Cheapest Phone Plans With The Best Coverage In Chicago, IL

Find the most affordable phone plans with superior coverage in Chicago, IL. See detailed signal strength and data speed analyses for every zip code. Compare options now!

Cell Phone Coverage By Network In Chicago, IL

AT&T

  • 28.21 Mbps
  • 2.52 Mbps
3 bars average signal strength

Covers

94.97%

Of Chicago, IL

With A 5G Signal

And 97.66% Of Cook County, IL

T-Mobile

  • 34.98 Mbps
  • 3.00 Mbps
Full signal bars

Covers

95.10%

Of Chicago, IL

With A 5G Signal

And 97.66% Of Cook County, IL

Verizon

  • 34.85 Mbps
  • 2.99 Mbps
3 bars average signal strength

Covers

95.04%

Of Chicago, IL

With A 5G Signal

And 97.8% Of Cook County, IL

Where Did These Numbers Come From And What Do They Mean?

The numbers all come from publicly available data provided to the FCC by each wireless carrier. The raw data is available to download from the FCC’s National Broadband Coverage Map which was last updated in December of 2022. The Compare Wireless Carriers website has used this data to derive the numbers you see in the carrier cards shown above.

The download and upload speeds shown are the minimum 5G data speeds you should expect to receive in Chicago, IL. In some cases you may experience slower data speeds, and in others you may experience speeds that are 10 times faster or more.

The percent covered represents the percentage of the city that is covered by any signal from a carrier, either strong, weak, or anything in between. In a majority of cases it is simply the percentage of land area in a given zip code that is covered by a signal, although in some cases water area covered is also used.

The signal strength meter bars shows you the average signal you can expect to receive in any given area in Chicago, IL that actually has coverage.

Compare Wireless Carriers has elected to highlight 5G network coverage as a majority of new phones sold are now 5G capable and there is increased demand for 5G network coverage. However, 5G is not the be all end all. It is not a guarantee of faster data speeds than 4G LTE networks provide. And 5G networks still primarily require 4G LTE networks to place phone calls. And so further down below, you can review 4G LTE coverage data for Chicago, IL if it’s important to you.

What To Do If You Don’t Get A Signal Where A Carrier Says You Should?

The FCC National Broadband Coverage Map and its associated speed test app are unique in the market. The speed test app is the only one on the market that the FCC holds carriers accountable to. Yes, you the consumer can use the FCC’s speed test app to inform the FCC that the data provided to them by a carrier is completely inaccurate. If you aren’t getting a cell signal in a spot a carrier claims you will, use the app and report it to the FCC. The carriers will have to answer to the FCC over your report. It’s pretty powerful stuff.

So Which Carrier And Plan Are Really Right For You?

Just because one or more of the carriers above have good coverage for you in Chicago, IL, doesn’t mean you have to subscribe to that carrier for your wireless service.

Have you ever heard of the term “MVNO”?

Most people haven’t, yet tens of millions of wireless subscribers have their service provided to them by an MVNO. Simply put, an MVNO is any wireless provider that doesn’t have its own wireless network. Instead, they use another carrier’s network for service.

There are literally dozens of wireless providers that use either AT&T’s, T-Mobile’s, or Verizon’s network to provide service to their customers. Some MVNOs let their customers pick from any of those three major carrier networks for their coverage while others may only offer one carrier to choose from. MVNOs offer the same types of plans as the major carriers including unlimited data plans and plans with a finite amount of data so you don’t waste money on something you don’t need.

Most MVNOs operate as no credit check prepaid providers, although a small number of them offer postpaid services. MVNOs can offer you a great way to save money on your wireless bill. Some carrier-owned prepaid providers like AT&T’s Cricket Wireless, T-Mobile’s Metro by T-Mobile, and Verizon’s Straight Talk Wireless and Visible brands can also be great money-saving options.


Plans From Carriers In Chicago, IL, That Use AT&T’s Network

AT&T’s network covers 94.97% of Chicago, IL with a 5G cell signal and 94.99% with a 4G LTE signal. 

