When it comes to wireless carriers, some of the biggest annoyances for consumers are lack of signal, dropped calls and spotty coverage. Those in urban regions can expect the best data connections, LTE, and even voice over LTE or voLTE, but individuals in rural areas, particularly those in the mountains, tend to get extremely erratic coverage. Although each of the major wireless carriers - Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T - have improved their networks, there are still dead zones in certain areas. If Sprint and Verizon are your only options, you will certainly want to investigate their pros and cons if you are considering a switch or signing up for the first time. Compare Sprint plans and Verizon plans below to get an idea about what each carrier offers, then read on for a detailed comparison of Verizon and Sprint.
| Phone | Plan | Minutes | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 104 Phones Available |  Verizon myPlan Unlimited Welcome No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G LTE Data (may be slowed during network congestion) | $ 65 /mo + $30 Upfront Get Plan |
| 56 Phones Available | Verizon myPlan Unlimited Plus No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G LTE Data (may be slowed after 25GB of usage per month) | $ 80 /mo + $30 Upfront Get Plan |
Sprint provides full coverage in the East Coast, Midwest and in the south, but this is not the case in mountainous regions. That means there are dead zones throughout Colorado, Idaho and throughout a good deal of the Pacific Northwest. Its coverage is sporadic at best in states such as Alaska, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming. Sprint includes affordable roaming options if you don't get a good signal in certain locations.
Sprint's current Unlimited Freedom plans start at only $40 per month per line for up to four line. However, if you prefer just a single line, that will cost you $60 per month. The Unlimited Freedom plan includes unlimited 4G LTE data, except when you are streaming video or music or when you are playing games.
Verizon is the biggest wireless carrier and is considered the number one provider in the United States due to having the best coverage. However, it should be noted that even Big Red has dead zones in some eastern and western mountainous areas. Still, if you happen to reside in Colorado, Idaho, Montana or Wyoming, you can get decent coverage from Verizon. Coverage is excellent in all major cities, as well as in urban centers of Canada. Verizon offers roaming as well, although it is pricier than Sprint's options.
Following T-Mobile's lead, Verizon no longer offers contracts to customers. Its plans are named after sizes and numbers, with "S" being the cheapest at $35 per month with unlimited calling, unlimited texting and 2GB of data. The most expensive option is its 30 plan, which costs $135 per month with unlimited calling and texts, plus 30GB and 2GB per line.
Both Sprint and Verizon also offer international coverage for individuals who travel outside of the U.S. Sprint's full roaming coverage includes over 25 countries, but these are limited to major urban areas except in Europe. Sprint has reasonable coverage in Canada and is reliable in major tourist areas such as Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and even parts of Africa.
Verizon offers coverage in over 40 countries through specific plans and has roaming rates in areas such as Canada, Britain, Mexico and Guam that are said to be similar to Sprint's. It also offers what is known as the Occasional Global Traveler plan for individuals and families that allows for service in a particular country for only as long as they are within that region. Coverage in Canada is considered the best through Verizon, and there are also good options for travelers in Africa and South America.
Compare Sprint plans here, or call them at (844) 257-3516. Compare Verizon plans here.
