T-Mobile and Verizon are two of the most popular and reliable wireless networks in the United States, but how do they compare in terms of coverage?
Continue reading to find out what I’ve discovered about T-Mobile vs Verizon coverage so that you can choose the best carrier for your needs!
T-Mobile vs Verizon Coverage In 2024
When it comes to T-Mobile vs Verizon coverage, both Verizon and T-Mobile excel within certain areas in 2024. Even though T-Mobile might have an edge in the Western states, you’ll find that Verizon coverage is more reliable and consistent throughout the United States. However, they’re both leaders when it comes to the mobile market and will continue to compete.
Do you want to know additional details about T-Mobile vs Verizon coverage, such as who has better 5G and if the company covers rural areas? Well, read on below to learn the facts!
Who Has Better 5G: Verizon or T-Mobile?
T-Mobile has better 5G coverage than Verizon when you compare the two, since T-Mobile is now part of Sprint, which has the largest 5G coverage in the United States.
Furthermore, when you look at the breakdown of 5G, T-Mobile now has 5G available in 53.79% of the United States, whereas Verizon only has 12.77% 5G coverage within the United States.
Also, T-Mobile has a 5G comparison map with Verizon, where you can see just how far the 5G coverage goes compared to Verizon.
However, the T-Mobile 5G network consists of low and mid bands, whereas Verizon 5G is mid to high band, making Verizon’s 5G better and a more true network.
T-Mobile’s 5G is more like upgraded 4G, which may explain why T-Mobile has been able to expand the 5G network so quickly compared to Verizon, since it isn’t using the same bands.
Who Has Better Overall Coverage: Verizon or T-Mobile?
Verizon has better overall coverage when you’re looking at the 4G LTE coverage compared to T-Mobile.
For example, Verizon 4G LTE coverage spans over 71% of the United States, and the T-Mobile 4G LTE network only spans 63% of the United States.
If you’re looking for the most reliable 4G LTE coverage throughout the United States, regardless of where you live or while you travel, Verizon is going to win this battle every time.
Who Has Better Reception: Verizon or T-Mobile?
Verizon has better reception when compared to T-Mobile, which is in part due to the Verizon 4G LTE network being available in more locations throughout the United States.
Also, Verizon has been known as a leader in cell phone reception and quality for years, and has beat out every competitor thus far, including Sprint and T-Mobile.
Who Has Better Rural Area Coverage: Verizon or T-Mobile?
Verizon wins when it comes to rural area coverage when you’re comparing Verizon to T-Mobile, or any other company for that matter.
For example, a study about the Mobile experience in rural USA showed that those on the Verizon 4G LTE network were able to connect 83.5% of the time, regardless of being remote.
T-Mobile customers were able to connect to 4G LTE in rural areas only 77.4% of the time, so Verizon edged out T-Mobile by quite a bit in these rural locations.
Additionally, Verizon had the best upload speeds in rural areas when compared to T-Mobile and other brands, with an upload speed of 3.7Mbps in remote areas to 5.4Mbps in fringe areas.
Who Has Better Urban Coverage: Verizon or T-Mobile?
T-Mobile slightly edges out Verizon when it comes to urban coverage, and is known for having excellent coverage near big cities throughout the United States.
However, both Verizon and T-Mobile have quality urban cell phone reception and coverage, so it’s nearly a tie between the two in this category.
Who Has Better Coverage in Colorado: Verizon or T-Mobile?
Verizon has better coverage in Colorado, with Verizon covering more than 81% of the state compared to T-Mobile, which only covers a little over 60% of Colorado.
Who Has Better Coverage in New Jersey: Verizon or T-Mobile?
T-Mobile coverage in New Jersey is slightly better than Verizon, but it’s almost a tie between the both of them in terms of coverage in that state.
For example, T-Mobile covers 97.85% of New Jersey, whereas Verizon covers 97.52% of the state, so it’s incredibly close, and you can’t go wrong with either one!
Who Has Better Coverage in San Diego: Verizon or T-Mobile?
T-Mobile has better coverage in San Diego, California, although it’s very close, with T-Mobile offering 97.87% while Verizon coverage is 97.77% in San Diego.
However, both T-Mobile and Verizon have poor coverage in certain locations within San Diego, including Julian, towards the mountains, and towards the Salton Sea.
If you’re in one of those locations, you’re going to have trouble, regardless of which provider you use, but everywhere else in San Diego, T-Mobile coverage wins.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Verizon owns Straight Talk, will a Verizon phone work on T-Mobile, and does Verizon unlock phones.
Conclusion
The debate between T-Mobile and Verizon coverage comes down to overall reliability and quality, which is where Verizon wins the battle in coverage throughout the United States.
However, T-Mobile wins the battle when it comes to 5G coverage, although it uses lower bands than Verizon, so it’s not as true to 5G as Verizon, which uses higher bands.