Best Internet Providers for December 2024
The year's almost over, but it's never too late to switch broadband providers. CNET has all the details you need.
Our Experts
- Master's degree in Cinema Studies from NYU and interviews with Conan O'Brien, Stan Lee and some of his biggest Star Trek childhood idols
Our picks
90001 Edit ZIP code
Searching for the best broadband provider can be daunting if you don't know where to start. That said, we've gathered our top picks of the best internet service providers for December based on pricing, speeds, service terms and connection types. Here's all the details you need to know.
What's the best internet provider overall?
Many factors set one internet provider apart from another. Availability is a major factor, as are connection types, speeds, pricing and service terms like data caps and equipment fees. Plus, a solid customer service record lets us know that customers are in good hands. Only a handful of internet providers meet our expectations across all these categories.
Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber are two providers that stand out as the best internet service providers overall. Those in the Northeast will have a tough time finding a better ISP than Verizon Fios, while many in the South and Midwest will find AT&T Fiber to be the best. As we often say in our ISP reviews, fiber internet service almost always trumps other internet connection types, so don't hesitate to sign up if you can get fiber internet at your address.
There are times when cable internet, like that of Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox, is a better option. Cable is often a solid choice for cheap internet or if you're interested in bundling internet and TV or internet and mobile. Cable internet also boasts the greatest availability of any non-satellite connection type, often making it the best option if there are no fiber providers in your area.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service providers across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also closely read providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the plan charts display the offerings most common to most areas. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Locating local internet providers
Best internet service providers in the US
AT&T Fiber
Best fiber internet provider
Our take - It's not the cheapest internet provider, but in terms of overall value, AT&T Fiber is one of the best. Considering cost-per-Mbps, a good indicator of value, AT&T Fiber is better than most. Free equipment rental, unlimited data and no set price increases add to the provider's overall value.
AT&T Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| AT&T Fiber 500 Read full review | $65 | 500Mbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review | $80 | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review | $145 | 2Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review | $245 | 5Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Spectrum
Best cable internet provider
Our take - Fiber offers the most bang for your buck, but a cable connection is the next best thing if fiber isn't an option. Spectrum is the provider offering cable internet service in the country that I'd be happiest to see available at my address.
Spectrum plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum 500 Internet Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps download, 20Mbps upload | Modem free; $10 for router (optional) | None | None |
| Spectrum Gig Internet Read full review | $70 | 1,000Mbps download, 35Mbps upload | Modem and router free | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Best rural internet provider
Our take - T-Mobile Home Internet has the greatest nationwide coverage of any single internet provider, boasting a 60% availability, according to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission. That's why we voted T-Mobile as the best rural internet provider of 2024. When you're rurally located, your chances of getting cable or fiber are much lower. To avoid the high costs and traditionally slow speeds of satellite internet, T-Mobile is an excellent alternative.
T-Mobile Home Internet plans and prices
| Plan | Max speeds | Starting monthly price | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | 72-245Mbps download, 15-31Mbps upload | $50 ($30 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | None | None | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Plus Read full review | 72-245Mbps download, 15-31Mbps upload | $70 ($50 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Verizon Fios
Best internet provider for customer care
Our take - Verizon lands near the top of the American Customer Satisfaction Index's rankings of internet providers year after year, and it's been one of the strongest finishers with J.D. Power for multiple years running, too.
Verizon Fios plans and prices
| Plan | Max speeds | Starting monthly price | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fios 300 | 300Mbps download, 300Mbps upload | $50 | None | None | None |
| Fios 500 | 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload | $75 | None | None | None |
| Fios 1 Gig | 940Mbps download, 880Mbps upload | $90 | None | None | None |
| Fios 2 Gig | 2,300Mbps download, 1,500Mbps upload | $110 | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
WideOpenWest
Best internet provider for value
Our take - WideOpenWest is a relatively small provider that offers services in six states. It earns the exclamation point it likes to stick at the end of its branding by offering cable internet plans at some of the best prices you'll find anywhere in the US. That includes an entry-level 300Mbps plan that starts at $30 per month, reaching all the way up to a high-speed 1,200Mbps plan at $95 monthly. That's a stellar cost per Mbps of just 8 cents, which is unheard of in the cable category. In some areas, for an extra $5 a month, WOW offers price-lock to your chosen plan to protect against sudden price increases.
