What Phone Company Is Best for the iPhone?

Check out the strengths and weaknesses of the major cellular providers

If you don't plan to buy an iPhone directly from Apple but want to pay for it on installment, you have two decisions to make: Which model do you buy, and which phone company do you choose? While the four major carriers sell the same iPhones, they don't offer the same plans, monthly prices, or experiences. Before you decide on Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T, examine their strengths and weaknesses in important areas.

Costs and Lease Contracts

Apple tightly controls the pricing of its products, especially flagship ones like the iPhone. As a result, phone companies charge the same amount for the iPhones they sell. Where they differ, though, is in installment plans that let you pay for the phone over years, rather than upfront. With these plans, you can buy an iPhone at differing terms, all of which end up being about the same price.

Different devices cost different amounts, and your credit history can affect your price. There are time periods for buying phones that can change the price, too. Pricing can be complicated, so shop around.

Cost of Monthly Plan

All monthly iPhone plans are basically the same in terms of what they offer. They feature unlimited calling and texting and charge you based on how much data you want and how many devices are included in your plan. All have unlimited data plans available, but AT&T and Verizon charge you extra when you use more than your monthly data if you chose a plan with a limit, while Sprint and T-Mobile offer unlimited data but slow your speed when you exceed your limit on a data-limited plan. AT&T and T-Mobile roll your unused data over to future months. There are a lot of differences to factor in here, and prices and services frequently change, so it pays to do your research.

If you're over 55, T-Mobile's plan has an advantage because of special pricing for seniors. For everyone else, Sprint's low price sets it apart.

Wondering if Verizon is the right phone company for you and your iPhone? Read Should You Switch Your iPhone to Verizon?

Length of Contract

All companies offer about the same length deal these days – a two-year contract or an installment plan with a two-year term (or longer in some cases). Unless you buy an unlocked phone or pay more in your installment plan, you're likely to be with your phone company for at least two years, no matter which one you choose.

Service, Network, & Data

AT&T has been notorious for its spotty service in major cities like San Francisco and New York, while Verizon is heralded for its combination of network coverage and speed. T-Mobile has made huge strides in expanding coverage and speed, while Sprint has relatively little 4G LTE coverage.

Despite what the other carriers claim, Verizon has the largest and most robust 4G LTE network of all the major iPhone carriers. AT&T has the second-largest 4G LTE network, with Sprint and T-Mobile bringing up the rear.

Raw speeds aren't the only thing that matters, though. Coverage is just as important, so make sure to take coverage into account.

Use Data/Voice Simultaneously

Imagine needing to look something up online using a maps app or email program while talking to someone on a phone call. Users of the AT&T and T-Mobile iPhones can do this—and beginning with the iPhone 6 series and some changes to its network, now Verizon users can, too. With the Sprint iPhone, beginning with iOS 11, iPhone 6 and newer phones can use voice or data at the same time.

Other Costs

Insurance: Since the iPhone is an expensive device, you may want to insure it against theft, loss, or damage. If so, AT&T is the clear winner. Its iPhone insurance is the least expensive, while Verizon charges slightly more. You can also purchase Apple's AppleCare Plus extended warranty for more protection. Still, you may choose not to buy iPhone insurance.

Early Termination Fee: Every cellphone company charges customers an early termination fee, or ETF if they leave the company before their commitment ends. All companies charge high prices although most reduce their ETFs a little every month. If you buy your phone on an installment plan and haven't paid off the phone, you're likely to face an additional fee there, too.

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