skip to main content

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
$49.99/mo.300Mbps
AT&T $55.00/mo.#300MbpsView Plans
T-Mobile Home Internet $50.00-$70.00/mo.***72-245MbpsView Plans
Mediacom $34.99/mo.**100MbpsView Plans
WOW! $30.00/mo.§100MbpsView Plans
Cox Communications $50.00/mo.100MbpsView Plans
Frontier $44.99/mo.500MbpsView Plans
Optimum $30.00/mo.††300MbpsView Plans
Spectrum $39.99–$49.99/mo.‡‡300Mbps║║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.

What internet provider has the best plan?

ProviderCustomer rating*Max download speedCheapest planOrder online
Google Fiber 4.38,000Mbps$70.00/mo.View Plans for Google Fiber
Xfinity 3.92,000Mbps$20.00/mo.*View Plans for Xfinity
AT&T 3.95,000Mbps$55.00/mo.View Plans for AT&T
3.92,300Mbps$49.99/mo.#
Sparklight 3.81,000Mbps$40.00/mo.†††View Plans for Sparklight
Cox Communications 3.72,000Mbps$50.00/mo.||View Plans for Cox Communications
Spectrum 3.71,000Mbps
(wireless speeds may vary)
$39.99–$49.99/mo.§§
for 12 mos.
View Plans for Spectrum
3.6940Mbps$30.00/mo.††
Windstream 3.62,000Mbps$39.99/mo.‡‡ View Plans for Windstream
WOW! 3.65,000Mbps$30.00/mo.##View Plans for WOW!
3.61,500Mbps$20.00/mo.‡‡‡
Frontier 3.55,000Mbps$44.99/mo.§
w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill
View Plans for Frontier
EarthLink 3.35,000Mbps$49.95/mo.**View Plans for EarthLink
Optimum 3.38,000Mbps$30.00/mo.|View Plans for Optimum
Mediacom 3.31,000Mbps$34.99/mo. ***View Plans for Mediacom
3.1150Mbps$99.99–$119.99/mo.|||
2.9100Mbps$49.99/mo.§§§

Sign up for our newsletter. Get more from your internet.

Have a better, faster, more secure experience with your internet.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.

  What is the fastest internet available 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.

Test your internet speed

Run a quick speed test to see how fast your internet is.

Download speed
000 Mbps

Upload speed
000 Mbps

Latency (ping)
00 ms

Jitter
00 ms

What internet provider has the fastest speeds?

ProviderMax SpeedPrice for fastest planLearn more about speeds providers offer
Google Fiber8,000Mbps$150.00/mo.§View Plans
Optimum8,000Mbps$265.00/mo.†††View Plans
AT&T5,000Mbps$250.00/mo.*View Plans
Ziply5,000Mbps$300.00/mo.View Plans
Frontier5,000Mbps$129.99/mo.View Plans
VerizonUp to 2,300Mbps$94.99/mo.‡‡‡#
Windstream2,000Mbps$99.99/mo.††††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

 

AT&T

$55.00–$250.00/mo.

  AT&T Internet speeds: 225–5,000Mbps

Fiber, fixed wireless internet available

3.9/5 customer satisfaction rating

Read all 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 DealEnter your address with AT&T Fiber to find deals and gift card promotions in your area.See All Deals
Best PlanInternet 300 for $55.00/mo.See All Plans

Xfinity

$20.00–$120.00/mo.

Xfinity Internet Speeds: 75–2,000Mbps

Cable internet available

3.9/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealWhen you pair Xfinity 150Mbps internet with Xfinity Mobile, you can get one line with unlimited data and get one FREE for a year.See All Deals
Best PlanFast internet plan for $55.00/mo.See All Plans

Spectrum

$24.99–$79.99/mo.

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

Cable, fiber internet available

3.7/5 customer satisfaction rating

Read all customer reviews

Spectrum: Most flexible

Pros

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

Cons

  • Price hikes after 12 or 24 months
  • Extra charge for WiFi

Spectrum is a cable internet provider that streamlines your options to just three plans making the choice a simple one. The 300Mbps plan can cover most smaller households, and Spectrum also offers 500Mbps and a 1,000Mbps options for those who want more speed.

You can find Spectrum Internet in areas where other cable providers aren’t, so it’s a solid option if your area doesn’t have fiber and you want faster speeds than DSL.

Spectrum’s introductory prices are on par with other cable providers with similar plan speeds, however, after the 12-month promotional period, customers experience price hikes that raise monthly costs.

Read Full Review

Best DealSign up for Spectrum One and get Spectrum internet with speeds up to 300Mbps, free Advanced Wifi, and one Unlimited Mobile line free for 12 months.Get the Deal
Best PlanSpectrum Internet 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo.See All Plans

EarthLink

$49.95–$189.95/mo.

