These parameters determine the strength and reliability of their networks in different scenarios. Outdoor stationary coverage at 4G LTE and 5G speeds will help us understand how well both carriers deliver connectivity while not on the move. Likewise, in-vehicle mobile coverage specs reveal which provider offers more consistent and high-speed connections on the go.
| Coverage Type | T-Mobile | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Stationary 4G Coverage | 35.3% | 55.05% |
| Outdoor Stationary 5G (7/1 Mbps) | 26.25% | 12.08% |
| Outdoor Stationary 5G (35/3 Mbps) | 14.82% | 8.11% |
| In-Vehicle Mobile 4G Coverage | 9.23% | 22.06% |
| In-Vehicle Mobile 5G (7/1 Mbps) | 5.83% | 2.96% |
| In Vehicle Mobile 5G (35/3 Mbps) | 2.55% | 1.40% |
T-Mobile vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: Outdoor Stationary
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Layering both 4G LTE coverage maps on top of one another, you can see how much more coverage Verizon (blue) has to offer over T-Mobile (red). Miles upon miles of T-Mobile dead zones are painted right over with Verizon’s superior 4G LTE coverage.
That’s not to suggest T-Mobile doesn’t have its advantages with 4G LTE, though. Portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and regions of the Northwest are better covered by T-Mobile over its competitor. Nevertheless, Verizon still has a greater percentage of coverage.
T-Mobile vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary
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Bumping up to the 5G network at speeds of 7/1 Mbps, we see several gaps appear on the map. This is true of both T-Mobile and Verizon’s coverage. Unfortunately, as we so often witness these coverage maps, both providers leave serious gaps throughout the Northwest.
With that being said, T-Mobile has fewer gaps in coverage nationwide than Verizon does. Looking at the numbers, T-Mobile provides 26.25% coverage on this network and at this speed. Verizon provides less than half that at 12.08%.
T-Mobile vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary
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The fastest 5G network from T-Mobile and Verizon can reach speeds of 35/3 Mbps. As we saw with the second-fastest 5G speeds, 7/1 Mbps, T-Mobile surpasses Verizon’s coverage by a considerable margin. There are large regions here where Verizon is nowhere to be found.
However, the percentage gap between coverages is not quite as drastic here as it was in the previous section. T-Mobile reports 14.82% coverage on its 5G network at 35/3 Mbps speeds while outdoors and stationary. Alternatively, Verizon reports 8.11%.
T-Mobile vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: In-Vehicle Mobile
Verizon (blue) has better 4G LTE coverage than T-Mobile (red).
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It’s nice to know you’re covered when outside and at a standstill, but that’s surely not how you spend the entirety of your day. How does T-Mobile and Verizon coverage compare when in a vehicle and on the move? The results are pretty staggering.
As with 4G LTE coverage when outdoors and stationary, Verizon (blue) surpasses T-Mobile (red) coverage nationwide. However, T-Mobile does shine through in a couple of key regions, including Oklahoma and parts of the Northwest. All in all, Verizon has double the 4G coverage.
T-Mobile vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile
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Hopping over to the 5G network at 7/1 Mbps speeds while in-vehicle mobile, T-Mobile takes the lead from Verizon. While it’s not nearly as expansive as what we saw with this network and speed while outdoors and stationary, it’s still worth noting that T-Mobile bests Verizon here.
Verizon sees its most reliable 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps speeds in the eastern half of the country. The same can be said for T-Mobile. Neither network has exceptional coverage in the western half of the U.S. Nevertheless, T-Mobile’s 5.83% is better than Verizon’s 2.96%.
T-Mobile vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile
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Of all the maps we’ve examined thus far, T-Mobile and Verizon coverage on the 5G network at 35/3 Mbps speeds looks to be the most evenly matched. Neither network has exceptional coverage in this respect, but the two come within a little more than a percentage point of each other.
T-Mobile ensures 2.55% coverage on this network and at this speed. Conversely, Verizon offers 1.40% coverage. Even so, T-Mobile does a much better job spreading its coverage out across the country than Verizon. The latter is hardly present in Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and beyond.
T-Mobile vs Verizon: Which Has the Better 5G Network?
Now that we have a good overview of T-Mobile vs Verizon coverage maps, let’s get a little more specific and compare network reliability in areas with at least 50% coverage. This comparison is crucial, as it shows where these networks are most reliably available nationwide. These spots on the map are the places where you can expect to experience the least amount of interruptions. By focusing on these areas, we can better assess which carrier offers better overall coverage.
At Least 50% Coverage When Outdoor Stationary
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Narrowing down the map to areas of the country with at least 50% coverage when outdoors and stationary, you begin to see who has the superior 5G coverage. While Verizon’s regional coverage offers larger blips, T-Mobile’s is much more spread out across the country. It seems those in metropolitan areas looking for good 5G coverage are better off with Verizon’s network. On the flip side, those looking for the same thing in rural areas are better off with T-Mobile.
At Least 50% Coverage When In-Vehicle Mobile
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Switching over to in-vehicle mobile coverage, T-Mobile and Verizon’s coverage maps shrink to near-microscopic sizes. You can only see specks of each network from coast to coast. Interestingly enough, both T-Mobile and Verizon do an exceptionally good job providing the Chicago metropolitan area with in-vehicle mobile 5G coverage. Los Angeles, Houston, and New York are also well-covered by both networks.
T-Mobile vs Verizon Coverage: Which Network Is Best?
Comparing T-Mobile vs Verizon coverage, it’s clear that both carriers have their strengths and weaknesses. T-Mobile shines regarding 5G coverage, offering superior 7/1 Mbps and 35/3 Mbps speeds. This makes the network a solid choice for those seeking the benefits of the latest generation of wireless technology. Comparatively, Verizon has superior 4G LTE coverage. Its well-established 4G network provides more consistent service overall. If you want a better 5G network, consider T-Mobile. If you prefer 4G LTE, then you may be better off with Verizon.
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