Best Internet Providers in Maryland
Our Experts
What is the best internet provider in Maryland?
Verizon Fios is the best internet service provider in Maryland due to its symmetrical upload and download speeds, straightforward plans and availability across most of the state’s major metro areas. That being said, Verizon Fios service isn’t available everywhere in Maryland, so Xfinity or T-Mobile Home Internet are also solid picks, depending on what’s available in your area.
If you’re seeking the lowest prices or fastest speeds, we’ve also found those top options. The cheapest internet in Maryland is tied between Astound Broadband and Breezeline, offering $20 service for speeds up to 300 megabits per second and 100 megabits per second, respectively. Shentel’s Glo Fiber 5,000Mbps plan is one of the fastest in Maryland, but availability is limited to the Frederick area. Xfinity’s 2,000Mbps and 1,200Mbps plans are easier to find across the state. There are more ISPs in Maryland than we cover in this guide, but you’ll find a range of large and small ISPs alongside providers with the widest coverage across the state.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Maryland 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 particular 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 Maryland. 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 Maryland in 2024
Verizon Fios
Best internet provider in Maryland
Our take - Verizon’s fiber network (not to be confused with its DSL, LTE or 5G home internet offerings) hits the sweet spot for speed, availability, straightforward plans and customer satisfaction. It’s the most wide-reaching residential fiber ISP in the Old Line State.
Xfinity
Broadest coverage in Maryland
Our take - No matter where you live in Maryland, chances are good Xfinity services your address with its cable network. The ISP offers some decent introductory pricing deals, including a 200Mbps service for $30 per month. It’s also one of the few multigigabit providers in the state, with speeds topping at 2,000Mbps.
T-Mobile Home Internet
Best 5G home internet in Maryland
Our take - T-Mobile and Verizon run neck and neck when providing 5G home internet. The choice between the two comes down to availability, the speeds you can get at your location and whether you’re a phone customer. Both offer an alternative to regular wired ISPs. T-Mobile gets a nod here thanks to its coverage area across Maryland.
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Best fixed wireless internet in Maryland
Our take - The Verizon Fios fiber network is our top pick for Maryland overall, but it doesn’t reach every part of the state. If you don’t want to go with Xfinity and can’t get Fios, check into Verizon 5G Home Internet instead. It’s an especially good deal for Verizon mobile customers who bundle an eligible phone plan.
Maryland internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antietam Broadband | Cable/Fiber | $60-$90 | 250-1,300Mbps | Varies | None | None | N/A |
|
Astound Broadband Read full review | Cable | $20-$55 | 300-1,500Mbps | None | None | None | 7 |
| Breezeline | Cable | $20-$60 | 100-1,000Mbps | $15 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| Choptank Fiber | Fiber | $85-$279 | 100-2,500Mbps | None | None | 2 years | N/A |
| Point Broadband | Fiber | $39-$59 | 300-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | N/A |
| Shentel Glo Fiber | Fiber | $65-$285 | 600-5,000Mbps | $10 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
|
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | Fixed wireless | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 72-245Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
|
Verizon Fios Read full review | Fiber | $50-$90 | 300-940Mbps | None | None | None | 7.6 |
|
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers) | 100-300Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
|
Xfinity Read full review | Cable | $25-$90 | 200-2,000Mbps | Varies | None | None | 7 |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Rural internet options in Maryland
- Antietam Broadband: Cable and fiber provider Antietam Broadband services Washington County, including some rural areas. It’s been actively expanding its Flight Fiber network to include Hagerstown. Fiber speeds top out at 1,300Mbps for $90 per month. Equipment costs vary with service, but the company offers specials that cover the cost, or you can provide your own equipment.
- Choptank Fiber: If you live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and crave fiber internet, check in with your local provider, Choptank. The ISP is expanding its network and offers symmetrical speeds up to 2,500Mbps. Pricing ranges from $85 monthly for a 100Mbps plan to $279 for its fastest speed tier. There are no data caps or equipment fees, but Choptank requires a two-year commitment.
- Satellite internet: Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat compete to offer satellite internet service to households with few or no other options. Speeds can be slow, and the price is often more expensive than other kinds of internet connections, but it may be the only way for some rural homes to get online.
- Shentel Glo Fiber: Shentel’s Glo Fiber service is available in parts of Frederick and is expanding into rural areas of Frederick County as well as the city of Salisbury. Glo Fiber plans run from $65 per month for 600Mbps up to $285 per month for 5,000Mbps. That top speed is one of Maryland's fastest residential internet plans. The downside is the small Glo Fiber service area.
- Telegia: Telegia’s Skyburst fixed wireless service offers download speeds of 10 to 100Mbps across a broad area around Frederick County. The ISP is based in Frederick. Telegia reaches into rural areas that may have no other options besides satellite. You’ll have to contact Telegia for availability and pricing for your location. A router is included. Here’s how fixed wireless compares to other types of internet connections.
- Towerstream: Rural residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carrol, Frederick and Howard counties can check into fixed wireless ISP Towerstream. It’s not the cheapest service, so compare it with other options if you have any. Prices range from $45 per month for a 5Mbps service to $125 for 25Mbps.
- Verizon High-Speed Internet: Verizon’s older DSL network reaches into areas where its fiber service doesn’t. Speeds may be very slow. You may get 15Mbps, or you may only be able to pull down 1Mbps. A phone plan is required, which brings your monthly cost to $75. You can choose between buying a $100 router or providing your own. There’s no annual contract. Consider this a last-ditch option if you can’t get faster or more affordable service at your address.
