In speed tests across major cities, T-Mobile's 5G network generally demonstrates faster download speeds compared to Verizon. In the second half of 2024, T-Mobile recorded a median 5G download speed of 281.52 Mbps, while Verizon reached 199.1 Mbps[1]. In Q4 2023, T-Mobile had the fastest median 5G download speed in the U.S. at 238.87 Mbps, while Verizon Wireless recorded 196.43 Mbps[3].
However, Verizon's C-band 5G upgrade has allowed them to surpass T-Mobile in certain locations[4]. For example, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Verizon reached an average download speed of 534Mbps, outperforming T-Mobile's 346Mbps[4]. Still, T-Mobile generally has better high-speed coverage and performance across cities[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-is-5G-download-speed-king-in-new-network-tests-against-Verizon-and-AT-T_id166915
[2] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/t-mobile-fastest-mobile-network-q3-2022-beat-verizon-att-5g/
[3] https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/united-states
[4] https://www.pcmag.com/news/testing-verizon-c-band-in-new-york-city-range-speed-and-more
[5] https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2024/01/usa/mobile-network-experience
[6] https://www.gojimobile.com/blog-posts/t-mobile-vs-verizon
[7] https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/5g-coverage-maps-compared
[8] https://www.telecompetitor.com/t-mobile-once-again-strong-overall-verizon-excels-in-5g-report/