Michigan is home to buzzing cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, but also many more rural areas. Therefore, cell phone coverage naturally ranges from solid to spotty.
The Wolverine State is a great place to live in or travel to. You can visit Grand Haven's singing sand beaches which whistle as you walk on them, as Circle Michigan reports. You could even say they whistle… er… out… as you walk on them.
You'll also find tons of recreation with a whopping 11,000 inland lakes and millions of forested acres. But whether you're driving down the street to the grocery store or across the state on a road trip, you'll need reliable signal strength. Luckily, you don't have to guess. WhistleOut's nifty coverage checker lets you instantly view coverage near you. Simply punch in your address to see a map of your area with the coverage from the major carriers.
Let's explore the best cell phone coverage in Michigan so you can pick a carrier and plan to fit your needs.
About phone coverage in Michigan
Michigan features everything from vibrant cities including Detroit and renowned universities like Michigan State to acres of forests and fertile farmland. Thus, cell phone reception ranges from full bars to dreaded dead zones. Luckily, the three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) each boast strong 4G LTE coverage throughout the Wolverine State.
Why it's important to pick the right coverage
While you'll experience excellent cell phone coverage in more metropolitan areas of Michigan like Kalamazoo, Lansing, or Detroit, other spots aren't as reliable. Therefore, we recommend checking coverage where you live, work, and travel. Especially if you're moving to or within Michigan, you'll want the right wireless provider.
Cell phone coverage in Michigan at a glance
AT&T offers the best 4G LTE coverage overall, followed by Verizon, with T-Mobile bringing up the rear. For 5G, T-Mobile takes the cake with AT&T in second and Verizon trailing the back.
What we love
- Excellent 4G LTE coverage from all three major carriers
- Outstanding T-Mobile 5G coverage
- Exceptional AT&T 4G LTE coverage
- Decent Verizon 5G showing
What could be improved
- Spotty coverage off the beaten path
87/100
Best coverage in Michigan by network
Cell phone network
coverage comparison
| Carrier | 4G LTE | 5G | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | 70% | 12% | View Plan |
| AT&T | 68% | 29% | |
| T-Mobile | 62% | 53% | View Plan |
AT&T sports the largest 4G LTE state-wide footprint covering an impressive 97.83% of Michigan. Verizon follows with 4G LTE signals spanning 88.26% of the Wolverine state. T-Mobile comes in last.
Best 4G coverage in Michigan by network
| Network | Covered Area |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 97.83 |
| Verizon | 88.26 |
| T-Mobile | 81.18 |
But for 5G, T-Mobile trounces its competitors with a best-in-class 67.6% coverage. Big Blue trails at 37.04%, with Big Red rounding out the bunch at 21.72%.
Best 5G coverage in Michigan by network
| Network | Percentage of covered area |
|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 87.39% |
| AT&T | 74.60% |
| Verizon | 46.19% |
But mobile coverage isn't just about on-paper numbers. Check out our cell phone plans locator for a look at the best plans in your region.
Get a better sense of signal strength and compare mobile networks in your area using our interactive coverage maps.
Michigan coverage maps
AT&T network coverage in Michigan
Although AT&T has the second-best 4G LTE network in the United States, following Verizon, its 4G covers more of Michigan than its rivals. Spanning over 90% of the Wolverine state, Big Blue provides solid signal strength. Its 5G connectivity isn't as large, but fast mobile data speeds compensate for its middling footprint.
Best AT&T phone plan
The best AT&T cell phone plan is Premium 2.0 option, which delivers unlimited talk and text with truly unlimited high-speed data that doesn't slow down regardless of your usage. You'll also appreciate a generous 100GB mobile hotspot allocation.
Because of its expensive single-line prices, we recommend grabbing some relatives or friends, for competitive multi-line savings on an AT&T family plan. Alternatively, an AT&T phone and internet bundle deal scores you great low monthly bills. Or, you can sign up for one of the best AT&T prepaid plans which gives you great service at affordable prices with no strings attached.
