📱 2022-08-29 22:05:00 – Paris/France.
Thinking of switching carriers before upgrading to iPhone 14? With stiff competition, major US carriers are offering compelling incentives to new customers. Below, we'll focus on T-Mobile vs AT&T, including how they compare on speed, how to find real-world coverage maps, test T-Mobile for free instantly with an iPhone eSIM, and more. .
We also have a comparison between T-Mobile and Verizon:
T-Mobile vs. AT&T
COVER
TL; DR
T-Mobile and AT&T coverage maps will look great on their websites. So here are some tips for determining how much coverage will actually be:
- Check coverage with the independent third-party Opensignal app
- Opensignal gets real-world data from millions of devices and billions of measurements
- Get a quick coverage comparison with Signalchecker
- Take a free eSIM trial to test coverage (available with T-Mobile and Visible/Verizon – not available with AT&T)
- Talk with friends, family, or people at work who use the carrier
T-Mobile has made a lot of progress with its acquisition of Sprint and its rapid rollout of 5G over the past two years. This means AT&T and Verizon are catching up on 5G coverage as they work to roll out more midstream spectrum.
The rapidity
TL; DR
- T-Mobile has the fastest average 5G speeds with more median coverage
- AT&T is significantly slower with both overall average speeds (4G and 5G) as well as its 5G speeds
Like coverage, a carrier's speed will depend on a variety of factors such as your location, device, signal strength, network congestion, and more.
Here's a look at how carriers compare for average speeds in Ookla and Opensignal's Summer 2022 studies:
Opensignal results show average 5G download speeds in the US in Q2022 XNUMX.
Instant Free eSIM Trials
While it was difficult to try out a new carrier in the past, eSIM support on iPhone and other smartphones has opened up a new possibility.
T-Mobile and Visible (Verizon) are taking advantage of the technology so customers can instantly test their networks for free alongside their existing carrier.
In this case, AT&T does not yet offer this convenient option.
With eSIM trials, you can simultaneously see your current carrier's signal and the one you're testing. And you can choose to continue using your existing carrier and number for phone calls while using the trial for cellular data.
T-Mobile vs. AT&T: Price
Earlier this year, AT&T raised prices from $6 to $12/month.
Meanwhile, while keeping prices lower, T-Mobile has added new perks like free worldwide data, in-flight data, and more.
As T-Mobile touts, it typically offers 15-20% lower prices for its unlimited plans compared to AT&T. T-Mobile also includes taxes and fees in its advertised prices.
Keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on the number of lines you need.
AT&T | T Mobile | |
Basic Unlimited | $35/phone with autopay and 4 lines or $26,50/phone for military/vet/1st responder with 4 lines | $26,25/per phone with automatic payment and 4 lines |
Unlimited update | $40/phone with autopay and 4 lines or $30/phone for military/vet/1st responder with 4 lines | $35/phone with autopay and 4 lines or $25/phone for military/vet/1st responder with 4 lines |
Premium unlimited | $50/phone with autopay and 4 lines or $37,50/phone for military/vet/1st responder with 4 lines | $42,50/phone with autopay and 4 lines or $35/phone for military/vet/1st responder with 4 lines |
Incentives and offers
As of this writing, T-Mobile is offering up to $800 for a trade-in when buying a new device with AT&T offering up to $700.
But T-Mobile is the most aggressive with up to $650 for early termination fees or to cover the current device balance.
The Uncarrier hosts “T-Mobile Tuesdays” to provide regular benefits and savings to customers and it also offers 50% off 5G home internet for their cellular customers.
Best Affordable Alternatives to Major Carriers
If reducing the cost of your phone bill is a priority, check out our comprehensive guide to the best affordable iPhone plans. We go over the top networks each provider uses, key features and more with plans starting at just $10 per line.
Conclusion between T-Mobile and AT&T
As long as T-Mobile's coverage is good for you (take a free trial to be sure), it currently offers both better average performance and better prices.
Benefits of T-Mobile:
- Fastest average speeds (Opensignal and Ookla studies)
- Attractive incentives to change
- Significantly improved coverage in recent years
- Unlimited plans starting at $26,25/line – taxes and fees included
Hopefully you now have a clear picture of how the major carriers compare, how to check real-world network coverage, and start a hassle-free eSIM trial (T-Mobile or Verizon via Visible). Thanks for reading our T-Mobile vs AT&T guide!
If you're curious how Verizon compares to T-Mobile and AT&T, we have a guide that includes all three:
FTC: We use revenue-generating automatic affiliate links. Suite.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
SOURCE: Reviews News
Do not hesitate to share our article on social networks to give us a solid boost. 🤗