Phone Deal Finder
Plan Finder
Resources

Best Cell Phone Coverage in Ohio

Verizon Coverage in Ohio

AT&T Coverage in Ohio

T-Mobile Coverage in Ohio

Coverage in Ohio's Biggest Cities

As the country's seventh-most populous state, Ohioans have the benefit of robust coverage from all three major networks—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

By the numbers, AT&T takes the crown for the most extensive 4G and 5G coverage across Ohio. But don’t count out T-Mobile and Verizon—they’re hot on its heels. Of course, coverage can vary depending on whether you’re enjoying the vibrant cityscape of Columbus, hiking through Hocking Hills, or taking in the shores of Lake Erie. So, stick around as we dial into the details of cell coverage in the heart of it all—Ohio!

What We Like
green checkmark icon
  • All three major carriers offer great coverage in Ohio, thanks in part to how flat it is
  • AT&T offers both the most 4G and 5G coverage in Ohio
  • Verizon offers nearly as much 4G coverage in Ohio, as its networks covers 85% of the state to AT&T’s 86%

What We Don't Like
red x icon
  • 5G coverage may be slightly spottier in some of the more rural areas of Ohio
  • All three major carriers are still working to build out their respective enhanced 5G network in Ohio; at present they only extend to about 50% of the state

Verizon Coverage Map in Ohio

Verizon offers excellent 4G coverage throughout Ohio, and fairly broad 5G coverage as well. This makes signing up for Verizon—or an MVNO that operates on the Verizon network—a wise move if you live in Ohio.

Verizon 4G Coverage in Ohio

Verizon offers the second-most 4G coverage in Ohio, covering 85% of the state with its network (just a percentage point behind AT&T). That means you're likely to find a Verizon 4G signal almost anywhere you go in the state.

Verizon 5G Coverage in Ohio

Verizon’s 5G network spans 39% of Ohio, trailing competitors AT&T (72%) and T-Mobile (59%). While 39% may not sound like much, keep in mind that a significant portion of this includes Verizon’s 5G Ultra-Wideband network, which offers super-fast speeds and low latency times.

Find the Best Verizon Plan for You

right arrow icon
Learn More About Verizon Plans

T-Mobile Coverage Map in Ohio

T-Mobile offers the third-most 4G coverage, and the second-most 5G coverage, in Ohio.  

T-Mobile 4G Coverage in Ohio

T-Mobile’s 4G network spreads across 72% of Ohio, less than both AT&T (86%) and Verizon (85%). However, T-Mobile’s 4G is present in all of Ohio’s major cities and towns; if you live in one of these metro areas, rest assured that you should have no problem connecting to T-Mobile.

T-Mobile 5G Coverage in Ohio

T-Mobile makes a lot of noise about its 5G coverage, outdoing both AT&T and Verizon on a national level. In Ohio, T-Mobile’s 5G network offers just a tiny hair—we’re talking tenths of percentage point) less coverage than AT&T. A lot of T-Mobile’s 5G coverage in Ohio is comprised of 5G Ultra Capacity spectrum, which offers super-fast speeds and superior reliability.

Find the Best T-Mobile Plan for You

right arrow icon
Learn More About T-Mobile Plans
AT&T Logo

AT&T Coverage Map in Ohio

AT&T offers excellent 4G and 5G coverage throughout Ohio—the best, in fact. AT&T’s 4G network covers 86% of the state, while its 5G network is present in 72% of the state.

AT&T 4G Coverage in Ohio

AT&T is well established in Ohio, and its 4G network nearly blankets the entire state. From the shores of Lake Erie down to the West Virginia border, AT&T’s 4G LTE network is just about everywhere.

AT&T 5G Coverage in Ohio

AT&T offers the most 5G coverage in Ohio, spanning an impressive 72% of the state—a full 14% more coverage than second-place T-Mobile. 

A good portion of AT&T’s 5G coverage is made up of  5G+, which delivers lightning-fast speeds, low latency times, and enhanced reliability. 

