The 5G technology is not just changing the mobile industry, but it is also making a significant impact on the broadband market. 5G networks promise faster speeds and lower latency than previous iterations of wireless technology, surpassing even traditional broadband services like satellite and DSL internet.
Hence, 5G is quickly becoming a popular choice for home internet.
Currently, only Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Starry use this technology to provide broadband to residents. The rise of the 5G home internet has sparked intriguing discussions in gaming circles.
Avid gamers are more interested in what this technology can bring to their table. And while they are not concerned about the technical details of this technology, they want to know if 5G Internet is good for gaming. Let’s discover these answers!
5G Internet for Gaming
5G, short for the fifth generation, represents the latest advancement in wireless technology. Traditionally, this technology was primarily associated with mobile phone communication. However, a handful of providers, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Starry, have recently started utilizing it to provide wireless home broadband access.
Since this wireless internet offers decent internet speed and has significantly lower latency than other wireless options, it appears to be a reasonable choice for gaming.
However, one of the main downsides of 5G home internet is its lack of reliability compared to wired connections such as fiber and cable. Some 5G home internet providers prioritize mobile users over home internet customers during peak hours, briefly slowing down your connection and leaving you vulnerable in the digital battleground.
Additionally, the speed you receive at home depends on the strength of the 5G network in your area, potentially resulting in slower-than-advertised rates.
So, what impact does this have on modern gaming, where each frame and millisecond can make or break your chances of victory? These factors can disrupt your gameplay precisely when you are on the cusp of capturing the flag or achieving that perfect headshot.
However, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Starry are diligently working to enhance their services and introduce improved plans and terms. Let’s explore all the options to see who provides the optimal 5G internet experience for gaming.
Pros
- Decent internet speed
- Lower latency than other wireless options
- Affordable plans
- Unlimited data
Cons
- Home internet users may face network deprioritization with T-Mobile and Verizon
- Location-dependent internet speed
5G Internet Speeds & Latency
Your 5G home internet speed for gaming depends on your chosen provider and location. 5G gaming internet typically delivers faster speeds than other wireless technologies and can reach up to 1000 Mbps in specific areas. However, the FCC has set the minimum speed for lag-free games around 25 Mbps.
Therefore, you don’t need a high internet speed for gaming. Latency is more crucial for gaming as it can affect your gameplay. The ideal latency range for gaming falls between 20ms and 40ms.
Hence, 5G, with an average latency of typically under 50 ms, emerges as an excellent internet option for gamers. This low latency guarantees rapid responsiveness, less lag, and improved multiplayer interactions—all crucial elements for a challenging and engaging gaming experience.
Although certain wired connections, such as cable and fiber, may have lower latency, 5G’s 50 ms latency comfortably falls within the acceptable range for most gamers. In short, 5G is a promising technology for gaming enthusiasts as it continues to evolve and expand its coverage.
| Important Factors for Gaming – 5G Home Internet | |
| Download Speed Range | Average Latency |
| 50 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | <50 ms |
Best 5G Home Internet Providers for Gaming
The 5G Internet market is not as saturated as other internet technologies. At this moment, only four major internet providers are using this technology to offer broadband access to their customers: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Starry.
However, AT&T has recently joined the competition with the launch of AT&T Air. Hence, we will analyze these four options to see who has the best speeds, availability, and latency rate.
| Providers | Starting Price | Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50.00/mo. | Up to 1000 Mbps |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50.00/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet Air | $55.00/mo. | Up to 140 Mbps |
| Starry Internet | $30.00/mo. | Up to 1000 Mbps |
Verizon 5G Internet for Gaming
Verizon cleverly combines its nationwide 4G LTE connections with its 5G network to provide consistent connectivity in places with weak signals, resulting in speeds that occasionally fall short of the claimed rates.
Therefore, the base speed for Verizon’s 5G Home internet plan for gaming is 85Mbps, while the Home Plus plan hits 300Mbps.
Surprisingly, these 5g internet plans for gaming start from just $50 and are more budget-friendly than traditional wired broadband solutions. But you can get Verizon 5G home internet plans for half the price by combining them with select 5G mobile plans.
But the gaming world isn’t solely about internet speed. It relies on additional factors like unlimited data and low latency rates. Verizon meets both requirements by offering unrestricted usage with both plans and an average latency of less than 30ms.
Verizon’s 5G Home Internet can be your steadfast companion on this epic gaming journey due to its amazingly low latency and speeds that, in some locations, can compete with wired broadband connections.
