I’ve always been picky about phones. I don’t just look at the specs on paper – I want to feel the phone, use it in real life, and see if it’s really worth the hype. When I switched to Verizon, I made it my mission to find the best Verizon Wireless phone for 2024. After unboxing, testing, and using different devices for weeks, I can finally share my personal story.
What’s the Catch with Verizon Free Phones?
The first thing that caught my eye was Verizon’s “Free iPhone” ad. Honestly, it felt too good to be true. And yes, there’s a small catch. The phone isn’t literally free – Verizon applies monthly credits over 36 months.
When I picked mine up, I had to pay taxes on the full retail price (around $80 upfront) and a one-time activation fee. Then, every month, I got a credit on my bill that made the phone “free”. The trick is – if you cancel before the 3 years, you lose the remaining credits and owe the balance.
So the deal is real, but you need to commit. For me, since I planned to stick with Verizon anyway, it was worth it.
What Is the #1 Selling Phone on Verizon?
No surprise here – the iPhone always takes the crown. The iPhone 16 Pro is hands down the #1 selling phone on Verizon in 2024.
When I held it for the first time, I loved the silky matte finish and how compact it felt compared to bigger phones. Face ID worked like magic, and the 120 Hz display made scrolling look buttery smooth. The camera? Absolutely stunning—even in low light, my shots looked professional.
I now understand why so many Verizon users pick iPhones – they just work seamlessly on Verizon’s 5G network.
Which Verizon Wireless Plan is Best?
This part was tricky. Verizon has multiple plans, and I tried a couple before settling.
- Unlimited Plus Plan – I used this for a month, and it was a dream. Ultra-fast 5G, hotspot data, and reliable coverage everywhere. Perfect if you stream, game, or use a lot of data.
- Unlimited Welcome Plan – Cheaper, but no Ultra Wideband 5G or hotspot. Great for families who want unlimited data at a lower cost.
- Prepaid 15GB Plan – I tested this too. Honestly, it’s the best budget-friendly choice. $35/month (with autopay) and enough data for a moderate user like me.
For heavy users, Unlimited Plus is the best Verizon Wireless plan. For budget-conscious families, I’d say go with Unlimited Welcome.
What Cell Phone Has the Strongest Signal on Verizon?
This was a big one for me because I live in an area with spotty coverage. After testing different phones, here’s what I found:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – This beast never dropped a signal, even in my basement. It supports multiple Verizon 5G bands and has one of the strongest antennas.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max – Almost as strong as the Samsung. Calls were crystal clear and data speeds remained stable.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro – Excellent overall, but it did fall back to LTE a bit quicker than the iPhone or Samsung in weak zones.
So if a strong signal is your top priority, go with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
My Personal Experience with Verizon Wireless Best Phones
When I tested these phones, I didn’t just look at the specs – I lived with them.
- The iPhone 16 Pro became my daily driver. Smooth, reliable, and perfect for photography.
- The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra blew me away with its massive screen and zoom camera – I actually used it to capture a hawk perched on a tree half a mile away!
- The Pixel 9 Pro felt like the smartest choice for price-to-performance. Clean Android, excellent camera, and unlocked flexibility.
Each phone had its charm, but Verizon’s network made the biggest difference. I streamed Netflix on the train, FaceTimed family without drops, and even used my phone as a hotspot for my laptop – all smooth.
Pros & Cons of Verizon Wireless Best Phones
Pros
- Excellent 5G coverage and speed
- Flagship phones (iPhone 16, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro) perform flawlessly
- Free phone deals available (with 36-month credits)
- Family plan discounts save money
- Option to bring unlocked phones
Cons
- “Free” phones require long-term commitment
- Taxes and activation fees due upfront
- Premium phones can be expensive without deals
FAQs
Q1. What’s the catch with Verizon free phones?
You must stay on a qualifying unlimited plan for 36 months to get the bill credits. Cancel early, and you owe the balance.
Q2. What is the #1 selling phone on Verizon?
The iPhone 16 Pro is currently the most popular – it’s sleek, reliable, and works beautifully with Verizon’s 5G.
Q3. Which Verizon Wireless plan is best?
For power users – Unlimited Plus. For families – Unlimited Welcome. For budget users – Prepaid 15GB.
Q4. Which phone has the strongest Verizon signal?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 consistently delivered the best signal in weak coverage areas.
Final Verdict
After using these devices personally, my pick for the Verizon Wireless best phone is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want the strongest signal and best all-rounder. If you’re an iOS fan, the iPhone 16 Pro is unbeatable. And if you want value, the Google Pixel 9 Pro won’t disappoint.
My advice: pick the phone that fits your lifestyle and pair it with the right Verizon plan. Whether it’s speed, savings, or flexibility – Verizon has an option for you.