T-Mobile vs AT&T
Complete comparison of 5G home internet and fiber services. Discover which provider offers better speeds, pricing, and coverage for your household needs
T-Mobile vs AT&T: Which Provider Wins for Your Needs?
Quick comparison showing where T-Mobile and AT&T each shine. T-Mobile leads on price and nationwide coverage, while AT&T offers faster fiber speeds. Find out which internet provider matches your budget and needs.
Best Starting Price
Winner: T-Mobile
Fastest Speeds Available
Winner: AT&T
Widest Coverage
Winner: T-Mobile
Plan Flexibility
Winner: AT&T
Technology Options
Winner: AT&T
Best for Renters
Winner: T-Mobile
Compare Popular Plans and Pricing
See the most popular plans from each provider with transparent pricing. Compare speeds, features, and monthly costs to find the best internet plan that fits your budget and usage needs.
T-Mobile
Best ValueRELY Home Internet
$35
/monthWith T-Mobile voice line & AutoPay • $50/mo without
87 Mbps
- Unlimited data with no caps
- 5-year price guarantee
- WiFi gateway included
- 15-day money-back guarantee
- Easy self-setup in 15 minutes
- No annual contract
- T-Mobile Tuesdays perks
T-Mobile
Most PopularAll-In Home Internet
$55
/monthWith voice line & AutoPay • $70/mo without
134-415 Mbps
- Hulu & Paramount+ included ($20 value)
- WiFi 7 gateway included
- Mesh extender & 24/7 tech support
- Gateway upgrade after 3 years
- Advanced cyber security
- Unlimited data, no caps
- 5-year price guarantee
AT&T
Internet 300
$55
/monthAfter AutoPay discount • Equipment included
300/300 Mbps
- Fiber-optic connection
- No data caps
- No price increase at 12 months
- Equipment fees included
- Low latency for gaming
- 99.9% reliability
- No annual contract
AT&T
Internet 1000
$80
/monthAfter AutoPay discount • Equipment included
1000/1000 Mbps
- Fastest home fiber option
- No data caps
- AT&T ActiveArmor℠ security
- Perfect for 4K streaming
- Ideal for large households
- Professional installation available
- 20% off with AT&T wireless bundle
Everything You Need to Know: Feature Comparison
Comprehensive side-by-side breakdown of all features and specifications. Compare technology options, pricing, speeds, and key differences between T-Mobile and AT&T to make an informed decision.
| Features | T-Mobile 5G Home | AT&T Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Available | 5G + 4G LTE wireless, Fiber (select areas) | Fiber, 5G wireless (Internet Air) |
| Starting Price (Without Mobile) | $50/mo | $55/mo (fiber) |
| Starting Price (With Mobile Bundle) | $35/mo | 20% off with AT&T wireless |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 415 Mbps (5G), 2 Gbps (Fiber) | Up to 5000 Mbps (fiber) |
| Typical Speed Range | 87-415 Mbps | 40-80 Mbps (Internet Air) |
| Symmetrical Upload/Download | ✓ On fiber plans | ✓ On fiber plans |
| Data Caps | Unlimited | Unlimited (fiber & 5G) |
| Contract Required | ✗ No contract | ✗ No contract |
| Price Lock Guarantee | 5-year price guarantee | No price increase at 12 months |
| Early termination fee | None (no annual contract). | None (no annual contract). |
| Equipment Cost | Included (WiFi 6/7 gateway) | Included in monthly price |
| Installation Fee | $0 (self-install only) | $99 (often waived for fiber) |
| Installation Type | 15-minute self-setup | Pro install for fiber, self for 5G |
| Trial Period | 15-day money-back guarantee | No formal trial period |
| Streaming Perks | Hulu + Paramount+ (All-In plan) | Varies by plan |
| Best For | Renters, easy setup, budget-conscious | Speed seekers, fiber availability, gamers |
| Customer Support | 24/7 phone, chat, store support | 24/7 phone, chat, app support |
Why Choose Each Provider: The Complete Breakdown
Explore every available plan from both providers with detailed pricing and features. See what makes each one unique and find out which benefits matter most for your home internet needs.