But it’s essential to remember that its performance depends on the area. Your experience might not be great if you live in a place with poor signals or substantial congestion. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that home internet users may experience DE prioritization during network congestion.
| Plan | Starting Price | Download Speed | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Home | $35.20/mo. | Up to 300 Mbps | Check Availability |
| 5G Home Plus | $45.20/mo. | Up to 1000 Mbps | Check Availability |
T-Mobile 5G Internet for Gaming
In comparison, T-Mobile offers a single 5G Home Internet plan for gamers at an attractive price of $50. Like Verizon, you can get this plan at a lower price by bundling it with select 5G mobile plans.
While 5G home internet for gaming is already known for its cost-effectiveness, T-Mobile makes it more appealing by providing a lifetime price guarantee, ensuring not only a reliable gaming experience but also a predictable and affordable internet cost per month.
T-Mobile Home Internet’s speeds may be lower than other 5G internet options, but it remains a viable option for gaming due to its lower latency and gamer-friendly terms, such as unlimited data.
The speed range of this provider is lower because, like Verizon, it also employs a mix of 5G and 4G LTE networks to deliver broadband. Therefore, users can anticipate download speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps.
Meanwhile, its average latency is between 24 to 40ms, enabling smooth gameplay for various games.
T-Mobile shares another similarity with Verizon. Its performance relies on the strength of 5G signals in an area. Moreover, it also prioritizes mobile customers over the network during peak hours.
So, unless you live in an urban region with good T-Mobile 5G network coverage, you may not get a flawless gaming experience with this provider.
| Plan | Price | Download Speed | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $30/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps | Call Now |
AT&T 5G Internet for Gaming
AT&T has finally entered the 5G Home Internet market with the introduction of Internet Air. The provider has extended its wireless service to 16 new markets, offering home internet access via a 5G network for $55. So, how good is this new AT&T 5G Internet for gaming?
Since the service is relatively new, there isn’t much information about its performance. However, the company has informed CNET that download speeds would probably fall between 40 and 140 Mbps, while upload speeds will be up to 25 Mbps.
AT&T also hasn’t disclosed a specific latency rate, but being a 5G internet service, you can anticipate a latency below 50ms. Hence, AT&T Internet Air can be a decent option for online gaming. Additionally, this service offers limitless data.
In conclusion, AT&T Internet Air seems like a promising option for casual gaming, but only your own experience will determine whether it truly qualifies as a reliable 5G internet for gaming.
| Plan | Starting Price | Download Speed | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet Air | $35.00/mo. | Up to 140 Mbps | Call Now |
Starry 5G Internet for Gaming
Starry is another appealing 5G Internet option for gamers. While Starry may not have the same level of experience as some of its competitors, it has earned a solid reputation in five major markets it serves Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
Although Starry doesn’t technically use a 5G network to deliver broadband access, its approach is quite similar. The provider utilizes millimeter-wave technology to provide fixed wireless home internet to its customers.
Starry Internet offers a range of four wireless internet plans, starting at a monthly price of $30, with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to a whopping 1000 Mbps.
Most importantly, Starry is the only ‘5G’ home internet option for gaming that provides higher or nearly symmetrical upload speeds. Furthermore, its gaming plans are contract-free and include unlimited data, free equipment, and installation.
Latency is also not an issue since it is consistently below 30 ms. So, you can expect a gaming experience free from noticeable delays.
Moreover, unlike T-Mobile and Verizon, you won’t need to worry about deprioritization with Starry. However, you may face service disruptions during rough weather conditions, such as heavy rain.
In short, Starry Internet is a viable choice for gamers, provided you select a plan that caters to your household’s specific requirements.
| Plan | Starting Price | Download Speed | Contact Starry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starry Basic | $30.00/mo. | 50 Mbps | Call Now |
| Starry Plus | $50.00/mo. | 200 Mbps | Call Now |
| Starry Pro | $65.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Call Now |
| Starry Gigabit | $80.00/mo. | 1000 Mbps | Call Now |
Is 5G Home Internet Good for Gaming?
5G Home Internet is a rising star in the ever-changing world of broadband. It promises speedier connections with minimal interruptions at affordable prices. But there are mixed opinions on whether 5G Home Internet is the best option for gaming since its performance depends heavily on where you live.
Lucky gamers who live in areas with strong 5G network coverage may enjoy an unmatched gaming experience with lightning-fast speeds and responsiveness. But 5G Home Internet delivers a different experience to those who dwell in the shadowy corners of connectivity.
In the end, the choice of 5G Internet for gaming depends on your location, as the same technology can either be a reliable ally or an unreliable companion.
