T-Mobile vs. AT&T: Which internet provider is better for you?

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AT&T Fiber
Prices from
$55.00
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Call to order: (833) 249-1503
Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
View all plans
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Prices from
$50.00
per month
Speeds up to
415
Mbps
Call to order: (877) 818-8727
View all plans
AT&T Internet Air
Prices from
$60.00
per month
Speeds up to
140
Mbps
Call to order: (833) 249-1503
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.
View all plans

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.

Trying to decide whether to choose AT&T or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet? Let our researched guide on both providers’ speeds, pricing and plans help you make an informed decision.

AT&T vs. T-Mobile

AT&T stands out for having high-speed fiber technology, no contracts and unlimited internet.
T-Mobile excels in customer satisfaction, availability and straightforward no-contract packages.

We’ve evaluated over 30 internet service providers (ISPs) by speed, technology, fees, availability and customer satisfaction. Based on these criteria, AT&T scored 4 on our five-point scale, while T-Mobile earned a 3.6 overall rating.

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. 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?

T-Mobile pros

Availability: T-Mobile reaches all 50 U.S. states with 5G internet using its broad fixed wireless network 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.

T-Mobile cons

Speed: A maximum of 415 Mbps — about 1/10 as slow as AT&T’s maximum 5 GB speed — is a distinct limitation to T-Mobile home internet.
Technology: T-Mobile’s 5G internet connection is prone to more speed fluctuations compared to AT&T’s fiber internet.

Read our full T-Mobile review.

How is AT&T better than T-Mobile?

AT&T pros

Speed: AT&T’s base plan of 300 Mbps is faster than T-Mobile’s entry-level plan, with its fastest plan reaching upload and download speeds up to 5 GB.*
Technology: Fiber’s high bandwidth makes it perfect for high-speed gaming and streaming on numerous devices while remaining resistant to lag and buffering — a common issue for 5G connections.

_{*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to}_{www.att.com/speed101}_{. As of 03/20/25.}

AT&T cons

Availability: AT&T Fiber’s 21-state availability loses against T-Mobile’s nationwide coverage. AT&T relies on copper lines (AT&T Internet) or fixed wireless (AT&T Internet Air) in certain areas, with slower speeds and similar costs to T-Mobile’s 5G internet.

Read the full AT&T review.

AT&T vs. T-Mobile speeds

T-Mobile internet speeds: Offering 87–415 Mbps, T-Mobile’s home Wi-Fi speeds are location-dependent. Expect speed throttling if you exceed 1.2 TB of data in a month.
AT&T internet speeds: Fiber internet from 300 Mbps to 5 GB* offers more options if you need faster speeds. AT&T’s gigabit and multi-gig internet is something you won’t find with T-Mobile.

_{*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to}_{www.att.com/speed101}_{. As of 03/20/25.}

AT&T vs. T-Mobile pricing

T-Mobile vs. AT&T cheap internet: Plans start at $50 or $55/mo., respectively. When bundled with a mobile plan, T-Mobile internet starts at $35/mo. rather than $50, and AT&T offers a 20% internet discount.
While the base plans for both providers are about equal in cost and download speeds, AT&T Fiber’s fiber-optic technology will generally make it faster and more reliable overall.

AT&T vs. T-Mobile internet plans

Browse AT&T’s plans, including copper and 5G technologies, and T-Mobile internet options.

AT&T Internet plans

Plan	Starting price*	Download/Upload speeds^†
AT&T Internet 300	$55/mo.	300/300 Mbps
AT&T Internet 500	$65/mo.	500/500 Mbps
AT&T Internet 1 Gig	$70/mo.	1,000/1,000 Mbps
AT&T Internet 2 Gig	$145/mo.	2,000/2,000 Mbps
AT&T Internet 5 Gig	$245/mo.	5,000/5,000 Mbps
AT&T Internet Air^TM(fixed wireless)	$60/mo.	Up to 225 Mbps/up to 30 Mbps
AT&T Internet (copper phone lines)	$60/mo.	Up to 300/20 Mbps

Disclaimers

*Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. As of 03/20/25.

†Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.

T-Mobile internet plans

Plan	Starting price* (standalone internet)	Starting price w/ mobile**	Download/Upload speeds
T-Mobile 5G Rely Home Internet	$50/mo.	$35/mo.	Up to 318 Mbps/56 Mbps
T-Mobile 5G Amplified Home Internet	$60/mo.	$45/mo.	Up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps
T-Mobile 5G All-In Home Internet	$70/mo.	$55/mo.	Up to 415 Mbps/55 Mbps

Disclaimers

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

**With $15 monthly bill credit. Limited-time offer; subject to change. Qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and Internet line required. Credits may take up to 2 bill cycles; credits will stop if you cancel any lines or change plans. Limit 2/account. May not be combined with some offers or discounts (e.g., Price Lock); see FAQs at T-Mobile.com/plans.

Can you bundle cellular with AT&T or T-Mobile?

T-Mobile vs. AT&T internet and mobile bundle deals:

AT&T — Save 20% on home internet when you add mobile service (both accounts must have the same account holder and address).
T-Mobile 5G — Get $15/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 $300, 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

AT&T coverage: AT&T’s nationwide availability is 44% when you include its fixed wireless and copper-line areas. AT&T Fiber has 11% U.S. coverage over 21 states, including California and Texas, but New England and the Northwest region have almost zero AT&T coverage.
- AT&T Fiber is found in urban/suburban areas; copper and fixed wireless technologies (AT&T Internet/AT&T Air) are in outlying areas. Cities with AT&T include Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Louisville, KY; and Orlando, FL.

T-Mobile coverage: T-Mobile covers portions of all 50 states, making it the most available U.S. home internet provider.
- T-Mobile 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?

T-Mobile 5G home internet: T-Mobile home internet does not charge for self-installation but does require a $35 device connection charge.
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).
Neither company charges equipment rental, but they both have a non-return fee for the modem and router equipment (up to $370 for T-Mobile; $150 for AT&T Fiber; $200 for AT&T Internet Air).
Both ISPs offer no-contract internet without early termination fees (ETFs) or data overages.

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.

Is AT&T or T-Mobile worth switching to?

It might be time to switch your internet service to AT&T or T-Mobile 5G if you’re dissatisfied with your current internet provider’s speed or price. If your current speeds are less than 200 Mbps or you’re paying over $60/mo., AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile 5G can offer faster speeds and 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.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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