T-Mobile Internet
Why Choose T-Mobile
- Lowest price at $35/mo with mobile bundle or $50/mo standalone
- Nationwide 5G coverage reaching 330M+ people
- Simple 15-minute setup, no installation or technician visit
- Three flexible plans from basic to premium with streaming
- 5-year price guarantee with unlimited data
- Perfect for renters and those who move frequently
AT&T Internet
Why Choose AT&T
- Fastest speeds available with fiber up to 5 Gig (5000 Mbps)
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds perfect for work-from-home
- Rock-solid fiber reliability with 99.5% uptime guarantee
- Low latency (10-15ms) ideal for competitive gaming
- No price increase at 12 months with straightforward pricing
- Multiple plan tiers from 300 Mbps to 5 Gig for every need
Where Can You Get Service? Coverage Comparison
Check coverage availability and service areas for both providers. See where T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G reaches versus AT&T’s fiber footprint to find out which one actually serves your area.
T-Mobile 5G Coverage
T-Mobile offers the most extensive 5G home internet footprint in America. Their Extended Range 5G reaches rural areas, while Ultra Capacity 5G delivers faster speeds in urban and suburban markets.
AT&T Internet Coverage
AT&T Fiber is available in 22 states, primarily concentrated in the South, Midwest, and California. Their 5G Home Internet (Internet Air) is expanding to 50+ markets nationwide.
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose T-Mobile 5G Home Internet If You:
Want the lowest price and simplest setup
T-Mobile’s $35/mo rate with a mobile line is hard to beat. Even at $50/mo without mobile service, you’re getting unlimited data with no contracts, no installation fees, and no equipment rentals. The gateway arrives pre-configured – just plug it in near a window, download the T Life app, and you’re online in 15 minutes. Perfect for renters who might move frequently or anyone who wants internet service without scheduling a technician visit.
Already use T-Mobile for your phone
If you’re on a T-Mobile voice plan, adding home internet saves $15/mo automatically on any of the three plans. This bundle discount applies to most current T-Mobile plans. You’ll manage both services through one bill and one app, and customer support can help with both your mobile and home internet together. The combined cost often beats competitors’ standalone internet pricing.
Live outside fiber coverage areas
T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G uses lower-frequency spectrum that travels much farther than traditional fiber networks. While speeds aren’t as fast as fiber, 87-415 Mbps is plenty for streaming, video calls, and working from home. If you’re in a rural or suburban area where AT&T Fiber isn’t available, T-Mobile may be your only option besides satellite or slow DSL.
Want premium features with streaming services
The All-In plan at $55/mo (with voice line) includes Hulu and Paramount+ subscriptions worth $20/mo, plus WiFi 7 gateway, mesh extender, 24/7 tech support, and advanced cyber security. This makes it an exceptional value for households that want both high-speed internet and entertainment streaming.
Choose AT&T Fiber If You:
Need the fastest speeds available
AT&T’s fiber plans go up to 5 Gig (5000 Mbps), which is future-proof for power users. Even the 1 Gig and 2 Gig tiers blow away wireless speeds. This matters if you’re uploading large files for work, running a home business, hosting servers, doing professional video editing, or simply want zero lag during peak hours when everyone’s online.
Care about symmetrical upload speeds
Fiber delivers the same upload speed as download – 300/300, 1000/1000, etc. Wireless 5G home internet typically has much slower uploads (12-55 Mbps vs 100-415 Mbps download). This upload speed matters enormously for video conferencing (especially multi-person calls), cloud backups, sharing large files, livestreaming on Twitch, or uploading videos to YouTube. If you create content or work from home with heavy uploads, fiber is essential.
Live in a fiber-available area
AT&T Fiber footprint includes major metros in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states. If your address has fiber, it’s almost always worth choosing over wireless – the reliability, speed consistency, and lower latency make it the premium option. Check availability at your exact address since fiber deployment varies block by block even within covered cities.