WOW Internet plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data Cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOW Internet 300 Read full review | $30 | 300Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| WOW Internet 600 Read full review | $45 | 600Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| WOW Internet 1 Gig Read full review | $60 | 1,000Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| WOW Internet 1.2 Gigs Read full review | $95 | 1,200Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Honorable mentions
Quantum Fiber
Worth a look if service is available
Our take - CenturyLink offers DSL internet plans across 16 states, but roughly half of the coverage map also has access to its sibling company's fiber plans, branded as Quantum Fiber. It's worth noting that speeds and pricing vary slightly by market. Overall, the plans offer decent cost per Mbps, with the entry-level plan starting at $45 monthly for matching upload and download speeds of 200Mbps (22 cents per Mbps), all the way up to $165 a month for 8 gigabits with matching speeds of 8,000Mbps. There are no data caps or contracts with those plans, and, best of all, the ISP offers a price-for-life guarantee, pledging to never raise your rate for as long as you keep your plan.
Quantum Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber 200 | $45 | 200Mbps download, 200Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber 500 | $50 | 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber 940 | $70 | 940Mbps download, 940Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber 2 Gig | $95 | 2,000Mbps download, 1,000Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber 3 Gig | $100 | 3,000Mbps download, 3,000Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber 8 Gig | $165 | 8,000Mbps download, 3,000Mbps upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Rise Broadband
Convenient alternative rural internet provider
Our take - Pickings can be frustratingly slim when shopping for an internet plan in a rural area because most of the best internet infrastructure in the country is centralized in population-dense cities and the suburban neighborhoods surrounding them. If you live outside a region like that, your home probably isn't wired for fiber or cable. Instead, you'll have to make do with slower, less reliable and more expensive technologies, and you'll likely have fewer options to choose from too.
Rise Broadband plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Broadband 50 Read full review | $55 | 50Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | $10 modem; $15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
| Rise Broadband 100Mbps Read full review | $75 | 100Mbps download, 15Mbps upload | $10 modem; $15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
| Rise Broadband Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps download, 300Mbps upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
| Rise Broadband Fiber 500 Read full review | $70 | 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
| Rise Broadband Fiber 1000 Read full review | $55 | 1Gbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Xfinity
Fast and reliable option
Our take - Comcast is the biggest name in cable, and the company offers its Xfinity internet service to over 100 million people in the US -- more than a third of the country. Subscribers will find a great variety of plans and packages to choose from, including download speeds of up to 2,000Mbps that are available across the majority of the sprawling coverage map (or, if you're lucky, plans with multi-gig speeds of up to 10Gbps that are available at a small percentage of addresses). In addition, Xfinity consistently earns above-average customer satisfaction scores, too.
Xfinity plans and prices (varies by region)
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20-$30 | 150Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | 1 year |
| Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $25-$35 | 300Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Fast Read full review | $50-$55 | 500Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Superfast Read full review | $60-$65 | 800Mbps download, 15Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $65-$75 | 1Gbps download, 20Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $70-$85 | 1.2Gbps download, 35Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $90 | 2Gbps download, 200Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
| Xfinity Gigabit Pro Read full review | $300 | 10Gbps download and upload | $20 gateway rental | None | 2 years |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Google Fiber
Great value for high-speed internet
Our take - It's been over a decade since Google first announced that it would bring fiber internet service to select regions across the country -- and it's been an interesting ride ever since. After initially rolling out across 11 metro areas, Google struggled to build the service beyond that. It paused its efforts in 2016, leaving disappointment across dozens of cities where the company had teased prospects for future fiber expansions.
Google Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber 1 Gig Read full review | $70 | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| Google Fiber 2 Gig Read full review | $100 | 2Gbps download, 1Gbps upload | None | None | None |
| Google Fiber 5 Gig Read full review | $125 | 5Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| Google Fiber 8 Gig Read full review | $150 | 8Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
| Google Webpass Read full review | $70 ($63 with a yearly plan) | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Viasat
Best if you're stuck with satellite
Our take - Satellite internet is typically slow, laggy and temperamental in inclement weather, so I'd explore other options if you've got them. That's the issue; too many of us don't have other options, and satellite internet from established names like Viasat and Hughesnet are available just about everywhere.
