We put dozens of phones a year through rigorous testing 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.
Verizon lost to T-Mobile in our 2022 Best Mobile Networks results and again in 2023, but it might not stay behind for long. You can check availability on Verizon’s coverage map(Opens in a new window). Speed probably isn’t why you’re coming to or staying with Verizon, though. The carrier historically performs well in rural areas.
The phones here are the best we’ve reviewed that run well on Verizon’s network. They include Android and iOS smartphones, and our favorites from a batch of simple voice phones.
The Best Phone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Best for Creators Who Want It All
Bottom Line:
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best iPhone overall, with excellent performance, stellar battery life, sharp cameras, and a number of useful features you don’t get with the standard models.
PROS
- High-quality hardware
- Always-on display includes widgets
- Top-notch cameras
- Stellar wireless performance
CONS
- Pricey
- Dated design and Lightning connector
Learn More
Google Pixel 7a
Best Affordable Pixel Phone
Bottom Line:
When it comes to affordable Android phones, Google’s Pixel 7a outshines the competition in terms of camera performance, software, and value.
PROS
- Solid performance
- Above-average cameras
- Unique design
- Wireless charging
CONS
- Wi-Fi disconnection issue in testing
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best for Artists and Photographers
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is large and pricey, but an exceptional mix of features, performance, and quality makes it the best high-end Android phone you can buy.
PROS
- Large, bright display
- Speedy performance
- Excellent cameras
- S Pen integration
- Solid battery life
- Durable hardware
- Strong software update commitment
CONS
- Expensive
- Big, heavy build
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Kyocera DuraXV Extreme
Best Rugged Voice Phone
Bottom Line:
Verizon’s best simple voice phone, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme will carry you through the next few years with clear, loud calls.
PROS
- Ultra-rugged build
- Good call quality
- Loud speaker
CONS
- Poor camera
- No non-SMS messaging options
- No maps
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Motorola Moto Edge+ (2023)
Best Android Flagship Overall
Bottom Line:
Motorola’s 2023 Moto Edge+ combines excellent performance and leading battery life in an attractive design, making it your best bet for high-end Android performance under $1,000.
PROS
- Stellar battery life
- Solid performance
- Attractive curved screen
- Rapid charging
CONS
- Display is only 1080p
- Finicky fingerprint reader
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Best Folding Phone
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4’s flexible screen and strong multitasking support make it the best productivity phone available today by far.
PROS
- Fast and powerful
- Useful multi-window mode
- Excellent signal strength
- Fully usable with one hand
CONS
- Very expensive
- Heavy
- Some applications are buggy
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Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Best Inexpensive 5G Phone
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G packs a lot to like for a sub-$200 phone, including a large screen, efficient performance, solid connectivity options, and a superior software upgrade path.
PROS
- Large, sharp display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Good performance for the price
- Excellent software update policy
CONS
- Not protected against dust or water
- Screen is hard to see in sunlight
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Apple iPhone 14
Best All-Around iPhone
Bottom Line:
While the iPhone 14 doesn’t offer all of the innovative new features available to the Pro line, Apple has made plenty of small tweaks under the hood to boost its performance and keep it competitive.
PROS
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- Helpful emergency features
CONS
- Not that different from the iPhone 13
- Dated design and Lightning connector
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Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023)
Best for Battery Life on a Budget
Bottom Line:
The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor thanks to an improved screen, a faster processor, and the addition of 5G, but it costs $100 more.
PROS
- Good battery life
- Solid performance
- Affordable
- Adequate main camera
CONS
- Weak secondary cameras
- No NFC
- Lacks IP rating
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best Verizon Phones for 2023
How to Buy a Verizon Phone
Almost all Verizon phones are available through the carrier itself and 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 phones from big unlocked brands in the US (including Apple, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung), as well as most unlocked handsets from Amazon should work fine on Verizon. 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,” has the most potential 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. “Nationwide 5G” is a little faster than its 4G, but not enough to really matter.
For more, see our list of the best 5G phones.
The Best Verizon Flip Phone
Verizon still has a selection of voice phones, which it calls “basic phones.” Many of these are off-brand devices that were custom-built for Verizon; they’re inexpensive, but most of them aren’t very good.
Yep, we still review flip phones (Credit: Sascha Segan)
The primary exceptions are more expensive: the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme and the TCL Flip Pro. The DuraXV Extreme is rugged and loud; the Flip Pro is for folks who really don’t want web browsing or email on their phones. Both are good choices.
Recommended by Our Editors
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 2023’s top mobile carriers.
What Is 5G?
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