Compare 5G vs. fiber internet for homes and businesses

May 7 | By Madeline Gearheart

Fiber and 5G came on the scene years ago, but they’re still two of the hottest terms in internet connectivity—fiber because it’s still the most powerful player, and 5G because it’s not just for mobile users anymore.

If you’re one of the millions looking forward to faster speeds but not sure how to compare these two options, this overview should help. Read on to learn more about 5G vs. fiber internet for your home or business.

Just want a summary? Skip to the table >

5G vs. fiber technology

5G internet leverages Verizon’s advanced 5G network to connect your devices at home or at work. The radio frequencies used in 5G networks allow much faster internet speeds than before—not just compared to 4G LTE, but even some traditional internet plans still offered today.

Fiber internet offers unbeatable speeds and reliability over a wired network of fiber optics. Most providers built out their networks with 100% fiber-optic composition, rather than diluting the network with speed-throttling copper cables, so you can take full advantage of fiber speeds and reliability.

5G vs. fiber internet speeds

5G speeds for homes and businesses today run up to 100 Mbps on the low end and up to 300–400 Mbps on the high end, giving you solid bandwidth for daily connectivity needs like browsing, streaming, and running smart home/office devices. Is 5G faster than fiber? No, but in many areas, 5G speeds are faster than other wired services, like DSL and cable.

Fiber speeds today run up to 300 Mbps on the low end and up to 2 Gbps on the high end for most homes and small businesses. However, tippy-top speeds can run as high as 7 gigabits in some areas. Fiber also gives you symmetrical upload speeds—something no other technology offers—for faster file sharing and smoother gaming and video calls.

5G vs. fiber reliability

5G has great latency or lag metrics—it consistently clocks under 50 milliseconds, which is competitive even with cable. However, as a wireless technology, 5G is more sensitive to interference from weather or physical obstacles. Plus, since home and business customers share the 5G network with mobile subscribers, you could experience slower speeds when traffic spikes in your area (e.g., during a holiday parade or heavy shopping weekend).

Fiber has a typical latency of under 14 milliseconds—and in the single digits for some providers. With low latency and high resistance to environmental interference (including the heat/cold that affects competing cable providers), fiber is the most reliable internet technology available. You can expect a smooth and responsive experience for just about anything you do online.

5G vs. fiber availability

5G home and business internet are widely available in metros and suburban areas and have some reach into less populated areas. (Where 5G doesn’t reach you may be able to get 4G LTE home internet.) One challenge of 5G availability is that there’s high demand, so providers have to limit subscribers per area to give each household/business the bandwidth they expect from a high-speed internet service.

Fiber availability usually starts in metros with high population density, then expands outward into surrounding suburbs. Many major cities in the US already have fiber networks, and availability continues to expand. Eventually, fiber may replace older wired networks like DSL altogether.

Did you know? Verizon offers 5G and fiber internet. Check home and business availability now >

5G vs. fiber internet costs

5G home internet prices range from about $35 to $55 per month for 5G speeds, while business internet plans start around $70 per month and increase incrementally for faster speeds.

Fiber home internet prices range from about $35 to $85 per month for speeds up to 2 gigabits, while business internet plans start around $60 per month and increase incrementally for faster speeds. Price per gig usually improves as you go up.

See Verizon home and business internet pricing >

5G vs. fiber data allowances

5G home and business internet usually offers unlimited data without fees, because providers know data limits aren’t practical for all-day internet use. However, because wireless providers have to manage network traffic more carefully than fiber providers, you may experience slower speeds after using a certain amount of data. Double-check the data policies as you shop plans.

Fiber internet comes with unlimited data since the technology is more powerful, and providers can easily offer high bandwidth without taking away from other users.

5G vs. fiber installation

5G offers quick self-installation through a mailed kit. You’ll just plug in your router and follow the included instructions to set up your Wi-Fi.