Game competitively or need low latency
Fiber typically delivers 10-15ms latency compared to 25-45ms on wireless 5G. That 15-30ms difference is meaningful in fast-paced multiplayer games where reaction time matters. Beyond gaming, low latency improves video call quality (less delay and dropped frames) and makes remote desktop/VPN connections feel more responsive. Fiber’s consistency also means fewer random lag spikes.
Want straightforward pricing with no surprises
AT&T Fiber now includes equipment in the monthly price and promises no price increase at 12 months. This straightforward pricing model means you know exactly what you’ll pay each month. While still more expensive than T-Mobile, you’re getting gigabit+ speeds and rock-solid reliability for the premium.
Speed and Performance: What to Expect
Real-World Speed Testing Results
T-Mobile 5G Home Speed Performance
T-Mobile’s three plans offer different speed tiers. The Rely plan delivers around 87 Mbps typical speeds, which is fast enough for essential use like streaming, browsing, and video calls. The Amplified and All-In plans offer 134-415 Mbps typical speeds with peak performance up to 415 Mbps, making them comparable to mid-tier cable internet.
Real-world results vary significantly based on your location’s 5G deployment and Ultra Capacity coverage. In areas with good Ultra Capacity 5G coverage, users consistently report 200-350 Mbps downloads during off-peak hours. Upload speeds range from 12-55 Mbps depending on signal strength. During evening peak hours (7-11pm), expect speeds to dip 20-40% as network congestion increases in your neighborhood.
Signal strength matters enormously with wireless home internet. Placing your gateway near a window (preferably facing the nearest tower) can double your speeds compared to a basement location. The T-Mobile gateway has indicators showing signal quality. Test multiple locations during your 15-day trial to find the optimal spot.
AT&T Fiber Speed Consistency
Fiber internet delivers remarkably consistent speeds 24/7. AT&T’s gigabit fiber customers typically see 940-970 Mbps downloads and 880-920 Mbps uploads at all hours. Unlike wireless, fiber doesn’t slow down during peak evening hours or bad weather. The symmetrical speeds mean your uploads match your downloads – crucial for video calls, cloud storage, and content creation. Latency stays rock-solid at 10-15ms to most game servers and streaming services.
AT&T’s multi-gig plans (2 Gig and 5 Gig) require a compatible router and wired Ethernet connection to achieve maximum speeds. Over WiFi, you’ll max out around 1-1.5 Gbps even on a 5 Gig plan due to wireless limitations. But for wired devices like gaming PCs, NAS storage, or home servers, the extra bandwidth is available when needed. Most households won’t notice a difference between 1 Gig and 5 Gig fiber, so save your money unless you have specific use cases.
How Speed Affects Daily Activities
Streaming and Entertainment
Netflix 4K streaming requires 25 Mbps per stream. With T-Mobile’s typical 87-415 Mbps (depending on plan), you can easily run 3-16 simultaneous 4K streams. AT&T fiber handles 20+ streams without breaking a sweat. Both are massive overkill for streaming – the real difference is in upload-heavy activities. If you’re just watching content, either provider works great.
Working From Home
Zoom video calls use 2-4 Mbps download and 1-3 Mbps upload per participant. Multi-person video calls need 10-20 Mbps upload, which all T-Mobile plans handle comfortably (12-55 Mbps upload). AT&T fiber’s 300-5000 Mbps upload means you’ll never have issues, even with multiple people on calls simultaneously while others stream and game.
Gaming Performance
Download speed matters less than latency and stability for gaming. T-Mobile’s 25-40ms latency is acceptable for most games but noticeably worse than fiber’s 10-15ms in competitive shooters. The bigger issue is jitter – wireless connections occasionally spike to 60-100ms during congestion, causing rubber-banding and lag. Fiber stays stable. For casual gaming, both work. For competitive ranked play or esports, fiber is strongly preferred.
Cloud Storage and Backups
Backing up 100GB of photos to Google Photos takes about 4-8 hours on T-Mobile (12-30 Mbps upload) versus 15-20 minutes on AT&T Fiber Gig (900 Mbps upload). This massive upload speed difference impacts anyone who regularly backs up large amounts of data, sends big files for work, or creates video content. With T-Mobile, you’ll queue backups overnight. With fiber, they finish in minutes.
