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T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which home internet is best for you?

Updated 2:22 pm ET Mar 13

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Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

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Not sure if T-Mobile 5G or Verizon 5G Home Internet is the best internet provider for you? Compare the pros and cons of each home internet service, including speeds, pricing, plan options and more. 

T-Mobile vs. Verizon

Comparing T-Mobile vs. Verizon home internet reveals that both are highly rated 5G internet providers with distinct pros and cons. Both offer home Wi-Fi services and discounted internet and mobile bundles. 

  • T-Mobile 5G scored 3.6 out of 5 on our aggregate scale, mainly due to its 50-state coverage and flexible plans. 
  • Verizon 5G earned a higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars thanks to its speeds of up to 1 GB, unlimited data and no extra fees.

How is T-Mobile better than Verizon?

T-Mobile beats Verizon 5G internet in essential areas like availability but also has a few limitations.

T-Mobile pros

  • Most availability: T-Mobile 5G internet is over three times more available nationwide than Verizon 5G service. The FCC coverage map shows that T-Mobile reaches 60% of the U.S., while Verizon 5G covers 19%. 
  • No-contract bundles: Both T-Mobile and Verizon Wi-Fi’s plans are no-contract internet, but bundle packages that include Verizon cell phone service often include an agreement with early termination fees (ETFs). Meanwhile, T-Mobile doesn’t have contracts for any internet or cell phone services.

T-Mobile cons

  • Data amount: T-Mobile’s 5G internet is unlimited but has a 1.2 TB data threshold after which speeds are throttled until the next billing cycle. (Pro tip: You can often check your monthly internet usage in your internet provider’s app to determine if this data cap will be inconvenient.) 
  • Speed throttling: T-Mobile will throttle your speed if you exceed your monthly data threshold, but you will not be charged an overage fee.

How is Verizon better than T-Mobile?

Verizon Wi-Fi offers speed and data advantages over T-Mobile’s home internet service.

Verizon 5G pros

  • Internet speeds: A Verizon 5G internet connection can reach up to 1 GB speeds, compared to T-Mobile’s maximum of 415 Mbps. Speeds vary by area, so check your specific address with both providers to find out which one offers the fastest high-speed internet in your area. 
  • Activation fee: Verizon 5G internet has no activation fee, while T-Mobile has a one-time $35 device connection charge. Neither company charges a rental fee for the modem and router.
  • Unlimited data: Verizon has completely unlimited data. T-Mobile is technically unlimited but will throttle speeds after 1.2 TB data used in a month (a generous amount, but still a limitation). 

Verizon 5G cons

  • Availability: T-Mobile Wi-Fi services are more likely than Verizon to be available near you, as its coverage area is about 66% larger.

Verizon vs. T-Mobile internet speeds

  • Verizon 5G Home Internet has two speed options:
    • Verizon 5G Home: Up to 100 Mbps 
    • Verizon 5G Home Plus: Up to 300 Mbps
  • T-Mobile: up to 415 Mbps

Depending on your online activities (gaming, streaming, email, etc.) and the number of devices you connect, T-Mobile’s plans, which don’t reach 500 Mbps, may not supply the speed you need for your home. Verizon’s options offer more flexibility, but actual Wi-Fi speeds for both companies are location-based and not guaranteed in all areas.

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.  

Verizon vs. T-Mobile pricing

  • Verizon 5G: Starts at $50/mo.; $35/mo. with mobile bundle.
  • T-Mobile 5G: Starts at $50/mo.; $35/mo. with mobile bundle.

Verizon vs. T-Mobile internet plans

Compare available upload and download speeds and internet and mobile bundles of Verizon vs. T-Mobile home internet.

Verizon internet plans

Verizon Wi-Fi plan pricing includes the wireless router, taxes and fees, and a two- to five-year price guarantee (depending on the plan).