Find the Best AT&T Plan for You

right arrow icon
Learn More About AT&T Plans

Small Carrier Coverage in Ohio

It’s important to know that you aren’t limited to the major carriers in terms of getting cell phone service in Ohio. A variety of smaller carriers, or MVNOs, also operate in the state, allowing you to sign up for equivalent plans—with similar coverage—for less than you’d otherwise pay. 

All of these carriers lease from the aforementioned major carrier networks to provide coverage to their customers. If you’re signed up with Spectrum Mobile, for example, you’ll have access to Verizon coverage, since the carrier runs on that network. Here some popular MVNOs, and the networks they operate on:

Boost Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More
Metro by T-Mobile
Networks they use
Metro by T-Mobile
Networks they use
Optimum Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More
Spectrum Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More
Cox Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More
Straight Talk
Networks they use
Cricket
Networks they use
Visible
Networks they use
Google Fi
Networks they use
Xfinity Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More
Mint Mobile
Networks they use
Learn More

Things to Know about Cell Phone Coverage

Cell Phone Coverage Speeds

When it comes to cell phone coverage, you don’t just need a cellular signal—you need that signal to provide adequate speed. That’s why it’s important to distinguish between 4G and 5G coverage in your area. In general, 5G provides faster speeds and greater reliability than 4G. However, that’s not always the case, as there may be instances when the speeds of these respective coverage types are actually quite similar.

How to Get the Best Cell Phone Coverage

There’s more to getting the best coverage than just signing up with the carrier that offers reliable service in the places you spend time. These include: 

  • Your phone: The newer and more cutting edge your device, the more likely you’ll be able to tap into the fastest speeds. Some older phones don’t have the built-in technology to connect to the fastest 5G bands, resulting in slower service. The newest 5G devices, like the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 series don’t have this problem. 
  • Your software: It’s important to make sure your software is up to date, as an out-of-date operating system can translate to an inability to connect to the fastest network speeds. 
  • Your cell phone plan: Depending on the mobile plan you have, your data may experience deprioritization during times of network congestion. If this is consistently happening to you, it may be worth investigating whether you can sign up for a plan that includes more premium (i.e. un-deprioritized) data. 
  • Your location: Certain types of coverage, like high-band 5G, has difficulty penetrating solid materials, like concrete walls. As simple as it may sound, moving to an unobstructed location may help you connect to these fast networks more reliably. 
Our methodology
We sourced our cell phone coverage metrics from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which collects data voluntarily submitted by the four major national carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular). Read More
The FCC incorporates standardized propagation model assumptions into its data, and notes that a user’s actual experience may vary based on end-use factors like network congestion and terrain. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions

Which carrier offers better cell coverage in Ohio, AT&T or Verizon?

AT&T offers the best 4G and 5G coverage in Ohio, covering more of the state than any of its competitors, including Verizon.

How can I check which network is best in my area of Ohio?

To determine the best cell phone service in your area, we recommend taking a look at our 4G and 5G coverage maps and zooming in to inspect your local area.

Is AT&T good in Ohio?

AT&T’s is not only good in Ohio—it’s the best. The telecommunications behemoth covers more of Ohio’s 44,826 square miles with its 4G and 5G networks than any of its competitors.

Compare Carriers to Find a Perfect Plan

Cell Phone Coverage by State

Cell Phone Coverage by Carrier

Frequently Asked Questions

Which carrier offers better cell coverage in Ohio, AT&T or Verizon?

AT&T offers the best 4G and 5G coverage in Ohio, covering more of the state than any of its competitors, including Verizon.

How can I check which network is best in my area of Ohio?

To determine the best cell phone service in your area, we recommend taking a look at our 4G and 5G coverage maps and zooming in to inspect your local area.

Is AT&T good in Ohio?

AT&T’s is not only good in Ohio—it’s the best. The telecommunications behemoth covers more of Ohio’s 44,826 square miles with its 4G and 5G networks than any of its competitors.

Compare Carriers to Find a Perfect Plan

A few more details to find your best deals

x logo