AT&T vs. Verizon Fios: Which Provider Does Fiber Internet Better?

Let’s just say it: This looks like a win for AT&T. The entry-level speed for both providers starts at 300 megabits per second, and, in this case, Verizon Fios’ 300Mbps plan is $5 cheaper than what AT&T offers. But that’s the only place it wins on price. AT&T’s 500Mbps plan is $5 cheaper than Verizon’s similar speed tier, and its gigabit plan is $10 less monthly. Once , that tilted the competition markedly to the AT&T side. Granted, , but it’s only available in the New York City area at the moment.

But it doesn’t stop there. AT&T also has the edge when it comes to cost. To both Verizon’s and AT&T’s credit, the price is the price. There’s no promo deal or «Act now before it’s too late» type of pushy play. I appreciate that straightforward approach — ISPs are known for gimmicky pricing that beckons you in with short-term savings but then ratchets up your bill exponentially down the road. 

What do we find if we compare apples to apples and examine the cost per Mbps? Let’s start by looking at the cheapest plans. Verizon Fios 300 is $50 a month, while AT&T Internet 300 is $55 a month. That’s a win for Verizon. But if you look at all the plans together, it’s a different picture. The average cost per Mbps between all five of AT&T’s fiber plans is 10 cents compared with 14 cents for Verizon Fios. Both represent decent value for customers, but AT&T certainly gets the edge here, too.

Factoring in the terms and fees

Before I get to more good stuff about both providers’ fiber internet service (cue neon lights: No contracts and no data caps!), let’s look at the additional fees and terms you’ll want to familiarize yourself with. 

Monthly modem fees 

Based on plan pricing, AT&T Fiber has the edge on Verizon Fios. But there’s no definitive advantage when considering the additional monthly cost of the modem/router. Neither AT&T nor Verizon charges an additional fee for your gateway equipment. Verizon used to charge an equipment fee of $15 a month for its , and AT&T would stick its customers with an additional $10 fee. But in 2022, both providers removed those fees. Chalk this one up as a draw between AT&T and Verizon, but a win for consumers.

One-time installation fee 

With Verizon Fios, your setup charge will be $99, which is waived if you order online. Similarly, AT&T charges $99 for its installation, which is also typically waived via online promotions.

No data caps to drag you down 

Customers of both providers will get unlimited data with all plans. You won’t need to or fear any throttling issues once you hit an arbitrary threshold. 

Let’s line up the perks

In addition to unlimited data, Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber customers are free of contract constraints. While not technically a perk, it’s definitely a relief knowing you won’t have early termination fees looming over you. But let’s see what else these two ISPs offer potential fiber customers.

Verizon Fios is currently offering a free, yearlong subscription to  for new gigabit customers. Additionally, all Fios customers have an opportunity to save an additional $20 a month if you bundle your Fios fiber internet plan with enrollment in .

AT&T also knows how to entice customers with some sparkly items. First, all new fiber customers who sign up online will receive a $200 AT&T Visa Reward Card. Second, all fiber customers will get free access to AT&T’s nationwide network of more than 30,000 hotspots. Lastly, whereas Verizon Fios gigabit customers get Disney Plus for a year, all AT&T fiber customers will receive a free subscription to for six months. 

Comparatively, Verizon’s free Disney Plus is worth $8 a month — for a total of $96, good for one year. Over at AT&T, the Google Stadia Pro nets you a savings of $10 per month and a free subscription for half the year, worth $60.

It’s a matter of taste whether you’re partial to the content available on Disney Plus or the gaming possibilities of Google Stadia Pro. But once you add in the value of the $200 reward card, there’s no debating the higher monetary value of AT&T’s benefit. Advantage AT&T.

High customer satisfaction… for two internet providers 

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating — internet service providers are regularly at the bottom of all industries regarding customer satisfaction scores. With that clearly in mind, it’s still worth noting that both Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber typically trade places back and forth at the top of most ISP rankings. 

AT&T showed up well in . It claimed the pole position in two regions — the North Central and South — and had an average score of 738 out of 1,000 possible points. The only ISP with a higher average score was Verizon, with 758, but note that the company was only scored in one of the four regions surveyed, the East. 

Over at the , the latest metrics show Verizon Fios at the top of the charts with 72 out of 100 points. AT&T, tied with Verizon Fios for first place last year, slipped to third with 69 points. But both providers regularly score above the industry average as tracked by the ACSI. 

What’s the final verdict on AT&T Fiber vs. Verizon Fios?

If this were a race, it would certainly be a photo finish. I’m inclined to give a slight edge to AT&T based mainly on the value of its cheaper cost per Mbps and the higher value of its perks. But as I noted at the start, regarding availability, neither provider’s fiber service plays in the same sandbox. So, in reality, no customers will face the choice of AT&T Fiber or Verizon Fios. If your address is serviceable for either of these fiber internet offerings, rest assured that you’ve got access to one of the premier internet offerings in the country.

AT&T Fiber vs. Verizon Fios FAQs