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Search Internet Providers by Zip Code

We’ve built a comprehensive database of all the internet service providers across the United States.

Enter your zip code to find the best internet providers near you.

Which internet provider has the cheapest internet?

 

Xfinity offers  some of the cheapest home internet out there, with plans priced at $20 per month in some areas. Other national providers come close, with plans in the $30 range.

Check out our guide to cheap internet to get the best price on Wi-Fi for your home.

ProviderCheapest Plan PriceSpeedOrder online
Xfinity $20.00/mo.*75MbpsView Plans
Verizon Home Internet $49.99/mo.
w/ Auto Pay
300MbpsView Plans
$55.00/mo.#300Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet $50.00–$70.00/mo.***72–245MbpsView Plans
Mediacom $19.99/mo.**250MbpsView Plans
WOW! $30.00/mo.§100MbpsView Plans
Cox Communications $50.00/mo.100MbpsView Plans
Frontier $29.99/mo.200MbpsView Plans
Optimum $40.00/mo.††300MbpsView Plans
Spectrum $25/mo.‡‡50Mbps║║View Plans
$30.00/mo.§§200Mbps

We’ve researched all the best internet providers

HighSpeedInternet.com makes it easy to find the best internet provider in your area, no matter where you live. Find the best prices and fastest Wi-Fi speeds for your address—just enter your zip code in our search tool to see which internet providers are available.

From there, you can easily compare speeds, features, customer reviews, expert ratings, and more. With more than 1,600 high-speed internet providers to choose from, you’re sure to find the best internet option in your neighborhood.

How to find the best internet provider in your area

Enter your zip code below to see a comparison of the best internet providers available near you. Once you know what all your options are, look for fiber and cable internet providers first. Fiber internet provides a fast and reliable connection. Cable internet is a great alternative if fiber isn’t in your area yet.

Which internet providers have the highest customer ratings?

ProviderCustomer rating*Cheapest planOrder online
Google Fiber 4.3$70.00/mo.View Plans for Google Fiber
Xfinity 3.9$20.00/mo.*View Plans for Xfinity
3.9$55.00/mo.
Verizon Home Internet 3.9$49.99/mo.#
w/ Auto Pay
View Plans for Verizon Home Internet
Sparklight 3.8$35.00/mo.†††View Plans for Sparklight
Cox Communications 3.7$50.00/mo.||View Plans for Cox Communications
Spectrum 3.7$25/mo.§§View Plans for Spectrum
3.6$30.00/mo.††
Windstream 3.6$24.99/mo.‡‡
w/ Auto Pay
View Plans for Windstream
WOW! 3.6$30.00/mo.##View Plans for WOW!
3.6$20.00/mo.‡‡‡
Frontier 3.5$29.99/mo.§
w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill
View Plans for Frontier
EarthLink 3.3$49.95/mo.**View Plans for EarthLink
Optimum 3.3$40.00/mo.|View Plans for Optimum
Mediacom 3.3$19.99/mo. ***View Plans for Mediacom
3.1$99.99–$119.99/mo.|||
2.9$49.99/mo.§§§

  What is the fastest internet in my area?

The fastest accessible internet service in your area depends on where you live. Fiber internet from providers like Google Fiber, CenturyLink, AT&T, Frontier, and Verizon is the fastest and best internet connection if it’s available in your area.

More fiber plans are now available at speeds up to 10,000Mbps, although most commonly top out at 1,000Mbps, which is more than enough speed for the vast majority of households. Fiber internet also supports symmetrical upload and download speeds—great for the following:

  • Remote workers who need to upload large files to the corporate server
  • Twitch live streamers
  • households where multiple people join video calls at the same time

Cable internet from providers such as Xfinity, Sparklight, and Spectrum is the most widespread fast connection type. Cable internet plans reach up to 1,200Mbps, but you may see speeds limited to only 200–500Mbps in some areas. However, cable internet speeds are expected to reach 10,000 Mbps in the coming years.

