T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which 5G home internet provider is right for you?
T-Mobile and Verizon are two of the biggest players in the growing 5G home internet market, offering wireless broadband plans that compete with traditional cable and fiber providers. While both companies deliver fast speeds and nationwide coverage, they differ in key areas such as availability, pricing, speed consistency, equipment fees and bundling options with mobile service.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each provider, comparing their plan structures, data policies, promotional offers and customer support. Whether you're cutting the cord or looking for more flexibility, we’ll help you decide which 5G home internet service best fits your household’s needs.
T-Mobile vs. Verizon: A guide
Choosing between T‑Mobile and Verizon for home internet hinges on several considerations. Both offer 5G-based home Wi‑Fi with no long-term contracts, month-to-month service and competitive pricing. Yet they differ notably in speed, data management, coverage footprint, and plan structure.
T-Mobile pros and cons
T-Mobile home internet has unique advantages and some notable limitations.
T-Mobile pros
- Widely available 5G home internet across the United States, covering most rural and urban areas
- No contracts or early termination fees.
- Flexible, month-to-month service
- No early termination fees
T-Mobile cons
- Unlimited data, but speeds are throttled after 1.2 TB per month
- Maximum speeds up to 415 Mbps, below some competitors
- One-time $35 activation/device connection fee
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Verizon pros and cons
Verizon’s home internet offers higher speeds and other benefits, but with some trade-offs in coverage.
Verizon 5G pros
- Speeds up to 1 GB, higher than T-Mobile’s maximum
- Completely unlimited data with no throttling
- No activation fee for home internet
- No equipment rental fee for modem/router
- Plans include base-rate price locks from two to five years, depending on tier
Verizon 5G cons
- Available to about 19% of U.S. households
- Most coverage in eastern United States and parts of California
- May require a contract if bundled with certain cell phone services
Read our full Verizon 5G review.
T-Mobile internet plans
T‑Mobile offers three 5G Home Internet plans, all include equipment and taxes (for qualifying accounts) with no equipment or monthly rental fees
T-Mobile 5G Rely Home Internet*
- $40 per month stand-alone
- $35 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Up to 318 Mbps download / 56 Mbps upload
T-Mobile 5G Amplified Home Internet*
- $60 per month stand-alone
- $45 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Up to 415 Mbps download / 55 Mbps upload
T-Mobile 5G All-In Home Internet*
- $70 per month stand-alone
- $55 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Up to 415 Mbps download / 55 Mbps upload
* Lowest price valid with AutoPay. Speeds listed are maximum. Actual speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion. One-time $35 device connection fee applies at sign-up.
Verizon internet plans
Verizon’s 5G Home plans include equipment and no long-term contract, with base-rate price locks depending on plan level.
Verizon 5G Home**
- $50 per month stand-alone
- $35 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Download speeds up to 300 Mbps, upload unspecified
- Unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included
Verizon 5G Home Plus**
- $60 per month stand-alone
- $45 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Up to 500 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload
- Unlimited data and 1080p HD video streaming included
Verizon 5G Home Ultimate**
- $75 per month stand-alone
- $60 per month with eligible mobile bundle
- Up to 1,000 Mbps download
- Unlimited premium data, Ultra HD 4K streaming, Whole-Home Wi-Fi and a free router upgrade after three years included
*For new and existing myHome customers. Available on 5G Ultra Wideband high-band or mmWave spectrum. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges. Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices vary by location and are subject to change. Actual speeds may vary.5G Home Internet plans vary depending on address/location, equipment, network connection, and external factors affecting cellular networks.
Can you bundle with T-Mobile or Verizon?
Both T-Mobile and Verizon offer internet and mobile bundles. These bundles can lower your monthly internet bill if you also subscribe to their cell phone services. The final price depends on your wireless plan customizations, such as number of lines or international features.
T-Mobile vs. Verizon speeds
Verizon’s 5G home internet can reach speeds up to 1 GB in select areas, while T-Mobile’s top speed is 415 Mbps. Verizon offers three speed tiers:
- 5G Home: Up to 300 Mbps
- 5G Home Plus: Up to 500 Mbps
- 5G Home Ultimate: Up to 1,000 Mbps
T-Mobile offers plans up to 415 Mbps. Actual speeds for both depend on your location, network congestion and device capabilities.
T-Mobile vs. Verizon pricing
Pricing for T-Mobile starts at $40 per month, and Verizon starts at $50 per month. With eligible mobile bundles, the monthly price drops to $35 for either provider. T-Mobile plans can go up to $70 per month, while Verizon’s top plan is $70 per month.
T-Mobile Internet deals
- Promotional perks for new customers, such as reward cards or free streaming
- ETF reimbursement up to $750 if you switch from another provider
- Free two-day shipping on equipment
- Plug-and-play self-installation
Verizon Internet deals
- New customer perks, including reward cards up to $300 and free streaming services
- ETF reimbursement up to $500 for switching
- Free two-day shipping on hardware
- Optional professional installation for $99
Does T-Mobile or Verizon have extra fees?
Neither T-Mobile nor Verizon charges a monthly equipment rental fee for their 5G home internet service, and both providers offer free self-installation. However, T-Mobile does charge a one-time $35 device connection fee at activation, while Verizon has no activation fee. Verizon also offers an optional professional installation service for $99.
Both providers require that equipment be returned at the end of service to avoid a non-return fee.
There are no contracts or early termination fees with either provider, and customers won’t face any data overage charges, making both options relatively fee-friendly compared to traditional internet services.
T-Mobile vs. Verizon low-cost options
Both providers offer a $35 per month rate when you bundle home internet with eligible mobile plans. This is the most affordable option from either company and includes all taxes, fees and equipment.
Where are T-Mobile and Verizon available?
T-Mobile’s 5G home internet is available to about 60% of U.S. households, with coverage in all 50 states. T-Mobile has more coverage in the West and Midwest, including cities such as Cheyenne, Wyoming, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is accessible to about 19% of households, with the largest presence in the eastern United States and select cities in California.
Both companies are expanding their 5G networks, so availability can change. Check each provider’s website to confirm service for your address.
FAQs
How do T-Mobile and Verizon handle contracts and price increases?
Both T‑Mobile and Verizon offer no long-term contracts for their 5G home internet services. T‑Mobile’s eligible Internet plans provide a five‑year price guarantee on core rates, while Verizon’s offers vary between three and five years depending on the plan. Both may still change component charges — such as taxes, fees, bundles, or promotional discounts — which fall outside the guaranteed base rate. Verizon’s policies ensure at least a 30‑day written notice and changes take effect only after term expiry. T‑Mobile’s lock does not cover legacy mobile plans or ancillary charges.
Is self-installation available for T-Mobile and Verizon home internet?
Both T‑Mobile and Verizon offer free self‑installation for their home internet plans. T‑Mobile’s setup is flexible and intended to be easy, and while it recommends using the T‑Life app, you can still use basic default credentials. Verizon’s process is similarly streamlined but does require the My Verizon app to guide you through activation and placement.
What perks and promotions do T-Mobile and Verizon offer?
T‑Mobile excels with cash rebates, streaming packages, a generous price lock and a risk‑free trial, especially when bundling mobile and home services. Verizon stands out with discounted bundles, switching credits up to $500, exclusive device giveaways, enhanced device protection coverage and add‑on streaming perks.
Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, 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.