PlanStarting price*Bundle rate**Download/Upload speeds
Verizon 5G Home$50/mo.$35/mo.Up to 100 Mbps / Up to 10 Mbps
Verizon 5G Home Plus$70/mo.$55/mo.Up to 300 Mbps / Up to 20 Mbps
Disclaimers

*For existing 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More mobile customers who then add and maintain a home internet plan. Availability varies. Price guarantee applies to base monthly rate only. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Add’l $10/mo. w/o Auto Pay. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Prices start at $50/mo. without mobile contract or Auto Pay. Other terms may apply. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limited, multiple users, networks & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. Updated 12/14/23.

**Cost of internet service when bundled with a qualifying Verizon Mobile plan.

T-Mobile internet plans

T-Mobile pricing includes the wireless router, plus taxes and fees. 

PlanStarting 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 Verizon or T-Mobile?

Verizon and T-Mobile both offer internet and mobile bundles that can save you money on your monthly internet costs.

The exact price of your internet and mobile bundle will ultimately be determined by your cell phone package customizations, such as how many lines you add, or other features like international calling. 

Verizon vs. T-Mobile deals

Verizon and T-Mobile regularly offer valuable internet deals to new customers.

Free perks: Benefits for either internet provider rotate between reward cards up to $300, free streaming packages and offers for free appliances or electronics. 

ETF reimbursement: Both internet service providers also have offers to pay your early termination fee when you switch from another internet service provider. Verizon covers up to $500, and T-Mobile will reimburse up to $750.

Fast, free shipping: If you need home internet as soon as possible, both T-Mobile and Verizon 5G offer two-day free shipping. After you sign up online, you receive your modem and router in the mail. Installation is plug-and-play, so you set up the internet yourself — no technician required. 

T-Mobile vs. Verizon coverage

When comparing the pros and cons of T-Mobile vs. Verizon fixed wireless networks, T-Mobile has the advantage.

  • T-Mobile provides availability to 60% of the country, with availability in parts of all 50 states. 
  • Verizon 5G Home Internet is available in 19% of the nation, with the most coverage throughout the eastern part of the U.S. and parts of California, including Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose.

Much of the West and Southwest have limited Verizon 5G coverage, whereas T-Mobile 5G internet is more prevalent, including cities like Cheyenne, WY; Idaho Falls, ID; and Sioux Falls, SD. However, both providers are expanding coverage, so availability is constantly evolving. 

Does Verizon or T-Mobile have extra fees?

Luckily, Verizon and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet keep fees to a minimum. 

Equipment fees: Unlike most cable internet providers, neither charges a monthly fee for equipment. However, you must return the equipment when you end internet service or you will be charged a non-return fee. 

Installation fees: Free self-installation is provided by both Verizon and T-Mobile, but T-Mobile charges $35 for device connection, while Verizon does not. The ISPs mail you the equipment with free two-day shipping and set-up instructions. Verizon also offers a professional installation option for $99.

Contract, ETFs and data fees: Neither Verizon or T-Mobile has contracts, early termination fees or fees for data overages. 

Price increases: Verizon plans include a two- to five-year price guarantee. T-Mobile doesn’t have a specific term guarantee on their rates but does offer to provide your last month of service for free if they raise rates in the future and you notify them you are ending service.

T-Mobile vs. Verizon FAQs

Is Verizon Fios better than 5G?

Fiber internet from Verizon Fios is a higher quality internet service than 5G internet. This is due to the consistent fiber connection that provides multi-gig internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds. 

Is Verizon better than T-Mobile?

Overall, Verizon and T-Mobile 5G services are highly rated, especially when it comes to customer satisfaction. However, Verizon 5G has an advantage due to unlimited data and fewer fees.

Is Verizon or T-Mobile worth switching to?

Switching your internet provider to Verizon or T-Mobile is worth it if you need a high-speed internet connection with minimal fees and quick set-up. If you have cell phone service with either Verizon or T-Mobile, it can also be worth switching so you can take advantage of internet and mobile bundle savings. 

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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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.

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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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