5G Speeds: T-Mobile vs. Verizon vs. AT&T

As coverage varies across the three major carriers, so do 5G speeds. T-Mobile comes out ahead overall with exceptional upload and download speeds on its mid-band 5G network, which is broader and more reliable than either Verizon’s or AT&T’s. Its 5G network delivers the most consistently fast 5G signal. While Verizon technically offers the fastest 5G, it’s much more limited and harder to access those top-end gigabit-level speeds, and its basic 5G is slower than T-Mobile’s. AT&T slots nicely in the middle ground.

In addition to collecting published speed data, we’ve personally tested all three major 5G networks to benchmark their mobile internet speeds. Here are the results of our 5G speed tests.

5G Speed Test: T-Mobile vs. Verizon vs. AT&T

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When looking at 5G speeds, it’s important to note that T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer the same theoretical fast speeds. All three carriers use the same technology and have access to the highest-defined frequency 5G band: n260, also known as the millimeter wave (mmWave) 39GHz band. Your distance from a 5G tower operating at this frequency determines your real speeds. Coverage is key to maximizing 5G speeds.

That said, in OpenSignal’s most recent report, the average 5G speeds tested by users across the Big Three measure as follows:

T-Mobile trounces the competition with sheer 5G coverage and average 5G mobile data download speeds, balancing both 5G speed and coverage thanks to its stellar mid-band network. To compete, Verizon and AT&T depend on C-band 5G, a close approximation for T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G spectrum. As these 5G networks continue to grow, the three major carriers offer increasingly fast mobile data.

But we wanted to put these stats to the test. In our own 5G internet speed tests below, we evaluated each carrier’s bandwidth prowess. Overall, app downloads were extremely fast across all networks. For video streaming (using Netflix), we found that  Verizon and AT&T began playing content immediately with little to no buffering, while T-Mobile had a slight delay with occasional buffering. We found music streaming with Tidal and Spotify silky smooth, regardless of carrier.

Let’s dive into our 5G experiences with each individual carrier.

T-Mobile 5G speeds

According to OpenSignal data, T-Mobile demonstrated the fastest average 5G download speeds at 249Mbps, placing them ahead of Verizon’s 176.6Mbps and AT&T’s 184.3Mbps. While that may be true, in our testing of T-Mobile’s 5G network, we only reached an average download speed just over 97.20Mbps, which is significantly slower than OpenSignal reports. Even when we tested T-Mobile’s faster mmWave 5G, we measured just 112Mbps. 

Adding to the discrepancy, we clocked T-Mobile’s 5G upload speeds at 2.40Mbps, far below OpenSignal’s reported 17.6Mbps. These inconsistencies may be due to network congestion or a weaker signal strength when we tested; however, our evidence puts T-Mobile’s allegedly fast speeds into question.

You can read more about our network testing at our full T-Mobile review.

AT&T 5G speeds

AT&T’s C-band 5G continues to expand, and current speeds are catching up to both Verizon and T-Mobile. AT&T 5G speeds average at 184.3Mbps for downloads. Benchmarking AT&T’s 5G network, we consistently achieved download speeds around 226Mbps and upload speeds upwards of 39.4Mbps. 

In our AT&T test and review, we also noted that the carrier’s 5G access and speeds varied extremely widely based on region. Those high speeds mentioned above were clocked in a relatively urban area of Oceanside, CA; however, when our writer visited a smaller town in Massachusetts, his network dropped to 4G and his speeds topped out at a mere 25Mbps, despite the city not being considered “rural” or “remote” at all.

Verizon 5G speeds

We were astonished when our testing of Verizon’s ultra-wideband 5G showed download speeds reaching 847.17Mbps. With its concentration on building out a blazing-fast mmWave 5G network, it tracks that Verizon should provide the fastest speeds. OpenSignal reports Verizon’s average downloads at  176.6Mbps—still extremely respectable, and likely a result of averaging its top-end 5G with its Nationwide 5G network, which is the largest that Verizon has built out. The carrier’s Nationwide 5G is slightly faster than 4G LTE, but not quite as fast as its C-band network (and nowhere close to its mmWave spectrum). 

