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CNET
11-06-2025
- CNET
What Is 5G Home Internet and Is It Good Enough for Your Home?
For most Americans, internet service providers are a constant source of stress and notoriously one of the country's lowest-rated industries. ISPs rank lower than social media, the US Postal Service and even airlines. It's not hard to see why. A recent CNET survey found 63% of Americans paid more for internet service last year than they had the year before. On top of that, wading through confusing details like hidden fees, yearly price hikes, contracts, service details and multiple speed tiers can make for a frustrating experience. Folks in rural America know even more acutely how difficult it can be to find a good ISP. Depending on their location and address, some may feel there are hardly any options at all. It would be a real step forward if 5G could emerge as a viable broadband option for traditionally underserved parts of rural America. As CNET alum Rick Broida put it after he tested T-Mobile's service, "Imperfection is a lot more tolerable when you're paying less than half what you were before." To that point, according to a recent J.D. Power report, 5G home internet can be a cheaper and more accessible internet connection type than cable or fiber. It may not produce the fastest speeds, but customers are willing to overlook that. CNET has reviewed all the primary 5G home internet services, and we have the details on how they work, what speeds you can expect, what it costs and where it's available. What is 5G home internet? Simply put, 5G stands for the fifth generation. The fifth generation of what? It's the fifth generation of wireless data networks. You're probably most familiar with hearing 5G used to describe better mobile communications and speedier phones. You're not wrong: 5G networks, which use different radio frequencies than previous generations, aim to provide faster data speeds with much less lag or delay than we had with 4G. However, while 5G cellular service might be available on your phone, 5G home internet is not as widely available. Is 5G home internet fast? My former CNET colleague Eli Blumenthal does a great job of breaking down the basics of 5G. Millimeter-wave technology uses higher frequencies than previous generations, providing faster speeds and connections. Those higher gigabit speeds come with a price: the data doesn't travel the same distance as 4G and has more trouble with obstructions. To combat that, midband technology, which offers speeds averaging between 300 and 400 megabits per second, increases the coverage area provided by millimeter-wave. Finally, low-band 5G offers a range similar to 4G but speeds between 100 and 200Mbps. Locating local internet providers Are 5G home internet and 5GHz the same? Nope. One common mistake is to see the "5GHz" setting on your Wi-Fi router and assume you have access to 5G. Wi-Fi routers also use short-range radio frequencies (typically either 2.4GHz or 5GHz) to transmit your internet signal to connected devices within your home. 5GHz might be one of the band options for your home's Wi-Fi system, but it's not the same as 5G, a cellular technology that uses higher-frequency waves. Cable, DSL and fiber internet plans require wires connecting your home to the provider's grid. Fixed wireless services, like 5G, connect your home to a provider's network over the air. Taylor Martin/CNET Why does 5G home internet stand out? Most ISPs deliver internet service via phone lines or cables connecting your home to a more extensive network. This includes common internet connection types like digital subscriber lines (DSL), coaxial cable and fiber-optic internet, which are all wired connections from your provider to your home. 5G home internet, on the other hand, is a fixed wireless internet service, which means that the connection between your provider and your home is not wired. With 5G, you will need an indoor or outdoor 5G receiver at your house to pick up the signal. It's similar to satellite internet, but instead of beaming in a signal from satellites orbiting in the night sky, it's relaying information from a much closer wireless hub. Although you're using the same 5G network as your mobile phone, the gateway is specific to your location and cannot be used elsewhere. Which providers offer 5G home internet? 