Best Internet Providers in Colorado
Our Experts
I recently visited lovely Colorado and spent time in Denver, where I experienced extreme internet envy over the fast speeds in the apartment where I stayed. Coming from New Mexico, where my choices are limited, Denver felt like a broadband wonderland. My Colorado internet experience blazed along thanks to Google Fiber Webpass, but it's not my choice for the top broadband provider in Colorado due to limited availability.
What is the best internet provider in Colorado?
Quantum Fiber is CNET's pick for Colorado's best internet service provider. CenturyLink's (admittedly outdated) DSL service reaches far and wide across the state, but its sibling company, Quantum Fiber, is an affordable and desirable fiber offering that can be found in the bigger cities.
You’ll find some fiber offerings in Colorado, but you’re more likely to run into cable provider Xfinity or CenturyLink DSL in terms of wired internet. Fixed wireless ISPs primarily service the state’s gorgeous rural areas. Many small, local companies are working in this field, as well as Rise Broadband, a provider that services 16 other states. Your internet options will depend on your location and can vary quite a bit, even within the bigger metro areas.
We've also found the top options if you're hunting for the lowest prices or the fastest speeds. The cheapest internet in Colorado is Xfinity's $20-a-month plan, which offers speeds of 150 megabits per second. Elsewhere is rural internet provider NETEO, which has offerings ranging from $10 to $35 for its cheapest plan tier. The fastest internet speed in Colorado is Quantum Fiber's 8-gigabit connection at $165 per month, but it is available only in select locations.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Colorado across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Colorado. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Best internet in Colorado
Quantum Fiber
Best internet provider in Colorado
Our take - Quantum Fiber takes top honors for best ISP in Colorado due to its growing fast and reliable fiber services network. While availability for CenturyLink home internet (which is owned by the same company as Quantum Fiber) is more widespread in the state, its DSL is outdated and doesn't always give users a premium internet experience. On the other hand, fiber is my top recommendation for an internet connection if you can get it.
Xfinity
Best cable internet in Colorado
Our take - Xfinity's wide variety of plans and availability in many metro areas across Colorado make it my recommendation for the best cable provider in the state. CNET also gave Xfinity the nod for best overall internet provider in Colorado Springs.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Best 5G home internet in Colorado
Our take - Verizon and T-Mobile are making moves on the national broadband scene with 5G home internet delivered wirelessly to your residence. It’s worth comparing them, but I’m giving T-Mobile an edge in Colorado due to its availability in many cities nationwide.
Rise Broadband
Best rural internet in Colorado
Our take - Rise Broadband is a rural specialist. As a fixed wireless provider, its main competitors are satellite ISPs and other fixed wireless ISPs. A broad reach and speeds up to 50Mbps (but some areas may expect up to 250Mbps) earn it a nod as the best rural ISP in Colorado. CNET has also recognized Rise Broadband as a top rural internet provider nationwide.
Hughesnet
Most reliable satellite internet in Colorado
Our take - Rural living in Colorado has many perks, but fast internet isn’t usually one of them. If you’re out of service zones for other wired or wireless options, satellite internet may come through. Hughesnet has received recognition from CNET for its reliable speeds and gets a nod here as a functional option for rural internet. Compare it with Starlink, which may be able to deliver faster speeds to your location.
