We pick the best phone carriers based on data speeds, phone selection, monthly costs and more
We are now relying on our smartphones more than ever, and therefore, it becomes indispensable that your wireless service is derived from the best phone network in the USA. And I am here to assist you in making the best choice for that.
For nearly a decade, I've compared cell phone plans across different carriers on Tom's Guide. This has given me insights into what various carriers charge for their plans and how much data you get in return. Moreover, I do this fairly frequently: change-the-rates record, added perks, international coverage, or free streaming services.
While choosing the best phone network in the USA with regard to cost, coverage is also a vital factor, most notably, the expansion of 5G. Of course, there will always be differences in cell phone coverage depending on location, but research like this makes you confident in carriers that deliver great wireless connectivity.
Presently, Verizon is the best phone network in the USA mainly because of their wide coverage and flexible plans. (I use Verizon myself, so I feel pretty confident with this choice.) If you live in an area where other networks are stronger, T-Mobile's offering of unlimited plans also makes this a good alternative. The smaller carriers like Visible or Mint that run on the bigger carriers' networks deliver excellent wireless service, just with more modest monthly bills.
The leader here is Verizon, with flexible unlimited plans and an ever-expanding 5G network, bringing ultrawideband 5G coverage to over 250 million people. Verizon also topped LTE speeds, though the most recent RootMetrics report shows AT&T lead the way in aggregate speed. Still, Verizon scored the highest overall ranking, making it one of the most reliable options for the best phone network in the USA.
Verizon is pricier than other carriers, including T-Mobile but the unlimited plans are simple to understand and easy to dive into. The Unlimited Welcome plan for $65 a month includes nationwide 5G and makes available a large coverage throughout the country. The unlimited plan for $80per month offers an extra 30GB of the cellular hotspot data. The Unlimited Ultimate Plan that's taken for a price of $90 a month will double your hotspot data to 60 GB and will also offer high-speed data if you visit other countries.
Once you sign up, you can add extras - such as the Disney streaming bundle or TravelPass for three days, all for $10/month per bundle. You can also add and drop these extras as you need.
Verizon's prepay lineup is also very good, offering the 15GB prepay plan for $35/month with autopay discount. If you want to get unlimited data on a prepaid plan, they start at $50/month. You can add lines in multiples and get discounts on the unlimited data plans.
At the same time, Verizon also has an easy way to upgrade into a 5G phone even if you have an old or broken phone. With its offer of 36 months for the maximum usage of the best deals, its position is therefore reinforced as the USA's best phone network.
All in all, Verizon is a good choice for anyone looking to connect through the best phone network the USA has to offer with great service and excellent support. If it's okay with you to spend a little bit more on the monthly bill, this carrier really delivers on performance and reliable service.