T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which home internet is best for you?
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Verizon 5G Plus
Prices from
$45.00
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Verizon 5G
Prices from
$35.00
per month
Speeds up to
300
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
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.
Not sure if T-Mobile 5G or Verizon 5G Home Internet is the best internet provider for you? Compare all 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 is an interesting process because both are highly rated 5G internet providers with distinct pros and cons. Both home Wi-Fi services also offer 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. Meanwhile, 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 a couple of essential areas, but it also has a few limitations.
The 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 services are all no-contract internet plans. However, internet and mobile 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.
Drawbacks of T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile’s 5G internet service comes with a 1.2 TB data limit; however, this amount of data should still be more than enough for the majority of households. (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.) You will not be charged an overage fee if you exceed the data limit, but T-Mobile will throttle your speed.
How is Verizon better than T-Mobile?
Verizon Wi-Fi offers several advantages over T-Mobile’s home internet service.
Internet speeds
Depending on your location, a Verizon 5G internet connection can provide up to 1 GB speeds, compared to T-Mobile’s maximum of 245 Mbps. However, speeds can vary by area, so it’s best to check your specific address with both providers to find out which one offers high-speed internet in your area.
Cheaper pricing
Verizon’s standalone internet service is $10/mo. cheaper, with monthly prices starting at $50/mo. compared to T-Mobile’s $60.
Activation fee
Verizon 5G internet does not charge an activation fee, while T-Mobile has a one-time $35 activation fee. However, neither company charges a monthly rental fee for the modem and router.
Unlimited data
Verizon has completely unlimited data. T-Mobile has a 1.2 TB data cap, which is a generous amount and unlikely to be an issue for most people, but it is still a limitation.
Drawbacks of Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon 5G Home Internet has about a third of the coverage as T-Mobile, so you are much more likely to have T-Mobile Wi-Fi services available near you.
Verizon vs. T-Mobile internet speeds
Verizon 5G Home Internet has more plan flexibility because it offers two speed options — a basic plan with speeds from 85–300 Mbps or the Home Plus plan with speeds from 300–1,000 Mbps (1 GB).
In contrast, T-Mobile has just one plan with maximum speeds of 245 Mbps. Depending on your online activities, such as gaming and streaming, and how many devices you connect, this may or may not supply the speed you need for your home.
However, it’s important to note that actual Wi-Fi speeds for both Verizon and T-Mobile are dependent on your location, and plan speeds are not guaranteed in all areas.
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.
Verizon vs. T-Mobile pricing
Verizon 5G Home Internet is $10/mo. cheaper than T-Mobile, leading to savings of $120 annually when you compare Verizon and T-Mobile by price. With their respective autopay discounts, Verizon starts at $50/mo., while T-Mobile is $60/mo.
The Verizon internet bundle price is $5/mo. cheaper than T-Mobile’s bundle offer, for an annual internet savings of $60/yr. Verizon offers internet for $35/mo., with a qualifying Verizon cell phone plan. Meanwhile, T-Mobile 5G is $40/mo. when you add an eligible cell phone package.
Verizon vs T-Mobile internet plans
Compare the standalone internet price or the internet and mobile bundle cost of T-Mobile vs. Verizon, along with the available upload and download speeds for each provider.
Verizon internet plans
Verizon Wi-Fi plan pricing includes the wireless router, taxes and fees, and a two- to three-year price guarantee (depending on the plan).
| Plan | Starting price* | Bundle rate** | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home | $50/mo. | $35/mo. | 85–300 Mbps/5–10 Mbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus | $70/mo. | $45/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps/10–50 Mbps |
**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.
| Plan | Starting price* | Bundle rate** | Download/Upload speeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $60/mo. | $40/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps/Up to 20 Mbps |
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. Overall, Verizon 5G internet and mobile packages will likely be cheaper than T-Mobile, since Verizon offers a greater bundle discount.
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 have enticing promotions for new customers.
Free perks: Benefits for either internet provider rotate between reward cards up to $200, 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 a coverage map showing 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. T-Mobile 5G internet is more prevalent in these areas, which include cities such as 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 activation, 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 three-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, when you carefully weigh the pros and cons, Verizon 5G does have better features in terms of pricing, 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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