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TracFone Coverage Map

Does TracFone have good 5G & 4G LTE cell phone coverage?

TracFone is powered by the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE wireless network, offering the same coverage without the expensive price tag. TracFone is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). They provide cell phone service that could save you $600 per year on your phone bill without sacrificing wireless coverage or call quality.

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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TracFone 4G LTE coverage

TracFone is powered by the Verizon 4G LTE network, giving you access to nationwide coverage that reaches over 99% of Americans. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), TracFone uses the exact same cell towers as Verizon — the difference is you pay a fraction of the price.

TracFone has built a reputation for pay-as-you-go simplicity — buy airtime cards at any retailer and only pay for what you use, with no monthly commitment. When you use TracFone, your calls, texts, and data all travel over Verizon's infrastructure. That means the same signal strength, the same coverage area, and the same reliability.

You can check coverage in your area using your ZIP code to verify TracFone service is available where you live and work.

Verizon coverage map showing 4G LTE and 5G availability
Verizon coverage map — TracFone uses this network

What towers does TracFone use?

TracFone is owned by Verizon and operates on the Verizon network, so you'll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage and 5G where it's available. Verizon has invested billions in expanding their network, and TracFone customers benefit from every tower upgrade.

TracFone doesn't build or maintain its own towers — they lease network access from Verizon at wholesale rates and pass those savings on to you. This business model is why MVNOs like TracFone can offer plans at 50-70% less than what Verizon charges directly.

Learn more about TracFone plans and pricing.

How good is TracFone coverage?

TracFone coverage is as good as Verizon's coverage — because it is Verizon's coverage. You're connecting to the same towers, using the same frequencies, and reaching the same coverage area.

In independent testing, Verizon consistently ranks among the top networks in the US for coverage, speed, and reliability. RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla all rate Verizon highly in their national assessments.

The one area where MVNOs can differ from the parent network is data prioritization. During periods of heavy congestion, Verizon direct customers may get slightly higher priority. In practice, most users never notice a difference — especially outside of dense urban areas during peak hours.

Read our TracFone review for a detailed breakdown.

Does TracFone have 5G?

Yes, TracFone 5G coverage is available with a 5G-compatible device. Since TracFone runs on the Verizon network, you get access to Verizon's growing 5G footprint — including both low-band (nationwide) and mid-band (faster speeds in metro areas) 5G.

5G availability depends on your location and device. Most newer smartphones released since 2021 support 5G. If your phone supports it and you're in a 5G area, you'll connect automatically — no plan upgrade needed.

Check if 5G is available in your area by entering your ZIP code above.

Is TracFone CDMA or GSM?

Verizon uses CDMA (now LTE/5G) technology, so TracFone is compatible with CDMA (now LTE/5G) phones. However, with the industry's transition to LTE and 5G, the CDMA vs. GSM distinction matters less than it used to.

Modern LTE and 5G technology has largely replaced the older CDMA and GSM standards. If your phone supports LTE (virtually all phones sold since 2015 do), it will work on TracFone's network regardless of whether it was originally a "CDMA phone" or "GSM phone."

To check if your current phone is compatible, visit TracFone and look for their device compatibility checker. Most unlocked phones will work.

Compare TracFone with other carriers to find the best deal for your needs.

Compare TracFone network coverage

TracFone uses the Verizon network. Here's how all three major US networks compare:

Network RootMetrics Overall Score OpenSignal Experience Ookla Consistency
T-Mobile 87/100 8.8/10 79%
Verizon ★ 95/100 9.8/10 74%
AT&T 93/100 9.5/10 80%

Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, Ookla Speedtest

Verizon coverage by technology

Network 4G LTE 5G (7/1 Mbps) 5G (35/3 Mbps)
T-Mobile 94.5% 53.8% 38.2%
Verizon ★ 99.5% 29.4% 12.8%
AT&T 98.2% 34.1% 18.5%

Source: FCC National Broadband Map

Real-world Verizon speeds (Ookla)

