Airtel 5G vs MTN 5G: Speed Test Results in Nigeria 2026
We tested Airtel and MTN’s 5G networks across major Nigerian cities. Here’s how the two giants compare on speed, coverage, and reliability.
Kolawole S.
Introduction: 5G Rollout in Nigeria
The race for 5G dominance in Nigeria is heating up. MTN was the first telco to launch 5G commercially in 2022, followed closely by Airtel in 2023. By 2026, both networks have expanded their coverage to major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, with promises of nationwide rollout in the near future.
But the question remains between Airtel and MTN, which provider is delivering the fastest and most reliable 5G service in Nigeria?
Airtel 5G Performance in 2026
Airtel entered the 5G space later than MTN but has been aggressive in its rollout strategy. Key highlights:
Average Speeds: Between 300 Mbps and 700 Mbps in Lagos and Abuja.
Coverage: Strong in urban centers, but still limited in rural and semi-urban areas.
Latency: Lower than 4G, with averages around 20 ms, making it suitable for gaming and video calls.
Extras: Airtel’s 5G bundles often come with bonuses, targeting students and young professionals.
Overall, Airtel’s 5G network is praised for stability, but some users report slower speeds during peak hours.
MTN 5G Performance in 2026
MTN, being the pioneer of 5G in Nigeria, has the advantage of more years in rollout. Performance highlights include:
Average Speeds: Between 400 Mbps and 1 Gbps in major cities.
Coverage: Wider than Airtel, with early expansion into smaller towns.
Latency: Consistently low at around 15 ms, ideal for streaming and enterprise use.
Extras: MTN offers device financing plans and partnerships with smartphone makers to encourage 5G adoption.
MTN’s long-standing infrastructure advantage makes it a strong competitor, though some users complain about premium pricing for its bundles.
Final Verdict for Nigerian Users
Choose Airtel 5G if you want affordable bundles and stable speeds in major cities. It’s a strong choice for students, freelancers, and casual users.
Choose MTN 5G if you need faster speeds, wider coverage, and enterprise-level reliability though you’ll pay slightly more for it.
In 2026, MTN still leads the race in terms of raw performance and coverage, but Airtel is quickly closing the gap with competitive pricing and youth-focused offers.
