Best Cell Phone Plans & Carriers in Queens, NY

Queens is New York City's largest borough, and a pretty diverse area so good cell service is something you just need every day. This guide looks at how phones connect in Queens, showing what helps you stay online and in touch across this huge borough.

Picking a Cellphone Plan in Queens

Choosing the right phone plan for Queens means thinking past just the monthly cost. When you look at your options, keep these things in mind:

• Data Habits: How much streaming, video calls, or online Browse do you usually do each month?
• Talk & Text: Most plans come with unlimited talk and text, which works for most people.
• Hotspot Needs: Do you share your phone's internet with other gadgets, like a laptop or tablet?
• International Use: Will you need to call or use data when traveling or to keep up with friends and family abroad, especially with so many different cultures in Queens?
• Included Perks: Some plans throw in nice extras, like streaming services, better security, or discounts.

Cellphone Coverage in Queens, NY

Queens' varied look—from busy city centers and apartment buildings to suburban-style neighborhoods with houses and big parks—means different signal experiences. The city's "Link5G" plan also aims to boost 5G and Wi-Fi across all five boroughs, including Queens.

What Works Well (July 2025):

• Widespread 5G: You'll find strong 5G service in many shopping areas, homes, and along big roads throughout Queens. Phone companies are actively building out their 5G networks, adding faster mid-band and high-band frequencies for better speeds and more capacity.
• Solid 4G LTE: 4G LTE remains a strong base for phone service. All the main carriers offer wide 4G coverage, giving you a reliable connection for daily tasks everywhere in Queens.
• Better Speeds: Recent info shows all three major providers are making their networks faster, a good sign helped by 5G's growth.

Areas for Improvement (July 2025):

• Inside Buildings: Older brick buildings, some tall apartment blocks, and even homes with new energy-efficient windows can make signals weaker indoors. Go deeper inside buildings or into basements, and you might get weak or no service.
• Busy Networks: While not as packed as Manhattan everywhere, popular spots, transit hubs (like around JFK or LaGuardia airports), and busy shopping areas can see network slowdowns during peak times when lots of people are online.
• Subway Lines: Cell service in underground subway stations and tunnels, while better over the years, can still be spotty.

Our Overall Score for Queens, NY: 90/100 (Updated for July 2025)

This score shows a pretty strong and steadily improving network all over Queens. The widespread 5G and good speeds are impressive for an area with such different types of land and so many people. While challenges like weak indoor signals in some older places and occasional crowded networks still pop up, phone companies keep investing, meaning Queens stays well-connected.

Data Speeds in Queens, NY

Speed matters for streaming, working from home, and staying informed. The arrival of 5G has made data speeds in Queens much faster.

Download Speed Information (July 2025)

Based on general trends for New York City and its boroughs:

• T-Mobile: Often shows very high average download speeds in city areas, thanks to its big mid-band (Ultra Capacity 5G) network. Recent data from Ookla across the country shows T-Mobile leads in average download speeds (245.48 Mbps) and 5G download speeds (299.36 Mbps).
• Verizon: Known for a very dependable network and quick 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) speeds in specific spots. People often get very high speeds where UW is ready. Ookla's national data puts Verizon's average download speed at 116.34 Mbps and 5G at 214.58 Mbps.
• AT&T: Offers competitive download speeds with its strong 4G LTE and growing 5G+ network. Ookla's national data for AT&T shows an average download speed of 115.09 Mbps and 5G at 158.56 Mbps.

Upload Speed Information (July 2025)

Upload speeds are important for video calls, sending big files, and sharing content. Trends for New York City suggest all major carriers offer solid upload speeds. T-Mobile leads nationwide with an average upload speed of 12.61 Mbps.

What Changes Your Data Speeds?

Beyond your phone company, a few things can affect your actual data speeds in Queens:

• Network Crowding: When many people are online at once, especially in popular spots or transit hubs, networks can slow down.
• Signal Strength: Weaker signals, especially inside dense buildings or in very busy areas, will mean slower speeds.
• Phone Model: Older phones might not work with the newest 5G bands, limiting access to the fastest speeds.
• Building Materials & Density: Materials like thick brick, concrete, and the sheer number of apartment buildings and businesses can block signals.

Comparing Providers in Queens, NY

To see how the major providers stack up in Queens, it helps to look at their general presence and how they perform in other parts of New York City. Phone companies here are all trying to offer the best mix of speed, reliability, and coverage.

AT&T Service in Queens

AT&T has a strong presence across Queens, giving broad overall coverage (around 96.65% total coverage in areas like 11437). It provides widespread 4G LTE and a growing 5G network, including faster 5G+ service in key places. AT&T's established network provides a reliable foundation for service. AT&T's network in Queens is known for its consistent 4G LTE, offering reliable daily service. Its 5G network, including faster 5G+ (C-band and mmWave), is placed strategically in busier areas, giving better speeds where residents and commuters need them most.

