Which is better, Verizon or Beam?

Beam is faster where you can get it, but Verizon reaches 2,757 times as many people, so at most addresses Verizon is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 96,079 people), Beam has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.

FasterBeamFaster for 100% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (802 and 2).

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 102,375 in 1 state.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (816)
View Plans

Beam
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and cable
Rating (Reviews): (2)
View Plans

Verizon vs. Beam at a glance

Measure	Verizon	Beam
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	102,375 people in 1 state
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Fiber 100%, cable 93%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	Not listed
Starting price	$49.99 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	4.5 of 5 (2 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	4.5 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	4.5 of 5
Where both are offered	About 96,079 people (94% of Beam's area); Beam is faster for 100% of them

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Verizon and Beam are available

Verizon and Beam have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Beam serves 102,375 residents in 26 cities and 5 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Phenix City, AL; Smiths, AL; and Salem, AL.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Verizon coverage map and Beam coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Verizon, Beam or both are offered at your home.

Verizon vs. Beam Speeds and Technology

Verizon and Beam utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Beam offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,000 Mbps compared to Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Beam’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. Beam Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Verizon, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Beam has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent Beam, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Verizon vs. Beam Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Verizon and Beam based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.76 / 5 stars from 816 customer reviews, while Beam maintains a 4.50 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. Beam outperforms Verizon by 0.7 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.87 / 5 stars, compared to Beam’s highest-rated service, Cable, at 4.50 / 5 stars.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Verizon vs. Beam Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "the robust performance and stability make it well worth the investment"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

Beam

Too few written reviews to sum up yet (1); these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 100% of those homes.
• Mostly fiber: 100% of the homes it serves, vs 15% for Verizon.

Cons

Verizon vs. Beam Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while Beam is available in 26 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.