Verizon Fios vs 5G Home Internet – What is the Difference?

Verizon Fios

Starting From

$49.99/mo.*

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Speeds Up to 2,000 Mbps

Fiber Internet

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Verizon 5G

Starting From

$50.00/mo.*

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Speeds Up to 1,000 Mbps

Fixed Wireless Internet

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Although thousands of internet service providers offer connectivity in the country, the American broadband market is led by a few big names. While most stick to one technology, a few providers use different networks to reach a much larger audience. Verizon Communications, more popularly known as Verizon, is among them.

The company has been around for a while, adopting different technologies to provide home internet to its customers. From DSL internet to its high-speed fiber-optic service, Fios, Verizon has consistently pushed the boundaries by evolving with time. Recently, it has unveiled its wireless 5G home internet, spreading access to even more locations in a quest for digital inclusivity.

However, multiple choices can often lead to confusion. Although its DSL internet has some limitations, both Fios and 5G Home Internet stand out as top choices. But how do they stack up against each other? And which one should you choose in the end? Read this Verizon Fios vs 5G Home Internet review to unravel these questions.

Verizon Fios

Fios is the premier service by Verizon, delivered through a 100% fiber-optic network. The provider offers internet and TV services under this brand. Fios is often the most sought-after choice due to its exceptional reliability, setting it apart from Verizon’s other offerings. Verizon Fios Internet grants you access to some of the fastest speed tiers, delivering nearly equal uploads and downloads. As a result, you can easily meet last-minute deadlines, indulge in all-day movie marathons, and revel in endless gaming sessions.

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Whether streamers, gamers, or content producers, Fios Home Internet is a fantastic choice for all sorts of internet users. On the other hand, Fios TV, with its hundreds of networks, is a heaven for entertainment buffs, granting them control over their viewing experience. Although this flagship service offers a ton of amazing benefits, its main downside is that it is restricted to major urban areas in eight American states, primarily in the Northeast region.

Pros

• Faster download speeds
• Symmetrical download and upload speeds
• Incredible bundles
• Exclusive discounts for Verizon 5G mobile customers
• Price lock guarantee
• Unlimited data
• No equipment charges
• Contract-free plans

Cons

• Limited availability

Verizon 5G Home Internet

Verizon took a significant step toward digital inclusion by launching its 5G Home Internet in 2018. This wireless broadband innovation marked a groundbreaking advancement, expanding the provider’s coverage to more areas. Verizon’s 5G Home Internet does not rely on a physical network, in contrast to its wired Internet offerings. Instead, the company employs a fixed wireless strategy and uses its amazing 5G network to deliver almost gigabit speeds in some areas. This approach increases the appeal of Verizon 5G Home Internet, especially for those who cannot access reliable cable or fiber internet options.

Get Verizon 5G Home Internet for less than $1/day.

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It is crucial to note that Verizon’s 5G network is still in the development stage and that, like Fios, its availability is now restricted to major urban areas. Nonetheless, Verizon presently offers this service in 900 cities, surpassing Fios’ reach.

Pros

• Faster speeds than other fixed wireless providers
• 50% discount when paired with Verizon 5G mobile plans
• Price Guarantee
• No data caps
• No contract
• Price locked for a few years
• Free setup

Cons

• Speed varies with location
• Home internet customers are deprioritized on the network compared to mobile users
• Asymmetrical upload and download speeds

Home Internet Comparison – Verizon Fios vs 5G 

Verizon is a big name in the American telecommunications market, winning the hearts of millions with its incredible home internet service. Both of its services, Fios and 5G Home Internet, offer modern solutions to meet our connectivity needs. These high-speed broadband services by Verizon provide impressive plans with incredible perks and user-friendly terms, including unlimited data, free equipment, and no contracts, all at a reasonable price. But which service is more suitable for your home and can be an ideal fit for your family? Let’s find out by comparing their various features.

Internet Plans – Verizon Fios vs 5G Home Internet

Both broadband services by Verizon come with a few internet plans, starting at the same straightforward price of $50 with automatic payment. The provider takes a no-nonsense approach with both services, listing all the details about pricing and other extras. However, these two services clash in terms of the number of offerings. Fios gives you more options, whereas 5G Home Internet only has two internet plans.

Fios

In general, Verizon Fios offers three different plans, but if you reside in New York City, you may additionally get its multi-gigabit option. Unlike other providers that sell their internet plans with a short-term promotional price, Verizon advertises its offerings with a price guarantee, promising a few worry-free years. The plans begin at $50 but bear in mind that the provider may change its costs at any time. Verizon Fios’ plans are simple and easy to understand, and they all come with symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data, and no contracts.

Verizon Fios takes things up a notch by including unique benefits, and if you currently use Verizon 5G mobile, you might even get a price discount.

5G Home Internet

In comparison, Verizon only offers two 5G Home Internet plans, with prices also starting from $50 with automatic payment. Otherwise, the regular starting price starts from $60.

Just like Fios, these plans are without contract obligations and include unlimited data, equipment, and a price lock guarantee. Plus, you get a 50% discount if you pair this service with Verizon’s 5G mobile plans.

