Best 5G Home Internet Providers

5G home internet has become a popular option in recent years. With providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Straight Talk entering the market, consumers now have a wider choice for 5G internet services. With blazing-fast speeds and flexible installation, 5G offers a compelling alternative to traditional cable or DSL internet. However, navigating the various providers and their features can be tricky.

T-Mobile stands out for its nationwide 5G network, competitive prices, unlimited data, and potential bundling discounts. For most users, T-Mobile's combination of speed, coverage, price, and data makes them the top contender. We'll still delve into the other providers for those who may have specific needs or cell phone service preferences.

Jump to:

• What to look for in a 5G home internet provider
• The best 5G home internet services
• What is each 5G provider best for?
• The best option
• FAQ
• Methodology

• Reliability: A mix of millimeter wave technology (faster speeds, shorter range) and low-band technology (wider coverage, better penetration) ensures a balance between speed and reliability. Consider congestion in high-usage areas, which can slow things down. Check online reviews and provider maps to see if users in your area report any consistency issues.
• Price: 5G home internet plans typically range from $35 to $80 per month, offering strong value compared to cable/DSL with faster speeds, lower latency, and flexible installation. To find the best fit for your budget, consider your internet usage needs. Higher speeds and unlimited data plans typically cost more. Look for bundle discounts with cell phone plans from the same provider for potential savings.
• Speed: 5G offers impressive speed capabilities, but actual speed of 5G home internet can vary by location. While Verizon 5G Home Internet advertises speeds up to 1,000Mbps, these speeds are only achievable in limited areas. T-Mobile Home Internet offers more consistent speeds, ranging from 72 to 245Mbps.
  
• Data Caps: Be aware that data caps can exist with both cable/fiber and 5G home internet plans. These caps limit your monthly data usage. 
  
• Equipment installation: Unlike traditional cable or DSL internet that requires professional installation, 5G internet utilizes a self-installation process. Most providers include a pre-configured router in your plan. You'll simply need to connect the router to power and follow the provider's instructions to get started. A few providers, like Straight Talk, may charge a one-time fee for the router.

The best 5G home internet provider depends on your priorities and location. Here's a breakdown of what each provider is best for:

A great all-around option with a wide network, consistent speeds, and unlimited data at a competitive price. T-Mobile Home Internet is a good choice for users in many areas, especially rural locations with limited internet options.

Ideal for gamers, streamers, and large households who prioritize blazing-fast download and upload speeds for lag-free online experiences and simultaneous use by multiple devices. Verizon claims speeds up to 1,000Mbps, but keep in mind these are only available in limited areas and sensitive to latency.

The most affordable option on the list, making it ideal for budget-conscious users with moderate internet needs living in major cities where AT&T Internet offers service. This plan is a good fit for users who stream occasionally and casually browse the web.

A good choice for users who don't have a cell phone plan with any of the major carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) or for those on prepaid cell phone plans. Straight Talk uses a combination of networks from all three major carriers, offering broad coverage. However, it has the slowest advertised speeds among the providers listed here.

Overall, we still think T-Mobile is the best all-around service. If you have T-Mobile or are considering switching to it for cell service, the price is tough to beat. It’s also fast, reliable, super-simple, and built on the largest 5G network in the U.S. Perhaps the best part is that the huge coverage area makes it a realistic option for many rural customers, who might otherwise be stuck with slower and much more expensive satellite service.

That said, we also think most people should just go with whichever provider they use (or plan to switch to) for cell service. These services are all so similar that price usually becomes the deciding factor, and bundling is usually how you get the best price. The one exception here is Straight Talk, which we recommend for any customers on an MVNO plan like Mint Mobile, Visible, or (obviously) Straight Talk. 

5G home internet can be a good fit, but speed needs vary. For basic web browsing and email, moderate speeds (around 5Mbps) are sufficient. Streaming, gaming, and video conferencing require speeds up to 25Mbps. Consider your household size, latency, and internet usage to determine if 5G speeds (typically 25-300Mbps) can handle everyone's needs.

Yes, 5G home internet can deliver sufficient speeds for many common household activities like browsing, streaming, and gaming (with limitations based on latency sensitivity and esports). However, it generally lags behind cable or fiber optic connections in terms of top speeds. The advantage of 5G lies in its wider availability, especially in areas lacking traditional high-speed options.

No, 5G home internet doesn't replace Wi-Fi. It converts a 5G signal into a Wi-Fi network that your devices can connect to, similar to a permanent in-home hotspot.

5G home internet prices typically range from $35 to $80 per month. Generally, lower prices are available for bundled plans with cell phone service. For example, T-Mobile Home Internet starts at $60 per month, but bundling with a qualifying phone plan can bring the price down to $40.

5G home internet speeds vary a lot based on location. Providers advertise speeds ranging from up to 100Mbps (Straight Talk) to as much as 1,000Mbps (Verizon). However, the actual speeds customers will see depend heavily on the network in a given area. For these reasons, it’s really hard to predict the speed you’ll see with a given provider.

That said, a good indicator could be cell coverage in your area. If a provider has a reputation for a strong signal and lots of coverage, you’re more likely to have a good experience with its 5G home internet service in that area.

Finding the "best" 5G home internet provider depends on your priorities and location. Here's a breakdown of which provider excels in each key area, with a recommended provider for each:

• Widest Coverage: T-Mobile Home Internet (Recommended for: Rural areas with few options). Does the provider offer service in your area? Check their coverage map.
• Fastest Speeds: Verizon 5G Home Internet (Recommended for: Gamers or those needing the absolute fastest speeds). How important are absolute top speeds to you?
• Most Affordable: AT&T Internet Air (Recommended for: Budget-conscious users in major cities with light to moderate usage). How important is price compared to other factors?
• Unlimited Data: T-Mobile Home Internet & Verizon 5G Home Internet (Recommended for: Heavy internet users who stream a lot, game online, or have multiple devices connected). Do you stream a lot or have many devices connected?
• Bundling: Consider your existing cell phone provider! Bundling can lead to discounts (Recommended for: Existing customers of T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T).

We compile our articles using trusted sources and real customer feedback. We perform first-hand testing on the services we review and compile proprietary data to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your internet needs.

Editors' note: At SatelliteInternet.com, we research, test, and create content that is rigorously edited and fact-checked by our editorial team for accuracy and reliability. We sometimes harness the capabilities of AI tools to assist in drafting content that is both clear and informative, ensuring high-quality information. You can learn more about our AI practices by referring to our AI policy.