Viasat plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat Unleashed Read full review | $100-$150 | Up to 150Mbps, 3Mbps upload | $15 or $250 one-time purchase | None (850GB soft cap) | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Ziply Fiber
Off to a strong start
Our take - Ziply Fiber is a relative newcomer to the fiber scene after acquiring fiber-optic infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest from Frontier. The service launched in 2020 amid the pandemic, offering relatively affordable fiber plans to customers across parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Ziply Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Internet (DSL) | $75 | 1-115Mbps download, 7Mbps upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 100/100 | $10 ($20 after three months) | 100Mbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 300/300 | $30 | 300Mbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber Gig | $50 | 1Gbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 2 Gig | $60 | 2Gbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 5 Gig | $80 | 5Gbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 10 Gig | $300 | 10Gbps download and upload | $15 router (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 50 Gig | $900 | 50Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other broadband providers compared
The broadband beat keeps our team busy, but we'll continue evaluating internet providers and updating this post as new options emerge. Please note that the plans below show each provider's cheapest available tier. The maximum speed is the top advertised speed for that given plan, but it might not be available in your area. Overall, the best selection for you -- and the most cost-effective plan -- might be a different tier that provides a faster speed at a higher price but a better value. To more fully understand this value-based approach, check out CNET's guide to examining the cost per Mbps.
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Cost per Mbps | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altafiber Fioptics 100 | $35 | 100Mbps | 35 cents | None |
| Armstrong Zoom Express Read full review | $35 | 25Mbps | $1.40 | $11 (optional) |
| Astound Broadband 300 Read full review | $20 | 300Mbps | 7 cents | None |
| AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps | 18 cents | None |
| AT&T Internet Air Read full review | $60 ($47 with an eligible AT&T wireless plan) | 225Mbps | 27 cents | None |
| Brightspeed Fiber 200 | $39 | 200Mbps | 19 cents | None |
| CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Read full review | $55 | 100Mbps | 55 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Cox Go Faster Internet | $50 | 250Mbps | 50 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Earthlink Fiber 100 Read full review | $40 | 100Mbps | 40 cents | $10-$15 |
| Frontier Fiber 200 Read full review | $30 | 200Mbps | 15 cents | None |
| GoNetspeed 500 | $40 | 500Mbps | 8 cents | $10 (optional) |
| Google Fiber 1 Gig Read full review | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 7 cents | None |
| Hughesnet Select Read full review | $50 | 50Mbps | $1 | $15 monthly or $300 one-time purchase |
| Kinetic Fiber 300 | $50 | 300Mbps | 16 cents | $11 (optional) |
| Mediacom Xtream Internet 250 Read full review | $20 | 250Mbps | 8 cents | $14 (optional) |
| Metronet 150 Read full review | $35 | 150Mbps | 23 cents | None |
| Nomad Unlimited Read full review | $100 | 100Mbps | $1 | None |
| Optimum 300 Read full review | $40 | 300Mbps | 13 cents | None |
| Point Broadband Performance Plus | $59 | 300Mbps | 13 cents | $14 (optional, free in select locations) |
| Quantum Fiber 200 | $45 | 200Mbps | 22 cents | None |
| Rise Broadband 50 Read full review | $55 | 50Mbps | $1.10 | $10 modem; $15-25 router (optional) |
| Sparklight Connect 100 Read full review | $40 | 100Mbps | 40 cents | $15 |
| Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | 500Mbps | 10 cents | Modem free; $10 for router (optional) |
| Starlink Standard Read full review | $120 | 150Mbps | $1.20 | $349 one-time purchase |
| Starry Internet 200 Read full review | $40 | 200Mbps | 20 cents | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Unlimited Read full review | $50 | 245Mbps | 20 cents | None |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps | 17 cents | None |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps | 17 cents | None |
| Viasat Unleashed Read full review | $100 | 150Mbps | 66 cents | $15 or $250 one-time purchase |
| WOW Internet 300 Read full review | $30 | 300Mbps | 10 cents | None |
| Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150Mbps | 13 cents | $15 (optional) |
| Ziply Fiber 100/100 | $10 in the first three months, $20 after | 100Mbps | 20 cents | $15 (optional) |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to choose the best internet service provider for your home
Finding the right ISP for your household isn't easy. This is especially true if you live in a rural or underserved portion of the US. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine the download and upload speeds necessary to meet your needs. With that knowledge, you can better tackle plan pricing that will fit your budget and broadband demands.
