5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology, and it's faster and more responsive than 4G LTE

5G is the newest standard for wireless internet on phones, tablets, and home internet devices. It transmits data using radio waves at higher frequencies than 4G, which means it can send more information in the same amount of time. In real-world terms, you'll notice faster downloads, quicker video streaming, and less lag when you're using apps or playing online games.

The speed difference is significant. 4G LTE typically delivers 10 to 50 megabits per second in most places. 5G can reach 100 to 1,000 megabits per second, depending on which version you're using and how close you are to a 5G tower. That said, the actual speed you experience depends on network congestion, your distance from the tower, and what obstacles are between you and the signal.

5G also has lower latency, which means there's less delay between when you send a command and when the network responds. This matters most for video calls, online gaming, and real-time applications where lag is noticeable.

Key Takeaways

  • 5G is faster than 4G LTE and has lower latency, making video calls smoother and downloads quicker.
  • 5G comes in three versions: sub-6 GHz (moderate speed, wider coverage), millimeter wave (very fast, shorter range), and mid-band (balanced between the two).
  • You need a 5G-capable phone or device and a 5G network in your area to use 5G internet.
  • 5G coverage is still rolling out and varies by carrier and location, so you may not have it everywhere you go.
  • 5G uses more battery power than 4G, so your phone may drain faster when connected to 5G networks.

The three types of 5G and how they differ

5G operates on three different frequency bands, and each one has different trade-offs between speed and coverage. Understanding which type is available in your area helps explain why your 5G speed might be slower than advertised.

Sub-6 GHz 5G uses frequencies below 6 gigahertz and is the most common type being deployed right now. It travels farther and penetrates walls better than higher frequencies, so it reaches more people. The trade-off is that it's slower than the other types — typically 50 to 250 megabits per second. Most carriers are building their 5G networks with this band first because it covers more ground with fewer towers.

Millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G uses much higher frequencies and can deliver the fastest speeds — sometimes over 1,000 megabits per second. The problem is that these high-frequency signals don't travel far and are blocked by walls, trees, and even rain. Carriers use mmWave in dense urban areas and stadiums where lots of people are close together. If you're indoors or more than a few blocks from a tower, you won't have mmWave coverage.

Mid-band 5G sits between the two and offers a balance: better speeds than sub-6 GHz but wider coverage than mmWave. This band is becoming more available as carriers expand their networks, and it's what most people will experience as 5G becomes standard.

What devices you need to use 5G

Your phone or device must have a 5G modem built in to connect to a 5G network. Most phones released in 2020 or later have 5G capability, but not all of them do. If you're using an older phone, it will only connect to 4G LTE even if 5G is available in your area.

To check whether your phone supports 5G, look in your phone's settings under "About Phone" or "Device Information" and search for "5G" in the specifications. You can also check your phone's model number on the manufacturer's website. If your phone doesn't support 5G, you would need to replace it to use the network.

For home internet, some carriers offer 5G home internet devices that look like a small box or router. These devices connect to the 5G network and broadcast WiFi throughout your home, similar to a traditional home internet modem. You don't need a 5G phone to use 5G home internet — the device handles the 5G connection for you.

5G coverage and where it's available

5G coverage is still expanding and is not yet available everywhere. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have 5G networks in most cities and many suburban areas, but rural coverage is still limited. Coverage varies by carrier, so you might have 5G on one network but not another in the same location.

To learn about 5G is available at your address, visit your carrier's coverage map on their website. You'll typically see a separate map for 5G that shows which areas have coverage. Keep in mind that coverage maps show where the signal reaches, not where you'll always get the fastest speeds — you might be in a covered area but still experience 4G speeds if you're far from a tower or indoors.

5G deployment is ongoing, and carriers continue to add coverage in new areas. If 5G isn't available where you live now, it may become available in the coming months or years as the network expands.

How 5G affects battery life and data usage

5G uses more power than 4G, which means your phone's battery will drain faster when you're connected to a 5G network. The exact impact depends on how much you're using the network and which type of 5G you're on — mmWave uses more power than sub-6 GHz because the signal is weaker and your phone has to work harder to maintain the connection.

If battery life is a concern, you can turn off 5G in your phone's settings and use 4G LTE instead. This will slow down your data speeds but will extend your battery life. Some phones also have a "5G auto" mode that switches between 5G and 4G depending on what you're doing, which can help balance speed and battery use.

Regarding data usage, 5G itself doesn't use more data than 4G for the same activity. However, because 5G is faster, you might download or stream more content without realizing it, which could increase your overall data consumption. If you have a limited data plan, monitor your usage even if you have 5G available.

5G security and privacy considerations

5G networks use the same security standards as 4G LTE, including encryption for data in transit. Your carrier's network is protected, and your phone connects securely to it. That said, 5G is not inherently more secure than 4G — the security depends on how the network is set up and maintained.

When you connect to public WiFi networks (which are separate from 5G cellular networks), your data is not automatically encrypted. If you're on public WiFi, use a VPN if you're handling sensitive information like passwords or financial details. This applies whether you're on 4G, 5G, or any other network.

One thing to be aware of: some older security software may not work optimally on 5G networks. If you use antivirus or security apps on your phone, make sure they're up to date so they work properly with your network connection.

The difference between 5G cellular and 5G home internet

5G cellular is the network you access on your phone when you're out and about. 5G home internet is a separate service that some carriers offer as an alternative to cable or fiber internet for your house. They both use 5G technology, but they work differently.

5G home internet requires a 5G tower nearby your home and a compatible device that connects to that tower. The device then broadcasts WiFi to your computers, tablets, and other devices inside your home. This works well if you have strong 5G coverage in your area, but if the signal is weak or blocked by obstacles, your home internet speeds will suffer.

5G cellular on your phone is designed for mobile use and works across multiple towers as you move around. 5G home internet is stationary — it's tied to one location and one tower. If you're considering 5G home internet, check your carrier's coverage map first and ask about their return policy in case the signal isn't strong enough at your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5G dangerous or bad for your health?

5G uses radio frequencies that are regulated by the FCC and are considered safe at the power levels used in wireless networks. The frequencies 5G uses are not ionizing radiation, which means they don't have enough energy to damage DNA. If you have concerns about radio frequency exposure, you can reduce your exposure by using speakerphone, texting instead of calling, or keeping your phone away from your body when possible.

Will my 4G phone stop working when 5G rolls out?

No. 4G LTE networks will continue to operate alongside 5G for many years. Your 4G phone will keep working, though you won't be able to connect to 5G networks. Carriers have announced plans to keep 4G networks running through at least the mid-2020s, so there's no rush to upgrade.

Does 5G cost more than 4G?

5G doesn't automatically cost more. Most carriers include 5G access in their standard phone plans at no extra charge. However, some carriers offer premium plans with higher data limits or faster speeds that cost more. Check your carrier's plan details to see what's included in your current plan.

Can I use 5G if I have an unlimited data plan?

Yes, 5G works with unlimited data plans. However, some carriers may slow down your speeds if you use an extremely high amount of data in a single billing cycle, even on unlimited plans. Check your carrier's terms to see if there are any thresholds for deprioritization.

What happens if I'm in an area with no 5G coverage?

Your phone will automatically switch to 4G LTE, which is still available in most places. You'll get slower speeds, but your phone will continue to work normally. When you move back into a 5G coverage area, your phone will switch back to 5G automatically.