5G is still being deployed across the country. Therefore, the number of providers offering any 5G home internet plan is relatively limited. Your 5G home internet options are AT&T Internet Air, Starry, T-Mobile and Verizon. All prices listed on this page reflect available discounts for setting up paperless billing. If you decide not to go with automatic monthly payments, your monthly bill will be higher. Now, let's explore what each offers. AT&T Internet Air Price range $60 per month Speed range 75-225Mbps Connection Fixed Wireless Key Info Equipment included, no contracts, no overage fees AT&T Internet Air uses AT&T's 5G wireless network and features download speeds between 90 and 300Mbps. The setup process is as simple as plugging in your router, setting up the Wi-Fi network and figuring out the best location in your home. CNET's broadband expert Joe Supan discovered this at home, taking him only 11 minutes to set up. When it comes to latency, AT&T Internet Air is on par with T-Mobile, Starry and Verizon, featuring a latency between 30 to 65ms. The straightforward pricing (just one plan for $60 or $47 when bundled with an eligible AT&T wireless plan), terms of service and decent speeds make Internet Air a reliable option for many customers with access to it. The Internet Air router is included in your monthly cost, so there's no additional equipment or installation fee. AT&T offers mesh Wi-Fi extenders for an additional $10 monthly for improved connection. There are no overage fees, data caps or contracts. What AT&T Internet Air lacks, however, is the same availability as its competitors. Although it's available across 48 states, many of those locations boast equal availability for AT&T's fiber internet option, which outpaces fixed wireless in terms of fast, reliable speeds and cost per Mbps. Read our AT&T Internet Air review. See at AT&T AT&T Internet Air plans and pricing Plan Monthly price Max speeds Fees and service details AT&T Internet Air Read full review $60 ($47 with an eligible AT&T wireless plan) 90-300Mbps down, 8-30Mbps up No equipment fees, overage fees or contracts Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address Starry Internet plans and pricing Plan Monthly price Max speeds Fees and service details Starry Connect Read full review $15 30Mbps download, 30Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 100 Read full review $30 100Mbps download, 50Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 200 Read full review $40 200Mbps download, 50Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 300 Read full review $45 300Mbps download, 50Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 500 Read full review $55 500Mbps download, 250Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 800 Read full review $70 800 download, 250Mbps No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Starry 1 Gig Read full review $85 1,000Mbps download, 50Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Show more (2 items) Shop providers at my address T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plans and pricing Plan Monthly price Max speeds Service details T-Mobile Rely Internet Read full review $50 ($35 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) 87-318Mbps download, 14-56Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts T-Mobile Amplified Internet Read full review $60 ($45 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) 133-415Mbps download, 12-55Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts T-Mobile All-In Internet Read full review $70 ($55 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) 133-415Mbps download, 12-55Mbps upload No equipment fees, data caps or contracts Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address Verizon 5G Home Internet Price range $50 - $70 per month Speed range 85 - 1,000Mbps Connection Fixed wireless Key Info Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment Verizon's 5G internet service, which uses Ultra Wideband 5G technology, boasts maximum download speeds of up to 1 gigabit and average speeds of around 300Mbps. Upload speeds are not symmetrical and will plateau at 50Mbps or less because Verizon does not exclusively use millimeter-wave technology, but rather a mix of low-band, mid-band and millimeter-wave. Verizon 5G Home Internet pricing is $50 a month for 50 to 300Mbps or $70 monthly for 85 to 1,000Mbps, plus some extra perks. Unlike most ISPs, you can expect a two to three-year price lock. Either way, it's an all-in price that includes equipment, setup fees and taxes. Like all other Verizon plans, it requires no contracts or data caps. Verizon offers many promos and deals to sweeten the pot for potential customers. First, plans come with a price lock. In addition, if you switch to Verizon, eligible customers can receive an early termination fee credit of up to $500. Second, 5G Home Plus customers can choose either $400 off select Samsung products or get a free JBL PartyBox On-The-Go. Lastly, customers with qualifying Verizon mobile plans will get a discount on the monthly cost of either plan, bringing them down to $35 or $55 monthly. Read our Verizon 5G Home Internet review. See at Verizon Verizon 5G Home Internet plans and pricing Plan Monthly price Max speeds Fees and service details Verizon 5G Home Read full review $50 ($35 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) 300Mbps download, 20Mbps upload Unlimited data, no contracts or equipment fees Verizon 5G Home Plus Read full review $70 ($55 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) 1,000Mbps download, 75Mbps upload Unlimited data, no contracts or equipment fees Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address Who can get 5G home internet? Let's not sugarcoat this: 5G home internet service is not yet available everywhere. While the list of cities seems to expand nearly every month, most are larger US cities. