T-Mobile vs. AT&T: Which internet provider is better for you?
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AT&T Fiber
Prices from
$65.00
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
AT&T Air
Prices from
$60.00
per month
Speeds up to
140
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
When considering service between AT&T and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, our research and comparisons of speed, pricing, plans and more can help you make an expert decision. Use this guide to choose the right provider for you.
AT&T vs. T-Mobile
We’ve evaluated over 30 internet service providers (ISPs) by considering factors like internet speed, technology type, fees, availability and customer satisfaction. Based on these criteria, AT&T scored 4 out of 5, while T-Mobile scored 3.6 out of 5.
AT&T stands out for its high-speed fiber technology, unlimited internet and no contracts. T-Mobile excels in customer satisfaction, availability, and straightforward, no-contract packages. Compare and contrast other features of both high-speed internet providers in the following sections.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How is T-Mobile better than AT&T?
Pros of T-Mobile vs. AT&T
- Availability: One of T-Mobile’s best features is its availability in all 50 U.S. states. T-Mobile’s 5G internet uses a fixed wireless infrastructure that requires no hard-wired lines, so the company has been able to quickly expand coverage across urban, suburban and rural areas.
- Customer service: According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), T-Mobile consistently receives high marks for customer satisfaction year after year.
Cons of T-Mobile vs. AT&T
- Speed: Limitations to T-Mobile’s home internet service include speeds that reach a maximum of 245 Mbps — more than 20 times slower than AT&T’s maximum 5 GB speed. Additionally, T-Mobile’s 5G internet technology is more susceptible to speed fluctuations compared to AT&T’s fiber internet.
- Price: T-Mobile’s standalone internet pricing is on the high end of monthly internet costs at $65/mo. However, adding autopay or catching the package on an occasional sale may allow you to sign up for as low as $50/mo. T-Mobile also heavily promotes its internet and mobile bundles. Getting a bundle can reduce the price to just $40/mo. when you add a qualifying mobile phone service.
How is AT&T better than T-Mobile?
Pros of AT&T vs. T-Mobile
- Internet speed: AT&T Fiber has speeds up to 5 GB with symmetrical, or equal, upload and download speeds. Even AT&T’s base plan of 300 Mbps is faster than T-Mobile home internet.
- Technology type: Fiber’s higher bandwidth makes it perfect for any online activity, from high-speed gaming to streaming on multiple devices. A fiber connection is also known for its resistance to lag and buffering, which can be an issue with a 5G connection.
Cons of AT&T vs. T-Mobile
- Availability: AT&T Fiber’s 21-state availability is much lower than T-Mobile’s nationwide coverage. Additionally, in some areas, AT&T Internet relies on a copper line, which offers slower speeds that max out at 100 Mbps. In other areas, only AT&T Internet Air is available, a fixed wireless service similar to T-Mobile’s 5G home internet. AT&T Air has a top speed of 225 Mbps and a monthly cost of $60 (with autopay), making it nearly identical to T-Mobile’s 5G deal.
AT&T vs. T-Mobile speeds
Home Wi-Fi speed is where you will find the largest disparity between AT&T and T-Mobile.
- T-Mobile internet speeds: T-Mobile has just one internet plan with speeds from 72–245 Mbps. T-Mobile will also throttle your speed if you exceed 1.2 TB of data in a month.
- AT&T internet speeds: AT&T has five speed tiers ranging between 300 Mbps and 5 GB, so you can upgrade if you need faster speed. Additionally, AT&T offers speeds up to 1 GB and multi-gig internet — something T-Mobile doesn’t provide with its single plan option.
AT&T vs. T-Mobile pricing
Cheap internet plans with AT&T or T-Mobile start at $60–$65/mo. if you are not bundling with a cell phone plan. AT&T Fiber’s base plan is $65/mo. for 300 Mbps. This AT&T plan is most similar to T-Mobile’s single internet plan at $60/mo. for up to 245 Mbps.
However, with AT&T, you benefit from the consistent fiber technology and the symmetrical upload and download speeds. Overall, AT&T Fiber’s competitive pricing aligns with other fiber ISPs.
AT&T vs. T-Mobile internet plans
The following tables list AT&T’s various internet plans, including its copper line and 5G technologies, plus T-Mobile internet options with and without a cell phone bundle.
