Data speeds are like gasoline for your car—the more data speed you have, the faster you can go. Okay, that’s not how gasoline in cars work, but you get what I’m trying to say. The more data speed you have, the more quickly you can pull up YouTube videos, refresh Twitter, and upload your Instagram stories.

Now let's take a look at the fastest data speeds from the big three major wireless carriers.

What are the fastest wireless speeds?

T-Mobile
: Fastest Average Download Speeds
T-Mobile
: Fastest Average Upload Speeds

Data speed averages across the country

These were the average upload and download speeds we got from the major carriers.¹

Download speed experience

Upload speed experience

Source: Mobile Network Experience Report, Opensignal

In summary, here’s the average download and upload speeds among the major three wireless networks.

T-Mobile
- Average download speed: 54.1 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 10.5 Mbps
Verizon
- Average download speed: 30.2 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 8.2 Mbps
AT&T
- Average download speed: 35.3 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 6.7 Mbps

T-Mobile currently owns the award for the fastest average download and upload speeds. It’s a close second between AT&T and Verizon (with T-Mobile taking the crown) for the title of fastest average wireless download speeds. In the end, T-Mobile pulls ahead with an 18.8 Mbps faster download speed average than AT&T.

Recap: T-Mobile reigns supreme

T-Mobile remains owning the championship for both download and upload speeds. If data speeds make all the difference to you, T-Mobile offers the most bang for your buck. Here’s how T-Mobile looks on the pedestal.

T-Mobile
- Average download speed: 54.1 Mbps
- Average upload speed: 10.5 Mbps

Now all eyes are on AT&T and T-Mobile to swing back and take control of the fastest speeds title. We’ll report back when we collect enough data.

Increase your data speeds with a reliable Wi-Fi connection

Regardless of your wireless provider, you can always get faster speeds on your phone with a reliable Wi-Fi connection. These days we’re all spending more time at home, so a faster internet connection will probably make the whole household happier.

5 Best home internet options

Provider	Monthly price	Download speeds	Data cap	Learn more
Xfinity Internet	$19.99–$79.99*	50–1200 Mbps	1.2 TB	View Plans
Verizon Fios Home Internet	$49.99–$119.99†	300–2048 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
AT&T Fiber	$55–$180‡	300–5000 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
CenturyLink Internet	$50–$65^	100–940 Mbps	Unlimited	View Plans
Viasat Internet	$30–$169.99°	12–100 Mbps	12–150 GB	View Plans

Data effective 11/11/21. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

* For the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.

† w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

‡ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.

^ New customers only. Rate requires paperless billing and excludes taxes. Additional fees apply.

° For the first 3 months.

Sources

Written by

Tyler Abbott

Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.