EarthLink Internet speeds: 10–5,000Mbps

Fiber, DSL, fixed wireless internet available

3.3/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealNew Earthlink Fiber customers can get a gift card worth up to $200 plus unlimited data and free router rental.Get the Deal
Best PlanEarthlink Fiber 1 Gig for $89.95/mo.See All Plans

CenturyLink

$30.00–$75.00/mo.

CenturyLink Internet speeds: 100–940Mbps

Fiber, DSL internet available

3.6/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealIf you refer a new customer to CenturyLink services and they sign up, you and the new customer will both get a reward of up to $100. Plus, get free installation when you sign up for a plan with 940Mbps speeds.
Best PlanCenturyLink’s Fiber Internet 200Mbps for $30.00/mo.See All Plans

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

$50.00-$70.00/mo.***

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet speeds: 72-245Mbps

Fixed wireless internet available

4.1/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealSwitch to T-Mobile Home Internet and get a $200 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® and an included Wi-Fi gateway. Plus, get access to VIX Premium for one year.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

Cox

$50.00–$150.00/mo.

Cox Internet speeds: 100–2,000Mbps

Fiber and cable internet available

3.7/5 customer satisfaction rating

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

Sign up for an internet plan with speeds of at least 250Mbps by June 30, 2024, and get up to $50 off your bill each month.

Get the Deal
Best PlanCox Go Faster for $70.00/mo.See All Plans

Hughesnet

$49.00–$94.99/mo.

HughesNet Internet speeds: 50-100Mbps

Satellite internet available

2.9/5 customer satisfaction rating

Read all customer reviews

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 DealSave up to $25 off in your first year of service. Plus, get free professional installation.
Best PlanHughesnet FusionSee All Plans

Viasat

$69.99–$299.99/mo.

Viasat Internet Speeds: 12–150Mbps

Satellite internet available

3.1/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 when you sign up for a qualifying home internet plan.
Best PlanViasat Unleashed $99.99–$119.99/mo.See All Plans

Optimum

$30.00–$265.00/mo.

Optimum Internet speeds: 300–8,000Mbps

Cable, fiber internet available

3.3/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealGet free installation when you order online plus a 60-day money-back guarantee and included Wi-Fi equipment.Get the Deal
Best PlanOptimum’s 500 Mbps Fiber Internet for $30.00/mo.See All Plans

Google Fiber

$70–$150/mo.

Google Fiber Internet speeds: 1,000–8,000Mbps

Fiber internet available

4.3/5 customer satisfaction rating

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

Verizon

$49.99–$94.99/mo.

Verizon Internet speeds: Up to 300–2,300Mbps

Fiber, DSL, fixed wireless internet available

3.9/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealGet a $100 Verizon gift card plus either Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses or $400 toward Samsung home appliances at The Home Depot® when you sign up for a Fios 1 Gig or 2 Gig plan.

Get included Wi-Fi equipment and a digital gift card worth at least $50 with any new Verizon Fios plan. Deals ends July 1, 2024.
See All Deals
Best PlanVerizon Fios Internet 300/300 for $49.99/mo.See All Plans

Windstream

$39.99–$99.99/mo.

Windstream Internet speeds: 50–2,000Mbps

Fiber, DSL internet available

3.6/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealGet a $100 Kinetic MasterCard® Prepaid Card when you sign up for a qualifying high-speed internet plan in certain areas.

New Kinetic DSL customers can get $10 off their $50 bill every month for the first 12 months.

Save an additional $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 $69.99/mo.See All Plans

Frontier

$44.99–$129.99/mo.

Frontier Internet speeds: 500–5,000Mbps

Fiber, DSL internet available

3.5/5 customer satisfaction rating

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 DealOrder a qualifying Frontier fiber internet plan to get a free installation and a free rental of the Amazon eero Pro 6 or 6E router. Plus, 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

Ziply Fiber

$20.00–$300.00/mo.

Ziply Fiber Internet speeds: 100–10,000Mbps

Fiber, DSL internet available

3.8/5 customer satisfaction rating

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

Mediacom

$34.99–$54.99/mo.

Mediacom Internet Speeds: 100 Mbps–1,000Mbps

Cable internet available

3.8/5 customer satisfaction rating

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: 100Mbps in speed for just under $35. 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 $100 back over four months when you sign up for any internet package.Get the Deal
Best PlanMediacom Internet 300 for $49.99/mo.See All Plans

Rise Broadband

$25.00–$65.00/mo.

Rise Broadband Internet speeds: 25–50Mbps

Fixed wireless internet available

 

 

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.

Read Full Review

Best DealFree installation and unlimited data on all internet plans.Get the Deal
Best PlanRise Broadband Internet 50 Mbps Unlimited for $65.00/mo.See All Plans

Astound Broadband

$20.00–$70.00/mo.

Astound Broadband Internet speeds: 100–1,500Mbps

Cable, fiber internet available

3.6/5 customer satisfaction rating

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.

New customers may be eligible for free installation and a free modem, depending on service area.
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 you 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?

Find Providers in Your Area