Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

Spectrum is one of the few providers that offer gigabit speeds via a cable connection rather than fiber. With download speeds ranging from up to 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary), Spectrum plans and bundles cater to every level of Internet user, from light to heavy. Internet-only plans are more expensive for the speeds, but Spectrum uses cable instead of fiber service to deliver fast speeds.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has one plan that reaches download speeds between 33 and 245 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary). It uses the latest fixed wireless technology paired with 4G LTE and 5G networks to connect residents at home to the Internet. Pricing is per month with AutoPay, slightly more expensive than Spectrum’s lowest-priced plan.

If you want to take advantage of promotions, you’ll have an easier time with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet than with Spectrum. The latter seldom offers promos, especially for existing customers. But Spectrum has more variety in pricing and download speeds than T-Mobile 5G Home Internet.

Although Spectrum primarily offers cable service, its speeds are as fast as those of fiber connections. It’s also widely available across the U.S., which means more residents have access to fast Internet and don’t need to rely on a fiber provider that isn’t as accessible. One of the downsides of Spectrum is that it charges a hefty activation fee for gigabit service.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is best for rural residents who don’t want to stick with a traditional fixed wireless or satellite Internet connection, which can be slow and unreliable. While its service is new, that doesn’t excuse it from suffering from reduced speeds during times of congestion. With that in mind, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is far from being a mediocre service, as it’s striving toward bridging the digital divide.

Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Packages

If you’re a cable TV enthusiast who loves sports channels, Spectrum offers a wide variety of bundles that include Internet and TV services.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet doesn’t offer cable TV service, so you won’t find any bundle deals, but you might have a better chance with its mobile plans.

Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Extra Fees and Contracts

Both Spectrum and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet don’t require contracts for their Internet plans. That also means you won’t have to worry about early-termination fees (ETFs). T-Mobile 5G Home Internet charges a pricey non-return equipment fee of up to $370.

Installation

Whether you opt for self-installation or professional installation, Spectrum charges a fee for both. The former costs $30 for a one-time activation fee during self-setup, while the latter costs $65.

As for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, since installation is easy, the provider doesn’t charge any fees.

Data Caps

A similarity between Spectrum and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is that their plans don’t have data caps. You don’t have to pay data overage fees or buy extra data every month to enjoy surfing the web, streaming, or playing online video games with either provider.

Spectrum vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Customer Satisfaction

In terms of customer service, Spectrum has average scores. It’s not the worst, but it’s also not the best. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet’s customer service fares better, as its team is dedicated to resolving customers’ issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.