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
AT&T PostpaidUnlimited$65.99/$791.88$143.96/$1727.52
Boost Mobile35GB$25/$300$100/$1200
Save $491.88/yrSave $527.52/yr

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
AT&T PostpaidUnlimited$65.99/$791.88$143.96/$1727.52
Cricket WirelessUnlimited$50/$600$100/$1200
Save $191.88/yrSave $527.52/yr

Plans From Carriers In Chicago, IL, That Use T-Mobile’s Network

T-Mobile’s network covers 95.10% of Chicago, IL with a 5G cell signal and 95.10% with a 4G LTE signal

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
T-Mobile PostpaidUnlimited$50/$600$100/$1200
US Mobile35GB*$29/$348$100/$1200
*35GB at high-speed then slowed to 1MbpsSave $252/yrSave $0/yr

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
T-Mobile PostpaidUnlimited$50/$600$100/$1200
Metro-By-T-MobileUnlimited$40/$480$100/$1200
Save $120/yrSave $0/yr

Plans From Carriers In Chicago, IL, That Use Verizon’s Network

Verizon’s network covers 95.04% Chicago, IL with a 5G cell signal and 95.00% with a 4G LTE signal.

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
Verizon Wireless PostpaidUnlimited$60/$720$100/$1200
US Mobile100GB*$50/$600$160/$1920
*100GB at high-speed then slowed to 1MbpsSave $120/yrSave $-720/yr

ProviderDataPrice 1-Line
(Month/Yr)
Family Plan
Price 4-Lines
(Month/Yr)
Verizon Wireless PostpaidUnlimited$60/$720$100/$1200
Visible by VerizonUnlimited$25/$300$100/$1200
Save $420/yrSave $0/yr

A Closer Look At 5G Coverage In Chicago, IL, By Zip Codes

5G Coverage In Chicago, IL, By Zip Code
Zip CodeAT&TT-MobileVerizon
60601
  • 94.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 21.8Mbps
  • 2.1Mbps
  • 94.4%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 94.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60602
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.0Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60603
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 18.2Mbps
  • 1.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60604
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.0Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60605
  • 69.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 21.3Mbps
  • 2.0Mbps
  • 69.2%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 69.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.4Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60606
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 32.8Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60607
  • 98.8%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 31.9Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60608
  • 99.5%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.0Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.6Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60609
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.9Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60610
  • 73.7%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 33.0Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
  • 73.7%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 73.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60611
  • 67.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.3Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 67.4%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 65.1%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60612
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.5Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60613
  • 85.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 31.4Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 85.4%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 84.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60614
  • 87.6%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 30.5Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 89.4%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 89.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60615
  • 78.9%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 30.7Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 78.9%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 78.9%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60616
  • 86.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.1Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 86.7%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 86.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60617
  • 91.5%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 30.1Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 91.7%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 34.6Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 91.5%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.0Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
60618
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.3Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60619
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 30.9Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.4Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60620
  • 99.5%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.7Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60621
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 32.1Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60622
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.6Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60623
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 23.8Mbps
  • 2.2Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60624
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 19.7Mbps
  • 1.9Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60625
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 30.1Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60626
  • 84.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 25.7Mbps
  • 2.3Mbps
  • 84.4%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 84.4%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60628
  • 99.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.5Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 34.7Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60629
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 33.4Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60630
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.9Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60631
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 25.2Mbps
  • 2.3Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60632
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.7Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60633
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 24.5Mbps
  • 2.3Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 34.7Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 34.7Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60634
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 20.9Mbps
  • 2.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.2Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
60636
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 32.7Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60637
  • 88.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.4Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 88.7%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 88.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60638
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.4Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60639
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 26.9Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60640
  • 92.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 32.4Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 92.7%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 92.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60641
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 25.0Mbps
  • 2.3Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60642
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 29.4Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60643
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.7Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60644
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 22.3Mbps
  • 2.1Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60645
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 22.8Mbps
  • 2.1Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 2 bars signal is fair
  • 34.6Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60646
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 23.5Mbps
  • 2.2Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 34.8Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 2 bars signal is fair
  • 33.9Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
60647
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 24.8Mbps
  • 2.3Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60649
  • 76.3%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 31.8Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 77.2%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 77.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 33.1Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
60651
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 27.1Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60652
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 32.2Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.8Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60653
  • 79.1%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.0Mbps
  • 2.5Mbps
  • 79.1%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 79.1%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.6Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60654
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 31.0Mbps
  • 2.7Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60655
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 33.3Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60656
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 26.5Mbps
  • 2.4Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60657
  • 76.6%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 31.5Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 78.7%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 78.7%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60659
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 28.9Mbps
  • 2.6Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 34.6Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60660
  • 88.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 32.5Mbps
  • 2.8Mbps
  • 88.2%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 88.2%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
60661
  • 100.0%
  • 4 bars signal
  • 33.3Mbps
  • 2.9Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • Full signal bars
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps
  • 100.0%
  • 3 bars average signal strength
  • 35.0Mbps
  • 3.0Mbps

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