What Is the Best Type of Home Internet? Comparing Fiber, 5G, and Cable

If you’re deciding between fiber, 5G, and cable internet, congratulations—you’re in a fantastic position. The era of internet monopolies is over, and Americans now have more wifi options than ever before. Nearly 90% of Americans have access to two or more internet providers in their town, giving you the power to choose the right fit for you.

Fiber, 5G, and cable are all fast, reliable options for home internet. Each has its strengths, so the right choice really depends on your specific needs and what’s available for you. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Cable Internet: Fast but Frustrating

Cable internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, and Cox have been around for decades. They’ve continued to innovate, offering faster speeds over the same copper wires that once delivered cable TV to your house. It’s a truly impressive technological feat.

But cable internet also comes with major drawbacks that drive the lowest customer satisfaction in the industry. These companies have built a reputation for:

Annual price increases that can leave you paying over $100 a month, even if you started with an introductory price of $40–$50.
Hidden fees that make your bill unpredictable.
Poor customer service that makes handling billing and service questions a hassle.

While cable internet is fast and reliable, these pricing and service issues have caused many customers to switch to new fiber and 5G providers. If you’re stuck with a cable provider, be prepared for rising costs and potential headaches.

Fiber Internet: The Gold Standard

Fiber is widely regarded as the gold standard of internet technology, offering the fastest and most reliable connection available. By using light to transmit data through ultra-thin glass cables, fiber delivers unmatched performance and has become the top choice for the most demanding internet users, including competitive gamers.

Fiber internet is growing rapidly—Over 50% of Americans now have access to a fiber provider, and that number is climbing. Plans typically start between $40 and $60 per month, and fiber providers are known for:

Stable pricing with fewer annual price hikes.
No hidden fees that catch you off guard.
Discounts if you bundle internet with your mobile service.

If fiber is available in your area, it’s hard to beat its combination of speed, reliability, and price transparency. For most households, fiber is the best choice.

5G Home Internet: The Fastest Growing Option

5G home internet is the newest player on the scene, brought to you by mobile providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. It’s also the fastest-growing type of internet in the U.S., with nearly 10 million customers already signed up.

Here’s how it works:

Your provider sends you a 5G router that connects to the same 5G network powering your phone.
The router converts that 5G signal into wifi for your home.
Setup is simple: Place the router near a window, plug it in, and use an app to activate the service in under 15 minutes.

Plans for 5G home internet typically start at $40–$60 per month, with consistent pricing, no hidden fees, and discounts for mobile customers. Many people are surprised at how well 5G performs—my own tests since 2021 have shown that for most activities like streaming, video calls, and working from home, 5G and fiber are nearly indistinguishable. That said, because 5G home internet is wireless, it can be more susceptible to disruptions than fiber. If you’re considering 5G, I recommend testing it at your home before canceling your old service. Providers like T-Mobile offer a 15-day trial period so you can make sure it works for you.

Which One Should You Choose?

The good news is that all three options—fiber, 5G, and cable—are fast, reliable, and widely available. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose cable if it’s your only option, but be ready for potential price increases and hidden fees.
Choose fiber for the fastest, most reliable connection, especially if it’s available in your area. It also offers great value and predictable pricing.
Choose 5G home internet for an affordable, reliable wifi option with an easy, hassle-free setup.

Make an Informed Choice with Wifi Shark

We’re lucky to have so many new options for internet, and the competition between providers is only improving and there has never been a better time to save money on your wifi bill.

Check Wifi Shark to see a comprehensive list of providers in your area, including pricing and plan recommendations. We’ve done the hard work of comparing fiber, 5G, and cable options so you can make the most informed choice possible for your home internet.