Overview
- Jump To Details
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best for Content Creators - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-Takers - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Folding Phone - Jump To Details
Google Pixel 8
Best for Android Purists - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android Phone - Jump To Details
Apple iPhone 15
Best iPhone for Most People - Jump To Details
Motorola Razr+ (2023)
Best Flip Phone - Jump To Details
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3
Best Rugged Phone
We rigorously test dozens of phones each year to find out which ones live up to their ad copy and which are just phoning it in. If you're buying a phone on Verizon right now, these are the best you can get.
You can check 5G availability on Verizon's coverage map. Raw speed probably isn't why you're coming to or staying with Verizon, though. The carrier historically performs well in rural areas but sometimes loses out to T-Mobile in urban settings. Even so, third-party testing often highlights the reliability of Verizon's network.
The below Android and iOS handsets are the best we've reviewed that run well on Verizon's network. Make sure to read to the end for more buying advice.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best for Content CreatorsWhy We Picked It
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most advanced Apple phone you can buy. It has the largest screen, the longest-lasting battery, the most capable cameras, and the fastest performance of the lot. Thanks to Apple's excellent first-party software, it's extremely competent for creative types too, especially those who want to roll Pro Res video.
Who It's For
Apple's top-tier smartphone is for those who prioritize video capture, photography, and other media creation features. It doesn't hurt that it also has the best battery life of any iPhone.
Pros
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
Cons
- Expensive
- Big
Learn MoreApple iPhone 15 Pro Max ReviewSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-TakersWhy We Picked It
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate smartphone for power users, with a terrific screen, long battery life, and a top processor. Factor in the 5x, AI-assisted telephoto camera, an S Pen stylus, and capable software, and you have a handset that's equally capable for entertainment and productivity.
Who It's For
Those who love to scribble notes or sketch designs have few choices these days and the S24 Ultra is the best of the bunch. Moreover, its Samsung DeX desktop mode and advanced multitasking features make it a top choice for working professionals. Lastly, it supports Verizon's speediest mmWave 5G.
Pros
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
Cons
- Big
- Expensive
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ReviewSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Folding PhoneWhy We Picked It
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an incredible productivity machine. Its large inner display is perfect for multitasking as well as watching your favorite movies and shows. Other appealing aspects include support for Samsung's S Pen stylus (not included), quality cameras, and Samsung's advanced DeX desktop mode.
Who It's For
It costs a pretty penny, but the Galaxy Z Fold 5 should tempt mobile pros who need the biggest screen possible to get work done or those who want to comfortably run multiple apps at the same time. And, of course, it fully supports Verizon's 5G network.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
Cons
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 ReviewGoogle Pixel 8
Best for Android PuristsWhy We Picked It
Google's midrange Pixel 8 offers nearly all the features of its larger sibling for $300 less. You get an excellent camera stack, advanced AI-assisted photo editing features, and plenty of Google Assistant tools to help you throughout the day. Its smaller footprint makes it quite manageable, too.
Who It's For
If you prefer the "pure" version of Android from Google, want to be the first to see Android system updates, and need long-term support from Google, the Pixel 8 is the way to go.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel 8 ReviewSamsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android PhoneWhy We Picked It
Samsung's $199 Galaxy A15 5G offers a well-rounded experience for its affordable price. We like its large display, capable cameras, and above-average battery life.
Who It's For
Buyers on a budget should appreciate the Galaxy A15's value, especially given its useful software enhancements and long-term support from Samsung.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
Cons
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy A15 5G ReviewApple iPhone 15
Best iPhone for Most PeopleWhy We Picked It
The iPhone 15 is Apple's best value thanks to its appealing combination of features and performance at a reasonable price. Among the highlights are a fast processor, competitive cameras, decent battery life, and long-term software support. And with plenty of color options to choose from, you can match your phone with your style.
Who It's For
Apple's iPhone 15 costs a few hundred dollars less than others in the lineup but still provides the core iPhone experience.
Pros
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
Cons
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Learn MoreApple iPhone 15 ReviewMotorola Razr+ (2023)
Best Flip PhoneWhy We Picked It
Motorola's clamshell-style folding phone, the Razr+, has a striking design, reasonable battery life, and capable cameras. Most importantly, the advanced user interface on the external display saves you the trouble of opening the phone to handle incoming alerts.
Who It's For
If you want to take control of your notifications and decrease your screen time, the Moto Razr+ is the phone to get thanks to its customizable outer display.
Pros
- Excellent display quality
- Highly functional external screen
- Portable, stylish design
Cons
- Unimpressive IP rating
- Dated processor
Learn MoreMotorola Razr+ (2023) ReviewKyocera DuraForce Pro 3
Best Rugged PhoneWhy We Picked It
Kyocera is one of the top manufacturers of rugged work phones, and the DuraForce Pro 3 is tough enough for use at construction sites, warehouses, and the backcountry. Its 5G support keeps you connected, while its MIL-STD-810H rating means it can handle dust, water, shocks, vibrations, and more.
Who It's For
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is for frontline workers or outdoor adventurers who need a device that can take a consistent beating and keep them connected no matter where they roam.
Pros
- Sturdy, tough build
- Removable battery
- MicroSD slot
- Solid overall performance
Cons
- Underwhelming image quality and slow camera app
- Limited Android upgrades
Learn MoreKyocera DuraForce Pro 3 Review
Buying Guide: The Best Verizon Phones for 2024
How to Buy a Verizon Phone
Almost all Verizon phones are available through the carrier itself, though many unlocked phones now work on its network as well. You can't bring just any foreign phone to Verizon—they have to be preapproved—but models from big unlocked brands in the US (including Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung), as well as most unlocked handsets from Amazon, should work fine. Of course, any iPhone will do well on Verizon's network; here's how to choose the right iPhone.
What Types of 5G Does Verizon Offer?
Verizon now has three kinds of 5G. C-band, branded "5G UW," is distinctly better than 4G if it is set up properly. Millimeter-wave 5G, also called "5G UW," is amazingly fast and powerful, like a wireless fiber connection. However, it's not available in most places. Verizon's nationwide "5G" is a little faster than its 4G, but not by enough to really matter.
For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.
Does Verizon Still Sell Flip Phones?
Our last check of Verizon's website turned up a handful of flip phones for sale. We have not reviewed the majority of them and customer reviews rate many of them poorly, which means they are probably best to avoid. If you're still interested in a basic voice phone, you might want to consider an unlocked handset that works on Verizon's network. Be sure it supports Voice over LTE to get voice service.
If you need more help buying a phone, check out our story on the best cheap phones for our favorite low-cost picks. While you're at it, take a look at our lists for the best phones on AT&T and T-Mobile, and head over to our Readers' Choice picks for the top mobile carriers.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