Top AT&T Plan for Queens (July 2025)

For Queens residents who want a full set of features and good international benefits, the AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan is a top choice. This plan offers truly unlimited premium data, meaning your speeds stay fast no matter how much you use – perfect for a well-connected city environment. It includes:

• 60GB of mobile hotspot data
• Unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada, Mexico, and 20 Latin American countries – great for frequent travelers or those with international connections, which is particularly relevant in Queens.
• Cost: The AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan usually starts around $86 per month for one line. Adding more lines can significantly lower the cost per line, for example, to about $51 per month per line for four lines.

Popular Plans on AT&T's Network (July 2025)

• AT&T Unlimited Extra EL: A good mid-tier option for moderate to heavy data users, giving plenty of high-speed data (e.g., 75GB) before any potential slowdowns, plus a good mobile hotspot allowance (e.g., 30GB).
• AT&T 55+ Plan: Widely available, this plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data at a lower price for seniors (e.g., $35/month for two lines).

Verizon Wireless Service in Queens

Verizon has a big presence in Queens, known for its very dependable 4G LTE network and its high-performance 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) service. Verizon is a great choice for those who put speed and reliability first (around 98.08% total coverage in areas like 11437). Verizon's network in Queens is well-regarded for its steady 4G LTE, giving consistent service throughout the area. Its 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) delivers very fast speeds in specific areas, making it a good fit for users who value top-tier speed and steady performance in those key zones.

Top Verizon Plan for Queens (July 2025)

For Queens residents who value Verizon's respected 5G experience and network stability, the Verizon Unlimited Plus plan is an excellent option. A key benefit of this plan is Verizon's promise that your speeds will "never slow down... even if its network is congested" when you're on 5G UW. This guarantee of premium, unthrottled data is a big advantage, giving consistent performance for important tasks and data-heavy activities, especially where 5G UW is available. It also comes with a good amount of mobile hotspot data (e.g., 30GB).

• Cost: The Verizon Unlimited Plus plan likely starts around $80 per month for one line, with multi-line discounts bringing the cost down to about $45 per month per line for four lines.

Popular Plans on Verizon's Network (July 2025)

• Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: Verizon's highest-tier plan, offering even more hotspot data (e.g., 60GB) and better international benefits.
• Visible Basic Plan: Verizon's own budget brand, known for straightforward, unlimited plans. The Visible+ plan offers high-speed data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, while the basic Visible plan might see slower speeds during peak times.
• Xfinity Mobile & Spectrum Mobile: These MVNOs are only for existing internet customers of Xfinity and Spectrum, respectively, offering competitive plans on Verizon's network.

T-Mobile Service in Queens

T-Mobile has become a very strong competitor in Queens, thanks to its extensive 5G rollout. It often leads in 5G availability and overall speeds in urban New York areas (around 96.45% total coverage in areas like 11437). T-Mobile's "Un-carrier" approach often includes appealing extras and competitive pricing. T-Mobile stores are also conveniently located throughout Queens. T-Mobile's network in Queens stands out for its widespread 5G coverage, particularly with its mid-band (Ultra Capacity 5G). This provides a good mix of speed and broad availability throughout the area. Its 4G LTE network also delivers dependable basic service.

Top T-Mobile Plan for Queens (July 2025)

T-Mobile recently updated its main plan lineup. For Queens residents looking for fast speeds, broad 5G coverage, and many benefits, the T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan (a newer version of the Go5G Next plan) is a superb choice. This plan offers truly unlimited premium data, meaning you get T-Mobile's fastest speeds with no slowdowns. It includes a generous 250GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, yearly phone upgrades, and a full entertainment package that often includes popular streaming services. This plan also comes with a 5-year price guarantee, offering good stability.

• Cost: The T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan likely costs $100 per month for one line, with appealing multi-line discounts available.

Popular Plans on T-Mobile's Network (July 2025)

• T-Mobile Experience More: Offers unlimited premium data, a good amount of hotspot data, and often includes streaming benefits. This is a strong choice for good performance without the absolute highest tier, and it also comes with the 5-year price guarantee.
• T-Mobile Essentials Saver: A reliable, affordable postpaid option directly from a major provider.
• T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Plus Monthly: A strong prepaid option directly from T-Mobile, offering unlimited calls, texts, and 5G data, plus a set amount of mobile hotspot data (e.g., 5GB).

Smaller Providers and Other Carriers in Queens

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are smaller providers that don't own their network infrastructure. They lease access from the major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). This lets them offer more affordable plans, often with fewer extra features or potentially slower data speeds when the network is busy.

Smaller Providers on AT&T's Network:

• Cricket Wireless: An AT&T-owned MVNO with unlimited plans, often at lower prices. Data speeds might be slower during busy network times.
• Consumer Cellular: Tailored for older adults, offering flexible and affordable plans.
• US Mobile (Dark Star): Customizable plans, using AT&T's network.

Smaller Providers on Verizon's Network:

• Visible: Verizon's own budget brand, known for straightforward, unlimited plans. The Visible+ plan offers high-speed data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, while the basic Visible plan might see slower speeds during peak times.
• US Mobile (Warp): Offers customizable plans, focusing on high-speed data on Verizon's network, with an option for priority data.
• Xfinity Mobile & Spectrum Mobile: These MVNOs are only for existing internet customers of Xfinity and Spectrum, respectively, offering competitive plans on Verizon's network.