For more comprehensive tips on finding the top internet plan for your household, check out CNET's 10 tips to help you get the most out of your internet service.
Download and upload speeds
For most of us, our internet use mainly focuses on our download speeds. It determines how easily we can stream the latest hit Netflix show or how fast we can load our favorite Amazon shopping page. The slower your download speeds, the longer it takes to do tasks on the internet. For example, Netflix suggests 15Mbps or higher to watch programming in ultra HD (to take full advantage of that 4K TV you bought).
As for uploads, most of us couldn't care less about our upload speeds before the pandemic. Once we started excessively video chatting with friends and family, taking Zoom calls with business colleagues and sending files and homework to our bosses and teachers, we discovered its importance too.
Considering what types of activities dominate your household will affect what level of download speed you'll need. Do you work remotely from home? Are you living in a household full of kids with their own devices? Have you recently downsized and are an empty nester?
Plan pricing
At first glance, you might think it would be easy to spot good plan pricing. The cheaper the monthly fee, the better the price, right? Maybe. Because internet providers are not the most transparent (a Consumer Reports broadband study from late 2022 noted that customers found internet bills to be "extremely confusing"), one low monthly rate might not equal the next.
Keep on the watch for promo rates that expire quickly. That means the enticing starting price won't last, and you may pay more in the long term. Also, look for hidden fees and or pricing traps that may add to your monthly expenses. For example, some providers don't include equipment rentals in their monthly rates. That could add another $5 to $15 to your monthly bill.
Lastly, one good way to determine value is by examining the cost per megabit per second. You might find a 75Mbps plan for $20 monthly from one provider and a 250Mbps plan for $30 monthly from another. Before you sign up for that $20 plan, consider that the cost per Mbps is just under 27 cents. The 250Mbps plan, on the other hand, chimes in at 12 cents per Mbps, so it's a better value -- more than 50% cheaper per Mbps -- and you get more than three times the download speed.
Customer satisfaction
Just as you might search the internet for recommendations on a good local restaurant, it can be helpful to research customers' experiences with an ISP before you sign up. CNET has found it helpful to lean on the annual ISP surveys from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, but many resources are out there. Learning about constant network interruptions, a negligent help desk or frequent billing mistakes can be valuable info for choosing (or avoiding) certain providers.
Internet connection types
There are six major types of internet available: fiber, cable, 5G, fixed wireless, DSL and satellite. Each of these internet technologies provides different quirks and benefits. Our CNET experts share their experiences with each internet connection type to better illustrate some of the differences.
For a thorough breakdown of each, check out CNET's guide on internet connection types.
Fiber
Fiber internet is the gold standard if you can get it. It's often called "future-proof," meaning that it offers some of the fastest plans available and features symmetrical download and upload speeds. It's more reliable than cable and is less prone to outages or network congestion. AT&T, Google and Verizon are among the major players that offer fiber-optic internet. To learn whether this connection is right for your household, read our review on fiber internet.
Cable
Cable internet supplies your internet connection through the same cables (often a hybrid fiber and copper line) that providers use for TV services. It's more reliable than satellite internet and offers faster download speeds. Often, cable internet is bundled with TV to get consumers to buy higher-priced packages to get a deal on internet service. Companies like Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity offer cable internet.
5G home internet/Fixed wireless
5G home internet and fixed wireless go hand-in-hand: 5G home internet services are fixed wireless internet services. Not all fixed wireless services are 5G home internet offerings. Fixed wireless service means the connection between your provider and home is not wired. That fixed wireless connection can come via cellular networks or satellite. Fixed wireless networks tend to be slower and more laggy than wired connections. The promise of 5G home internet from companies like Starry, T-Mobile and Verizon is speeds that match up favorably to cable connections.
DSL
DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to users. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Frontier offer DSL internet. The good news is those copper lines are prevalent across the country. The not-so-good news is that download speeds fall short of what cable internet can offer. In some cases, your speeds might even be slower than satellite internet.
