Where To Buy Verizon Phones Fixed
I'm that 5G guy. I've actually been here for every "G." I've reviewed well over a thousand products during 18 years working full-time at PCMag.com, including every generation of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S. I also write a weekly newsletter, Fully Mobilized, where I obsess about phones and networks.
where to buy verizon phones
We put dozens of phones a year through rigorous testing to find out which ones live up to their ad copy and which are just phoning it in. If you're buying a phone on Verizon right now, these are the best you can get.
Verizon still has a selection of voice phones, which it calls "basic phones." Many of these are off-brand devices that were custom-built for Verizon; they're inexpensive, but most of them aren't very good.
The primary exceptions are more expensive: the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme and the Sunbeam F1. The DuraXV Extreme is rugged and loud; the F1 comes in three feature-restricted versions for folks who really don't want web browsing or email on their phones. Both are good choices.
If you need more help buying a phone, check out our story on the best cheap phones for our favorite low-cost picks. While you're at it, take a look at our lists for the best phones on AT&T and T-Mobile, and head over to our Readers' Choice picks for 2022's top mobile carriers.
Devices that you purchase from Verizon through CONNECT CMU are locked for 60 days after purchase. Devices that you purchase from other retail partners are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, Verizon will automatically remove the lock. Following the 60 day lock period, Verizon will not lock their phones at any time.
Verizon Unlimited Smartphone Plan - In the event of network congestion, after 10GB of data usage on a line during any billing cycle, usage on such line may result in slightly slower download speeds relative to another user. To ensure users are able to maximize their high-speed data use for business applications, video applications will stream at 480p. Mobile Hotspot is available on all capable devices and allows Corporate Subscribers to use their device and share data allowance with multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices. If 10GB of Mobile Hotspot data usage is exceeded on any line in any given billing cycle, Verizon Wireless will limit the data throughput speeds for additional usage for the remainder of the then-current billing cycle for the line that exceeds the data usage. Unlimited Messaging from within the United States to anywhere in the world where messaging services are available. For other messaging rates go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Coverage area includes the Verizon Wireless 4G network; and the 3G and Extended partner networks, while available. Data speeds are not guaranteed while on Extended or roaming partner networks. Only a 4G LTE GSM/UMTS global-capable smartphone can be activated on this plan. No domestic roaming or long distance charges. After 25 GB of data usage on a line during any billing cycle usage may be prioritized behind other customers in the event of network congestion. To ensure users are able to maximize their high-speed data use for business applications, video applications will stream at up to 480p. For data usage in Canada and Mexico, after the first 512 MB of usage in a day, throughput speeds will be reduced for the remainder of the day. Mobile Hotspot is available on all capable devices and allows the line to share data allowance with multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices. If 15 GB of Mobile Hotspot data usage is exceeded on any line in any given billing cycle, Verizon Wireless will limit the data throughput speeds for additional usage for the remainder of the then-current billing cycle for the line that exceeds the data usage. Toll free calling from the US to Canada and Mexico, from Mexico to the US and Canada, and from Canada to the US and Mexico. Unlimited Messaging from within the United States to anywhere in the world where messaging services are available. For other messaging rates go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Unlocked phones, however, are typically purchased directly from a manufacturer or third-party retailer. These operate with SIM cards that can be swapped out, so you can use the device with a variety of carriers.
All unlocked phones are compatible with GSM networks, which includes AT&T and many overseas carriers. This makes them a cost-effective solution for international travel. You can simply purchase a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination, rather than paying expensive roaming charges.
Even if you don't connect your phone to a carrier, you can use Wi-Fi networks and connect to the internet. With a local SIM card, you can use data plans wherever you are. Whether you want to check email or look up maps and directions, having a local data plan can be useful, and an unlocked phone gives you that option.
You can use an unlocked cell phone from Sam's Club anywhere in the world. All you need is a SIM card from a mobile carrier and you're ready to go. If you're moving or if you want to switch plans, just change the SIM card and start using a new carrier. Just remove the SIM card from your old phone and insert it into your unlocked phone. Then, follow the activation instructions.
While most folks who have a simple 3G phone may want to take the offer, some people may already have a 4G device from a family member or friend who has since moved on to an even newer 5G phone. Customers who don't want Verizon to send them the new phones can call customer support and ask to "decline the free phone for CDMA Sunset." Existing plans and contracts will stay the same.
Want to see what other carriers are offering? See this week's best cell phone deals. Alternatively, read more about Verizon with this week's best Verizon plans and our recommendations for the best Verizon phones.