Speed – Verizon Fios vs 5G Home Internet

Fios is a better choice for speed enthusiasts as its speed tiers are consistent and symmetrical. While most addresses within its service area get up to 940 Mbps, New Yorkers have the privilege to access its multi-gigabit option, getting speeds up to 2300 Mbps, perfect for running a home-based business.

Meanwhile, Verizon 5G Home Internet does offer faster speeds than most fixed wireless services, but it cannot compete with a fiber service. Moreover, its speeds fluctuate since they depend on the quality of Verizon’s network in your area. Verizon mixes its nationwide 5G connections with 4G LTE connections in areas with poorer signals, which results in slower-than-advertised rates. Hence, the lower speed limit with Verizon 5G Home is 85 Mbps, and Home Plus is 300 Mbps.

Bundle Deals

Bundling is a norm in the telecom sector, and sure enough, Verizon also allows you to combine other services with Fios and 5G Home Internet. But let’s find out which service provides more value and options for bundling.

Fios

Verizon has designed Fios’ bundles to suit your digital needs perfectly. This service gives you 100% fiber internet and TV in one personalized package, allowing you to choose what you want and pay only for that!

These mix-and-match bundles give you access to lightning-fast high-speed internet and a comprehensive TV plan offering a vast selection of channels, letting you keep up with your favorite thrilling shows, captivating documentaries, and exciting sports events. The best thing about these packages, though, is that there are no extra costs or unpleasant surprises. The price you see includes everything, from taxes to equipment.

5G Home Internet

5G Home Internet does not have many bundling options but you can combine with various Verizon 5G mobile plans to get a 50% discount. However, this offer is only applicable with certain plans so make sure to confirm the eligibility of your chosen or current mobile plan if you plan to save a considerable amount of money on 5G Home Internet.

Additional Costs

Verizon is a rare provider that only charges for its services, meaning there is not a long list of hidden or additional charges. As a result, both Fios and 5G Home Internet are free of extra charges and even include taxes in their plans. However, Verizon will charge a one-time professional installation fee if you choose Fios but this fee is waived on online orders.

Internet for Gaming

Whether you are into Street Fighter’s intense battles, The Legend of Zelda’s thrilling adventures, or the immersive roleplaying world of Genshin Impact, one important thing for any gaming enthusiast is to understand that most of these games don’t really need much speed. The minimum download speed for playing a game is only 20 Mbps. However, the other aspects of your connection are the ones that can truly make or break your gaming sessions.

Latency is one of the most important gaming elements, as it affects how quickly you can respond to the action on the screen. While both options deliver the download speeds you need, Fios is the best choice for gaming, with its astonishingly low latency rate of 6.95 ms. On the other hand, 5G Home Internet’s latency ranges between 29 to 33 ms. In the end, the choice is yours! Consider all the connectivity requirements of your home, the number of devices, the type of online activities, and your gaming habits, and then choose a service that meets all your needs.

Customer Service

Verizon has earned high ratings for its customer service for over a decade. The provider consistently occupies the top position in every customer satisfaction survey. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about Verizon’s customer service when choosing between Fios and 5G Home Internet.

While the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index report places Fios in the fourth position among all fiber internet providers, it earned a score of 75, three points higher than the previous year, and equals the industry average, indicating its excellent customer service. Additionally, Fios holds the best overall average score in J.D. Power’s Study.

On the other hand, Verizon ranks third in the Mobile Network Category, just one point short of the industry average. Therefore, if customer service is your top priority, Fios appears as the better option, as existing customers and industry experts mostly have positive things to say about this service.

Wider Coverage Area – Fios or 5G Home Internet?

Both services are mostly accessible in large metro areas, although there is an intriguing disparity in their coverage. Fios is available in eight Northeastern states, including Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia, as well as the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, making up 27.7% of the entire Verizon service area.

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On the other hand, Verizon 5G Home Internet takes the crown for reaching more locations, taking up an incredible 64% of the service area. The key lies in Verizon’s speedy deployment of new cell towers and upgrades to old ones compared to the fiber network’s slow expansion. Hence, 5G Home Internet is currently accessible in 900 major cities.

Final Verdict – Fios or 5G Home Internet? 

This Verizon Fios vs 5G Home Internet review concludes that both broadband services are incredible and primarily serve large metro regions. While they share some common policies like price guarantee, unlimited data, and no additional charges or contracts, they are delivered via different technologies, resulting in varying speeds, latency, and coverage. Fios takes the crown in both speed and low latency rates, making it an ideal choice for homes with gamers, streamers, and professionals.

On the other hand, 5G Home Internet reaches more areas as it leverages Verizon’s 5G network. It promises speeds up to 1000 Mbps, but keep in mind that the speeds can fluctuate based on the strength of the 5G network at your address. Another thing to note with this service is that Verizon prioritizes its mobile users on the 5G network, which might lead to deprioritization for home internet users during peak hours.

In conclusion, Verizon 5G Home Internet is a significant step towards a more inclusive digital world, but it still cannot compete with the reliability of fiber Internet. So, if you have access to both services in your area, it is better to go with Fios for a more consistent and reliable internet experience.

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