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is the most widely available service among the three highlighted providers, with coverage of 60%, according to the FCC. While Verizon's 5G home internet service is now available to 40 million homes, T-Mobile leapfrogged that by expanding its fixed wireless service to over 50 million households. Still, T-Mobile acknowledges it does not have unlimited availability across those locations due to network capacity. Verizon's 5G Home Internet is currently offered in approximately 900 markets or 19% of the country. Although the total number of households in which it is available is less than T-Mobile's, it does cover more cities. AT&T Internet Air is not quite as widely available as T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet. The service is still slowly expanding but making decent progress, available to nearly 100 locations in 48 states and covers just over 14% of the country. Starry Internet is available in Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, DC serving only 1% of the country, according to the FCC. So, is 5G home internet for you? The first thing to say is what we always say regarding ISPs: No matter how good the service, it's all moot if it's unavailable at your address. 5G technology is still being rolled out nationwide, so we should expect to see some bumps in the road as that effort continues. Still, 5G home internet availability is increasing at a pretty rapid pace. The affordable, straightforward pricing is vastly appealing and it's what jumps off the page for me. Time will tell if that trend holds as availability continues to expand. 5G home internet FAQs Is 5G home internet cheaper than other connection types? 5G home internet is one of the more affordable options available considering the decent download speeds that current plans average. T-Mobile averages just over 100Mbps, Starry chimes in at 200Mbps and Verizon's median speed is 300Mbps. The lowest monthly cost among the three main providers is $15 (Starry's low-cost option) and the highest is $70 (T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet Plus without the mobile discount). Each provider's monthly costs include all fees, taxes, equipment and installation charges. So the monthly charge you see is the monthly charge you pay. Lastly, none require term contracts, so you won't have to fear any early termination fees. Is 5G fast enough for home internet? In theory, 5G should enable a speedy connection that will match or improve what you get with cable or fiber internet. That's usually not the case regarding the reality of 5G home internet. To increase the reliability and coverage of the 5G internet service, most providers rely on a mix of millimeter-wave, low-band and midband technology -- as well as 4G LTE in some cases -- and this means home internet customers won't see the real high-end capabilities of 5G at present. You should see well over the average speeds of your typical DSL and satellite internet plans. What does the 'G' stand for in 5G? It simply means generation. In other words, 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's latest iPad Air just dropped to a record-low price — get $100 off
If you've been in the market for a new tablet for watching movies, scrolling social media or doing a little work from the couch, we have great news: the iPad Air is just $499 right now. That's $100 off the base model in all colors: space gray, blue, purple and starlight. Wondering what the differences are between a smartphone, a desktop computer and an iPad, and what exactly you might need from an Apple tablet? We have you covered — check out our guide to the best iPad of 2025. Apple tech rarely goes on sale, so when the prices drop, it's worth taking a look, especially when you can save $100. It's the lowest price ever for this model! You might be thinking, "I've got a phone. I've got a laptop. Why do I need a tablet?" This iPad is a sweet spot between the two, especially for anyone who's craving extra computing power that the regular iPad and the iPad mini don't offer. Need a little more than the touchscreen and onscreen keyboard? It's compatible with both the wireless Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (the first version), so writing and drawing are a breeze. Reading and watching videos on the iPad's 11-inch screen is much more enjoyable than on your phone as well. "You know how a Corvette will get you where you're going, fast and