Satellite
Satellite internet is the one broadband connection type currently available to people in the rural areas of all 50 states. As a solid alternative for those without access to DSL, cable or fiber internet, satellite internet links a modem in your home to a satellite in space, sending the internet back to Earth.
How CNET chose the best internet providers
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for what they're paying?
- Are customers happy with their service?
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What's the final word on the best internet providers?
Finding the right ISP is easier said than done, especially if you live in a rural part of the country with limited options for getting online. Fiber internet is almost always the best internet connection type, we recognize that many Americans don't currently have access to fiber internet.
Some providers we listed might not be the perfect fit for your situation. Often, the best provider is simply the one available at your address. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine your broadband demands.
Best internet providers FAQ
What's the cheapest way to get internet?
That depends.
One of the cheapest ways to get internet service is through permanent government programs available for low-income families, as well as for seniors and students. To find out what low-cost internet programs are available at your address, check out our low-income state-by-state internet guide.
Lastly, you can try negotiating with your current internet provider to secure a lower rate on your broadband service. Or you can keep your eyes open for internet providers that offer cheap internet, broadband deals or other internet promotions each month.
What's the fastest internet provider?
The good news is it's now common to find gigabit plans offered by almost all major ISPs. As we often say, the fastest internet service for you will depend on your location and specific address. Xfinity and Optimum often extend the fastest plans available for residential homes, with a 10,000Mbps and an 8,000Mbps plan, respectively. Those aren't as widely available and may require a site survey to ensure serviceability.
In 2022, a Chattanooga, Tennessee, provider announced it was offering a 25Gbps plan. Although that's impressive, Ziply Fiber recently released a 50-gigabit plan. That's ridiculously fast and pretty cool, though you probably don't need that much speed in your household. To avoid paying for speeds you don't need, read our guide on how much speed your household needs.
What is the most powerful internet company?
If fast is what you’re looking for, Ziply Fiber has two of the fastest internet plans of any major ISP, with advertised symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 10,000Mbps and 50,000Mbps. If you're more interested in customer care and value, Verizon offers the best sign-up bonuses among high-speed internet providers.
What provider has the best Wi-Fi coverage?
Since internet providers tend to operate in specific areas, the provider with the best Wi-Fi coverage will depend on where you live. Currently, T-Mobile Home Internet is available in 49 states and has 98% nationwide coverage.
What internet speed do I need?
In March, the FCC raised the minimum standard of "broadband speeds" to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. Most providers now offer a gigabit plan, but most households won't need that much speed. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, the average American household uses approximately 520Mbps download speeds (although nearly 33% of households get less than 200 to 400Mbps). Does that mean you'll need that much? Not necessarily. The internet speed you need will depend on how many people use the internet in your home and for what activities.
Should I self-install my internet or have a professional do it?
Most internet providers offer a self-installation option, where they'll mail you your home internet equipment after you sign up for service, and you'll set it up yourself on your own time. In most cases, the process is straightforward, with clear instructions on how to plug everything in correctly. In some cases, opting for self-installation can save you money, too.
All of that makes self-installation a great option for homes that don't require much labor to get a network up and running -- for instance, if you're setting up a cable internet modem and your home already has the necessary coaxial wiring running through your walls. Check with your provider when you sign up to see if it's an option for you, how much work it would entail and how much money you could save compared to letting the pros handle it.
What is a Tier 1 ISP?
Tier 1 internet providers have direct access to the network, letting them offer services directly to customers without relying on other providers. A few Tier 1 ISPs include AT&T, Verizon and CenturyLink, which all have extensive networks and complete control of their network and routing.
How many ISPs are there in the US?
Approximately 2,000 ISPs operate in the US, including national, regional and local providers. Some offer nationwide coverage, but others cater to specific areas or communities.
Which internet service providers offer bundles?
If you’re considering home internet and TV service, bundling can save you time and money. Companies like AT&T, Cox Communications and Frontier offer internet and television packages, but you can read more at CNET's list of the best internet and TV bundles and or internet and mobile bundles. Other providers like Astound, Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon may offer to bundle your internet with a mobile plan.
Home Internet Guides
- Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address
- See what exact plans are available at your home