DSL is essentially a step up from dial-up, offering internet speeds up to 140Mbps. It’s the ideal connection if you need only the baseline broadband speed (and if the price is cheap), or if fiber and cable internet aren’t available where you live.

Satellite internet can reach speeds up to 100Mbps, but it’s expensive and offers low data caps. But satellite internet might be your fastest option if you live in a rural area.

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Which internet provider has the fastest speeds?

ProviderMax SpeedPrice for fastest planLearn more about speeds providers offer
Google Fiber 8,000Mbps$150.00/mo.§View Plans
Optimum 8,000Mbps$280.00/mo.†††View Plans
5,000Mbps$245.00/mo.*
Ziply Fiber 5,000Mbps$300.00/mo.View Plans
Frontier 7,000Mbps$299.99/mo.View Plans
Verizon Home Internet Up to 2,300Mbps$109.00/mo.#
w/ Auto Pay
View Plans
Windstream 2,000Mbps$99.99/mo.††††
w/ Auto Pay
View Plans

Want to see if you can get the fastest internet providers in your area?

Run a search with our zip code tool to find out.

Closer look at top internet providers: Plans, pricing, and features

$55.00–$245.00/mo.

  Speeds: 225–5,000Mbps

Connection types: Fiber, fixed wireless

Customer satisfaction rating: 3.9/5

Read AT&T customer reviews

AT&T: Best promotional deals

Pros

  • Fast fiber plans
  • No annual contracts
  • No data caps on fiber plans

Cons

  • Limited fiber availability
  • No DSL for new customers

 

AT&T is a major internet service provider in the U.S. with a large footprint across the country. This internet provider is mostly available in California, Texas, the South, and the Midwest and offers fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless internet.

AT&T’s fiber is a rapidly growing option for households, giving you super-fast internet and symmetrical download and upload speeds. If a fiber plan isn’t available where you live, AT&T also has DSL and fixed wireless internet.

AT&T has plans with fair prices, receives great customer satisfaction ratings, and offers regular promotions. It also doesn’t require an annual contract, so you can cancel your plan any time.

Read Full Review

Best Deal
  • Get six months of gig speed internet free from AT&T Fiber when you bundle with mobile phone service and buy a smartphone on an installment plan.

  • Get AT&T ActiveArmorSM advanced internet security and extended Wi-Fi coverage (if needed) with purchase of a 2 Gig or 5 Gig fiber internet plan.

  • Get a gift card worth up to $200 when you order fiber internet online.
  • See All Deals
    Best PlanInternet 300 for $55.00/mo.See All Plans

    $20.00–$120.00/mo.

    Speeds: 75–2,000Mbps

    Connection type: Cable

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.9/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Xfinity: Best cable speeds

    Pros

    • Wide availability
    • Cheap options
    • Easy self-installation

    Cons

    • Limited availability on fastest plans
    • Confusing regional price differences

     

    Xfinity is one of the fastest internet providers with nationwide coverage, reaching the East Coast, South, and Midwest. Xfinity is primarily a cable provider that offers fast and reliable internet. Cable isn’t quite as fast or reliable as fiber internet, but it is more widely available, making it the most likely best option in your area.

    With Xfinity’s variety of plans, households can choose one that fits their needs without paying for more speed than necessary. Depending on where you live, Xfinity’s wide range of internet plans can vary in price and options.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
    • Get $100 in bill credits when you switch to Xfinity Mobile and bring your own phone. Deal ends Nov. 12, 2024.
    • Get Wi-Fi equipment included for 24 months.
    • Get two years of Peacock Premium when you sign up for a Gigabit or Gigabit plus plan.
    See All Deals
    Best PlanFast internet plan for $55.00/mo.See All Plans

    $25–$70/mo.

    Speeds: Up to 50–1,000Mbps
    (wireless speeds may vary)

    Connection types: Cable, fiber

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.7/5

    Spectrum: Most flexible

    Pros

    • Simplified list of plans
    • No modem rental fee
    • No data caps

    Cons

    • Price hikes after promo period
    • Extra charge for WiFi (Premier)

    Spectrum is a cable internet provider with some fiber that streamlines your options to just four plans, making the choice simple. It’s available in areas where other cable providers aren’t, so it’s a solid option if your area lacks fiber and you want faster speeds than DSL.