in style, the same way a Lamborghini will? That's my take on the iPad Air, " says Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida. "Ultimately, the Air makes a good choice for anyone seeking a pro-level iPad without the Pro's price." (The Pro, if you're wondering, starts at $899 on sale — ouch.) The latest iPad Air is so new that it's still amassing Amazon reviews — but a whopping 86% of them are a perfect five stars. "I use this daily for reading books, email, typing/writing and many more daily activities," said this Apple enthusiast. "I was concerned that the screen was too small, but it is so clear and bright. I am amazed and the size is perfect for my needs. The battery life is great and even using it on a brighter setting, it lasts more than a day." An entrepreneur found that the newest iPad was perfect for their business. "I recently upgraded to the 2025 iPad Air ... and it has exceeded my expectations. The M3 chip makes everything incredibly smooth — whether I'm running multiple apps for my small business, sketching ideas for custom cakes or streaming content." "Familiar yet faster and more powerful. I purchased this to replace my 8th generation iPad," said another repeat buyer. "I'm an amateur photographer and wanted the extra power and speed of the M3 processor for editing very large photos in the field. On my older iPad, some of the large files caused the unit to close the Photoshop app unexpectedly. I have had no problems with this iPad Air M3 with any large files. What I love the most about it is it is a painless transition from my older iPad. It just has extra speed and power. I'm new to Apple Intelligence but really look forward to incorporating it in my photo editing." While the iPad Air is more powerful than the regular iPad and the iPad mini, it still pales next to the iPad Pro. "I have a 2019 iPad Pro 11 first-gen, so the specs are not impressive with the new iPad Air," cautioned a four-star reviewer. "That being said, it is as snappy as it gets." Speaking of critiques, here's what Broida had to say: "As for performance, the Air will more than satisfy the vast majority of users. Only if you're capturing and editing a lot of video should you consider going Pro." But he added, "If you already own an Apple Pencil 2, it won't work here. For shame, Apple." (The first-gen Apple Pencil is compatible, however.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
CNET
16-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Out of Breath Going Up Stairs? We Found Out Why and How to Make It Easier
Do you ever find yourself trying to catch your breath after walking up the stairs? If so, you're not alone. It's a phenomenon that frequently spawns questions on Reddit, with people wondering if it's normal. Even those who are in good health and work out regularly often get winded when going upstairs. That's because becoming winded from stair climbing isn't a sign that you're out of shape or need to exercise more. In fact, it happens to everyone -- even athletes who have dedicated their lives to fitness. Walking up a set of stairs can make anyone winded. And if you want to try to solve this issue, there are some exercises you can do and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your endurance. Why do I get winded when going upstairs? If you check your heart rate, it's likely to have spiked. Rick Broida/CNET The fancy medical term for what's happening when you get winded climbing stairs is "exertional intolerance." While approaching stairs, you're not warmed up -- your muscles are cold, your heart rate is low and your body is not ready to move suddenly. When you start climbing, you're essentially doing single-leg squats with some cardio mixed in, and your heart rate quickly skyrockets. Your body suddenly needs more oxygen -- hence the feeling of being winded. Another reason why it affects you so strongly is that walking upstairs uses your fast-twitch muscles, which are used for explosive movements, and muscles like your glutes that you may not commonly train. If you're an endurance cardio nut like me, you're in great shape, but sustained exercise like this uses slow-twitch muscles. So, it won't transfer over super well to exercises like stair climbing. If you've been hitting the gym regularly but the stairs are still giving you trouble, don't fret that you're not in good shape. There are plenty of other ways to measure your overall health and fitness, including your heart rate or other metrics like body composition and strength. Read more: Best Running Shoes for Women How to make going up the stairs easier Lunges will help you conquer the stairs with ease. Getty Images If getting out of breath while climbing stairs is really putting a damper on your life, there are steps you can take to lessen the annoyance. I'm not going to suggest that you jog in place for a moment to warm up before ascending a short staircase with your