Verizon 5G Home Internet Review: Plans, Prices, and Speed

Verizon offers two plans for its 5G Home Internet service:

As with any internet service, speeds available will vary by location, so not every area will get the maximum speeds for the plan. This is mostly based on how well the provider’s network is built out in a given area. Verizon's 5G network isn't as broadly available as T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet, for example.

When comparing performance with other providers that offer 5G internet, Verizon's internet offers a higher theoretical maximum speed than T-Mobile's. But there is a catch. Verizon advertises “up to” speeds, which represent the maximum capability of its 5G Ultra Wideband network. These speeds reach up to 1,000 Mbps. In contrast, T-Mobile advertises the average speeds that users are likely to see consistently. While Verizon is still likely the best wireless provider for speed capability, the actual real-world averages may not be as high.

With that in mind, we’d say that, in terms of raw speed capability, Verizon is likely the best wireless internet provider. But we usually recommend T-Mobile over Verizon because its users typically experience higher average speeds.  It’s certainly leaps and bounds ahead of satellite, although the latter is still the availability champion, as we mentioned, there are a lot of areas Verizon doesn’t cover.

Verizon’s 5G networks are increasing in coverage all the time, particularly the faster “5G Ultra Wideband” network used to power Verizon’s fastest home internet speeds. The provider has a detailed coverage map available, and areas without any coverage are few and far between. That said, to get the absolute fastest speeds, you’ll need to be near one of the larger metro areas where 5G Ultra Wideband is available.

There are several factors to consider when choosing Verizon Internet for your home. Here are the pros and cons of Verizon 5G Home Internet that you should consider before selecting this provider to help you determine if Verizon's services fit your household’s internet needs. 

Yes! Verizon 5G Home Internet is an excellent option. It’s speedy and affordable, and available in areas that may not have access to fast cable or fiber providers. It’s especially good if you’re already a Verizon Wireless customer. They offer existing wireless customers discounts on monthly pricing, making it one of the most affordable options available.

Another big win in our book is the service's simplicity. Like most fixed wireless options, there are only a few plans to pick from, and the only equipment you need is the wireless gateway. Since the service is based on cellular networks, there are no wires, dishes, or terminals to install. Router setup is pretty much plug-and-play, which is great.

The main downside here is that there is a wide variance in speed based on the area you’re in. The fastest speeds are only available in areas with Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service—these tend to be larger metropolitan areas. In the future, this situation should continue to improve as Verizon builds out its 5G networks.

Because of the tech behind Verizon 5G home internet, you have to get Verizon's own 5G home internet gateway and router. No third-party equipment will work in this situation. Fortunately, Verizon doesn't charge any extra equipment fees for its gateway or router, so you're good to go. Plus, Verizon is responsible for keeping it up to date, so you can just sit back and enjoy.

If you need help with your Verizon 5G Home Internet service, you can start with the excellent support site. It’s got answers to many of the most common questions and issues you have, from ordering and activation to troubleshooting.

If you need further help, you can contact Verizon support directly. The site has a useful directory to help you find the right department, though it’s a bit difficult to navigate. You do have the option to request a call rather than waiting on hold, which is nice.

With the expansion of 5G coverage in the United States, Verizon’s Home Internet service has gone from a novelty to a truly competitive home internet option. The speed is impressive, reaching up to 1,000Mbps in select areas. The price is right, especially when you can take advantage of the discount for having a qualifying cell plan. Because there are no extra equipment fees, no data overage charges, and no contracts, it is an incredibly straightforward choice. 

The only catch is that the speeds can vary widely from place to place, depending on Verizon’s network infrastructure. But at the end of the day, there’s a lot to like about Verizon’s home offering. We highly recommend it!

Verizon’s 5G Home Internet can reach speeds of up to 1,000Mbps—if you’re in the right area. You’re more likely to see speeds a bit slower than that, but even at the lower end, it performs well above its price point.

Yes, in many areas, Verizon 5G Home Internet can definitely replace your cable service. The speeds are generally on par with most cable services, and with unlimited data, there’s not much holding you back here. The main catch is whether or not you can get those speeds—the absolute fastest 5G speeds still tend to be clustered around larger cities.

No, 5G home internet isn’t quite as fast as Fios or other fiber services. The download speeds can be comparable, at roughly 1,000 Mbps. 

Yes, Verizon 5G Home Internet works great for streaming. There’s plenty of speed here for even several simultaneous HD or 4K streams without buffering. Netflix, for example, suggests at least 5Mbps for HD and 15Mbps for 4K—well under the minimum you’re likely to get with Verizon.