What Are The Best Internet Service Providers

A fast, reliable internet connection at home is borderline essential these days, especially given the recent uptick in remote work, which seems to be sticking around even equally coronavirus restrictions ease. That means it's more important than always to understand whatever internet options are bachelor at your address -- and, ultimately, to pick the best provider for the job.

Finding the right Internet service provider can be easier said than done, though -- particularly if you live in a rural part of the country with limited options for getting online. That'south why nosotros've spent months evaluating all of the top internet providers in the US, from household names like Comcast and Verizon to piddling guys similar Rising Broadband and WideOpenWest. Our goal is to sift through the sales pitches, speed claims and fine impress to put each provider into context, and to provide you with all of the information you demand to pick out the program that makes the most sense for your home.

To appointment, we've reviewed more than 20 ISPs, and y'all can await united states to go on covering the category throughout 2022. For now, hither are the top providers we'd recommend commencement.

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I of the metrics we like to use to compare value betwixt ISPs is the average price per megabit per second of download speed. A lower cost per Mbps is a good, rough indicator of value -- and with AT&T'southward cobweb internet plans, the boilerplate price per Mbps is just x cents, and that includes your equipment rental.

For comparing, you can expect the average fiber internet plan from Verizon to cost you lot 12 cents per Mbps, while a cobweb plan from CenturyLink volition toll y'all 16 cents per Mbps. Meanwhile, most cable internet plans from names similar Spectrum and Comcast Xfinity volition typically price y'all at least 25 cents per Mbps, if not more than. One other point that'southward worth mentioning: In 2022 AT&T began offering multi-gig plans with concurrent upload and download speeds of two and v gigabits per second.

All of that is to say that AT&T'due south cobweb plans are a terrific value -- especially since none of them come up with any contracts or information caps. On summit of that, AT&T was tiptop-ranked for customer satisfaction in 2021 from both the American Client Satisfaction Index and from J.D. Power. The telecom behemothic'southward DSL and fixed wireless plans are much less impressive, merely if AT&T fiber is available at your accost, consider yourself lucky, because in that location really isn't much reason to consider anything else.

Read our AT&T review.

AT&T Habitation Net

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You'll find better bang for your buck with fiber providers like AT&T, merely if fiber isn't an selection, a cable connexion is the next best matter. And, among all of the providers offering cablevision cyberspace service in the country, Spectrum is the one I'd be happiest to encounter available at my address.

Spectrum isn't the biggest proper noun in cable internet -- that'd be Comcast Xfinity -- only it still offers service to more than 100 million Americans, thanks to Charter'due south acquisition of Time Warner'due south cyberspace infrastructure in 2016. And, unlike Comcast (or Cox, its other main cable rival), Spectrum doesn't enforce a data cap, and information technology won't tie y'all downward to a long-term contract, either.

On height of all that, Spectrum's prices and terms are straightforward, easy to sympathise and easy to alive with -- and the average Spectrum programme comes with a lower price-per-Mbps than either Comcast or Cox. Information technology isn't quite the best value in the cablevision category (keep reading), just when you drill downward into the details, Spectrum is still clearly your top option for cablevision internet at home.

Read our Spectrum review.

Spectrum Internet

Rising Broadband

Pickings tin exist frustratingly slim when you're shopping for an internet programme in a rural surface area, because most of the best net infrastructure in the country is centralized in population-dense cities and the suburban neighborhoods that surround them. If you lot live outside of a region like that, so your dwelling probably isn't wired for fiber or cable -- instead, you'll accept to make do with technologies that are slower, less reliable and more expensive, and you'll likely have fewer options to choose from, too.

You'll need to take the good with the bad with just well-nigh any rural Internet service provider, but in that location's more good than bad with Rise Broadband, our top pick for getting online when faster cablevision and fiber plans aren't an option. A fixed wireless provider covering much of the middle of the country, Ascent Broadband will beam an cyberspace signal directly to an antenna mounted outside your home, providing download speeds of up to 50Mbps. That's twice every bit fast every bit what y'all'll get with a satellite internet plan from HughesNet, and faster than a lot of DSL plans, which often struggle to surpass double-digit download speeds.

Rising's 250GB information cap is besides significantly college than you'll get with about rural cyberspace plans, and plans with unlimited data will just cost you an actress $x or $twenty per month, depending on whether you lot've signed upwards for speeds of 25 or 50Mbps.

Read our Ascension Broadband review.

Read more: Best Internet Providers in Chicago

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In 2021, AT&T pulled into a necktie with Verizon atop the American Customer Satisfaction Alphabetize's rankings of internet providers -- but Verizon had already held that spot for years, and it's been one of the strongest finishers with J.D. Power for multiple years running, too.

