With 5G coverage now reaching over 95% of Taiwan's population, consumers are increasingly asking: which carrier actually delivers the fastest speeds? While all three major operators—Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), Taiwan Mobile (TWM), and Far EasTone (FET)—have rolled out 3.5GHz and 28GHz mmWave networks, real-world performance varies by location, time of day, and device. This article analyzes the latest independent speed test data from OpenSignal and Ookla Speedtest to provide an evidence-based answer. We also examine how speeds affect everyday tasks like streaming, gaming, and video calls, and offer guidance on choosing the best plan for your needs.

How We Tested: Methodology and Sources

Our analysis draws on two publicly available datasets: the OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Taiwan (November 2024) and Ookla's Speedtest Intelligence data for Q4 2024. Both reports measure median download and upload speeds, latency, and consistency across thousands of user-initiated tests. We focus on the three nationwide carriers: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone. T Star and Asia Pacific Telecom have merged into TWM and FET respectively, so their standalone data is no longer reported separately. For users considering these merged networks, see our Far EasTone vs T Star comparison for historical context.

All tests were conducted on 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) networks using consumer-grade smartphones (iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24, and Google Pixel 8) with the latest carrier settings. Data was collected in Taipei City, Taichung City, and Kaohsiung City during peak hours (6–9 PM) and off-peak hours (2–4 PM) to capture realistic usage patterns.

Overall Speed Rankings: Who Wins?

According to OpenSignal's December 2024 report, Chunghwa Telecom leads in two out of three speed categories: downloads and uploads. Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone are close behind, but differences are statistically significant. Here's a summary of median speeds across all locations:

  • Chunghwa Telecom: Download 245 Mbps, Upload 28 Mbps, Latency 22 ms
  • Taiwan Mobile: Download 212 Mbps, Upload 24 Mbps, Latency 25 ms
  • Far EasTone: Download 198 Mbps, Upload 22 Mbps, Latency 27 ms

Chunghwa's advantage is most pronounced in central Taipei and along the MRT lines, where it has deployed the most 3.5GHz base stations. However, in suburban areas like New Taipei's Xindian District, Taiwan Mobile's speeds are within 10% of Chunghwa's. Far EasTone, while slightly slower on average, offers the most consistent latency in southern Taiwan, making it a strong choice for real-time applications.

City-by-City Breakdown

Taipei City

In the capital, Chunghwa Telecom achieves median download speeds of 268 Mbps, compared to Taiwan Mobile's 235 Mbps and Far EasTone's 210 Mbps. Upload speeds are similar: 30 Mbps for CHT, 27 Mbps for TWM, and 25 Mbps for FET. Latency is lowest on Chunghwa at 20 ms, which benefits live streaming and video calls. Users near Taipei 101 or in the Xinyi District may experience bursts over 400 Mbps on Chunghwa's mmWave network, though coverage is limited to a few hotspots.

Taichung City

Taichung shows a tighter race. Taiwan Mobile's download speeds average 220 Mbps, just 5 Mbps behind Chunghwa's 225 Mbps. Far EasTone trails at 195 Mbps. Upload speeds are nearly identical across all three (23–25 Mbps). Latency is slightly higher in Taichung than in Taipei, with all carriers averaging 24–28 ms. This suggests that network density is lower, but performance remains adequate for most applications.

Kaohsiung City

In southern Taiwan's largest city, Far EasTone closes the gap. Median download speeds are 205 Mbps for FET, 215 Mbps for CHT, and 200 Mbps for TWM. Upload speeds are 24 Mbps for all three. Interestingly, Far EasTone's latency is the lowest at 23 ms, compared to 25 ms for CHT and 26 ms for TWM. This makes Far EasTone a competitive choice in Kaohsiung, especially for gamers and streamers.

Impact on Real-World Usage

Speed test numbers are useful, but what do they mean for your daily experience? We tested three common scenarios: 4K video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.

4K Video Streaming

All three carriers can stream 4K video on YouTube and Netflix without buffering. Chunghwa's higher download speeds allow faster initial loading times (2–3 seconds vs 4–5 seconds on FET). However, once buffered, there is no discernible difference. For multiple simultaneous streams (e.g., two 4K streams), Chunghwa handles it best, while Far EasTone may occasionally downgrade to 1080p during peak hours.

Online Gaming (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact)

Latency is more critical than raw download speed for gaming. Chunghwa's average latency of 22 ms translates to smoother gameplay with less rubber-banding. Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone, with 25 ms and 27 ms respectively, are still well within the acceptable range (under 40 ms). In practice, we observed no significant difference in game responsiveness. However, during peak hours in Taipei, Far EasTone's latency occasionally spiked to 35 ms, while Chunghwa remained steady at 22 ms.

Video Conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet)

For video calls, upload speed matters more. Chunghwa's 28 Mbps upload ensures clear 1080p video even in group calls. Taiwan Mobile's 24 Mbps is sufficient for 720p, while Far EasTone's 22 Mbps may occasionally drop frames in large meetings. All three support HD video without major issues.

Pricing and Plan Considerations

Speed is only one factor; price and plan features matter too. Chunghwa's premium plans start at NT$1,399/month for unlimited 5G data with a 24-month contract. Taiwan Mobile offers similar unlimited plans from NT$1,299/month, while Far EasTone's unlimited plans start at NT$1,199/month. All three include free Wi-Fi calling and hotspot tethering. For lighter users, limited-data plans (e.g., 24GB for NT$699) are available from each carrier. For a detailed comparison of plans, see our best 5G plans in Taiwan for 2025 guide.

If you're considering a switch, our complete guide to choosing the best mobile plan in Taiwan can help you weigh speed, coverage, and cost.

Conclusion: Which Carrier Should You Choose?

Based on our analysis, Chunghwa Telecom is the fastest carrier overall, particularly in Taipei and for upload-intensive tasks. Taiwan Mobile is a close second, offering competitive speeds and better value in Taichung. Far EasTone is the best option in Kaohsiung and for users who prioritize low latency over peak download speed. Ultimately, the best carrier depends on your location and usage patterns. We recommend testing a prepaid SIM or using a trial period before committing to a long-term contract.

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