    You can get the 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps plans anywhere Spectrum provides cable and fiber internet. However, the 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans target qualifying low-income households and are not available in all areas.

    Spectrum’s introductory prices are on par with other cable providers with similar plan speeds, and you can get an even cheaper discount by pairing internet with TV and/or mobile services. Standard rates apply when the promotional period ends (up to 36 months), costing you up to $30 per month more for internet alone.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal

    Get a three-year price lock when you sign up for a 500Mbps internet plan and bundle with mobile and TV.

    Get the Deal
    Best PlanSpectrum Internet® Premier 500Mbps for $60/mo.*See All Plans

    Back to all providers
    *Includes Spectrum Advanced WiF

    $49.95–$189.95/mo.

    Speeds: 10–5,000Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL, fixed wireless

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.3/5

    Earthlink: Best customer satisfaction

    Pros

    • Highly rated customer service
    • Wide variety of plans
    • Expansive coverage

    Cons

    • 1-year contracts
    • Higher plan prices

     

    Earthlink is one of the most expansive internet service providers in the U.S., offering fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless plans in all 50 states. Earthlink rents space on other internet provider networks instead of building its own infrastructure, allowing the provider to focus more on the customer experience.

    Customers report high satisfaction with this internet provider, and you have a wide variety of plans to choose from with speeds ranging from 10Mbps up to 5,000Mbps. Earthlink’s prices are on the higher end, but it can still be a good option for customers who appreciate hassle-free internet.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet a gift card worth up to $200 when you sign up for Earthlink fiber internet.Get the Deal
    Best PlanEarthlink Fiber 1 Gig for $74.95/mo.See All Plans

    $30.00–$75.00/mo.

    Speeds: 100–940Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.6/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Centurylink: Best for package simplicity

    Pros

    • No contracts or data caps
    • Affordable fiber plans
    • Wide DSL availability

    Cons

    • No multi-gig internet plans
    • Limited fiber availability

     

    CenturyLink offers two types of internet plans: DSL and fiber. Its DSL is more widely available than its fiber plans, but if you are lucky enough to have fiber in your area, you can get gigabit internet for $75 a month. CenturyLink only has one fiber plan and lacks any multi-gig fiber plans.

    If you live in a rural area with limited internet options, CenturyLink’s DSL isn’t as fast as its fiber, but it comes at an affordable price.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
  • Get $100 for you and a friend when you refer them to CenturyLink. Plus, get a $10 donation to your choice of charity.

  • Get free installation when you sign up for a fiber internet plan with 940Mbps speeds.
  • Best PlanCenturyLink’s Fiber Internet 200Mbps for $30.00/mo.See All Plans

    $50.00$70.00/mo.***

    Speeds: 72245Mbps

    Connection type: Fixed wireless

    Customer satisfaction rating: 4.1/5

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Best for cord cutters

    Pros

    • Cheap monthly flat fee
    • No price hikes and no data caps
    • High customer satisfaction ratings

    Cons

    • Occasional slowdowns
    • Speeds dependent on 5G reception

     

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers one fixed wireless plan, but it comes at an affordable price and with fast enough speeds for smaller households.

    T-Mobile’s internet plan operates on a fixed wireless network, so there are no cords or cables to worry about. If you live in an area with excellent 5G reception, fixed wireless can be a good alternative to cable or fiber.

    T-Mobile 5G Home Internet makes it easy to try with a simple sign-up process, trial period of 15 days, and extra perks and deals on streaming.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
  • Get free Wi-Fi Gateway rental included with monthly pricing.

  • Get a free upgrade to Home Internet Plus when you sign up for internet service.
  • Get the Deal
    Best PlanT-Mobile 5G Home Internet Unlimited for $40.00/mo. with a Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta® MAX phone planGet the Plan

    $50.00–$150.00/mo.