Switch: get $500 when you bring your own device (opens in new tab)Bring your own phone over to Verizon and they'll give you a redeemable $500 e-gift card to spend pretty much anywhere online. You'll have to redeem this offer yourself via their Digital Rebate Centre (opens in new tab) within 30-days of your switch, but if you do happen to bring your own device over, you'll also have the option to skip your credit check.
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022): save $100 plus up to $180 with trade-in at Verizon (opens in new tab)Save yourself more than a few bucks with this week's Verizon deals on the latest new Apple iPad Pro 2021 models. In addition to $100 off the retail price, trade in an old device and get yourself a saving of up to $180 on your new slate. If you're looking for a powerful LTE tablet, this is one's a great choice as it not only has a super powerful M2 chip inside but one of the best displays you'll find on a tablet anywhere.Apple iPad Pro 12.9: see the same deal here (opens in new tab)
Verizon\u2019s network is one of the best in the country. Based on our information, it covers roughly 70% of the country with its 4G LTE network, and it delivers the second-fastest 4G LTE speeds. Verizon's 5G network can be found in a bunch of major cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York. We expect those numbers to change as Verizon rolls out more of its 5G infrastructure." } }, "@type": "Question", "name": "Are MVNOs deprioritized?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most prepaid, MVNO plans are at risk of being deprioritized. This happens when the network owner (in this case, Verizon) decides to give more bandwidth to its own customers, at the expense of those on MVNO plans. Deprioritized customers will see a reduction in data speeds." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Does AT&T own Verizon?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, AT&T definitely does not own Verizon Wireless. Some confusion arose years ago when AT&T acquired a few properties (like Alltel and Unicel) from Verizon in select states. But AT&T and Verizon are competitors, not sister companies." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Who does Verizon share towers with?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "While Verizon has made agreements with other carriers in the past (like AT&T) to share select towers, it isn\u2019t very common. What Verizon usually does is rent or lease its network towers to mobile virtual network operators, which are smaller carriers.\u00a0There are certain benefits (like cheap prices) and drawbacks (slower data speeds) to signing up with an MVNO. You can read our review of the best Verizon MVNOs in the article above." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Mint Mobile use Verizon towers?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mint Mobile does not use Verizon\u2019s network. It uses T-Mobile\u2019s network. This is pretty good news for Mint customers. Even though T-Mobile\u2019s network has worse rural coverage than Verizon\u2019s, it has faster data speeds and a more powerful 5G network." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Verizon own a MVNO?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Verizon owns an MVNO carrier called Visible Wireless. Visible is actually one of our favorite MVNO carriers because it has a simple, affordable, and powerful plan structure that is amazing for single lines and family plans. Plus, you get all of the coverage benefits of regular Verizon plans.\u00a0While it might seem strange that Verizon would own a competing carrier, it actually makes a lot of sense. The MVNO market is growing fast, and customers are looking for cheaper plans (much cheaper than Verizon\u2019s prepaid plans). If Verizon didn\u2019t get in the game itself, it would be missing out on a huge customer base." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Are Verizon phones unlocked for other carriers?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes (kind of). Verizon phones on postpaid plans are \u201clocked\u201d for the first 60 days, meaning they only work on the Verizon network. After the 60 days are up, the phones are automatically unlocked so that they can work with other carriers.\u00a0Verizon\u2019s prepaid phones are usually locked for a longer period of time (often 12 months). You can learn more about unlocking these devices." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What carrier is Verizon compatible with?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you\u2019re wondering what carriers your Verizon phone is compatible with, the answer is: it depends. Many of the phones Verizon has sold in the past are called \u201cCDMA\u201d phones, which means that they will only work on CDMA networks (Sprint and Verizon) and not GSM networks (T-Mobile and AT&T).\u00a0In recent years phone technology has changed significantly. Thankfully, the whole CDMA vs. GSM thing has mostly gone the way of the dinosaurs. So, if you bought your Verizon phone recently, then it\u2019s probably compatible with every network as long as the device is unlocked." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What network does Verizon use?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Unlike MVNO carriers, Verizon actually uses its own network. So, the short answer is: Verizon uses the Verizon network.\u00a0Now, things can get a bit sticky here. Sometimes, if you cross the border into Canada or Mexico, your Verizon phone may switch to another carrier\u2019s network. This can cause roaming charges (or, if your Verizon plan has international perks, you may be fine).