T-Mobile Home Internet Review 2024

The Breakdown: T-Mobile’s Home Internet Plan

What I really love about T-Mobile’s approach to home internet is how easy it is to understand. I’m not saying it’s the ideal plan for everyone; I’m saying that, with many internet providers, just trying to figure out the plan is a headache. We’ll get into all the details below.

The Basics

With T-Mobile’s 5G service, you get unlimited data for $50 monthly (including taxes) with no data caps. There are no equipment rental or cancellation fees if you cancel early.

There is a trade-off for that straightforward simplicity, however. T-Mobile’s 5G internet isn’t lightning-quick at this point. It will probably change, but currently, T-Mobile guarantees download speeds between 72 and 245 Mbps. While there are much faster plans, this is still a decent amount of speed for the average user.

T-Mobile Speeds in Context

While  72 to 245 Mbps is a good deal faster than, say, an entry-level Hughesnet satellite plan — and more than covers moderate browsing, emailing, and (standard-definition) streaming needs — T-Mobile can’t hit the heavy-duty speeds of some of our top-rated internet providers for seniors.

For example, for about the same price as T-Mobile’s fixed $50 plan, you could be cruising the internet with AT&T’s Internet 1000 plan, which gives you super-fast downloads up to 940 Mbps. (Check out our AT&T Internet review for the whole story.) CenturyLink Gigabit Fiber Internet is another prime contender for older Americans still going full steam online, even if it’s a little more pricey at $65 per month.

The silver lining here for any T-Mobile holdouts is that T-Mobile has the best 5G cell phone coverage in the nation to date. T-Mobile 5G internet is growing. In a few years, you can probably expect some killer coverage and, with that coverage, much higher speeds.

Easy Setup

T-Mobile delivers its service via its own “5G Gateway” device using the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. Wi-Fi 6 is a major advance over previous generations of Wi-Fi technology, with double the channel width and much faster connections — fast enough, in fact, to stream 8K videos!

That Gateway device — which looks a little like a first-generation Amazon Alexa — serves as your router and should be able to cover your entire house. That means you won’t need to worry about rigging up access points in the den or bedroom when you want to connect, which will relieve anyone who’s ever gone through that hassle.

Using the T-Mobile App

After setting up your 5G Gateway, download the T-Mobile app and connect. The T-Mobile app, available for iPhones and Android devices, is your command center. It will show you signal strength and speed. If you’ve got grandkids around regularly, you can set up “grandparental” controls to limit screen time.

Does T-Mobile Offer a Senior Discount for Internet?

T-Mobile isn’t running any senior discounts at the moment. However, the fixed $50 monthly fee with no data caps feels like it’s been designed as an alternative to expensive plans with more fine print than actually senior-friendly perks. Remember that the $50 offer is only good if you “autopay.” Without autopay, your bill will run $55 per month.

AutoPay is one way to save with T-Mobile, but that isn’t the only way. With T-Mobile, you don’t have to pay the monthly equipment rental fees you would with, say, AT&T. Those fees add up. Because there are no contracts, you won’t get ambushed by any extra cancellation fees either. So, again, this is a plan whose value is a fundamental part of it.

There are some ways to get a discount. New customers who bundle select phone plans can have the $50-a-month fee slashed to $40 or even $35 monthly. These deals also include a subscription to Apple TV and/or Netflix. T-Mobile makes it worth your while if you’re looking for a new cell phone carrier. Remember that these deals change throughout the year, so check what’s available when you sign up!

Is T-Mobile Available in My Area?

Availability is the first thing you should check if you’re considering switching to T-Mobile. Even if you’re already signed up for a T-Mobile 55+ Unlimited cell phone plan, that doesn’t mean you get T-Mobile’s internet service where you live. It’s still a rollout, so while your friends down the street might have T-Mobile internet already, you might not be able to get it just yet.

The good news is that it’s easy to find out if you’re eligible for T-Mobile internet. Just head on over to the T-Mobile website and enter your home address. They’ll tell you quickly if there’s coverage in your area.

T-Mobile Bundles to Get the Best Deal

On the hunt for a senior phone plan to go with your home internet? You’re in luck! T-Mobile offers an internet and phone bundle. Add any T-Mobile 55+ package to your T-Mobile Home Internet plan to decrease the cost of your internet bill. You’ll save $10 per month with an Essentials 55 plan, and you can save $20 if you opt for the Go5G Plus plan. T-Mobile’s 55+ plans start at $45 per month for one line or $60 monthly for a two-line plan. All three of T-Mobile’s senior phone plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus other great perks. Head to our T-Mobile review to learn more about T-Mobile’s cell phone plans for seniors.

How Does T-Mobile Compare to Other Internet Providers?

T-Mobile’s no-nonsense internet service isn’t a one-stop entertainment shop. You’re essentially paying for an internet connection. So, if daily entertainment means surfing hundreds of TV channels, you might want to look at Spectrum’s internet plans or AT&T’s internet deals. You can bundle TV and internet to get the most bang for your buck. The downside to both options is that the freedom to surf so many channels comes with price hikes after the first year, contracts to sign, and equipment rental fees.

If you don’t need hundreds of channels, and your idea of a perfect Saturday night is popcorn and Netflix, signing up for a T-Mobile plan makes more sense, especially if you aren’t a heavy internet user. For $60 and change — a standard-definition Netflix subscription will run you about $15 per month — you’re good to go.

If you are looking for a new internet provider but need help understanding what to look for, check out our 2024 internet buyer’s guide for seniors. It’s got links to useful reviews and plenty of other resources for seniors — from food delivery guides to advice on how to speed up your internet connection.