Internet breakdown by city in Maryland
CNET has covered the best ISPs in several major cities in Maryland. We’ve compiled information on internet connection types, data caps, maximum speeds and more. If you don’t see your hometown below, don’t worry -- we’re working to add more city lists each week.
- Best internet providers in Annapolis
- Best internet providers in Baltimore
- Best internet providers in Columbia
- Best internet providers in Frederick
- Best internet providers in Towson
Cheap internet options in Maryland
Most ISPs in Maryland have plans that cost around $50, but there are ways to slim that down. Xfinity’s widely available 200Mbps Connect More plan runs $30 monthly for the first year of service. It’s an especially good deal if you have your own equipment and don’t have to add $15 per month for an xFi Gateway rental. Verizon mobile customers with an eligible phone plan can pull down some pretty sweet home internet savings. With Verizon 5G Home Internet, for example, you can get $15 off, bringing the lowest-price internet plan down to $35 a month.
Bethesda, Gaithersburg or Anne Arundel County residents with access to Astound Broadband’s network can get a one-year intro price of $20 a month for 300Mbps cable service. Breezeline’s cable plans start at $20 monthly for 100Mbps for the first year.
What's the cheapest internet plan in Maryland?
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Astound Broadband 300 Read full review | $20 | 300Mbps | None |
| Breezeline 100 | $20 | 100Mbps | $15 (optional) |
|
Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $25 | 200Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Point Broadband 300 | $40 | 300Mbps | None |
|
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps | None |
|
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 100Mbps | None |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $50 | 1,000Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Maryland
The best internet deals and top promotions in Maryland depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Maryland internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon Fios and Point Broadband, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Maryland
Maryland does pretty well when it comes to broadband speeds. A recent Ookla ranking put Maryland in 11th place for fastest median download speeds among the states and Washington, DC. The Old Line State logged a median download speed of 227Mbps. That general peppiness of home internet speed is thanks in part to wide coverage by Verizon Fios and Xfinity across the state. Both offer plans in the gig range, making fast internet available to most households.
The speeds you get at home will depend on many factors, including which ISPs are available and the internet technology you choose. Fiber has the advantage of fast uploads, which makes a difference if you move large files around. Maryland’s cable providers offer plans at the gig level or above, making them solid options for fast downloads.
Fastest internet plans in Maryland
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speeds | Max upload speeds | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shentel Glo Fiber | $285 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | Fiber |
| Choptank Fiber Ultra Gigafast | $280 | 2,500Mbps | 2,500Mbps | Fiber |
| Shentel Glo Fiber | $135 | 2,400Mbps | 2,400Mbps | Fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $90 | 2,000Mbps | 50Mbps | Cable |
|
Astound Broadband Read full review | $60 | 1,500Mbps | 50Mbps | Cable |
| Antietam Broadband | $90 | 1,300Mbps | 1,300Mbps | Fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $70 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | Cable |
| Breezeline GigaFast | $60 | 1,000Mbps | 50Mbps | Cable |
| Choptank Fiber Gigafast | $140 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $50 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | Cable |
| Point Broadband | $60 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | Fiber |
|
Astound Broadband 940 Read full review | $50 | 940Mbps | 20Mbps | Cable |
|
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review | $90 | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | 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 and streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities all at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Maryland
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 also 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 Maryland?
Verizon Fios and Xfinity are the home internet heavyweights in Maryland. Thanks to reliability and fast upload speeds, fiber is nice if you can get it. That’s why we picked Fios as the top ISP in the state. With cable providers like Xfinity, you can typically get great introductory rates and access to gig speeds or above, but you’ll find yourself wrestling with a price hike down the line. Be sure to check which other ISPs are available at your address. For example, you might want to explore 5G home internet service as an affordable alternative. You may also find service from a local or regional ISP or another cable provider that works well for your speed needs or pocketbook.
Internet providers in Maryland FAQs
What is the cheapest internet provider in Maryland?
Cheap internet options will depend on which ISPs service your address. Xfinity and Verizon are the most broadly available ISPs in Maryland. Of the two, Xfinity has lower-cost introductory plans, notably a 300Mbps plan for $30 per month, with that pricing good for a year. You’ll need to factor in renting or buying equipment. Bundling an eligible phone plan with Verizon home internet service can net you big savings, knocking your 100Mbps 5G plan down to just $35 monthly. If Breezeline or Astound Broadband service your address, you can take advantage of some low-cost promotional rates.
Which internet provider in Maryland offers the fastest plan?
Of the widely available Verizon Fios and Xfinity plans, Xfinity offers faster downloads with a top speed of 2,000Mbps in some areas, but uploads max out at 200Mbps. Verizon’s top-end Fios plan comes with 940Mbps downloads and 880Mbps uploads. There are faster plans to be found in some pockets of the state. Glo Fiber, for example, is available in areas of Frederick County and goes up to 5,000Mbps. Choptank Fiber delivers 2,500Mbps service to parts of the Eastern Shore.
Is fiber internet available in Maryland?
Verizon Fios is the fiber provider you’re most likely to run into around Maryland, but there are some ISPs with smaller fiber footprints around the state. Choptank Fiber, for example, delivers speeds up to 2,500Mbps to the Eastern Shore. Point Broadband brings gig fiber to Hagerstown, and Antietam Broadband offers fiber in parts of Washington County.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Maryland?
The most recent FCC National Broadband Map data crowns Xfinity as the widest-reaching wired ISP in Maryland. It’s accessible to nearly 87% of homes in the state.
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