Speaking of which, Verizon’s C-band spectrum 5G averages around 215.57Mbps for download speeds and 20.47Mbps for uploads. (This beats T-Mobile’s upload speeds by a fair margin.) You can find more details of our experience with Verizon at our full test and review.

Types of 5G available

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All 5G technology isn’t equal, so which spectrum you’re connected to dictates potential download and upload speeds. Before diving into carrier-specific 5G analysis, let’s explore the three different 5G spectrums:

• Low-band 5G (frequencies of less than 1GHz) offers the farthest signal reach, but reaches speeds just 20% faster than 4G LTE.
• Mid-band 5G (frequencies of 2-10GHZ) is around six times faster than 4G LTE, with a good mix of coverage and performance. C-band 5G operates on this middle band.
• High-band millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G (frequencies of 24-53GHZ) offers the best 5G speeds, up to 10 times faster than 4G LTE—but signals don’t travel nearly as far as low- or even mid-band 5G. Verizon’s blazing-fast Ultra-Wideband (UW) is effectively mmWave.

Compare 5G frequency bands across the Big Three:

You can dive into even more detail on our breakdown of each 5G network band.

5G Coverage Map Comparison

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Although speed is important, signal strength is crucial. Out of the Big Three, T-Mobile’s 5G network is the largest, spanning a whopping 53% of the nation. AT&T comes in second with 38% nationwide 5G coverage, with Verizon in last with a paltry 13%.

However, Verizon dominates 4G LTE network coverage, blanketing 71% of the United States. AT&T again comes in second with a respectable 68%, and T-Mobile brings up the rear at 63% 4G LTE coverage.

Whereas Verizon sports fast 5G, its sparse coverage means T-Mobile is a better choice for 5G fanatics. That said, its spotty 4G LTE connectivity in rural areas means that T-Mobile is really best for those living in cities or more populated suburban areas. AT&T offers a solid mix of strong 4G LTE support with growing 5G availability.

See how else the Big Three carriers differ in plans, pricing, and coverage in our comparison guides:

• AT&T vs. Verizon
• T-Mobile vs. AT&T
• Verizon vs. T-Mobile

How to find the best 5G coverage in your area

To find the best coverage in your area, consult our interactive 5G network map:

1. Navigate to our cell phones home page and enter your location.
2. Pick your plan preferences (e.g., data, phone, number of lines, carrier, etc.) and tap the search button.
3. Browse available plans and carrier options. You can also filter results by the carrier(s) you’re interested in.
4. Choose Map and click to activate the interactive map.  
5. Scroll around to view specific geographic 5G coverage.

Get 5G speeds with a 5G-capable phone

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If you’re still sporting an old iPhone 11, we say “Bravo!” …but also, you aren’t going to be able to access the fastest 5G speeds available to you. Older models don’t have the built-in technology to access the 5G spectrum, so if you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, it may be time to do so.

Any model iPhone 12, Galaxy S10, or Pixel 4a and newer is already 5G-capable. Our favorite 5G phones include the iPhone 16 Pro, the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S25.

A new device also means it’s time to look at your cell phone plan. If you’re still paying over $50 per month for your plan, we’ve got good news—you can get a fully unlimited plan for under $40 without sacrificing on 5G speeds or coverage. Check out our guide to cheap unlimited plans for our favorites, or hop over to our evaluation of the best phone plans on the market.

5G speed: FAQs

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How fast is 5G speed?

5G speeds are theoretically as fast as 20Gbps—but we’ll be honest: you’re not going to see those on your phone any time soon. In our real-world tests, we experienced 5G download speeds up to 847.17Mbps and upload speeds around 39.4Mbps.

How do I test my 5G speed?

You can test your 5G speeds by running an internet speed test while connected to your carrier’s mobile network.

How much faster is 5G compared to 4G LTE?

5G is up to 10 times faster than 4G LTE, with theoretical maximum download speeds of 20Gbps.

Which carrier has the best 5G speeds?

T-Mobile averages the best 5G download speeds at 238.3Mbps, although we personally clocked the fastest 5G speeds on Verizon’s mmWave network.

Which carrier has the best 5G coverage?

T-Mobile has the best 5G coverage, spanning 53% of the United States.

Is 5G safe?

Yes, 5G is safe. 5G waves still exist within the frequency spectrum of radio waves, which reliably show they don't pose a risk for cancer or other feared effects.