    Speeds: 100–2,000Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, cable

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.7/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Cox: Best for reliability

    Pros

    • Fast and reliable internet service
    • No-contract plan options
    • Great customer service

    Cons

    • Data caps on plans

     

    Cox is a cable internet provider and is widely available throughout the U.S. Customers rate their service highly even though Cox’s plan prices aren’t as competitive as other cable internet providers. With Cox, you have a variety of options to choose from depending on your speed needs, as well options to bundle with TV and mobile.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
    • Save $15 per month when you bundle internet service with Cox Mobile.
    • Get free Panoramic Wi-Fi equipment for one year with a plan of 100Mbps or enjoy it free for two years with a plan of 250Mbps or faster.
    Get the Deal
    Best PlanCox Go Faster for $70.00/mo.See All Plans

    $49.00–$94.99/mo.

    Speeds: 50-100Mbps

    Connection type: Satellite

    Customer satisfaction rating: 2.9/5

    Hughesnet: Best for rural households

    Pros

    • Lower non-promotional prices
    • Straightforward pricing

    Cons

    • Lower speeds and data caps than competitors
    • Limited data

     

    Hughesnet is one of the two satellite internet services in the U.S. that offer service to rural areas. Cable and fiber providers often don’t reach rural areas, so satellite might be the only internet option for some people.

    With satellite internet, you often pay higher prices for slower speeds. Hughesnet offers the most affordable satellite internet option and a straightforward pricing structure that makes it easy to choose a plan or purchase additional data. All Hughesnet plans offer the same amount of speed. Where they differ is how much data comes with each plan.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
  • Get a gift card worth $100 when you sign up for a Hughesnet home internet plan by Nov. 29.

  • Save up to $25 every month in your first year of service.

  • Get free professional installation, including Wi-Fi setup and device connection.
  • Best PlanHughesnet FusionSee All Plans

    $69.99–$299.99/mo.

    Speeds: 12–150Mbps

    Connection type: Satellite

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.1/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Viasat: Best one-size-fits-all plan

    Pros

    • No long-term contract
    • Simple pricing
    • Unlimited data

    Cons

    • Speed varies by region
    • Price varies by region
    • High latency

    Along with Hughesnet, Viasat is the other major satellite internet provider. Viasat offers faster speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 150Mbps. Viasat plans come with unlimited data, which is rare for satellite internet, but plans are more expensive than many faster options from cable and fiber providers.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet free installation (with credit qualification) when you sign up for a qualifying home internet plan.
    Best PlanViasat Unleashed $99.99–$119.99/mo.See All Plans

    $40.00–$280.00/mo.

    Speeds: 300–8,000Mbps

    Connection types: Cable, fiber

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.3/5

     

    See disclaimers.

    Optimum: Best introductory prices

    Pros

    • Low promo prices
    • No data caps or contracts

    Cons

    • Price hikes after promotional period
    • Limited fiber availability

    Optimum is primarily a cable internet provider, but it has some fiber availability in the New York tri-state area. If Optimum’s fiber is available in your area, we recommend getting it, since fiber internet is reliable, fast, and has symmetrical download and upload speeds.

    For the first year, Optimum’s plans offer competitive pricing, but prices increase after the promotional period. However, Optimum doesn’t make you sign an annual contract so if the price hikes are out of your budget, you can find another provider after the promotional price ends.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
    • Get a three-year price guarantee plus a $500 gift of your choice when you order the Optimum Triple Play.
    • Get the MAX streaming services included for a year with certain fiber internet and bundle plans.
    Get the Deal
    Best PlanOptimum’s 500 Mbps Fiber Internet for $60.00/mo.See All Plans

    $70–$150/mo.

    Speeds: 1,000–8,000Mbps

    Connection type: Fiber

    Customer satisfaction rating: 4.3/5

    Google Fiber: Fastest tested speeds

    Pros

    • Gigabit and multigigabit speeds
    • No contracts or hidden fees

    Cons

    • Limited availability
    • No plan variety

    Google Fiber provides fast fiber connections for home internet and keeps it simple with four offered plans. The plans are similarly priced in comparison to competitors’ plans with equivalent speeds.