Colorado internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenturyLink Read full review | DSL | $55 | 10-100Mbps | $15 modem | None | None | 6.7 |
|
Hughesnet Read full review | Satellite | $50-$95 ($75-$120 after 12 months) | 50-100Mbps | $15-$20 or $300-$450 one-time purchase | 100-200GB | 2-years | 6 |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | $50-$165 | 500-8,000Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | None | 6.7 |
|
Rise Broadband Read full review | Fixed wireless | $55 (varies by location) | 25-50Mbps (varies by location) | $10 | 250GB on some plans | None | 6.2 |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | Fixed wireless | $60 ($40 for eligible Go5g Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers) | 72-245Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
|
Viasat Read full review | Satellite | $100 | Up to 150Mbps | $15 or $250 one-time purchase | Unlimited | None | 6.1 |
|
Xfinity Read full review | Cable | $20-$120 | 150-2,000Mbps | $15-$25 included in some plans | 1.2TB on some plans | 1-year contract on some | 7 |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Rural internet options in Colorado
| Provider | Connection type | Price range | Speed range | Data cap | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenturyLink Read full review | DSL | $55 | 10-100Mbps | None | Broadly across Colorado | ||
| Eastern Slope Technologies | DSL/fiber | $50-$130 | 6-1,000Mbps | None | Eastern Colorado | ||
| Edge Internet Service | Fiber | $60-$100 | 100-500Mbps | None | Granby Ranch, Homestead Hills, Wolford Reservoir, Blue Valley Acres, Ute Pass, Green Mountain Reservoir | ||
| Elite Broadband | Fixed wireless | $51-$81 | 10-25Mbps | None | Collbra, Ridgeway, Delta, Montrose and Colona | ||
| Hilltop Broadband | Fixed wireless/fiber | Varies by location | 4-1,000Mbps (varies by location) | None | Erie, Western Slope and Plateau Valley | ||
| Kellin Communications | Fixed wireless | Varies by location | 15-500Mbps (varies by location) | None | Front Range and Western Slope | ||
| NETEO | Fixed wireless | $10-$110 | 10-50Mbps | None | Conifer, Bailey, Sheridan, Evergreen, Aspen Park, Pine Junction, Milliken and Allenspark | ||
|
Rise Broadband Read full review | Fixed wireless | $55 (varies by location) | 25-50Mbps (varies by location) | 250GB on some plans | Varies, some availability in Colorado | ||
| Xtream Internet | Fixed wireless | $89-$129 (varies by location) | 25-40Mbps | None | Castle Rock, Crested Butte, Gunnison |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Colorado is a gorgeous state in which to live, with plenty of rural options that will get you closer to nature. The scenery and quiet may come at the cost of strong internet service. When seeking out internet service for your rural residence, start with wired options. CenturyLink has a big DSL presence across Colorado, but speeds can vary considerably. You may be able to get 100Mbps, or you may only pull down a measly 3Mbps. T-Mobile Home Internet is another big name that may reach your home. Speeds can also vary quite a bit depending on your location, but it’s easy to test out the service if it’s available to you.
Fixed wireless is a common type of rural internet in Colorado. It requires a good line of sight to a tower, but it may be a more affordable and faster option than satellite, depending on your location. Our chart contains quite a few small, local fixed wireless ISPs that are focused on serving the rural reaches of Colorado. Fixed wireless doesn’t have to mean slow. Kellin Communications, for example, told CNET it plans to roll out 500Mbps speeds to the Front Range and Western Slope by early 2024. Here’s a comparison of the different types of home internet connections, from DSL to fixed wireless to 5G.
The ISPs listed in the chart aren’t the only ones serving Colorado. To find more local providers, plug your address into the FCC National Broadband Map. If other connection options fail you, then check into satellite from Starlink, Viasat or Hughesnet. Satellite internet can be slow and expensive (especially with upfront equipment costs), but it may be the only option in some very rural locations or in areas where you don’t have a good line of sight to a fixed wireless tower.
Internet breakdown by city in Colorado
All residences in Colorado can access services of at least 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up, according to the FCC National Broadband Map, but that doesn’t quite tell the whole story; that coverage includes the reach of satellite internet. While a download speed of 25Mbps qualifies as broadband in the eyes of the FCC, many internet users will find it to be on the slow side. The FCC’s estimate also doesn’t account for some of the trickier rural locations across Colorado, homes that may be in mountains or in heavily forested areas where fixed wireless and even satellite might have a hard time reaching.
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of a state like Colorado and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Colorado. We tackle details such as internet connection types, max speeds and cheapest providers. Check back later if you don’t find the town you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more cities every week.
- Best internet providers in Aurora
- Best internet providers in Boulder
- Best internet providers in Centennial
- Best internet providers in Colorado Springs
- Best internet providers in Denver
- Best internet providers in Fort Collins
- Best internet providers in Grand Junction
- Best internet providers in Lakewood
- Best internet providers in Pueblo
Cheap internet options in Colorado
Starting prices for internet in Colorado typically fall in the $50 to $60 range, but some deals can be found. Xfinity, for example, offers a $20-per-month plan for 150Mbps service, with a few catches. The price is good for 12 months with a one-year contract commitment. You can provide your own modem and router or rent one for $15 per month. Quantum Fiber offers a $50-per-month plan for 500Mbps with no monthly equipment charge and no contract. Elsewhere, NETEO offers a 10Mbps service, but that can range from $10 to $35 a month.