Fiber internet may offer self-installation at select addresses, but especially where fiber infrastructure is new, you’ll need a technician to install the first connection to your local fiber network.

man streaming on digital tablet at home

User scenarios for 5G vs. fiber internet

What can you do with 5G home/business internet vs. fiber?

5G

  • Essentials like browsing, shopping, banking, email, social media.
  • Streaming TV, movies, and educational/work content in HD.
  • Video calls to friends, family, and colleagues.
  • Light gaming by a few users.
  • Standard internet use by a small home or office.

Fiber

  • All the essentials and more.
  • Streaming content in HD and 4K (on compatible screens).
  • Group hangouts or video conferencing for work.
  • Multiplayer gaming with low lag.
  • Rapid file uploads and cloud backups for home or office.
  • Sophisticated smart home or IoT office devices.
  • Heavy internet use by a larger household or office.

5G internet vs. fiber internet, summarized

5G internetFiber internet
Best forFast internet where fiber isn’t availableUltimate speed and reliability
TechnologyCell towers emitting wireless 5G radio signal100% fiber-optic network underground
AvailabilityMore coverage than fiber, but spots limited per areaMajor metros and suburbs, but coverage growing
Typical download speedsUp to 100–300 MbpsUp to 300 Mbps–2 Gbps with equal upload speeds
Typical latency<50 milliseconds<14 milliseconds
Starting ratesAbout $35/mo with qualifying mobile planAbout $35/mo with qualifying mobile plan
DataUnlimited in most casesUnlimited
InstallationSelf-install in most casesProfessional install in most cases
Figures valid as of this article’s date of publication. Sources:
  • FCC, “5G FAQs.” Retrieved 11 March 2025 from https://www.fcc.gov/
  • FCC, “Thirteenth measuring broadband America fixed broadband report.” Retrieved 11 March 2025 from https://www.fcc.gov/
  • Ludwig, R., “Who cares about latency in 5G?” Retrieved 11 March 2025 from https://www.ericsson.com/
  • Waveform, “5G’s faster data rates and Shannon’s Law.” Retrieved 11 March 2025 from https://www.waveform.com/

5G internet vs. fiber: making your choice

If you’re fortunate to have the choice between 5G home internet vs. fiber, you’ll probably be happiest with fiber. It really is the fastest and most reliable internet service available, and it’s likely to stay that way for years.

But 5G also makes an excellent choice for home or business connectivity, especially if any of these apply to you:

  • You want fast, affordable internet where fiber isn’t available.
  • You expect low lag that holds up next to cable and outperforms DSL.
  • You value low pricing, mobile bundles, and simplicity of service.

Verizon offers internet services for homes, businesses, and mobile users all over the country. For home internet and mobile bundles, shop Verizon Fios and 5G packages now. For commercial plans, shop Verizon business internet now.

What is 5G Internet?

Mar 5 | By Annie Eyre

The internet is always evolving. Over the years, network technology has evolved from 2G to 3G, then to 4G LTE, and now to the latest innovation: 5G. 

This next-generation wireless technology promises faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection than ever before. But what exactly is 5G, and how does 5G home internet work? In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of 5G internet, the advantages and disadvantages of this technology, and practical ways users can benefit from Verizon 5G Internet.

How does 5G home internet work?

5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, represents a significant leap from its predecessor, 4G LTE, in speed, capacity, and efficiency. Unlike earlier generations, which focused primarily on increasing data speeds for mobile users, 5G is designed to revolutionize connectivity across multiple industries, including healthcare, gaming, and smart cities.

Verizon has been at the forefront of 5G deployment in the U.S., offering two types of 5G services:

  1. 5G Ultra Wideband (UWB): This delivers blazing-fast speeds and low latency, ideal for applications requiring real-time responsiveness.
  2. 5G Nationwide: A broader coverage network that ensures reliable 5G connectivity even in areas where UWB isn’t available.

Together, these two services provide a comprehensive 5G experience that balances speed and accessibility for Verizon customers.