Pricing Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Understanding the True Monthly Cost
T-Mobile Pricing Reality (November 2025)
T-Mobile’s three-tier pricing makes it easy to choose based on your needs. The Rely plan at $35/mo requires AutoPay enrollment and any T-Mobile voice line. Without mobile service, all plans cost $15/mo more. The 5-year price guarantee means your rate won’t increase for five years (taxes and fees excluded).
All advertised prices include equipment – you don’t pay rental fees for the gateway. Setup is always free with self-installation. There are no activation fees or installation charges. What you see is truly what you pay, plus applicable taxes and fees.
The All-In plan at $55/mo (with voice line) or $70/mo (standalone) includes Hulu and Paramount+ streaming services worth $20/mo combined, making the effective cost more like $35-50/mo when you factor in the entertainment value. This is exceptional value if you use both streaming services.
AT&T Fiber Pricing Structure
AT&T now includes equipment fees in their advertised monthly prices, which is a welcome change from the previous $10/mo rental charge. Pricing starts at $55/mo for 300 Mbps after the AutoPay and paperless billing discount (which is $5/mo off, so $60 without). Professional installation adds a one-time $99 fee, though AT&T often waives this during promotions. Taxes and fees vary by state – some locations add 10-15% to the advertised price.
AT&T promises no price increase at 12 months, which is a significant improvement over their previous pricing structure. This straightforward pricing means you can budget accurately for the year ahead. The 20% discount when bundling with AT&T wireless can save significant money if you’re already an AT&T mobile customer.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
Over 24 months, here’s what each provider typically costs:
T-Mobile Rely 5G Home
(with mobile bundle)
T-Mobile All-In
(with mobile bundle)
AT&T Fiber 300 Mbps
T-Mobile saves $579 over two years with the Rely plan, or effectively breaks even with the All-In plan when you factor in streaming services. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on your speed needs and whether you value the included streaming subscriptions.
Customer Experience: Support and Satisfaction
Installation and Setup
T-Mobile Self-Installation Process
T-Mobile’s gateway ships within 2-5 business days and arrives pre-configured with your account. Setup instructions: plug in power, wait 5 minutes for it to connect to the network, then use the T Life app to complete setup and choose your WiFi network name and password. Total time: 15 minutes. The app includes a signal strength meter to help you find the best placement – try multiple spots and leave the gateway there for 10 minutes to test real-world speeds before deciding.
Common setup issues: weak signal (move closer to windows or higher up), gateway not connecting (call customer service to verify address eligibility and provision the device), or slow speeds (check signal strength and test different locations). T-Mobile’s phone support can remotely diagnose gateway issues and overnight a replacement if hardware is defective.
AT&T Fiber Professional Installation
AT&T fiber requires a technician visit for most customers. They schedule installation 3-10 days out depending on demand in your area. The tech will run fiber from the street pedestal to your home (drilling through exterior walls if needed), install an optical network terminal (ONT) where fiber enters your house, and set up the WiFi gateway. Installation takes 2-4 hours. The tech will test speeds and show you how to use the equipment before leaving.
Be home for the entire appointment window (usually 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm) since techs won’t start work without you present. If your home is pre-wired for fiber from a previous resident, installation may only take 30-60 minutes. Schedule installation on a day when you can be home, as rescheduling pushes you back another week typically.
Customer Support Quality
T-Mobile Support Channels
T-Mobile offers 24/7 phone support (611 from T-Mobile phones, 1-800-937-8997 from other phones), live chat through their app and website, and in-person help at T-Mobile retail stores. Store employees can troubleshoot basic issues but often need to call tech support for advanced problems. Wait times average 5-15 minutes for phone support, shorter for chat. Customer service quality varies by representative – some are knowledgeable and helpful, others read from scripts and escalate everything.
T-Mobile received top marks in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, scoring highest nationally among wireless internet providers. The All-In plan includes 24/7 live video tech support for smart home devices, which is a unique perk for those needing help with their connected home ecosystem.
AT&T Support Experience
AT&T provides 24/7 phone support (1-800-288-2020), live chat through the myAT&T app, and some in-person support at AT&T stores (though retail stores are better for phones than internet support). Phone support wait times can be lengthy during peak hours (15-30 minutes), shorter in the mornings. Chat support is hit or miss – simple questions get quick answers, complex technical issues usually require escalation to phone support anyway.
AT&T’s phone support uses a tiered system – you’ll speak with a general representative first who may transfer you to technical support or billing if needed. This adds time but ensures you reach someone with relevant expertise. Customer satisfaction with AT&T support has improved but still trails T-Mobile according to recent surveys.
Reliability and Outage Response
T-Mobile 5G Network Uptime
5G home internet reliability depends on tower health and network congestion. Most customers experience 98-99% uptime, with occasional short outages (2-10 minutes) during tower maintenance or network upgrades. Severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy snow) can temporarily degrade signal strength and slow speeds, though full outages are rare. T-Mobile sends app notifications for planned maintenance but doesn’t always provide advance notice.
When outages occur, resolution time is typically 2-6 hours since the issue is usually tower-related rather than at your home. Power cycling your gateway rarely helps with network-wide problems. Check T-Mobile’s coverage map and Downdetector to see if others in your area are affected.
AT&T Fiber Reliability
Fiber internet is extremely reliable once installed – AT&T fiber customers report 99.5%+ uptime. Outages are usually caused by construction crews accidentally cutting fiber lines, equipment failures at AT&T facilities, or power outages at your home (fiber requires power unlike old copper phone lines). Most fiber issues resolve within 4-8 hours. Weather doesn’t affect fiber performance like it does wireless.
AT&T’s outage communication is inconsistent – some customers receive text/email updates, others hear nothing until service restores. The myAT&T app occasionally shows outage information but isn’t always updated in real-time. If fiber goes down, there’s usually nothing you can do – the issue is in AT&T’s network, not your home equipment.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
T-Mobile is significantly cheaper at $35/mo with a mobile line or $50/mo standalone (Rely plan). AT&T Fiber starts at $55/mo for 300 Mbps. Over 2 years, T-Mobile saves you $579+ compared to AT&T’s entry fiber plan. However, AT&T delivers faster speeds and more reliable performance, so the higher cost may be justified for power users who need fiber-level speeds.
T-Mobile now offers three plans: Rely ($35/mo with voice line, 87 Mbps typical), Amplified ($45/mo with voice line, 134-415 Mbps), and All-In ($55/mo with voice line, 134-415 Mbps plus Hulu and Paramount+). All plans include a 5-year price guarantee, unlimited data, and free equipment. The All-In plan is most popular for its included streaming services and WiFi 7 gateway.
For most households, yes. T-Mobile’s typical speeds of 87-415 Mbps (depending on plan) handle streaming 4K on multiple devices, video calls, gaming, and general browsing without issues. It won’t match fiber’s 300-5000 Mbps speeds or symmetrical uploads, but 87-415 Mbps is plenty for 1-4 people’s daily use. Speeds can drop during evening peak hours (7-11pm) when neighbors are online, which is the main trade-off versus fiber’s consistent performance.
No, T-Mobile offers standalone home internet at $50-70/mo (depending on plan) without requiring mobile service. However, bundling with any T-Mobile voice plan reduces the price by $15/mo, bringing plans down to $35-55/mo. Most current T-Mobile mobile plans qualify for the discount. Check with customer service to confirm your plan qualifies before assuming you’ll get the bundle rate.
AT&T Fiber is available in 22 states, primarily in the South, Midwest, and California. Major coverage areas include Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, and parts of the Southeast. Within these states, fiber is concentrated in metro areas and suburbs – not every address qualifies. Check availability at AT&T’s website by entering your exact address, as fiber deployment varies block by block.
No, AT&T now includes equipment fees in the advertised monthly price for all fiber plans. This is a recent change – previously they charged $10/mo for router rental. The gateway is included at no extra cost, making pricing more straightforward. You can still use your own compatible router if you prefer, but there’s no longer a financial incentive to do so.