What do people like nearly Verizon? For starters, while the company's DSL service isn't anything special, the bulk of customers across the company's eight-state coverage map in the northeast accept access to Verizon Fios cobweb service capable of gigabit speeds, likewise as uploads that are merely as fast as the downloads. Verizon plans don't come with contracts or data caps, either, and your price won't automatically become up afterward a year the style it will with most other providers.

What's more, Verizon has already fabricated headlines in 2022 by expanding the availability of its 5G Home Net service to approximately 900 cities. That's a promising evolution for consumers, given the glaring demand for better internet options beyond the country.

Read our Verizon review.

Verizon Fios

WOW

WideOpenWest -- or WOW -- is a relatively modest provider that offers services in just 9 states, only information technology earns the assertion point it likes to stick at the end of its branding by offering cable internet plans at some of the all-time prices yous'll discover anywhere in the US. That includes an entry-level 100Mbps programme that starts at $twenty per month ($forty per month afterward the first year), also as a high-speed gigabit program that starts at $65 per month. Even afterwards the cost of that program jumps to $75 per month in year 2, that'due south however a price per Mbps of but viii cents, which is unheard of in the cable category.

In addition to all of that, WOW doesn't enforce contracts or data caps with whatsoever of its plans, and it offers a thirty-day money-back guarantee when yous sign upwards, letting you lot cancel without penalty if it isn't the right fit. All told, it'south nigh equally strong equally Internet service provider sales pitches get -- I merely wish the footprint was a bit bigger.

Read our WOW review.

WOW! Internet

Honorable mentions

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CenturyLink offers DSL internet plans across 37 states, only roughly half of the coverage map also has access to CenturyLink's fiber plans, branded equally Quantum Fiber. That "Quantum" chip is meaningless, but the plans themselves are a great bargain -- $50 per month for matching upload and download speeds of 200Mbps (about 25 cents per Mbps), or $65 per month for a gigabit plan with matching speeds of 940Mbps (nearly seven cents per Mbps, which is an even better value than yous'll get with AT&T). There are no information caps or contracts with those plans, and those prices don't arbitrarily go up afterward a year, either.

Meanwhile, CenturyLink'southward DSL speeds are much slower, and can vary profoundly from address to accost, only with a apartment rate of $fifty per month, the pricing is pretty off-white past DSL standards. Better yet, the DSL plans come with a Price for Life guarantee, which locks that charge per unit in for as long as you stay a customer. If nothing faster is available at your accost, a program similar that might be worth considering -- but if CenturyLink offers cobweb service in your area, signing upwardly is a lot closer to a no-brainer.

Read our CenturyLink review.

CenturyLink

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Comcast is the biggest name in cable, and the company offers its Xfinity cyberspace service to well over 100 1000000 people in the US -- more than a third of the country. Subscribers will find a great diversity of plans and packages to choose from, including plans with download speeds of up to one,200Mbps that are available beyond the majority of the sprawling coverage map (or, if they're lucky, plans with multi-gig speeds of upwardly to 3Gbps that are bachelor at a pocket-sized pct of addresses). In addition, Comcast Xfinity consistently earns in a higher place-average customer satisfaction scores from organizations like J.D. Ability and the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

That said, biggest doesn't mean all-time. Cable internet plans from Spectrum, WOW and Optimum all come up at a slightly improve value than about Comcast plans, and none of those 3 enforce a information cap. Comcast does, capping your monthly data usage at 1.2TB, with penalties levied if you exceed it in a given month. If you tin live with that, then there'south a lot to like about Xfinity dwelling net -- but it'south more of an honorable mention than an outright best selection.

Read our Comcast Xfinity review.

Xfinity Internet

Google

It's been over a decade since Google first announced that it would bring fiber net service to select regions across the state -- and it'due south been a bumpy ride ever since. Afterward initially rolling out across 11 metro areas, Google struggled to build out the service beyond that and paused its efforts outright in 2016, leaving thwarting across dozens of cities where the company had teased prospects for future fiber expansions.

Google hasn't given up, though -- the company is currently working to expand fiber access in select cities, and recently rolled out plans that support speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second for $100 per calendar month, available in Atlanta, Austin, Huntsville, Nashville, Orangish County, Provo and Raleigh/Durham. If you alive in whatsoever of those cities, and Google Fiber is available at your address, give it a expect, because that's i of the best deals y'all'll find for such a blazing fast connection.

Read our Google Fiber review.

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Satellite net is typically slow, laggy and temperamental in choppy weather, so I'd explore any and all other options if you've got them. But that's the affair -- too many of us don't take other options, and satellite internet from established names like Viasat and HughesNet is bachelor only nigh everywhere.

