5G home internet vs. DSL internet: What’s the difference?

Yes, we realize it’s 2025, but for some unknown reason, not only do we still need to talk about DSL internet, we need to write an entire blog about it. It’s still a thing and it’s still an option for internet, so we’re gonna dive in and see if it’s a worthy adversary to 5G home internet. So raise your landlines (if you got ‘em) and let’s get this 5G home internet vs. DSL thing going, shall we?

What is 5G home internet?*

If you don’t know what 5G actually means, it’s a global wireless standard that stands for the fifth generation of cellular network technology… we know, not very creative. Basically, 5G is the latest cellular technology, delivering data at faster speeds than previous generations while also having the capability to handle a greater number of devices. So, if we apply that to how 5G home internet works, you would be connecting to the 5G cellular network wirelessly through a receiver, not through a cable coming out of the wall. You’ll have a SIM card and a service duration, just like with phones, and a 5G gateway device to convert the incoming signal to Wi-Fi in order to connect your devices.

What is DSL internet?

This is a tricky one, but DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It’s a high-speed internet option that uses existing telephone lines in homes and businesses to transmit data. It does require a DSL modem to work and the performance/speed depends on the length of the cable connecting your location to the nearest telephone provider location. **

While there are a couple types of DSL transmissions, the main one you need to know about is Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, or ADSL, which is primarily a residential option for families who surf the internet and receive a lot of data, but don’t send very much out. You’ll get faster download speeds over the same line as the voice service.

5G home internet vs. DSL internet: Pros & cons

This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for… some straight up facts that we can bring to trivia nights everywhere.

5G home internet pros:

• Easy installation. All you need is a gateway — an all-in-one device that, in most cases, you can set up yourself — meaning there’s no separate modem, router, or cables to deal with, and definitely no need to wait around for a cable guy between the hours of 9:00 and f#!-all (we said ‘fox’). 
• Fast internet speeds. If you have good 5G coverage in your area, you can expect low latency and fast speeds across multiple connected devices. 
• More affordable than traditional options. Unlike traditional cable, satellite and DSL internet, with all their tangled cables, rooftop dishes and other extra equipment, 5G home internet doesn’t require much equipment to support it, which usually means a lower cost and fewer fees. Also, providers like yours truly offer unlimited 5G home internet with no long-term subscription contracts. 
• Reliable 5G coverage. Powered by the same cellular network that your smartphone uses.
  

5G home internet cons:

• Coverage matters. Since there’s no dedicated wired connection, availability and 5G performance can fluctuate based on tower distance and network congestion. 
• Environmental interference. 5G signals are more prone to getting affected by environmental factors like terrain, structures and weather conditions than traditional broadband services. 
• Network maturity. The 5G cellular network is still expanding and isn’t currently available in all areas just yet (though their coverage network is growing all the time).  

DSL internet pros↟:

• Wide availability. Even in rural areas, DSL should be an option available to you (try saying “rural” out loud, btw).
• Reliable speeds. Having a dedicated connection means you can enjoy a consistent experience.
• More affordable wired option. Compared to cable and fiber optics, DSL tends to be easier on the ol’ wallet.

DSL internet cons:

• Limited bandwidth. If you plan to do lots of online gaming or high-def video streaming, DSL’s lower bandwidth may not be the best option.
• Unreliable connections. Especially if you live farther from the service provider.
• Dead zones in the home. DSL is a wired connection (old telephone lines) so dead zones are a potential issue of DSL internet. 

Is 5G home internet faster than DSL internet?

The correct answer is… yes, 5G home internet is ultimately faster.  DSL connection travels through copper wires, which slows it down a bit, or more than a bit, actually. Typical DSL speeds range from 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps↡, while 5G home internet typically hits 100 – 300 Mbps.

Is 5G home internet better than DSL internet?

If by “better,” you mean it depends on your specific needs, budget and location, then yes. Though, while a great option for some, DSL is being phased out by most major internet providers (replacing copper wires with faster, more reliable fiber optic or 5G wireless tech), so there’s that. 

If you’re trying to decide on what’s the best home internet option for you, you’ll want to consider a few things first:

• What’s available to you: Explore all your options and if 5G home internet is on the table, make sure to check the availability and coverage of the networks in your area

• Assess your needs: You’ll want to pick the option that best supports what you use the internet for most frequently (think streaming, gaming, video conferencing, online shopping, etc.)

• Compare costs: If you’re on a budget, you definitely have affordable options available to you

5G Home MINTernet FTW

If you’re in the mood for more home internet battle royales, you can check out our 5G home internet vs. cable internet and 5G home internet vs. satellite internet articles to literally know everything there is to know about home internet options. And if 5G seems to be speaking to you at the moment, you can take a peek at our new 5G Home MINTernet, which is basically just one giant DSL dis track.

_{*https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-5g-home-internet/}

_{**https://computer.howstuffworks.com/dsl.htm}

_{↟https://broadbandnow.com/guides/dsl-vs-cable-vs-fiber}

_{↡https://www.allconnect.com/blog/theoretical-speed-limit-of-internet}