AT&T Premium 2.0℠
| Carrier | AT&T |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get up to $360 off for new line activation on Premium 2.0 or Extra 2.0 Plan via 36 months credit. Port-in required. OR Get Up to $800 Visa Reward card |
| Total Price |
$90 per month
with AutoPay & Paperless billing discount
+ $35 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Best phone plans on AT&T's network
A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) gives you the same great service as a big carrier, at a fraction of the price. MVNOs don't operate their own towers, and instead piggyback off of a major carrier (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). Because these smaller carriers save themselves money, they therefore keep your monthly bills low as well.
Cricket Wireless is our favorite AT&T MVNO. There are multiple plans starting from $30/month for 10GB of data. But we recommend the Supreme Unlimited plan, which, on top of unlimited premium data and 50GB of hotspot data, it even throws in HBO Max with ads and 150GB of cloud storage.
Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan
| Carrier | Cricket |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$55 per month
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Consumer Cellular is another superb AT&T MVNO with J.D. Power award-winning customer service, a fantastic AARP discount, and many plan options.
Consumer Cellular Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data Plan
| Carrier | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|
| Data | 5GB Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
|
| View Details |
Popular plans on AT&T's network
Check out additional AT&T network-powered plans for even more choices:
|
#1
|
Cricket
Supreme Unlimited Plan
$55.00/mo
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
AT&T
Value 2.0℠
$50.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#4
|
Consumer Cellular
Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data Plan
$25.00/mo
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
|
|
#5
|
TracFone
1GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan
$10.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
|
Verizon network coverage in Michigan
Verizon provides the best overall nationwide 4G LTE coverage, but falls slightly short to AT&T in Michigan. Still, Big Red spans 88.26% of Michigan which isn't shabby. While Verizon's 5G falls behind both T-Mobile and AT&T, its 5G speeds are blazing-fast where available. In particular, Verizon's 5G Ultra-Wideband (UWB) mobile data speeds are exceptional, as the network uses mid-band and high-band 5G technology (which simply means it’s the fastest signal available).
Best Verizon phone plan
With its reliable 4G LTE service and fast 5G, Big Red is a worthy consideration in Michigan. While we think most folks should go for a budget-priced MVNO, we won't fault you for going with a big carrier. Verizon's best plan is its Unlimited Plus option, which includes truly unlimited deprioritization data, 30GB of mobile hotspot, and optional discounted perks like the Disney Bundle. Although its single-line prices are pretty expensive, you can make it a family plan to save money. Or, try bundling Verizon home internet and wireless phone service for a sweet discount.
Verizon Unlimited Plus
| Carrier | Verizon |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get $10 off per line for 1 line via monthly promo credits over 36 months. For new customers only |
| Total Price |
$70 per month
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Best phone plans on Verizon's network
If you want Verizon coverage in Michigan, we recommend a smaller carrier to save money. The best Verizon MVNO is Visible Wireless. We like its $35/month unlimited data plan, which offers a buffet of talk, text, and data along with unlimited hotspot. You even get up to 5G UWB for the fastest-possible mobile data speeds. While its mobile hotspot speeds are capped at 10Mbps, most folks won't notice unless they're streaming 4K movies or professionally gaming. You may also consider Visible's entry-level $25/month unlimited package which lacks 5G UWB but still gives you plenty-fast 5G, or opt for their $45/month top-tier Visible+ Pro plan with unlimited premium data and international perks.
Visible $35 Visible+ Plan
| Carrier | Visible |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$35 per month
Taxes & Fees included
|
| View Plan |
We also love US Mobile, a neat mobile virtual network operator powered by all three major networks. US Mobile offers several plans, but we recommend its cost-effective $44/month unlimited offering. You'll enjoy truly unlimited full-speed priority data for streaming music, browsing the web, and posting to social media. There's also a generous 50GB mobile hotspot allowance, which is enough for streaming videos, working remotely, and gaming on the go.
US Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan
| Carrier | US Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this monthly plan for only $39 for 6 months of service using promo code ONLY39 OR $5 off per month for 6 months OR 30 Days FREE Trial |
| Total Price |
$39 per month
|
| View Plan |
Twigby Mobile is a great budget-friendly Verizon MVNO which offers some sweet low-data plans. If you want to keep your cell phone bill low while enjoying spectacular customer service, Twigby Mobile is a terrific choice.
Twigby Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text and 10GB Data
| Carrier | Twigby Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | 10GB Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | New Customers get 10GB of data for $15 a month for 3 months! |
| Total Price |
$15 per month
for the first 3 months then $25.00/month
|
| View Plan |
Popular plans on Verizon's network
While these are our favorite cell phone plans powered by Verizon's network, you've got tons of other choices from Big Red and its MVNOs:
|
#1
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#2
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
|
#3
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
#4
|
Verizon
Unlimited Plus
$70.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Twigby Mobile
Unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB Data
$5.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $15.00/month
|
T-Mobile network coverage in Michigan
While T-Mobile slides in last for its 4G LTE coverage in Michigan and the United States as a whole, its 4G footprint isn't shabby; Verizon and AT&T just provide better service, especially in rural areas. However, the Un-carrier blows Big Red and Big Blue out of the water with its wide 5G footprint. In Michigan, T-Mobile's 5G signal strength far surpasses the competition.
Best T-Mobile phone plans
The best T-Mobile plan is its Experience More, which scores you unlimited talk and text with truly unlimited premium data. You'll also have a sizable 60GB mobile hotspot allowance. Admittedly, its single-line pricing is pretty steep, but you can save a pretty penny with a multi-line discount on one of the best T-Mobile family plans. Alternatively, consider one of the best T-Mobile prepaid plans which deliver the same stupendous service at cheaper prices. And if you need Wi-Fi around your house, a T-Mobile phone and internet bundle is a cost-effective solution.
T-Mobile Experience More
| Carrier | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$85 per month
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
|
| View Plan |
Best phone plans on T-Mobile's network
A T-Mobile MVNO lets you tap into the nation's best 5G network at a fraction of the cost. Mint Mobile is our favorite smaller carrier on the T-Mobile network with its wallet-friendly unlimited data cell phone plan for as little as $30/month (note that you'll need to pre-pay for three, six, or 12 months of service upfront).
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data Plan
| Carrier | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get this plan for just $25/mo. when you switch to Mint Mobile using promo code 15OFF at checkout. Upfront payment required |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
| View Plan |
Google Fi is one of the best T-Mobile MVNOs with its excellent international benefits, choice of plans (including two unlimited offerings), and great Google perks with Unlimited Premium.
Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Premium for 1
| Carrier | Google Fi Wireless |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Current Deal | Get 50% off this plan for 12 months when you bring your own Pixel phone and activate a new line on Unlimited Premium plan |
| Total Price |
$32.50 per month
|
| View Plan |
Tello is a solid mobile virtual network operator powered by the Un-carrier with customizable plans and affordable low- or no-data options.
Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data Plan
| Carrier | Tello |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$25 per month
|
| View Plan |
Popular plans on T-Mobile's network
For more choices, check out the most popular plans from T-Mobile and its MVNOs:
|
#1
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
|
#2
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
|
|
#3
|
US Mobile
Unlimited Starter Plan
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
Unlimited Plan
$10.00/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#5
|
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)
$40 Period Unlimited Plan
$40.00/mo
Taxes and regulatory fees included.
|
Methodology: How we determined the best cell
phone coverage in Michigan
We determined the best cell phone coverage in Michigan by poring over individual carrier coverage maps for 4G LTE and 5G signals. After that, we ranked each wireless provider based on state-wide coverage. Then, we curated the best plans from both MVNOs and major carriers alike. We also analyzed where each carrier performs the best, such as cities and rural areas. I also leveraged my knowledge of Michigan, where I've got family, to get a sense of carrier coverage on a daily basis, and consulted my wonderful editor who is a native Michigander.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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