Internet Service Provider Review of Chicago
Astound is the best in the Windy City, Xfinity is the fastest, and AT&T gets the best customer feedback
Oct 31, 2025 | Share 
Annual Review, Data and Research, Featured
The Chicago area has an outstanding selection of internet providers: Xfinity and AT&T are big names that have been around the block a few times; Astound brings solid cable and fiber choices to the table. But which internet service provider (ISP) is the best? Which is the fastest? Which is right for you?
We took a close look at the area’s internet options and compared providers using real-world performance data from speed tests, a regional customer survey, and a thorough pricing analysis.
2026 Chicago Internet Awards
Best Overall
Astound is Chicago’s Best Overall as it maintains the best balance between performance and price.
Best Value
Astound is the Best Value in Chicago due to low-rate plans that don’t sacrifice speed.
Fastest
Xfinity is the fastest provider in Chicago, according to over 72,000 unique speed test results.
Customer’s Choice
AT&T received the best customer feedback in our survey of 1,200 Chicago customers, with the highest ratings in most categories.
Most Trusted
AT&T customers gave the highest trust ratings and reported the fewest price hikes.
Easiest Switch
AT&T is Chicago’s easiest internet switch, with customers reporting that it has the easiest provider transition.
Methodology
Our methodology uses three proprietary datasets to determine ISP quality: performance data gathered from the HighSpeedInternet.com speed test, pricing data from our internet plan index, and customer survey data from our massive annual surveys.
See our detailed methodology for a breakdown on exactly how we determine the best ISPs for each region.
Why Astound is the Best Overall in Chicago
Being the best provider requires maintaining a good balance of performance, value, and excellent customer feedback. No internet provider in Chicago does that better than Astound. While it’s a close call, Astound’s exceptionally high-value internet plans, fast real-world speeds, and high customer ratings make it the best overall internet provider in the Chicago area. There are many great things to say about Astound, but let’s focus on what often matters most to customers: pricing and plan speeds.
“It’s a good internet service. I would recommend it to anyone.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
What Chicago customers are saying about Astound:
“Customer support actually listens and resolves issues quickly.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
“This service will be your best buddy if you stream or play games frequently.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
“They made it easy to move from one provider to another.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
“I appreciate the reliable internet speeds and the stable connection, which are essential for my daily activities like streaming [and] working from home.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
“Even during busy times, the speed has remained steady; gaming and streaming go smoothly.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
Why Astound is the Best Value in Chicago
In Chicago, Astound provides customers the most bang for their buck, with low rates and faster speeds compared to the competition. Our value scoring compares how much internet speed, data, and capability each internet plan offers, and Astound’s data told a simple story: Astound customers get more for less.
In fact, we discovered Astound had the best value internet plans for the entire nation in our 2025 Provider Value Analysis, and it earned the Best Value ISP claim in many other metropolitan areas.
“Plans that are reasonably priced and don’t compromise on quality for my budget.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
See the plan chart below comparing Astound’s mid-tier plan to the best answer from each Chicago competitor. Astound isn’t just the cheapest mid-tier plan in Chicago, but also the fastest.
“Their price is competitive [and] contract terms are flexible.”
—Astound customer
Chicago, IL
Best value internet plans in Chicago
| Plan | Price | Speed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound 600 Mbps Internet | $45/mo.* | 600Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet 500 | $65/mo.† | 500Mbps | |
| Xfinity 500 Mbps | $55/mo.‡ | 500Mbps |
Data as of 10/27/2025. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See disclaimers.
Which internet provider can you get in Chicago?
Enter your zip code to see what’s available in your area.
Why Xfinity is the Fastest in Chicago
Xfinity customers experience the fastest average speeds in Chicago, according to over 72,000 unique speed test results, and it’s not even a close call. Xfinity is firmly ahead of the closest competitor by 25Mbps, a large margin for this type of analysis. If you’re looking for the fastest real-world performance in Chicago, go with Xfinity.
“It is very reliable and fast when in use. I would recommend it to anyone. Their service is always great.”
—Xfinity customer
Riverdale, IL
Over the last decade, Xfinity has taken the lead in deploying the latest internet tech. Its most substantial upgrade is the deployment of DOCSIS 4.0, which dramatically increases the capabilities of cable internet. Just last month, Xfinity announced that full duplex DOCSIS 4.0 compatible amplifiers were active in all major multi-gig markets, bringing it closer to a truly next-generation cable internet network.
Xfinity is constantly evolving quickly and bringing the latest and greatest advancements to its customers. We’re now seeing those efforts pulling it ahead of the competition.
“I have had [a] good experience. The speed is excellent, and it is dependable.”
—Xfinity customer
Buffalo Grove, IL
Why AT&T is the Customer’s Choice in Chicago
AT&T received the highest ratings in Chicago’s customer sentiment survey. As the area’s largest fiber internet provider, it seems the extra performance and reliability go a long way with customers.
“Very good company. Services are high-quality.”
—AT&T customer
Buffalo Grove, IL
Why AT&T is the Most Trusted in Chicago
We surveyed Chicago internet customers to determine how much they trusted their internet providers: AT&T Fiber customers gave the highest trust ratings and reported the fewest incidents of price hikes.
“It’s been a good experience with my internet provider. The network is always active and working well. I have never had any regrets choosing them.”
—AT&T customer
Chicago, IL
AT&T customers report the fewest price hikes
Price hikes are a common annoyance for internet customers, but providers who keep them to a minimum earn more trust from their user. While AT&T does raise its base price periodically, it doesn’t apply a standard price hike after your first year of service. Its customers seem to appreciate that.
Have you ever experienced a price hike on your internet bill?
Why AT&T is the Easiest Internet Switch in Chicago
Customers looking to make a smooth transition to a new service in the Chicago area should take a close look at AT&T Fiber. Chicago customers say it’s the easiest service to get up and running. Typically, fiber services involve the most complicated installations due to the unique infrastructure and equipment requirements, but AT&T has been in the fiber game for over a decade, so it makes sense that it has customer onboarding down to a fine science.
“I love that they installed my internet fast, and I love how reliable they are.”
—AT&T customer
Chicago, IL
Disclaimers
* Observed speeds may vary | One-time fees extra | Restrictions apply | Not available in all areas | New residential customers only
† Price includes $10/mo. discount when you sign up for paperless billing and AutoPay with a debit card or bank account. Or $5/mo. with a credit card.
‡ For 12 months, no term contract. Restrictions apply. Autopay w/ stored bank account and paperless billing req’d. Taxes and fees extra and subj. to change. Reduced speeds after 30 GB of usage/line. Data thresholds may vary.
Author - Austin Aguirre
Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
Related Posts
