With a wide selection of plan options, it can be challenging to determine the best Verizon cell phone plan for your needs and budget. Here are some tips for picking the ideal Verizon plan:
Consider Your Data Usage Verizon plans range from basic “Start Unlimited” with lower priority data speeds to “Get More Unlimited” with 50GB of premium data. Estimate your monthly data usage to choose a plan that provides enough high-speed data and priority access. Light users may be fine with Start Unlimited while heavy users will want Play More or Get More Unlimited.
Calculate Total Monthly Cost Don’t just look at the advertised per line rate. Factor in taxes, fees, device payment plans, and any additional lines or services. A plan like Start Unlimited advertises $35/line but ends up around $80-90 per line once you add in fees. Actual costs may vary by location. Crunch the numbers for your situation.
Look at Mobile Hotspot Data If you need to use your phone for WiFi hotspot, pay attention to hotspot data amounts. Start Unlimited only includes 600 Kbps hotspot speeds. Play More Unlimited bumps that up to 15GB of 4G LTE hotspot data before slower speeds kick in.
Check International Coverage Most Verizon plans include Mexico and Canada usage at no extra cost. But if you travel overseas frequently, the Get More Unlimited plan includes 512 MB/day of 4G LTE international data in over 200 destinations.
Evaluate Perks & Extras Lower-tier Verizon plans include basic perks like 50% off unlimited Verizon hotspot data plans and 600 Kbps roaming in Mexico/Canada. Upper-tier plans add more valuable extras like 50% off connected device plans, free Apple Music subscription, and Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ access.
Look for Discounts Ways to save on Verizon plans include bundling home services, choosing e-billing, using Auto Pay, or joining a group plan. Check for any available student, military, nurse, or other discounts. Consider prepaid plans from Verizon MVNOs like Visible or Straight Talk that use the Verizon network for lower prices.
Compare Prepaid vs Postpaid Prepaid plans don’t run credit checks or require long-term contracts. But postpaid plans tend to offer better features and upgrade perks for power users. Calculate costs of both options including activation fees and any prepaid top-up amounts.
Consider 5G Coverage
All Verizon plans include 5G access but performance varies. The Start plan gets you basic 5G Nationwide coverage while upper-tier plans offer the full power of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband in select areas. If your area lacks UWB, those pricier plans may not provide extra value.
Check Network Strength Make sure Verizon service is robust where you live, work, and frequent. Check coverage maps and ask neighbors about their experience. No mobile plan is worth it if the network is shoddy in your daily locations. Verizon excels in rural coverage but may face congestion in dense urban areas.
Read Customer Service Reviews A frustration-free customer experience is key when issues inevitably arise. Verizon offers 24/7 customer support by phone, online chat, or using the My Verizon app. See what current customers say about Verizon’s helpfulness, responsiveness, and technical expertise.
The “best” Verizon plan really depends on your usage, budget, and what perks matter most to you. With all factors weighed, Play More Unlimited tends to strike the ideal balance for many users. But regularly evaluating new promotions and plans could score you an even better Verizon deal.