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Our guide to the best Verizon phones is perfect if you're currently weighing up your options or simply want to know what's available right now at the nation's leading carrier. Whether you're an iPhone fan, Android user, or simply don't know your budget yet, we’ve put together this handy guide to help determine the best Verizon phone for you.
With a huge selection of excellent Verizon wireless plans currently available with speedy 5G data speeds, excellent coverage, and heaps of streaming perks, Verizon tends to be a good choice for those looking to make the most of those new flagship devices. We're of course factoring all that into our recommendations for this month's best Verizon phones, although if you're looking to keep those monthly costs firmly in check don't worry - there are also fantastic budget options at Verizon too. The selection is pretty vast also, with tons of choice for both iPhone and Android users.
We've also kept an eye on what this week's best Verizon deals happen to be offering. While new phones in general tend to be pretty pricey, you'd be pleasantly surprised at how much some of these promotions can cut down those high costs. Big trade-in rates are particularly popular, and you'll also find a few options to bag a device for completely free with a new unlimited data plan.
Another option to consider is to bring your own unlocked phone to the network. This can have a few advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation, and we've covered it in full detail in its own section at the bottom of the page. Regardless of which Verizon phone option you go for, you'll find plenty of options and information right here on this page.
- Check out the best cell phone deals this week
The best Verizon phones: iPhones
Best Apple phone for most users
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro: $999 at Verizon
We've thought long and hard on the best iPhone for most users here at TechRadar and this year we're settling on the iPhone 15 Pro. We usually go for the standard model but this year's Pro model is such a leap ahead with its specs that we highly recommend springing for the more premium option if you can afford it. A 6.1-inches it's coming in at a much more palm friendly size versus the Max model while still getting that gorgeous Super XDROLED display. The combination of a palm-friendly 6.1-inch form factor, gorgeous display, and potent chipset and camera array make this the iPhone to beat right now. Verizon's trade-in options usually allow you to get up to $1,000 off this device too, effectively allowing you to bag a freebie depending on your eligibility. Check out our iPhone 15 Pro Max review for a detailed look at this model.
Best value iPhone
Apple iPhone 14: $699 at Verizon
We usually recommend people skip the iPhone 14 for the iPhone 13 at other carriers - mostly because the older device is almost as good and is $100 cheaper. At Verizon, however, you usually see the iPhone 14 being given away for free alongside an unlimited data plan, which is superb if you're not looking to trade. Since the iPhone 13 is usually available with the same terms, we'd recommend going for the later model. As an overview, the iPhone 14 still holds up for 2023 too. It's outwardly a little older looking than the iPhone 15 with its chunkier bezels but still has a superb chipset and camera. See our iPhone 14 review for a detailed look at this model.
Best for power users
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1,199 at Verizon
For the biggest, baddest iPhone on the market there's only one real choice - the stunning iPhone 15 Pro Max. Yeah, it's essentially just an upscaled version of the iPhone 15 Pro but it's well worth a look if you prefer a bigger display. Highlight features here include a redesign (with a titanium chassis, no less), new A16 Bionic chipset, and an all-around improved camera system. Generally speaking, Verizon's deals on this model are the same as those on the standard iPhone 15 Pro, although you're still looking at a healthy trade-in rebate of up to $1,000 off.
The best Verizon phones: Android
Best for most users
Samsung Galaxy S24: $799 at Verizon
The Galaxy S24 is the latest iteration of the 'standard' flagship from Samsung and offers a nice balance of specs and size at a price that's lower than the other two devices in the range. Outwardly, it's not the biggest upgrade from the S23 but it's packing the same powerful chipset as the S24 Ultra and it's got a great 120HZ AMOLED display and camera. As with most of the big flagships at Verizon, trade-in rebates on this device are available all year round and there are often free accessories thrown in for good measure (lines paid separately). See TechRadar's Galaxy S24 review for a more in-depth look at this model.
Best non-Samsung Android
Google Pixel 8 Pro: $999.99 at Verizon
The best Android device for most users is a toss-up between the Galaxy S23 and the excellent Pixel 8 Pro. This new flagship from Google is easily the best Pixel yet thanks to its excellent display, innovative AI features, and class-leading camera. It's a little pricey, but it's a superb device that's well worth considering alongside the likes of Galaxy if you're on the hunt for an Android flagship. Verizon usually offers a trade-in rebate of up to $1,000 too, allowing you to effectively bag the device for free alongside an unlimited data line. See our full Google Pixel 8 Pro review for more details.
Best value
Google Pixel 8a: $549 at Verizon
Alternatively, the new Google Pixel 8a is a decent option if you're on more of a budget. While the device isn't as premium as the other two 8-Series Pixel devices, the 8a still packs the same excellent chipset, one of the best cameras for a mid-range device, and a 120Hz display that's still really great. It's a really well-rounded device for the money and one that boasts not only innovative new AI features but seven years of guaranteed software updates. Better yet still, Verizon usually offers this one for free alongside a new unlimited data plan without the need for a trade so it's often easily obtainable. See our Google Pixel 8a review for more information on this device.
Best for power users
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,299 at Verizon
Looking for the best of the best? If you're flush with cash then our top recommendation is the stunning Galaxy S25 Ultra. With a gorgeous design, powerful chipset, and some of the best cameras you'll find anywhere on a smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a stunning device that's worth every bit of its high asking price. Speaking of which, it's usually possible to get up to $1,000 off on this device at Verizon if you have an eligible trade-in lined up. Head on over to our Galaxy S24 Ultra review for more detailed information on this flagship device.
The best Verizon phones: BYOD
The best phone for Verizon could already be in your possession. If you've got an unlocked phone and don't want a new one but simply want to get in on that Verizon network coverage and those 5G speeds, that's an option too.
If you do want to go down this route then be sure to check your phone will work with Verizon. You can do this using the IMEI number – there's a handy way of checking right here on the Verizon site.
Note - Verizon is very particular about what phones will actually work on its service, being the US's sole operator of a CDMA network. We won't bore you with the details of what this means, but in a nutshell, if you're thinking about bringing over a device that works on AT&T or T-Mobile (GSM networks), it may not be compatible. Most unlocked phones in 2022, however, do in fact support both GSM and CDMA networks.
So, if you want to save money on your network by bringing your own handset – perhaps giving you more to spend on better deals – then consider these pros and cons:
- Pros:
- Get a $500 gift-card reward for switching over from another carrier (which can be spent on phone bills)
- Keep your same phone number and contacts
- Avoid upgrading for no reason
- Cons:
- Not all phones are compatible (Verizon uses a CDMA network)
- You have to pay to unlock devices (if you don’t have an unlocked device already)
- Verizon can be pricier than alternative options
So, if you want the best coverage in the US and you also want the option to get unlimited 5G data, then Verizon has you covered. It might not be the cheapest network but that's because you're paying for the quality of those features.
In short, you get what you pay for and in this case you'll appreciate just how great the network performance is for your buck. Already decided which phone option works for you? It's time to check out the best Verizon deals.
If you'd like to see what the competition is offering, also recommend is our guide to the this month.
- Find the best deals on Verizon products with our Verizon promo codes.
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Alex Whitelock
Deals Editor
Alex is TechRadar's deals editor, specializing in getting our readers the bang bang for the buck on the tech that we know and love. He's a dab hand at covering retailer events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day having over seven years of e-commerce experience at Future PLC; including bylines at our sister sites T3 and GamesRadar. Alex's expertise touches on most areas of TechRadar but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer. Outside of work, you'll find him indulging his love for street and travel photography, at home working on music, or down at the local climbing gym.
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