If information technology comes downwardly to those two, I'd outset with Viasat. Why? Neither one offers potent value for what you're getting, but Hughesnet caps the max download speed of all plans at 25Mbps, which is the barest definition of broadband. With Viasat, satellite speeds of upwards to 100Mbps are available in some regions, and speeds are set to improve in 2022 with the launch of Viasat's newest satellite hardware. Viasat also offers data caps that are slightly college than what you lot'll get with HughesNet.

All of that said, there are aspects of Viasat'southward service that would probably exist more than at home on a worst list than a best list like this. For starters, your monthly beak will shoot upwardly after simply 3 months -- and with some plans, the increase is a whopping $fifty. You'll as well demand to agree to a two-twelvemonth contract, with potentially steep penalties if you lot decide to cancel early on. Similar I said, make certain to shop around for other, better options in your area -- simply if there aren't whatever (and if y'all tin tummy the heaven-high prices), Viasat is a workable choice for getting online in remote parts of the country.

Read our Viasat review.

Viasat

Ziply Cobweb

Ziply is a relative newcomer to the fiber scene after acquiring fiber-optic infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest from Frontier. The service launched last year amidst the pandemic, offer relatively affordable fiber plans to customers beyond parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Plans are express for now, with a notable lack of middle-ground options in betwixt the 100 and 1,000Mbps speed tiers, but Ziply offers strong value and reasonable terms, and it doesn't enforce information caps, contracts or credit checks for any of its plans. Information technology also recently began offering multi-gig speeds of ii and 5 gigabits per second, albeit limited to just 170,000 households across the footprint at launch in 2022.

Ziply is also currently including whole-home Wi-Fi with up to three extenders in its $x modem rental fee, which is a overnice deal for anyone interested in trying out the benefits of a mesh network. We'll proceed an center on the company as it grows, simply we similar what nosotros're seeing and so far.

Read our Ziply Cobweb review.

Other providers nosotros've reviewed

The broadband crush keeps our team decorated, but we'll go along evaluating cyberspace providers and updating this post as new options emerge. For now, hither's a rundown of every other provider we've covered, with a link dorsum to our total review and a quick summary of our thoughts.

Armstrong Internet : Based in Butler, Pennsylvania, Armstrong is a regional cable internet provider servicing customers in six states. Prices are a touch higher than you'll come across from larger cable providers, and some plans come with data caps, but speeds are reasonably fast and your equipment comes included, which helps ease the sting from your bill. It'due south worth a expect at addresses where faster cobweb connections aren't available however.

Astound Broadband : The recently rebranded service from cable mainstay RCN doesn't enforce contracts or information caps, but the painfully steep increases in your monthly rate after year ane make it tough to recommend outright. Customers in some regions volition see their monthly bill go up by more than $100 after the first 12 months.

Cox : Cox offers gigabit cable download speeds beyond its entire coverage map, and while information technology also enforces a data cap, its policies effectually that cap are friendlier to consumers than you might expect. Yet, the prices skew higher than other cable providers like Xfinity and Spectrum, and we're not crazy almost the fact Cox gateways double as public-facing hotspots that strangers tin can connect through unless you opt out.

Earthlink : Ane of the oldest names on this listing, Earthlink leverages the DSL and cobweb optic infrastructure of other providers in order to offer cyberspace plans nationwide. Prices are higher than average, though, but give the company credit for transparent terms, and for eschewing data caps and throttling birthday.

Frontier : One of the nation's largest providers, Frontier offers abode internet service via both fiber and DSL. With no excessive fees or information caps, information technology's a decent choice for rural internet, specially if cobweb is available at your address. That said, the visitor's non-transparency with pricing and speeds accept earned it a spotty track tape with customer satisfaction, so keep an middle on your bill later on year one.

HughesNet : Like its main satellite internet rival Viasat, HughesNet is available just near anywhere, and speeds are more consistent beyond its coverage map, likewise. Still, with high equipment costs and downloads that don't get whatsoever faster than 25Mbps, it's more than of a terminal resort option than anything else.

Mediacom : Mediacom's cablevision internet service offers gigabit download speeds across the virtually-entirety of its coverage map, simply well-nigh plans volition run across cost increases afterwards both the showtime and 2nd yr of service, which is a tough pill to swallow. On peak of that, the information caps are particularly tight, and there's no limit to the number of overage charges you tin can rack up each month.

Metronet : The country's largest, independently owned fiber-optic internet provider, Indiana-based Metronet recently merged with Texas-based Vexus Fiber, a move that expands the company's footprint across 15 states. Its commitment to maintaining a 100% cobweb-optic network and the lack of contracts, data caps or equipment fees make it a provider worth paying attention to and potentially signing upwards for, but pricing is middle-of-the-road compared with other cobweb providers.