4G LTE

Network Download Upload Latency Consistency
T-Mobile 188.96 Mbps 12.19 Mbps 50ms 87.3%
Verizon ★ 91.62 Mbps 9.98 Mbps 57ms 83.7%
AT&T 90.82 Mbps 8.06 Mbps 64ms 81.3%

5G

Network Download Latency Consistency
T-Mobile 238.87 Mbps 48ms 76.7%
Verizon ★ 196.43 Mbps 52ms 76.3%
AT&T 125.73 Mbps 63ms 68.8%

Source: Ookla Speedtest Global Index

  • Switch online in minutes
  • Same Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk & text
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  • No long-term contracts

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Save $900/yr over Verizon Unlimited Plus direct

TracFone logo
Best value
TracFone
1GB
1GB
$15 /mo
$180/yr
4.1
4.1
Currently unavailable
Verizon
Big Wireless
Verizon direct
Unlimited Plus
Unlimited
$90 /mo
$1,080/yr
Same Verizon 5G & 4G LTE coverage. Higher monthly bill.

Cost over time — TracFone vs Verizon

TracFone
Verizon direct
1 year Save $900
$1,080
$180
2 years Save $1,800
$2,160
$360
3 years Save $2,700
$3,240
$540

Estimated cost based on advertised monthly price. Excludes taxes, fees, and one-time charges. Verizon Unlimited Plus retail price as of plan listing.

What are the benefits of TracFone phone service?

Read our full TracFone review for a detailed breakdown of pricing, features, and customer experience.

TracFone features

What you get with every TracFone plan

Network
  • Network Verizon
  • 5G Yes
  • VoLTE Yes
  • WiFi calling Yes
Data
  • Mobile hotspot Yes
  • Unlimited talk & text Yes
  • Family plans Yes
Service
  • Bring your own phone (BYOD) Yes
  • eSIM Yes
  • Contracts No contract
  • Credit check Not required
  • Activation fee
Support
  • 24/7 customer support No
  • In-store support No
  • International calls Add-on available

Compare TracFone cell phone plans

Same Verizon coverage as in the maps above — at a fraction of the price.

TracFone
1 GB 4G data
$15 per month
Powered by Verizon
Potential Savings: $720/year
Broadband Facts

Broadband Facts

TracFone — 1GB

Monthly Price $15/mo
0

Additional Monthly Charges

Provider monthly fee Included
Gov. taxes & fees Varies by location

One-Time Fees

Activation fee $0
Early termination fee None (no contract)

Typical Speeds

5G

Download 100-300 Mbps
Upload 10-50 Mbps
Latency 25-40 ms

4G LTE

Download 25-75 Mbps
Upload 5-25 Mbps
Latency 30-50 ms

Data Allowance

Monthly data 1 GB
Data cap / throttle Hard cap
Mobile hotspot Varies

Voice & Messaging

Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Network Verizon 5G & 4G LTE

For more information about this plan, visit TracFone.

Learn more about the terms used on this label by visiting the FCC Consumer Resource Center.

TracFone
4 GB 4G data
$20 per month
Powered by Verizon
Potential Savings: $660/year
Broadband Facts

Broadband Facts

TracFone — 4GB

Monthly Price $20/mo
0

Additional Monthly Charges

Provider monthly fee Included
Gov. taxes & fees Varies by location

One-Time Fees

Activation fee $0
Early termination fee None (no contract)

Typical Speeds

5G

Download 100-300 Mbps
Upload 10-50 Mbps
Latency 25-40 ms

4G LTE

Download 25-75 Mbps
Upload 5-25 Mbps
Latency 30-50 ms

Data Allowance

Monthly data 4 GB
Data cap / throttle Hard cap
Mobile hotspot Varies

Voice & Messaging

Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Network Verizon 5G & 4G LTE

For more information about this plan, visit TracFone.

Learn more about the terms used on this label by visiting the FCC Consumer Resource Center.