\u00a0Verizon also has several different networks: 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G nationwide, and millimeter wave 5G. These are different generations of mobile technology, 3G being the slowest currently in use and millimeter wave 5G being the fastest. Your phone may switch between these networks, depending on where you are, what kind of phone you use, and what plan you have." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Verizon LTE network?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you see a little \u201cLTE\u201d icon at the top of your phone screen, it means you\u2019re connected to a 4G LTE network. It\u2019s not just Verizon that has this kind of network. AT&T and T-Mobile also have 4G LTE networks.\u00a0LTE stands for \u201clong-term evolution,\u201d which is just a fancy way of saying that it\u2019s a faster and stronger form of 4G network. So, LTE is a good thing. It\u2019s the best kind of mobile network you can be connected to besides 5G, which is still quite rare across the united states.\u00a0" , "@type": "Question", "name": "Is my phone compatible with Verizon?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are several ways to figure out if your cell phone is compatible with Verizon Wireless\u2019s network.\u00a0First of all: is your phone unlocked? Or is it still tied to another network? If you bought your phone with another carrier\u2014like AT&T or T-Mobile\u2014then you might have to unlock it (or get a new phone altogether) before it will work on Verizon\u2019s network.\u00a0But even some unlocked phones will have issues if they don\u2019t use the right phone technology. Many older phones only operate on GSM or CDMA networks. If you use an older phone (anything that wasn\u2019t made in the last five or so years), then you\u2019ll need to figure out which kind of technology it uses.\u00a0If your phone is not equipped with CDMA technology, then it will never work on Verizon\u2019s network." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the best Verizon phone deals for existing customers?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Verizon is known for offering some of the most robust phone deals in the industry. The carrier often has buy-one-get-one deals on new iPhones and Samsung\u2019s Galaxies. They will sometimes even throw in a $500+ virtual MasterCard with your purchase.\u00a0But what about deals for existing customers? Unfortunately, Verizon\u2019s tends to offer existing customers a lot less. You can still get some cash towards a new phone when you trade in your old one, but it won\u2019t be nearly as much as you\u2019d get if you add a new line or are a new customer.\u00a0You can learn more about the specific deals Verizon is running right now for existing customers by visiting the company\u2019s deals page.\u00a0You can read our full review of the best T-Mobile MVNO plans to learn more." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Which MVNO is the best?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no consensus on which MVNO carrier is the absolute best, but we do have some favorites. You\u2019ll have to decide which one works best for you.\u00a0Mint Mobile: Mint\u2019s talk, text, and data plans are simple, affordable, and easy to sign up for. Mint uses T-Mobile\u2019s network, which currently ranks number one for data speeds and 5G coverage!\u00a0Visible Wireless: Visible offers a powerful $30 unlimited data plan that\u2019s a great way to get onto Verizon\u2019s network. But it\u2019s even better when you add additional lines with Visible's Bring a Friend code. Your bill can go down as low as $25\/line for unlimited talk, text, and data!US Mobile: If you just want a super-cheap talk and text plan without any bells and whistles, then US Mobile is the way to go. You can get service for as low as $3 a month!" , "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the best alternative to Verizon?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you don\u2019t want to pay full price for Verizon cell phone service, but you still want all of the benefits of the Verizon network, then we think that Visible Wireless is the way to go. It offers a cheap and powerful unlimited data plan for $30 a month. That price goes even lower when you bundle up in a family plan." , "@type": "Question", "name": "Why are MVNOs so cheap?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Looking at all of these cheap alternative phone carriers may have you scratching your head. Why are they so cheap? What\u2019s the catch?\u00a0Basically, MVNOs are cheaper than the Big Three carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) because they don\u2019t have to carry the burden of building and maintaining a whole mobile network. Instead, they just lease the bandwidth from the major carriers and use it to provide cheap service to their customers.\u00a0The drawback to this model is that MVNOs are kicked to the back of the line when it comes to network performance. The main carriers are always going to give their own customers the best data speeds and overall performance on their network. In practice, this means that MVNO customers will often see slower data speeds even when they are in an area with strong coverage.\u00a0Another way that MVNOs cut corners is with extra features and phone deals. Bigger carriers often give you hotspot data, free streaming subscriptions, and other cool perks with your plan. These pricier carriers also tend to offer the best deals on new phones and phone upgrades.\u00a0But, if you\u2019re willing to bring your own phone, miss out on special perks, and deal with sometimes sluggish data speeds, then MVNOs can be an amazing way to save money." ] }] (function(w,d,s,l,i)w[l]=w[l])(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-WG67XFH'); skip to main content Go to Reviews.org AU Edition 041b061a72