    One downside to Google Fiber is its limited availability, but if it’s offered in your area, we recommend getting it. Google Fiber has a straightforward approach with simple plans and pricing and no hidden or extra fees for things like installation.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet gigabit speeds with no data caps and free installation for $70 per month.Get the Deal
    Best PlanGoogle Fiber 1,000 for $70.00/mo.See All Plans

    $49.99–$109.00/mo.* w/Auto Pay

    Speeds: Up to 300–2,300Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL, fixed wireless

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.9/5

     

    Verizon: Lowest latency

    Pros

    • No annual contracts or data caps
    • Streaming service perks with some plans
    • Excellent fiber speeds for a great price

    Cons

    • Limited fiber availability
    • No DSL for new customers

     

    Verizon is a mobile carrier and internet provider with speedy options. It offers DSL and fixed wireless internet plans, and its fiber plans deliver affordable and reliable high-speed internet service. Fiber plans have symmetrical upload and download speeds, and they’re often a better deal than what cable internet providers offer.

    With excellent promotional prices on fixed wireless plans, Verizon’s Fios home internet service comes with unlimited data, and you can often score additional perks like free streaming subscriptions and rewards cards.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
    • Get $400 off select Samsung appliances at Home Depot when you sign up for Fios 1 Gig, Fios 2 Gig, 5G Home Plus, or LTE Home Plus.
    • Get a price lock of two to four years depending on your internet type and speed.
    • Get free access to VIX Premium for 12 months.
    • Get the Disney Bundle free for 12 months on certain plans.
    • Get Netflix & Max with ads for 12 months or an Xbox Gaming Bundle on certain 5G Home Plus and fiber internet plans.
    • Get up to $500 in cancellation fees covered when you switch.
    See All Deals
    Best PlanVerizon Fios 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo.* w/ Auto PaySee All Plans

    $24.99–$99.99/mo.

    Speeds: 50–2,000Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.6/5

    Windstream: Best mid-tier pricing

    Pros

    • Affordable prices
    • Wide range of plans
    • Coverage in rural areas

    Cons

    • Limited fiber availability
    • Inconsistent pricing across service areas

     

    Windstream is a fast-growing internet provider that offers fiber plans in limited areas and DSL in rural areas. Plans are offered in a variety of speeds, but availability of Windstream’s plans vary by location, so you need to check that it’s available in your area. Windstream is growing its fiber network and making an effort to expand into new areas.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
    • Get a reward card worth up to $200 when you sign up for a 1 GIG or 2 GIG fiber plan.
    • Save $20 per month when you combine a new Kinetic Fiber Internet plan with any new or existing AT&T Wireless plan.
    Get the Deal
    Best PlanKinetic Internet by Windstream 1 Gig for $59.99/mo. w/ Auto PaySee All Plans

    $29.99–$299.99/mo.

    Speeds: 200–7,000Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.5/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Frontier: Best for DSL availability

    Pros

    • Affordable fiber plans
    • Widely available DSL in rural areas

    Cons

    • Limited fiber availability
    • High fees

    Frontier’s DSL internet is more widely available than its fiber, but if Frontier’s fiber is available in your area, it’s the better option with its variety in speeds and affordability. Fiber internet gives you fast and symmetrical speeds, and Frontier’s plans are a great deal and, in some cases, cheaper than cable internet.

    Read Full Review

    Best Deal
  • Get free rental of the Amazon eero router with a qualifying Frontier fiber internet plan.

  • Save $10 per month on your first year of YouTube TV

  • Get a $200 Visa Reward Gift Card when you sign up for the Fiber 2 Gig plan.
  • Get the Deal
    Best PlanFrontier Fiber 500 for $44.99/mo.See All Plans

    $20.00–$300.00/mo.