TracFone
6 GB 4G data
$25 per month
Powered by Verizon
Potential Savings: $600/year
Broadband Facts

Broadband Facts

TracFone — 6GB

Monthly Price $25/mo
0

Additional Monthly Charges

Provider monthly fee Included
Gov. taxes & fees Varies by location

One-Time Fees

Activation fee $0
Early termination fee None (no contract)

Typical Speeds

5G

Download 100-300 Mbps
Upload 10-50 Mbps
Latency 25-40 ms

4G LTE

Download 25-75 Mbps
Upload 5-25 Mbps
Latency 30-50 ms

Data Allowance

Monthly data 6 GB
Data cap / throttle Hard cap
Mobile hotspot Varies

Voice & Messaging

Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Network Verizon 5G & 4G LTE

For more information about this plan, visit TracFone.

Learn more about the terms used on this label by visiting the FCC Consumer Resource Center.

TracFone
10 GB 4G data
$30 per month
Powered by Verizon
Potential Savings: $540/year
Broadband Facts

Broadband Facts

TracFone — 10GB

Monthly Price $30/mo
0

Additional Monthly Charges

Provider monthly fee Included
Gov. taxes & fees Varies by location

One-Time Fees

Activation fee $0
Early termination fee None (no contract)

Typical Speeds

5G

Download 100-300 Mbps
Upload 10-50 Mbps
Latency 25-40 ms

4G LTE

Download 25-75 Mbps
Upload 5-25 Mbps
Latency 30-50 ms

Data Allowance

Monthly data 10 GB
Data cap / throttle Hard cap
Mobile hotspot Varies

Voice & Messaging

Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Network Verizon 5G & 4G LTE

For more information about this plan, visit TracFone.

Learn more about the terms used on this label by visiting the FCC Consumer Resource Center.

TracFone
20 GB 4G data
$40 per month
Powered by Verizon
Potential Savings: $420/year
Broadband Facts

Broadband Facts

TracFone — 20GB

Monthly Price $40/mo
0

Additional Monthly Charges

Provider monthly fee Included
Gov. taxes & fees Varies by location

One-Time Fees

Activation fee $0
Early termination fee None (no contract)

Typical Speeds

5G

Download 100-300 Mbps
Upload 10-50 Mbps
Latency 25-40 ms

4G LTE

Download 25-75 Mbps
Upload 5-25 Mbps
Latency 30-50 ms

Data Allowance

Monthly data 20 GB
Data cap / throttle Hard cap
Mobile hotspot Varies

Voice & Messaging

Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Network Verizon 5G & 4G LTE

For more information about this plan, visit TracFone.

Learn more about the terms used on this label by visiting the FCC Consumer Resource Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What service does TracFone use?
TracFone uses the Verizon wireless network. You get the same 4G LTE and 5G coverage as Verizon direct customers.
Where is TracFone available?
TracFone's cell phone service is available nationwide since they operate on the Verizon wireless network. Use the ZIP code checker at the top of this page to verify coverage at your address.
Does TracFone have 5G?
Yes, TracFone customers can access Verizon's 5G network at no extra charge with a compatible device.
Is TracFone coverage the same as Verizon?
Yes. TracFone is an MVNO on the Verizon network — 4G LTE and 5G coverage is identical. Only the price is different.
How can I check TracFone coverage at my address?
Use the ZIP code tool at the top of this page, or visit TracFone's official coverage map at their website.
What is the cheapest TracFone plan?
TracFone plans start at $15/mo for 1GB. Compare all plans on our TracFone carrier page.

Recap

TracFone makes it possible to get a cell phone plan on the Verizon network without the big-ticket prices. Offering the same nationwide coverage with 4G LTE and the 5G network where it's available, TracFone is a smart choice for anyone looking to cut their wireless bill.

With MVNOs like TracFone, you'll get flexible plans with no contracts so you can change or cancel without additional fees. The coverage is identical to Verizon — only the price is different.

If you're not sure TracFone plans are right for you, there's a large selection of MVNOs across all networks you can compare to find your perfect low-cost plan.

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