AT&T Fiber is better for work-from-home if it’s available, especially if your job requires video conferencing or uploading large files. Fiber’s symmetrical speeds (same upload and download) and low latency make Zoom calls crystal clear and file uploads fast. T-Mobile works fine for occasional video calls and light remote work, with upload speeds of 12-55 Mbps that handle most work-from-home needs. However, fiber’s 300-5000 Mbps upload and consistent performance is superior for professional use.
Neither provider has data caps. T-Mobile has unlimited data with no caps or overage fees on all 5G Home Internet plans (note: speeds may be deprioritized during congestion if you use over 1.2TB/month). AT&T Fiber also has unlimited data on all fiber plans. AT&T’s 5G Home Internet (Internet Air) doesn’t have hard data caps but may be subject to network management during heavy usage.
Yes, if T-Mobile 5G home internet is available at your new address. Contact customer service to update your service address and they’ll verify coverage. If the new location isn’t covered, you’ll need to cancel service. The portability is one advantage of wireless home internet versus fiber, which requires new installation and often an installation fee if you move. The 15-day money-back guarantee lets you test service at your new address risk-free.
T-Mobile generally receives higher customer service ratings than AT&T for home internet support. T-Mobile scored highest nationally among wireless internet providers in J.D. Power’s 2024 satisfaction study. T-Mobile’s 24/7 phone support, in-person help at retail stores, and active social media team provide multiple ways to get help. AT&T’s support is available 24/7 but consistently receives complaints about long hold times and difficulty resolving billing issues. However, individual experiences vary.
Final Verdict: T-Mobile or AT&T?
Depends on Your PrioritiesThere’s no universal winner between T-Mobile and AT&T – the best choice depends entirely on what matters most to you and what’s actually available at your address in 2025.
Overall Winner by Category:
- Price: T-Mobile ($35-70/mo vs $55-180/mo)
- Speed: AT&T Fiber (up to 5000 Mbps vs 415 Mbps)
- Coverage: T-Mobile (330M+ people vs 22 fiber states)
- Reliability: AT&T Fiber (99.5% uptime, consistent speeds)
- Setup: T-Mobile (15-minute plug-and-play)
- Upload Speeds: AT&T Fiber (symmetrical vs 12-55 Mbps)
- Value: T-Mobile (best price/performance for most users)
- Gaming: AT&T Fiber (10-15ms latency vs 25-40ms)
- Streaming Perks: T-Mobile All-In (Hulu + Paramount+ included)
Our Recommendation:
Choose T-Mobile if: You’re budget-conscious, already use T-Mobile mobile, live outside fiber areas, don’t need ultra-high speeds, rent your home, or want the simplest setup possible. T-Mobile offers outstanding value at $35-70/mo for 87-415 Mbps wireless service that handles everyday use beautifully. The All-In plan with streaming services is exceptional value at $55/mo with voice line.
Choose AT&T Fiber if: It’s available at your address and you need the absolute best performance. Fiber’s consistent gigabit speeds, symmetrical uploads, and rock-bottom latency justify the higher cost for work-from-home professionals, gamers, content creators, and large households. The reliability and future-proof speeds make fiber the premium choice. With equipment now included and no price increases at 12 months, AT&T’s pricing is more transparent than before.
Try before deciding: T-Mobile offers a 15-day money-back guarantee – order the gateway, test it at your address, and return it for a full refund if performance doesn’t meet expectations. This risk-free trial makes T-Mobile the safe first choice. If speeds are insufficient, then investigate AT&T Fiber availability and schedule installation.
Bottom Line:
Most people should start with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet for its unbeatable value and simplicity. The $35-70/mo price, zero installation hassle, and 87-415 Mbps speeds (depending on plan) hit the sweet spot for typical households. The All-In plan with streaming services is particularly compelling for entertainment-focused families. Only upgrade to AT&T Fiber if you specifically need gigabit speeds, symmetrical uploads, or absolute reliability for mission-critical work. Both providers are solid choices in 2025 – just match the service level to your actual needs and budget.