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AT&T vs. T-Mobile: Internet plans, pricing, and performance in 2025

Roxanne Downer   Paste BN

Trying to choose between AT&T and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet? This expert guide compares both providers’ internet speeds, pricing, plans, availability and customer satisfaction to help you decide. 

Whether you're looking for affordable 5G internet or faster home Wi-Fi, we break down how AT&T and T-Mobile stack up, so you can find the best 5G home internet for your needs.

So, how do AT&T and T-Mobile internet services differ? They take different approaches to home internet.

AT&T uses fiber, copper and fixed wireless technologies. Fiber plans reach up to 5 Gbps, while copper and fixed wireless offer slower speeds. AT&T Fiber is available in 21 states, mostly in urban and suburban areas.

T-Mobile provides 5G fixed wireless internet. T-Mobile covers all 50 states, including many rural regions, but speeds top out at 415 Mbps.

Both providers offer no-contract plans with unlimited data.

What are the key advantages of T-Mobile?

T-Mobile has quickly become a major player in the 5G home internet market, particularly for customers seeking straightforward, hassle-free service. Its wide availability and high customer satisfaction scores make it a strong contender, particularly in areas where fiber internet isn't an option. Still, potential users should be aware of some speed limitations compared to competitors, such as AT&T. 

  • Availability: T-Mobile provides coverage in every state, including rural and suburban areas.
  • Customer satisfaction: According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, T-Mobile earned a score of 78, the highest among non-fiber internet providers in 2025.
  • Simple plans: T-Mobile offers straightforward pricing with no contracts.

Limitations:

  • Maximum speed of 415 Mbps is much slower than AT&T’s fastest plans.
  • 5G technology can result in variable speeds.

What are AT&T’s main strengths?

AT&T stands out for its fast and reliable fiber internet, with speeds reaching up to 5 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and households with multiple users. Its advanced fiber technology delivers consistent performance with minimal lag, and bundling options with mobile plans can lead to significant savings. However, availability is a key consideration, as AT&T Fiber is only offered in select areas.

  • Speed: AT&T Fiber offers plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps, supporting gaming and streaming on multiple devices.
  • Technology: Fiber connections provide consistent, high-speed connections with minimal lag.
  • Bundling: AT&T offers a 20% discount on internet when bundled with mobile service.

Limitations:

  • Fiber coverage is limited to 21 states. Copper and fixed wireless have slower speeds but wider reach within AT&T’s footprint.

How do AT&T and T-Mobile internet speeds compare?

  • T-Mobile: offers speeds between 87 and 415 Mbps, depending on location. Speeds may be throttled after using 1.2 TB of data per month.
  • AT&T: Fiber speeds range from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Copper and fixed wireless plans offer up to 300 Mbps and 225 Mbps, respectively.

How do the pricing and plans break down?

Both AT&T and T-Mobile offer competitive pricing for home internet, but the details, especially fees and plan structure, can make a big difference. AT&T offers a range of speeds through its fiber, copper, and fixed wireless options, with installation and activation fees that may vary. T-Mobile keeps things simpler, offering flat-rate 5G plans with discounted pricing for existing mobile customers.

Below, we break down monthly rates, speed tiers and any additional fees you should know about before signing up.

AT&T Fiber: *

  • 300 Mbps for $55 per month
  • 500 Mbps for $65 per month
  • 1 Gbps for $70 per month
  • 2 Gbps for $145 per month
  • 5 Gbps for $245 per month
* Fiber download and upload speeds are symmetrical.

AT&T Copper/Fixed Wireless:

  • AT&T Internet Air (fixed wireless): Up to 225 Mbps download/30 Mbps upload for $60 per month
  • AT&T Internet (copper): Up to 300 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload for $60 per month

AT&T's installation fee is typically $99, but it may be waived during promotions. Copper-line service has a $49 activation fee and $12.95 shipping fee. Equipment non-return fee ranges from $150 to $200.

T-Mobile 5G Internet:

  • 5G Rely Home: $50 per month ($35 per month with mobile)
  • 5G Amplified Home: $60 per month ($45 per month with mobile)
  • 5G All-In Home: $70 per month ($55 per month with mobile)

T-Mobile has a no-fee self-installation but charges a $35 device connection fee. Equipment non-return fee can be up to $370.

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

Both providers offer bundle savings. AT&T customers receive a 20% discount on internet service with mobile phone plans. T-Mobile customers receive a $15 per month discount on internet with a qualifying phone plan.

Are there any special deals or discounts?

Both providers offer reward cards ($50 to $300) for new customers. Both offer discounts for students, seniors, teachers, first responders, military members and veterans. 

T-Mobile also provides perks like free streaming and discounts on movies, dining and travel.

Which provider offers better coverage?

AT&T is available in 44% of the United States with fiber in 21 states: 

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas

T-Mobile covers all 50 states and is especially strong in rural areas. Cities include Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Boulder, Colorado, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Contributing: Hannah Whatley, Lisa Iscrupe, Allconnect

This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.

(This story has been updated with additional information.)

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