The rise of fifth-generation wireless technology, or 5G, brought a new service offered by numerous providers, including Verizon and T-Mobile: 5G home internet. This new connection method allows anyone to use 5G as their primary internet service instead of traditional ways like cable or DSL, which may require installation and a long-term contract.

These internet plans have several advantages, but it raises questions about the reality of using 5G as a home internet option. Currently, two services are advertised: sub-6, which is found in phones and can span longer distances but at the cost of speed, and mmWave 5G, which is faster but more difficult to find and suffers from its limited range capabilities.

How the home 5G service is used is also a factor to consider, as someone playing competitive games could have a different experience with the internet than someone using it more casually. Big wireless carriers offer 5G home internet in the U.S. without any data caps, but some users have reported experiencing unfavorable latency on 5G networks.

While 5G home internet can be great for those who live in buildings that aren’t wired for cable or in areas without decent DSL service, some feel that the service isn’t where it needs to be yet and have cited issues of the connection failing when it’s most needed. This new technology could one day replace cable and DSL as carriers expand their networks, but as of now, it isn’t for everyone.