    Speeds: 100–10,000Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, DSL

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.8/5

    Ziply Fiber: Best budget deal

    Pros

    • Great value gigabit plan
    • Variety of plans
    • No contracts and no data caps

    Cons

    • Price hikes on some plans after 12 months
    • No TV or phone bundles

     

    Along with fiber internet, Ziply Fiber offers DSL plans primarily in the Northwest. DSL internet is typically available in rural areas and provides a slow internet connection, but Ziply Fiber offers an affordably priced plan. Offering super-fast speeds at lower prices than what other providers offer, Ziply Fiber’s plans are a great deal if you can get them.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet your first month free and free installation when you sign up for a Ziply Fiber internet plan.Get the Deal
    Best PlanZiply Fiber Gig for $50.00/mo.See All Plans

    $19.99–$64.99/mo.

    Speeds: 100 Mbps–1,000Mbps

    Connection type: Cable

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.8/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Mediacom: Best promotional prices

    Pros

    • Low promotional prices
    • Gigabit speeds in most areas
    • No contracts

    Cons

    • Data caps
    • Expensive installation
    • High price hikes

    Mediacom is a cable internet provider that offers one of the cheapest internet plans: 250Mbps in speed for just under $20. Unfortunately, like all of Mediacom’s plans, the promotional introductory price goes up after 12 months. Price hikes can range from $10 to $80 per month, depending on where you live and the plan you choose.

    If fiber isn’t available in your area, or your choice is between cable and DSL, we recommend going with cable and one of Mediacom’s variety of plans.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system included for free for one year.Get the Deal
    Best PlanMediacom Internet 500 for $44.99/mo.See All Plans
    Rise Broadband

    $25.00–$75.00/mo.

    Speeds: 25–940Mbps

    Connection types: Fiber, fixed wireless

     

     

    Rise Broadband: Best satellite alternative

    Pros

    • Unlimited data options
    • Low-cost options
    • Coverage in rural areas

    Cons

    • Hidden fees
    • Line-of-sight signal requirement

     

    Rise Broadband is a fixed wireless provider that connects the internet to your home by pointing an antenna on your roof toward a transmitter. It’s a great option for rural areas that lack the infrastructure for wired internet. Rise Broadband has a large coverage area and offers plans for reasonable prices and unlimited data. It also offers affordable fiber connections in select areas.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet flexible packages with unlimited data options and free installation.
    Best PlanRise Broadband 1 Gig Fiber Internet Unlimited for $45.00/mo.See All Plans

    $20.00–$70.00/mo.

    Speeds: 100–1,500Mbps

    Connection types: Cable, fiber

    Customer satisfaction rating: 3.6/5

    Read all customer reviews

    Astound Broadband: Best plan variety

    Pros

    • Cheap promo prices
    • No annual contracts

    Cons

    • Limited fiber availability
    • Price hikes after 12 months

    Astound Broadband is mainly a cable internet provider, but it offers fiber plans in certain markets. You can find Astound on the East Coast and in some parts of Texas and the West Coast. Astound Broadband’s internet plans are a great deal, especially if you can snag a fiber plan. However, after the promotional period is over, you’ll see significant price hikes for your plan.

    Read Full Review

    Best DealGet $75 off your internet bill for each friend you refer to Astound Broadband. No contracts required.

    Use the code SCHOOL or SCHOOL1 to get an Amazon gift card worth up to $100 and 50% off installation.
    Best PlanAstound Broadband 300 Mbps Internet for $20.00–$35.00/mo.See All Plans

     What to look for in an internet provider

    The first step in shopping for home internet is to find out which providers operate in your area. Get a quick list with our zip code tool:

    Once you know what providers you can get, you can narrow it down further by considering price, speed, and connection type.

    Check out our breakdown below on the different types of connections offered by internet providers. If fiber internet is available in your area (and you can afford it), that’s our top recommendation. You can get fast and symmetrical speeds with fiber and usually find a good deal on a plan.

    Understanding how much speed you need for your household is another important consideration. Plans with download speeds of about 100Mbps are good for small households, but you may need more bandwidth for a bigger home. Take our quick speeds needs quiz to find out what speed will be right for you.

