The Best Verizon Phones for 2024

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

How to Buy a Verizon Phone

Almost all Verizon phones are available through the carrier itself, though many unlocked phones now work on its network as well. You can't bring just any foreign phone to Verizon—they have to be preapproved—but models from big unlocked brands in the US (including Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung), as well as most unlocked handsets from Amazon, should work fine. Of course, any iPhone will do well on Verizon's network; here's how to choose the right iPhone.

What Types of 5G Does Verizon Offer?

Verizon now has three kinds of 5G. C-band, branded "5G UW," is distinctly better than 4G if it is set up properly. Millimeter-wave 5G, also called "5G UW," is amazingly fast and powerful, like a wireless fiber connection. However, it's not available in most places. Verizon's nationwide "5G" is a little faster than its 4G, but not by enough to really matter.

You can check 5G availability on Verizon's coverage map. Raw speed probably isn't why you're coming to or staying with Verizon, though. The carrier historically performs well in rural areas but sometimes loses out to T-Mobile in urban settings. Even so, third-party testing often highlights the reliability of Verizon's network.

For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.

Does Verizon Still Sell Flip Phones?

Our last check of Verizon's website turned up a handful of flip phones for sale. We have not reviewed the majority of them, and customer reviews rate many of them poorly, which means they are probably best to avoid. If you're still interested in a basic voice phone, you might want to consider an unlocked handset that works on Verizon's network. Be sure it supports Voice over LTE to get voice service.

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 the top mobile carriers.

Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.