Best Internet Providers in Boise, Idaho
Our Experts
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What is the best internet provider in Boise?
T-Mobile Home Internet is CNET's pick for the best overall internet provider for most households in Boise because of its affordability and no commitment contract offering. That said, T-Mobile service isn't available everywhere in Boise. Depending on where you live, Quantum Fiber and Sparklight are also solid picks.
We've got you covered if you're hunting for the lowest prices or fastest speeds. Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile offer competitive pricing, but the cheapest price tag for internet in Boise is Sparklight's $25-per-month plan, which offers a 100 megabits per second connection. It's worth noting this is an introductory price for the first 12 months of service and jumps to $50 per month afterward. CTC Telecom's Wilderness Wireless $49-per-month plan comes in second for the cheapest in the area. Elsewhere, are T-Mobile and Verizon's mobile offerings, which can bump down the monthly bill for eligible customers. If price consistency is what you seek, that may be the way to go. If the lowest cost is your goal, it may be worth taking advantage of the cheaper promo rate with Sparklight.
The fastest internet speed in Boise is Quantum Fiber's 8-gig plan -- but it's available only in select locations. In most areas of Boise, Quantum Fiber and Sparklight both offer a 1-gig plan, but only Quantum Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, T-Mobile comes out ahead. Customer care carries the biggest weight in how CNET scores internet providers, giving T-Mobile the edge as the best overall provider in Boise.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Boise 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 Boise. 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 Boise, Idaho
T-Mobile Home Internet
Best internet provider in Boise, ID
Our take - One of the best things T-Mobile Home Internet has going for it is a lack of fine print and fees. You can try T-Mobile's home internet service without severing ties with your current ISP. But chances are you'll want to cut the cord on your previous provider and stick with T-Mobile Home Internet.
Quantum Fiber
Best fiber internet in Boise, ID
Our take - You don't have many options if your heart is set on fiber internet in Boise. Quantum Fiber, a service offered by Lumen, is likely your best bet, offering two fiber internet plans depending on your needs, location and budget.
Sparklight
Best cable internet in Boise, ID
Our take - When it comes to bread-and-butter cable internet, Sparklight rises to the top. It's known for its straightforward, affordable pricing. It also offers pretty competitive speeds.
Boise internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Download 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 |
| CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless | Fixed Wireless | $49-$95 | 10-100Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | None | N/A |
|
EarthLink Home Internet Read full review | DSL/Fiber | $55-$175 | 100GB-Unlimited | None | None | 1-year (optional) | 6.3 |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | $50-$75 | 500-940Mbps | None | None | None | 6.7 |
|
Sparklight Read full review | Cable | $25-$70 ($50-$80 after 12 months) | 100-940Mbps | $12 modem | None | None | 6.9 |
| SpeedyQuick Networks | Fixed Wireless | $60-$164 | 10-40Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | 1-year | N/A |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | Fixed wireless | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plan) | 72-245Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
|
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 for qualifying Verizon 5G mobile customers) | 50-300Mbps (varies by location) | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| White Cloud | Fixed wireless | $55-$150 | 10-200Mbps | Free modem; $8-$12 router | None | None (but installation fee is charged if you cancel before 12 months) | N/A |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
Other available internet providers in Boise
- CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless: This company provides internet service to customers in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. There are no contracts required. The base plan is $49 per month, and the top-tier plan is $95 monthly.
- Satellite Internet: These services are available virtually everywhere. Two options for this type of provider are Hughesnet and Viasat. Viasat's new all-in-one plan features download speeds up to 150Mbps for $100 monthly. Unlike Hughesnet, Viasat customers can enjoy their plans without being tied down by contracts. Hughesnet plans will run from $50 to $95 monthly for the Boise area with available speeds from 50 to 100Mbps. This also requires a two-year contract and equipment rental or purchase.
- SpeedyQuick Networks: This is another wireless provider serving the Boise region, with plans costing anywhere between $60 and $164 per month. Download speeds range from 10 to 40Mbps but will vary based on your address.
- White Cloud: This is an Idaho-based company that offers residential internet in Boise. It's a wireless connection and plans range from $55 to $150 monthly.
Cheap internet options in Boise
Most of the internet options in Boise start around $50 per month. The cheapest internet plan in town is $25 monthly from Sparklight with 100Mbps download speed. That is, however, a 12-month introductory rate that changes to $50 per month after the promo period ends. The best value for speed in Boise is Quantum Fiber, whose 1-gigabit plan is a monthly fixed price of $75 and is currently priced for life in the Boise market.
What's the cheapest internet plan in Boise?
| Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sparklight Read full review | $25 ($50 after 12 months) | 100Mbps | $12 modem |
| CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless | $49 | 10Mbps | None |
| Quantum Fiber | $50 | 500Mbps | None |
|
EarthLink Home Internet Read full review | $55 | 100GB | None |
| White Cloud | $55 | 10Mbps | $8-$12 router |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
How to find internet deals and promotions in Boise
The best internet deals and top promotions in Boise depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Boise internet providers, such as Sparklight and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing for a limited time. Others, however, 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 Boise broadband?
Boise didn't distinguish itself too well among the top 100 cities in the US, per Ookla's most recent speed test data. Boise's median download speed was just shy of 188Mbps, which was good for 83rd place. That's not great. However, it's better than the 141Mbps that Idaho scored as a state. Overall, the results you'll see at home will vary based on your location, equipment, internet connection type and network congestion.
What are the fastest internet plans in Boise?
| Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber Internet | $75 | 940Mbps | 940Mbps | None | Fiber |
|
Sparklight Read full review | $70 ($80 after 12 months) | 940Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Cable |
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 Boise
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But 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 Boise?
Boise has a good range of internet providers, meeting lots of different customer preferences. You can opt for a cheap wireless plan or go all in on a top-of-the-line fiber plan. Either way, you're likely to find reliable, fast service for your home in the metro area.
Internet providers in Boise FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Boise?
Our best overall pick for internet in Boise is T-Mobile Home Internet. It has a great mix of perks (no contracts or data caps), and the pricing is simple and affordable. It's not the fastest or cheapest plan out here, but it's likely to work for most people.
Is fiber internet available in Boise?
Yes, but it depends on where exactly you live. Quantum Fiber is likely your best bet and offers some of the fastest fiber plans. Check the Quantum Fiber site to see if it's available at your specific location.
Which is the cheapest internet provider in Boise?
The cheapest plan in town is Sparklight's base plan, which is $25 per month for 100Mbps. However, expect that price to double per month after the first year. For eligible mobile customers, fixed wireless providers such as Verizon and T-Mobile offer reduced prices on select mobile plans that can drop your monthly bill down by $15 to $30.
Which internet provider in Boise offers the fastest plan?
Two internet providers in Boise offer gigabit-speed plans, the fastest available in the city: Sparklight and Quantum Fiber. Both offer download speeds up to 940Mbps.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Boise?
Sparklight is the wired internet provider with the deepest coverage in Boise. It's available to 99% of addresses in the city, according to the FCC's National Broadband Map.
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