Now that we are finally in the 5G era, we have access to stellar mobile internet so that we can stay connected no matter where we go.
Having access to 5G mobile data on our mobile phones gives us incomparable speeds and ultra-low latency. We can perform bandwidth-heavy activities like HD streaming, video conferencing, and gaming, even when we are away from home.
With its inception, service providers jumped on the 5G bandwagon as soon as they could. But amidst the flashy advertisements and claims of being the fastest 5G internet, it becomes hard for the average consumer to choose the right one.
This is why, after trying and testing each of the top 5G mobile internet providers in the US, I am going to be reviewing the 2 best 5G providers and their plans. Plus, you can also expect to find an honorary mention in the 5G internet game.
After reading this, you will know all about the best 5G service providers in the US, so you can make an informed decision while getting 5G internet for your phone.
Note: The ultra-fast speeds that 5G is known for are available with high-band 5G. However, due to its terrible range, it is only available in densely populated urban areas. Whereas low-band might not provide speeds as high as high-band 5G, it is widely available. So, it depends on your location whether you will get high-band 5G or low-band 5G.
1. Verizon
When you Google ‘top 5G service providers’, the name Verizon will definitely come up. After testing it for three months, I get why. Here is a breakdown of Verizon’s 5G mobile internet, after I subscribed to its premium 5G plan, Unlimited Ultimate, and why I find it to be the best 5G Internet provider.
Speeds
Verizon is one of the few service providers that has the best 5G technology, i.e., the high-band 5G, also known as n260. This means n260 operates in the millimeter wave technology. Since it has a high frequency, it can support extremely high speeds and low latency.
However, you can only enjoy these high speeds if you are near a Verizon 5G tower. This is because 5G’s high-band has low coverage.
Regarding speeds, Verizon’s 5G mobile data broadband label states that its speeds range from 35 Mbps to 634 Mbps. However, these are the theoretical 5G speeds. Also, this speed range includes all of its mobile data plans and both high-band and mid-band frequencies. The highest upload speed you can have is 53 Mbps with 5G high-band.
When it comes to real speeds for 5G mid-band, the highest speed I experienced was roughly 195 Mbps. This was sufficient to support my Dota runs while commuting to the office and attending video conference calls for urgent meetings. However, when I used Verizon’s 5G mobile data near Goose Island, Chicago, I experienced an astonishing speed of 485 Mbps for 5G’s high-band. Which makes sense because, according to the Verizon coverage map, you can get 5G’s high-band service in that area. But, true 2025 5G speeds, if you ask me. This meant no buffering on HD video streaming and no lag in my Dota.
Pricing
Verizon has great pricing—affordable and great value for money. Its premium plan, Unlimited Ultimate, costs me roughly $55 per month. But the prices vary according to which add-ons you choose. For that, I recommend reading their fine print like your life depends on it.
But I found Verizon’s plans to have the most affordable pricing, considering other service providers charge roughly around $100 for unlimited data. Whereas with Verizon, you get unlimited data for only $55.
Not to mention, you can upgrade your phone to the latest model with this plan as well. However, my favorite bit is that they do not throttle speeds after using a specific GBs.
Coverage
Verizon might be the winner in 4G LTE coverage, but in 5G mobile internet, it still needs to up its game. It only has a 13% availability and falls short in the 5G coverage comparison with other big names.
But, unlike these big names with 55% availability who are playing the quantity or over quality, Verizon specifically uses the high-band or mmWave frequency, which brings speeds as high as 1GB.
This is why, for me, quality definitely trumps quantity, and I do not see Verizon 5G’s less availability as a downside.
2. Optimum – Honorary Mention
This one is a surprising contender among the best 5G internet providers in the US, considering it has only recently started providing 5G services in the area.
When I first began finding out which provider is the best in terms of 5G mobile internet, I expected one of the three major names in 5G to be the winner. However, upon trying Optimum, I found it to be a close contender in providing the best 5G services. Let us see why.
Speed and Data Allowance
I chose the Optimum Unlimited Max mobile plan. This got me a monthly data allowance of 50GB with 15GB of hotspot data. On some days, when I got to travel in the middle of the city, I would get around 300 Mbps speed. This meant I could easily attend work calls on Teams and play an occasional Call of Duty on my phone, without any noticeable lag.
Pricing
All of this for just $55, which is affordable 5G pricing. However, if you go multi-line or bundle Optimum mobile with Optimum internet, you can save a good load of money every month. I would have given this a shot if I had a family or wasn’t tied to my current ISP with a contract.
Coverage
Now, since Optimum uses T-Mobile’s 5G network as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, it has the best coverage in all 21 states where Optimum is available. Which I found pretty decent because Optimum is considered a small carrier, but its 5G has a wide availability. However, I noticed Optimum had no coverage in Oak Park, despite claiming it does. But the reason might be that my family lives at the very edge of Oak Park, Illinois. However, this doesn’t change the fact that I had no 5G coverage when I was there.
Data Caps
Optimum throttles your speeds after 20GB of usage, so you need to be mindful of that. This data cap is the only reason Optimum did not make it to the top of the list. The reason is that data caps are limiting and many providers do not have data caps.
Otherwise, Optimum provides good service of 5G internet and 4G LTE in areas with no 5G coverage. Its options to save money with bundling are what make it worthwhile enough to be mentioned here.
All in all, we are inching towards nationwide 5G service as carriers like Verizon, Optimum, and others strive to become the top 5G networks. However, while opting for a 5G plan, don’t just fall for high availability percentages. Make sure the provider uses high-band frequency to transmit it to you, so you can get quality coverage.
FAQs
Does Verizon Have Unlimited 5G Data?
Yes, Verizon provides unlimited 5G talk, text, and data for online activities on the go.
Does Verizon have contracts?
No, Verizon does not bind you in contracts when it comes to their 5G data plans.
What is the average speed of 5G in US?
The average 5G speed in the US is above 200 Mbps.
How to check if 5G is available in my area?
To see if 5G is available in your area, you can choose a specific provider and enter your zip code in their 5G availability map.