boss, but here are a few ways you can prepare yourself ahead of time. First, incorporate stair-specific exercises into your workout routine to train your body for the stimulus. Exercises such as sprints, jumps or other explosive movements will help with the sudden exertion. To train your glutes and legs, try bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges. If you're looking for exercises to do to improve endurance, consider the following: Biking Hiking Brisk walking or running Rowing Swimming laps If you smoke cigarettes, it's almost certainly contributing to your windedness. Although e-cigarettes are touted as a healthy alternative, preliminary studies suggest that vaping also damages your lungs. What is VO2 max? Used to test aerobic endurance or cardiovascular fitness, VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilize during exercise. It is measured in milliliters of oxygen consumed in 1 minute, per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min). VO2 max is measured with a mask and heart rate monitor that are hooked up to a treadmill or stationary bike. Because of this, you will need proper equipment to get an accurate measure of your VO2 max. If you think this is a measurement you can benefit from, especially if you're working on your endurance while climbing stairs, consult your doctor for their opinion. There may be VO2 max testing at a health center or gym near you. When to call your doctor If you think your windedness is out of the range of normal, call your doctor. Getty Images If you're debating whether or not to call a medical professional, you're better safe than sorry. One major warning sign to look out for is chest pain that comes on when you get winded -- it could be a sign of heart disease or a coronary blockage. The doctor will do a stress test, and if you do have a blockage, there's a simple procedure to fix it. Swollen feet and ankles or coughing are other signs there may be something wrong with your heart. Another reason to seek medical help is if getting winded from basic activities is affecting your daily life -- for example, if you avoid walking short distances. Or, if the situation doesn't get better once you start exercising more, it may be time to consult a doctor or physical therapist.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Record-low price alert: The latest Apple iPad Air is on sale at Amazon
If you've been on the market for a tablet — something to watch movies on, scroll social media or do a little work from the couch — we have great news: the iPad Air is just $499 right now. That's $100 off the base model in all the colors: space grey, blue, purple and starlight. Wondering what the differences are between a smartphone, a desktop computer and an iPad, and what exactly you might need from an Apple tablet? We have you covered — check out our guide to the best iPad of 2025. Apple tech rarely goes on sale, so when the prices drop, it's worth taking a look, especially when, as is the case with the iPad Air, you can save $100. It's the lowest price ever! You might be thinking, "I've got a phone. I've got a laptop. Why do I need a tablet?" This iPad is a sweet spot between the two, especially for anyone who's craving extra computing power that the regular iPad and the iPad mini don't offer. Need a little more than the touchscreen and onscreen keyboard? It's compatible with both the wireless Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (the first version), so writing and drawing are a breeze. Reading and watching videos on the iPad's 11-inch screen is much more enjoyable than on your phone as well. "You know how a Corvette will get you where you're going, fast and in style, the same way a Lamborghini will? That's my take on the iPad Air, " says Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida. "Ultimately, the Air makes a good choice for anyone seeking a pro-level iPad without the Pro's price." (The Pro, if you're wondering, starts at $999 — ouch.) The latest iPad Air is so new, it only has a handful of Amazon reviews so far — most of them a perfect five stars. The previous version, meanwhile, racked up hundreds of five-star ratings for its sleek design and powerful performance. "I really like this iPad Air!" raved a happy customer of the previous gen Air. "It's beautiful, lightweight and has plenty of storage and features! Since my M1 only had 64 GB, it was easy to fill up. But with this new beauty, I can add as many apps as I wish!" Other than storage, the ability to use the Apple Pencil is a big selling point, especially for digital artists. "I love to draw, so I mainly use it for [the] Procreate [app]. The battery life is great. I can draw [for] almost a whole day or two on one charge," said a five-star reviewer. "The weight is incredible. It feels like nothing." This entrepreneur found that the newest iPad was perfect for their business. "I recently upgraded to the 