Advantages of 5G Internet

1. Unmatched speed

Wondering how many Mbps is 5G home internet? Well, one of the biggest selling points of 5G is its incredible speed. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband can offer download speeds that reach up to 10 Gbps in optimal conditions, significantly faster than 4G LTE. This means:

  • Faster streaming without buffering.
  • Quicker downloads of large files.
  • Seamless online gaming experiences.

2. Low latency

Latency is the delay between sending and receiving data. With 5G, latency can be as low as 1 millisecond, which is crucial for applications like virtual reality (VR), autonomous vehicles, and real-time remote surgeries. Verizon’s 5G network ensures minimal lag, making interactions with digital content nearly instantaneous.

3. Increased network capacity

With the rise of smart devices, the demand for network bandwidth has skyrocketed. 5G can handle a higher number of connected devices without compromising performance, ensuring:

  • Smoother operation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
  • Better connectivity in crowded areas, such as stadiums and city centers.
  • Enhanced business applications, including cloud computing and video conferencing.

4. Improved reliability

Verizon’s 5G network is designed to provide more stable and consistent connections, reducing dropped calls and internet slowdowns. This reliability is critical for businesses and individuals who rely on uninterrupted connectivity for work and personal use.

man searching the internet with digital tablet

Disadvantages of 5G Internet

1. Limited coverage areas

Despite its many benefits, 5G coverage is still expanding. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband is available in select cities, and while 5G Nationwide offers broader coverage, it doesn’t reach every rural area yet.

2. Device compatibility

To access 5G, users need a compatible device. Many newer smartphones and tablets support 5G, but older devices do not. Upgrading to a 5G-compatible device may be necessary to enjoy its benefits.

3. Higher cost

5G plans and devices can sometimes be more expensive than their 4G counterparts. While Verizon offers competitive pricing, the cost of upgrading to 5G infrastructure is a factor to consider.

4. Potential security concerns

As with any new technology, 5G introduces security challenges, such as potential vulnerabilities in network infrastructure. Verizon employs robust security measures to protect users, but as the technology evolves, so do the threats.

Practical uses for 5G Internet

1. Enhanced streaming and gaming

With Verizon 5G, users can stream 4K and even 8K video content with minimal buffering. Online gaming experiences are smoother, with reduced lag and better graphics quality.

2. Smart homes and IoT integration

5G enables smart home devices to communicate more efficiently, enhancing automation, security, and energy savings. Smart thermostats, security cameras, and voice assistants benefit from faster, more reliable connections.

3. Business and remote work

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, and 5G has made virtual meetings, cloud computing, and collaboration more seamless. Verizon’s reliable 5G service allows professionals to work from anywhere without connectivity concerns.

4. Healthcare advancements

Telemedicine has become more viable with 5G, allowing doctors to conduct virtual consultations with high-quality video. Additionally, medical professionals can leverage remote monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics for improved patient care.

5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

5G’s low latency makes AR and VR applications more immersive. From interactive gaming experiences to virtual tourism and training simulations, Verizon 5G enables cutting-edge experiences.

Verizon 5G availability

Verizon 5G is currently available in nine states. Check out our availability page to see whether Verizon 5G Internet is offered in your area.

Verizon 5G offers faster speeds, lower latency, and reliable connections, and is a great option for your home internet. 

So, is 5g home internet good?

5G internet represents a technological revolution, and Verizon has positioned itself as a leader in this space. With unmatched speed, lower latency, and increased capacity, Verizon 5G transforms how we connect, work, and entertain ourselves. 

While there are challenges such as coverage limitations and device compatibility, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Whether for personal use, business applications, or emerging technologies, Verizon’s 5G network is paving the way for the future of connectivity.

As 5G expands, we can expect even more innovations and real-world applications. If you’re considering upgrading to Verizon 5G, now is a great time to explore its potential and take advantage of this cutting-edge technology.

5G Home/LTE Home Internet services provided through cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks