T-Mobile and Verizon both offer strong 5G speeds in urban areas, but they differ in terms of availability, consistency, and technology[3][9].
T-Mobile generally has faster average 5G download speeds and broader 5G coverage in most U.S. cities due to its expansive mid-band network[9][4]. In Q4 2023, T-Mobile had the fastest median 5G download speed at 238.87 Mbps[7]. Opensignal's January report noted T-Mobile's leadership in overall experience, including download and upload speeds[6]. T-Mobile users experienced 2.5 times faster average overall download speeds compared to Verizon users[4].
Verizon employs mmWave technology, delivering higher peak speeds, but its availability is less widespread than T-Mobile's[9]. In Q4 2023, Verizon Wireless recorded 196.43 Mbps for median 5G download speeds[7]. Verizon has shown improvements, particularly in rural areas, and has been closing the gap with T-Mobile in 5G download speeds, thanks to additional C-band spectrum[3][4]. In some instances, Verizon's C-band 5G has outperformed T-Mobile's speeds[2].
While T-Mobile often leads in download speeds, Verizon has demonstrated strength in 5G upload speeds[6]. In the first half of 2024, Verizon distinguished itself by delivering top 5G speeds and unmatched speed consistency in rural areas during national testing[3].
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/1fjsaaw/coming_from_tmobile_boy_are_the_speeds_way_slower/
[2] https://www.pcmag.com/news/testing-verizon-c-band-in-new-york-city-range-speed-and-more
[3] https://5gstore.com/blog/2024/07/24/verizon-wins-over-t-mobile-in-rootmetrics-study/
[4] https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2024/01/usa/mobile-network-experience
[5] https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2023/01/usa/mobile-network-experience-1
[6] https://www.telecompetitor.com/t-mobile-once-again-strong-overall-verizon-excels-in-5g-report/
[7] https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/united-states
[8] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/t-mobile-ultra-capacity-5g-network-four-times-coverage-verizon-att/
[9] https://www.gojimobile.com/blog-posts/t-mobile-vs-verizon
[10] https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-5g-home-internet-vs-t-mobile-home-internet/