Internet pricing can get complicated when you factor in renting or buying gear and plan prices that may jump after promotional periods expire. Check out these eight ways to save on your internet bill.
What's the cheapest internet plan in Colorado?
| Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETEO | $10-$35 | 10Mbps | Varies |
|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150Mbps | $15 modem (optional) |
|
Hughesnet Read full review | $50 ($75 after 12 months) | 50Mbps | $15 or $300 one-time purchase |
| Quantum Fiber 500 | $50 | 500Mbps | None |
|
Rise Broadband Read full review | $55 | 25Mbps | $10 |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plan) | 245Mbps | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Colorado
Colorado's best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Colorado internet providers, such as Xfinity and Rise Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Colorado broadband?
Ookla’s speed test data places Colorado 30th among US states with a median download speed of about 200Mbps. Compare that to the 2023 fourth-quarter speed champion Rhode Island, which was pulling down approximately 257Mbps. The national average was sitting around 242Mbps. Ookla updates its rankings regularly so states can move around. But Colorado’s showing places it firmly in the bottom half of the states for internet speeds.
According to Ookla, Xfinity takes the prize for being Colorado’s fastest fixed broadband provider, with a median download speed of 267Mbps. Thanks to its broad reach across the state, the cable provider is one of our top ISP recommendations for Colorado. Nationally, fiber internet has a reputation for being speedy. FCC data shows only about 14% of Colorado residents can access fiber with gigabit speeds. One place you can do that is in Fort Collins, where municipal fiber broadband plans go up to an impressive 10 gigabits.
Fastest internet plans in Colorado
| Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber 8 Gig | $165 | 8,000Mbps | 8,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $120 | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps | 1.2TB | Cable |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $80 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.2TB if using own equipment; none if renting with Xfinity | Cable |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $75 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | 1.2TB if using own equipment; none if renting with Xfinity | Cable |
| Eastern Slope Technologies | $130 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Quantum Fiber 1 Gig | $75 | 940Mbps | 940Mbps | None | Fiber |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What's a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics -- browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Colorado
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for what they're paying?
- Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What's the final word on internet providers in Colorado?
In March 2024, the FCC raised the standard for broadband internet to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speed. Luckily, the Colorado Broadband Office agrees and defines broadband service as 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up. Based on that, the state’s broadband map shows about 92% of locations are served with those speeds. The state aims to connect 99% of Colorado households to high-speed (100Mbps) broadband by 2027.
The Colorado Broadband Office has invested nearly $100 million in programs designed to expand fast internet to reach its goal. Add over $826 million in federal funds through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program. Colorado’s mountainous and rural areas can be challenging to reach, but this BEAD funding should help push through broadband improvements across the state.
I perk up whenever I hear about fiber expansion. It's the top request on my internet wishlist for just about any state. In 2022, Google Fiber's continuous expansion brought fiber to Lakewood and Westminster residents. Google Fiber Webpass has been in Denver for some time, but this is fiber-to-the-home rather than the Webpass fixed wireless version of fiber internet. Fiber ISP Ting Internet has also expanded fiber to Aurora, Colorado Springs and the Western Slope. These are big moves and a sign of advancement in broadband for the state overall.
Internet providers in Colorado FAQs
Does Colorado have good internet?
"Good" is debatable. If you're in a Colorado city and have a fast fiber connection, you're probably pretty happy with your internet. You're probably unsatisfied if you're in a rural area with only slow and expensive options. Colorado ranks 30th on Ookla's list of median download speeds for US states. That means Colorado has room for improvement.
Is there fiber internet in Colorado?
Yes, primarily in the larger metro areas, including Denver and Colorado Springs. Quantum Fiber can be found in both cities. Fort Collins runs a fiber municipal broadband utility called Fort Collins Connexion that offers plans starting at 1 gigabit for $70 per month, going up to $200 per month for 10Gbps.
Is CenturyLink or Xfinity better for internet service in Colorado?
It depends. If CenturyLink’s fiber service, sometimes branded as Quantum Fiber, is available to you, then that’s your best bet for affordable, fast and reliable internet. If your choices are down to CenturyLink’s older DSL service or Xfinity, then give some weight to Xfinity for speed and its variety of plan options.
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