Top 5G home internet providers

5g Internet providers

Top 5G internet providers of 2022

Allconnect Methodology

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.

For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of 1 to 5, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 180 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between 3 and 4. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 400 Mbps plan got a 4.16.

We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.

Learn more about our methodology

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What is 5G internet?

5G stands for fifth generation, and it refers to the newest standard of wireless technology. Compared to past generations, 5G allows data to transfer from a source to its destination quicker and with fewer delays. This network can be applied to both cellphones, which is what most people think of when they hear 5G, and home internet. 

What is fixed wireless 5G?

5G home internet falls under the umbrella of fixed wireless, which is when an internet connection is sent from a fixed antenna to a nearby cellular tower. Currently, fixed wireless internet primarily exists through a 4G network and is mostly used in rural areas. However, more and more cellphone carriers are now launching 5G home internet service around the country. 

5G home internet providers

Right now, Verizon, T-Mobile and Starry Internet are the only providers actually selling 5G home internet. However, AT&T is also working to provide 5G home internet soon. In the meantime, AT&T offers 4G fixed wireless internet in select rural areas. Verizon, Starry and T-Mobile the three main providers offering 5G home internet throughout the country.

*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. As of 12/20/21.

Allconnect Rating

4.30 / 5

Starry Internet: Best 5G home internet overall

Starry Internet is a brand new 5G home internet internet provider. It is the only fixed wireless 5G provider that is not a wireless carrier. However, just like Verizon, it includes taxes and additional fees in its advertised price, and there is no promotional pricing. Through Starry, you can connect up to 60 devices at a time. 

*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. As of 12/20/21.

Current promotions and special offers 

• Free installation: With Starry, you have the option for self-installation; however, Starry is also currently offering professional installation to all customers for free. 

Starry internet availability and coverage map

Starry is currently available in 51 markets in 25 states, including: 

• Boston, MA
• Denver, CO
• Los Angeles, CA
• San Antonio, TX
• Washington, D.C. 

Allconnect Rating

4.11 / 5

Verizon 5G Home: Fastest speeds

Verizon currently offers fixed wireless 5G internet, referred to as Verizon 5G Home Internet, in select areas. Verizon keeps pricing simple with all taxes and additional fees included in the advertised price. 

*For existing customers with a Verizon mobile plan of $30/mo. or greater.
*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. As of 12/20/21.

Current promotions and special offers 

• Free professional installation – While installing a fixed wireless connection can be done without professional assistance, Verizon is currently offering free professional installation for all customers. For those living in a larger home, a Wi-Fi extender mini may also be installed in your home free of charge to ensure adequate Wi-Fi coverage. 

• Streaming accessory: You get a free Stream TV device if you opt for self-installation or a free Verizon Stream TV device when you opt for professional setup.

• Amazon smart home bundle: For a limited time, you will receive an Amazon Smart Home Bundle when you sign up for Verizon 5G Home Internet.

• Sling TV: Verizon will provide Sling TV for two months for free. After that, the cost is $35/mo. to continue your subscription. 

Verizon 5G home internet availability and coverage map

Verizon 5G Home Internet is currently available in select areas including:

Allconnect Rating

3.85 / 5

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Most affordable plans

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet promises no price increases and the advertised price includes all additional fees and taxes. An additional perk is that T-Mobile includes built-in security features to protect your internet service. However, unlike other providers that are currently offering free professional installation, T-Mobile only offers free self-installation. 

*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. As of 12/20/21.

T-Mobile home internet availability and coverage map

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is currently available to about 30 million households in over 40 different states. You can see a full PDF list of cities or check your address on T-Mobile’s website to see if your home has access.

5G home internet equipment requirements

Another perk of fixed wireless internet is that installation will be fairly simple. This means that, in most cases, self-installation will be an option; however, for now, most carriers are offering free installation. Here’s the equipment you will need: 

• Outdoor antenna –  Must be installed on top of your home and in line of sight to a nearby 5G base station.
• 5G router  – converts 5G radio waves into Wi-Fi.
• Antenna power supply – a cable that connects the antenna and router.
• Wi-Fi extender – If you have a larger home, you will likely need at least one Wi-Fi extender in order to provide internet access to your whole home.

What’s the difference between 5G mobile and 5G home internet?

There are two ways of connecting to the 5G network: through cellular service (mobile 5G) and through fixed wireless (5G home internet). With 5G cellular service, customers must purchase a mobile device that is capable of receiving 5G radio waves. With fixed wireless providers, this is usually done through antenna on top of one’s home must be in line of sight to a base station with another antenna. Newer 5G home internet providers like T-Mobile and Verizon only require a small modem inside the house.

How is 5G different than cable or fiber internet?

The primary difference between 5G and other types of broadband is that 5G uses wireless signals to connect you to the internet, while cable and fiber rely on a wired infrastructure. Each internet type has its own strengths and weaknesses, but in general, the quality of your 5G home internet connection will depend on your proximity to your provider’s cell towers or nodes. Fortunately, none of the major 5G internet providers require a contract, so you can try them for a month without committing long-term.

5G home internet FAQs

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Written by:

Ari Howard

Associate Writer, Broadband & Wireless Content

Ari Howard is an associate writer for the Allconnect team. She researches and writes about broadband news and studies, particularly relating to internet access, digital safety, broadband-related technology and t… Read more

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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