Smaller Providers on T-Mobile's Network:

• Mint Mobile: Popular for its prepaid, pay-ahead model, offering significant savings for longer commitments.
• Google Fi: Offers flexible plans that use T-Mobile's network (and sometimes UScellular), including international data benefits.
• Metro by T-Mobile: T-Mobile's prepaid brand, offering competitive unlimited plans with taxes and fees included and access to T-Mobile's 5G.
• Tello Mobile: Lets you build highly customized plans, a good fit for users with minimal data needs.
• US Mobile (LightSpeed): Another US Mobile option, using T-Mobile's network.

What You Might Trade Off with Smaller Providers: While MVNOs offer good value, the main trade-off is often data deprioritization. When the network is crowded (like during busy times in Queens), MVNO users might experience slower speeds compared to direct customers of the major provider. Some MVNO plans also have strict data limits or lower video streaming quality.

Best Cellphone Plans in Queens, NY

Finding the "best" plan in Queens truly depends on your needs and how you use your phone. Here are recommendations by category, updated for July 2025:

Best Unlimited Plans:

• T-Mobile Experience Beyond: For those who want the fastest 5G speeds, broad coverage, and many benefits (like yearly phone upgrades and a price guarantee) with no data limits or slowdowns.
• Verizon Unlimited Plus: Excellent for users who value Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband dependability and a promise of full speeds even when the network is busy in areas with UW service.
• AT&T Unlimited Premium PL: Great for frequent international travelers due to its extensive roaming benefits, plus truly unlimited premium data.

Best Budget Plans:

• Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile's network): Good for individuals willing to pay for several months of service in advance for big savings.
• Visible Basic Plan (on Verizon's network): A simple, unlimited option for a flat monthly fee, with taxes and fees included.
• T-Mobile Essentials Saver: A reliable, affordable postpaid choice straight from a major provider.
• US Mobile Unlimited Flex (on Verizon/T-Mobile networks): Offers great value for a single line, especially if purchased annually.

Best Family Plans:

• All Major Providers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile): All three offer attractive multi-line discounts on their unlimited plans, significantly lowering the per-line cost for families. The ideal choice depends on which provider offers the best service and features for everyone in your family in Queens.
• Total Wireless (on Verizon's network): Often cited as a good budget family plan option.

Best Prepaid Plans:

• Metro by T-Mobile: Good value with taxes and fees included, and full access to T-Mobile's 5G network.
• T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Plus Monthly: A strong prepaid option directly from T-Mobile.
• Verizon Prepaid 15GB plan: A solid prepaid option with a good data allowance on Verizon's network.

Best Plans for Heavy Data Users:

• T-Mobile Experience Beyond / Experience More: Gives vast amounts of high-speed data and access to T-Mobile's fast and widespread 5G Ultra Capacity.
• Verizon Unlimited Plus / Unlimited Ultimate: Offers full-speed data on 5G UW and ample hotspot data, ideal for heavy usage.
• AT&T Unlimited Premium PL / Unlimited Extra EL: Gives a generous amount of high-speed data before speeds might be adjusted.

Best Plans for Light Users:

• Tello Mobile (on T-Mobile's network): Features highly customizable plans, letting users pay only for the calls, texts, and data they genuinely need.
• Mint Mobile (low data tiers): Affordable options for users who don't use much data but are comfortable with longer-term prepaid commitments.
• Consumer Cellular (on AT&T's network): Flexible plans, excellent for those with very low data needs.

Explore More Cell Phone Plans & Carriers

Ready to see how other cities compare, or looking for specific plan types?

Check out our related guides:

• Browse all Best Cell Phone Plans & Carriers by City
• Discover Best Phone Plans with Free Streaming in 2025
• Find the 7 Best Prepaid Phone Plans in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Here are common questions about phone plans in Queens, NY.

Which provider has the best phone service in Queens (July 2025)?

All three major providers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) offer strong service in Queens. Verizon generally leads in overall coverage and reliability, while T-Mobile often reports the fastest average speeds and strong 5G availability. AT&T provides broad and steady coverage. The "best" depends on your specific locations in Queens and what you value most in service.

Which provider has the most coverage in Queens (July 2025)?

Verizon generally has the most comprehensive coverage in Queens (around 98%), followed closely by AT&T (around 97%) and then T-Mobile (around 96%). All offer widespread 4G LTE and expanding 5G.

Which provider has the fastest speeds in Queens (July 2025)?

T-Mobile generally reports the highest average download speeds in New York City, making it a strong contender for raw speed. Verizon also offers very fast speeds with its 5G Ultra Wideband in targeted areas. AT&T provides competitive speeds.

Are there 5G towers in Queens (July 2025)?

Yes, all major providers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) have set up 5G infrastructure, including cell towers and smaller cells, throughout Queens. The Link5G initiative is also actively deploying new kiosks equipped for 5G across the boroughs, including Queens.

Is there cell service on Queens subways?

Cellular service has been rolled out to many underground subway stations in Queens. However, signal strength can still vary within the tunnels themselves, and there may be dead zones.