Nomad Internet : Launched in 2017, Nomad leases 4G LTE airwaves from larger carriers to provide connectivity for rural areas and for people on the go, including business organization travelers and RV enthusiasts. The lack of contracts or cancellation fees is an appealing office of the sales pitch in spite of some loftier upfront costs, but your speeds volition vary profoundly, as those larger carriers will e'er reserve the right to serve their ain customers first.

Optimum : Available in New York and select surrounding regions, Optimum offers fast speeds, depression introductory pricing and no data caps or contracts whatsoever. It'southward an option worth considering, but be aware that about plans feature upload speeds that are lower than they should be, and that the company'south customer satisfaction scores have been trending in the wrong direction in recent years.

Sparklight : With a hybrid network that mixes fiber and cablevision infrastructure, Sparklight offers customers in select parts of 21 states reasonably fast speeds on transparent terms, and the company deserves credit for extending faster connections to parts of the country where DSL and satellite might be the only other options. Tight data caps are a disappointment, though, especially on the lower-priced plans, where your monthly rate will also go up after but three months.

Starry Internet : Similar to 5G providers, Starry uses millimeter moving ridge technology for its fixed wireless dwelling internet service. In that location's a lot to like about the company's delivery to consumer-friendly terms, with no contracts, data caps or capricious toll hikes, and speeds of up to 1Gbps are available in select parts of the however-growing coverage map. We'll continue monitoring the company'southward progress throughout 2022.

Suddenlink : A sister brand to Optimum under parent visitor Altice, Suddenlink offers highly-seasoned promo rates, it doesn't enforce information caps, and it'due south actively working to aggrandize its footprint, with 80% of customers already eligible for gigabit service. All of that is good, but the steep cost increase after year one and a recent decline in customer satisfaction ratings are both points of business organisation.

Starlink : Billionaire Elon Musk's endeavour to disrupt the satellite internet category, Starlink is an offshoot of SpaceX, and it's actively leveraging SpaceX launch capabilities to deploy an always-growing constellation of satellites in low-earth orbit. Lower satellites ways a faster connexion with less latency, and that's what Starlink offers, only the service yet isn't available to as many addresses and regions equally Hughesnet or Viasat, and the toll of buying in is steep, even by satellite standards.

T-Mobile : The mobile carrier began rolling out home internet service via 5G and LTE in early on 2021 -- now, in 2022, information technology's available to more than than 30 million households in 40 states. With a flat monthly rate of $50, download speeds varying from 35 to 115Mbps, and no contracts, data caps or preset price increases, it'south one of the more than intriguing options in home internet right now, especially as 5G connectivity continues to improve.

Windstream : Kinetic, Windstream'due south dwelling internet service, offers relatively fast speeds in rural parts of the land, and prices are typically pretty reasonable, as well. Information technology'south worth a look across many parts of its coverage map, but be aware that pricing will vary from region to region, making it hard to recommend outright.

Best cyberspace provider FAQs

What's the cheapest way to get net?

That depends. Nosotros know, non helpful, but stay with us.

One of the cheapest ways to become internet service right at present is through the regime'due south Affordable Connectivity Program. Information technology'south a long-term subsidy set up to assist qualifying households receive $30 per month ($75 for those on Tribal lands) towards internet service. There are also other permanent programs bachelor for low-income families, also as for seniors and students.

Lastly, you tin effort negotiating with your current internet provider to secure a lower rate on your broadband service. Or you can keep your optics open for broadband deals or other internet promotions offered each calendar month.

Who's the fastest internet service provider correct now?

The good news is information technology's now common to find gigabit plans offered past near all major ISPs. Only, as we often say, the fastest net service for you will depend on your location and specific address. Of the major providers, Xfinity frequently extends the fastest plans available for residential homes, with one,200Mbps equally its gigabit offering (versus the typical 940Mbps most providers offer) and it too boasts a 3,000Mbps "Gigabit Pro" programme, but that's not as widely available and requires a site survey to ensure serviceability.

Just this Jan, Ziply Fiber appear that it's rolling out two- and 5-gig plans to approximately 170,000 homes in the Northwest. Not to exist outdone, a week later AT&T unveiled its new multi-gig tiers, which are now available in over 70 cities across the state. Suffice to say that this speed race between providers is only just first.

What net speed do I demand?

The Federal Communications Commission defines "broadband speed" equally a minimum of 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speed. Only that definition is out of date. Equally mentioned above, most providers now offer a gigabit plan, but most households won't need that much speed. According to a 2021 study from OpenVault (PDF), the average American household is using 231Mbps download speeds (though nearly 70% of households become less than 200Mbps) and 17Mbps upload. Does that mean you'll need that much? Not necessarily. The internet speed you need volition be dependent on how many people are using the internet in your dwelling house and for what activities yous need it.