AT&T Internet plans
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds† |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 300 | $65/mo. | 300/300 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $75/mo. | 500/500 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 1 Gig | $90/mo. | 1,000/1,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 2 Gig | $155/mo. | 2,000/2,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet 5 Gig | $255/mo. | 5,000/5,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet AirTM (fixed wireless) | $60/mo. | Up to 225 Mbps/up to 30 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet (copper phone lines) | $60/mo. | 100/20 Mbps |
†Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds & based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds require the latest router & recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
T-Mobile internet plans
| Plan | Starting price* | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G Home (standalone internet) | $60/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps/20 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home with Go5G, Magenta or Essentials voice | $50/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps/20 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home with Go5G Next, Go5G Plus or Magenta MAX voice | $40/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps/20 Mbps |
Can you bundle cellular with AT&T or T-Mobile?
Internet and mobile bundles with AT&T or T-Mobile include a discounted internet price.
- AT&T internet and mobile bundle deal: With AT&T, you save 20% on your home internet when you also have mobile service (both accounts must have the same account holder and address).
- T-Mobile 5G internet and mobile bundle deal: T-Mobile offers a $20/mo. discount on internet with a qualifying phone service.
AT&T vs. T-Mobile deals
- AT&T and T-Mobile both regularly offer internet deals for new customers, such as reward cards ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the plan.
- Both providers offer savings when you bundle with their mobile services.
- AT&T and T-Mobile offer low-cost or free internet for students, seniors, teachers, first responders, military members or veterans.
- T-Mobile also provides additional perks like free streaming services and discounts on movies, dining and travel.
T-Mobile vs. AT&T coverage
In simplest terms, there is a stark difference between T-Mobile and AT&T coverage (AT&T Fiber only) — 60% vs. 11% U.S. availability, respectively.
AT&T coverage: Although AT&T Fiber is available in just 21 states, including California and Texas, the additional coverage provided by AT&T Internet Air (fixed wireless) and AT&T Internet (copper lines) increases AT&T’s overall availability to 44%. Still, many areas have near-zero AT&T coverage, including New England and much of the Northwest region.
AT&T Fiber is found in urban and suburban areas, while AT&T Internet and AT&T Air are typically in outlying areas. Cities with AT&T include Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Louisville, KY; and Orlando, FL.
T-Mobile coverage: T-Mobile covers a portion of all 50 states, making it the most available U.S. home internet provider. T-Mobile also covers more areas outside of city limits, making it a good choice for rural internet. Cities with T-Mobile 5G include Baton Rouge, LA; Boulder, CO; and Pittsburgh, PA.
Does AT&T or T-Mobile have extra fees?
Both AT&T and T-Mobile internet keep fees to a minimum by providing no-contract internet plans without early termination fees (ETFs) or data overages. Both companies also do not charge extra for equipment rental, but they do have a non-return fee if you fail to give back the modem and router equipment after ending service ($370 for T-Mobile; $150 for AT&T Fiber; $200 for AT&T Internet Air).
- T-Mobile 5G home internet: T-Mobile home internet does not charge for self-installation but does require a $35 activation fee.
- AT&T internet: AT&T typically charges a $99 installation fee, but this fee is often waived during ongoing promotions. (One caveat: AT&T’s copper-line service, called AT&T Internet, also has a $49 activation fee and a $12.95 shipping fee for the equipment).
AT&T vs. T-Mobile FAQs
Is fiber better than 5G internet?
Fiber internet is generally considered better than 5G because of its increased speeds, faster upload rates and more secure, reliable technology.
Is AT&T better than T-Mobile?
AT&T Fiber is a higher-quality internet service than T-Mobile 5G and is often less expensive. However, if you plan to bundle T-Mobile 5G internet with your T-Mobile cellular service, then T-Mobile could be the less expensive and more convenient option for you. However, it also partially depends on the type of AT&T technology available in your area. If you’re in an area with AT&T Internet Air, it’s fairly similar to T-Mobile 5G, and if you are in an area with AT&T Internet (which uses copper lines), T-Mobile 5G will likely offer faster speeds, making it the better choice.
Is AT&T or T-Mobile worth switching to?
AT&T or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet can be worth switching your internet service if you’re dissatisfied with your current internet provider. If your current speeds are less than 200 Mbps, AT&T Fiber or T-Mobile 5G can likely offer faster speeds. Also, if you’re currently paying over $60/mo. for home internet, switching could save you money, especially if you’re already an AT&T or T-Mobile cellular customer.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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