2025 iPad Air ... and it has exceeded my expectations. The M3 chip makes everything incredibly smooth — whether I'm running multiple apps for my small business, sketching ideas for custom cakes or streaming content." While the iPad Air is more powerful than the regular iPad and the iPad mini, it still pales next to the iPad Pro. "I have a 2019 iPad Pro 11 first-gen, so the specs are not impressive with the new iPad Air," cautioned a four-star reviewer. "That being said, it is as snappy as it gets." Speaking of critiques, here's what Broida had to say: "As for performance, the Air will more than satisfy the vast majority of users. Only if you're capturing and editing a lot of video should you consider going Pro." But he added, "If you already own an Apple Pencil 2, it won't work here. For shame, Apple." (The first-gen Apple Pencil is compatible, however.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
The newest iPad just dropped to $299 — with double the storage of the last model
The newest iPad, the 11th-gen, features twice the storage of the old model, a gorgeous 11-inch screen and is already on sale, even though it's only been out for a couple of months. It's $50 off, bringing it down to $299. If you've been waiting for the right moment to upgrade from a sluggish, overworked unit, consider this your sign. Whether you use it for streaming, working or endlessly scrolling, snagging the latest model at a discount. Significant discounts on Apple's iPads are rare, which makes scoring the newest generation at a lower price a huge win. Read more: The best tablets for 2025 The best iPad for 2025 The best e-reader for 2025 It's an ultra-light, thin tablet that's powerful enough to replace your laptop for most tasks but slips into your bag with room to spare. With a spacious 11-inch Liquid Retina display, you're swiping and scrolling in vibrant color and sharpness that makes any screen that came before it feel like an old tube TV. If you've got a habit of toggling among a dozen apps, streaming videos and replying to messages simultaneously, you're in for a treat. This iPad is ready to keep up with whatever you throw its way. And if you're into gaming, the graphics capabilities mean you can play even demanding games without dropping a frame. And let's talk accessories — with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (both of which, as you would expect, work like a dream with this model), you can turn it into a creative platform or an after-hours work station whenever you feel the urge. The only thing it can't do is support Apple Intelligence. For that, you'll have to snag an iPad Air, iPad Pro or the iPad mini. This iPad is so new, it only has a handful of reviews, but the previous version, which is remarkably similar — other than the fact that, as mentioned, it has half the storage — has received nearly 23,000 ecstatic reviews from fans plus an endorsement from our trusted tech tester, Rick Broida. "There's just something about the iPad," Broida says. "While it may be two years old, there's no denying the iPad 10.9's appeal, starting with a slightly larger screen inside a frame that's roughly the same size as before. Gone is the home button; in its place, a power button that supports Touch ID. And if you're tired of the bland silver and space-gray color choices, the 10th-generation iPad adds blue, pink and yellow options to the mix." Rick went on to say, "Apple also made a bunch of under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port. (So long, Lightning!) None of these upgrades are what I'd consider must-haves, but they do make an already excellent tablet even better." This five-star review comes from a longtime fan: "This is an excellent update for my daughter's ancient iPad. She's constantly exclaiming about how much faster this one is, how easily it runs games, and how beautiful the graphics are. We've had zero technical issues with it, and like most Apple devices, set up was a total breeze. [The] 10th generation is neat because of the color choices. The pink one was such a hit. The battery life is pretty awesome. She can watch shows or play games for hours and hours without having to plug it in." "As I get older, vision challenges make it inconvenient to spend a lot of screen time on my iPhone — whether it's checking emails, Facebook posting or playing games," began one buyer. "I decided to bite the bullet and move up to the iPad, and although it's only been a couple of weeks, I'm extremely pleased with my investment (and it was an investment, as I went with the newer model and higher memory). It's extremely convenient and the screen is amazingly clear." "No Face ID is ridiculous at this point," carped this customer, "and the fingerprint scanner being located in the power button, while fast-acting, isn't as handy as when it was easier to access on the front panel." If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