    Get tips and more advice for your internet  shopping journey in our guide to choosing an internet provider.

    As you decide, keep an eye out for introductory prices, required contracts, and extra fees. Some providers have incredible deals on internet plans but after a year, monthly prices may double. Always read the fine print.

    Types of nationwide internet service providers

    DSL

    A digital subscriber line (DSL) connection delivers internet over your home phone line, but it won’t tie it up like dial-up. Its maximum speed is just 140 Mbps—faster than dial-up but slower than most cable and fiber plans.

    Pros:

    • More reliable than wireless internet
    • Widely available service

    Cons:

    • Limited upload and download speeds
    • Less reliable than fiber and cable

     Fiber

    Fiber internet sends LED or laser pulses through glass fibers that translate into data. Fiber is the best internet on the market today, capable of speeds up to 10,000 Mbps But its availability remains limited because fiber-to-the-home requires a new infrastructure in your neighborhood versus using existing cable and telephone lines.

     Pros:

    • Ultrafast download speeds
    • Phenomenal upload speeds

     Cons:

    • Limited availability
    • Not easily self-installed

    Cable

    Cable internet uses the same coaxial cable lines that deliver cable television, making it easy to bundle with TV. It’s capable of delivering speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and is available in most neighborhoods.

    Pros:

    • Fast download speeds
    • Widely available

    Cons:

    • Limited upload speeds
    • Less reliable than fiber

    Satellite

    Satellite internet uses transmitters orbiting Earth to beam internet to subscriber dishes on the ground. It’s capable of decent speeds and is widely available, making it a great option for rural areas. The only downside is the long transmission distance, resulting in slower speeds and more lag.

    Pros:

    • Widely available, even in rural areas
    • Good customer service

    Cons:

    • Unavoidable lag
    • Data restrictions

    5G Home Internet

    5G internet uses cellular networks and fixed wireless connections to give you fast speeds at a good price. It’s relatively new, so availability is limited for now. Most providers with 5G internet services give you a break on extra fees, including unlimited data and a router at no extra cost.

    Pros:

    • Fast speeds
    • Affordable prices

    Cons:

    • Speeds slower than mobile traffic
    • Unpredictable speeds

    4G LTE Home Internet

    Like 5G, 4G LTE internet uses a fixed wireless connection over a cellular network to give you decent speeds. It works over 4G networks, so it’s not as fast as 5G but more widely available. Some 4G providers specifically serve rural users and digital nomads, providing internet over travel routers that you can install anywhere. Prices can be steep, but you can also find affordable deals with unlimited data and breaks on extra costs.

    Pros:

    • Unlimited data options
    • Availability in rural areas

    Cons:

    • High prices
    • Unpredictable speeds

    Fixed wireless

    Fixed wireless operates over radio waves, sending a wireless signal directly to an antenna set up in your home. This relatively obscure technology is mostly popular in rural areas where you have few other options. It’s also the backbone of 5G home internet.

    Pros:

    • Great alternative to satellite
    • Cutting-edge technology

    Cons:

    • Few provider options
    • Unfamiliar technology

    FAQ about internet providers

    What internet providers are available in my area?

    What are the different types of internet services available, such as fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and DSL?

    How can I test my internet speed?

    How much does high-speed internet cost?

    What are the data caps for different internet providers?

    Can I get internet service without a contract?

    Do internet providers offer bundles with TV or phone services?

    What is the process for setting up new internet service?

    Are there any promotions or discounts available for new customers?

    How do I troubleshoot my internet connection if it is slow or not working?

    Which internet provider has the best internet service?

    Why do you need my zip code before I can see the available internet services?

    What happens after I enter my zip code?

    What is the best internet provider?

    What provider has the cheapest internet?

    What is the fastest internet service?

    Which internet provider has the biggest coverage area?

    How do I find the best Wi-Fi in my area?

    How do I know if my internet is good?

    Disclaimers

    Internet providers advertising the fastest speeds

    Best internet service providers

    Which internet provider has the cheapest internet?