X

Best Internet Providers for 2024

Are you searching for a new broadband provider? CNET's got the best, cheapest and fastest plans to help you choose the right internet for your home.

Article updated on February 15, 2024 at 8:00 AM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Trey Paul
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Trey Paul Senior Editor
Trey Paul is a CNET senior editor covering broadband. His 20+ years of experience as a writer and editor include time at CNET's sister site, Allconnect, and working with clients like Yahoo!, Google, The New York Times and Choice Hotels. An avid movie fan, Trey's career also includes being a film and TV critic while pursuing a degree in New York.
Expertise Home internet and broadband, including plans, providers, internet speeds and connection types. Movies and film studies. Credentials
  • Master's degree in Cinema Studies from NYU and interviews with Conan O'Brien, Stan Lee and some of his biggest Star Trek childhood idols
Why You Can Trust CNET
34353637383940
Reviews
344345346347348349350+
Cities/States
Sq. Feet of Lab Space

Our expert staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and evaluates our top picks. The order in which our top picks are presented may be impacted by partnerships, and we may get a commission if you buy through our links.

Enter your address to view internet providers available near you
Why do we ask for your address?
We ask for your address to help pinpoint which providers and plans are available in your area.
Prefer to speak with an expert live? Call (833) 888-6076 for availability in your area.
AT&T Fiber - Best fiber internet provider
  • Prices: $55 - $250 per month
  • Speeds: 300 - 5,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, equipment included
Or call to learn more: (855) 696-0756
Spectrum - Best cable internet provider
  • Prices: $50 - $80 per month
  • Speeds: 300 - 1,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Unlimited data, simple pricing, no contracts, modem included, free access to nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots
Or call to learn more: (866) 724-3206
Rise Broadband - Best rural internet provider
  • Speeds: 25 - 50Mbps
  • Prices: $45 - $65 per month
  • Key Info: Unlimited data on some plans, low price increase
Or call to learn more: (866) 484-6634
Verizon Fios - Best internet provider for customer care
  • Prices: $50 - $120 per month
  • Speeds: 300 - 2,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment with gig service
Or call to learn more: (888) 235-6118
WideOpenWest - Best internet provider for value
  • Prices: $20 - $95 per month
  • Speeds: 100 - 1,200Mbps
  • Key Info: Good promo prices, no contracts, unlimited data on some plans
Or call to learn more: (888) 901-0817
Quantum Fiber - Worth a look if service is available
  • Speeds: 200 - 8,000Mbps
  • Prices: $30 - $165 per month
  • Key Info: Unlimited data on some plans, low price increase
Or call to learn more: (888) 271-6698
Xfinity - Fast and reliable option
  • Prices: $20 - $300 per month
  • Speeds: 150 - 6,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Lots of plan options, solid customer satisfaction numbers, data caps on some plans
Or call to learn more: (877) 297-7621
Google Fiber - Great value for high-speed internet
  • Prices: $70 - $100 per month
  • Speeds: 1,000 - 2,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, equipment included
Or call to learn more: (888) 595-5774
Viasat - Best if you're stuck with satellite
  • Prices: $70 - $300 per month
  • Speeds: 12 - 150Mbps
  • Key Info: No hard data cap, nationwide availability
Or call to learn more: (877) 390-0656
Ziply Fiber - Off to a strong start
  • Prices: $20 - $900 per month
  • Speeds: 100 - 50,000Mbps
  • Key Info: Unlimited data, no contracts, fast rural internet connection
Or call to learn more: (844) 585-9189

What's the best internet provider overall?

If you live in the Northeast, it's tough to find a better internet service provider than Verizon Fios, while most other folks nationwide will find that AT&T Fiber rises to the top. As we often say in our ISP reviews, fiber internet service almost always trumps other internet connection types, so don't hesitate to sign up if you can. If you can get your hands on Verizon Fios or AT&T Fiber, we suggest going with either of those two options.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service providers 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 plan charts display the offerings most common to most areas. 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.

Locating local internet providers

Best internet service providers in the US

Product image
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
300 - 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$55 - $250 per month

AT&T Fiber

Best fiber internet provider

Our take - One of the metrics we like to compare value between ISPs is the average cost per megabit per second of download speed. A lower cost per Mbps is a good, rough indicator of value -- and with AT&T's fiber internet plans, the average cost per Mbps is just 10 cents, including your equipment rental. 

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (855) 696-0756
Check with AT&T
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
300 - 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$55 - $250 per month
Show more details

AT&T Fiber plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
AT&T Fiber - Internet 300
Read full review
$55 300Mbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
AT&T Fiber - Internet 500
Read full review
$65 500Mbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
AT&T Fiber - Internet 1000
Read full review
$80 1Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
AT&T Fiber - Internet 2000
Read full review
$125 2Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
AT&T Fiber - Internet 5000
Read full review
$225 5Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Show more (1 item)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Cable
Speed range
300 - 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 - $80 per month

Spectrum

Best cable internet provider

Our take - With most fiber providers, you'll find a better bang for your buck, but a cable connection is the next best thing if fiber isn't an option. And, among all the providers offering cable internet service in the country, Spectrum is the one I'd be happiest to see available at my address.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (866) 724-3206
Check with Spectrum
Connection
Cable
Speed range
300 - 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 - $80 per month
Show more details

Spectrum plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Spectrum Internet
Read full review
$50 300Mbps download, 10 Mbps uploadModem free; $5 for router (optional)NoneNone
Spectrum Internet Ultra
Read full review
$70 500Mbps download, 20Mbps uploadModem free; $5 for router (optional)NoneNone
Spectrum Internet Gig
Read full review
$90 1Gbps download, 35Mbps uploadModem free; $5 for router (optional)NoneNone

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
25 - 50 Mbps
Price range
$45 - $65 per month

Rise Broadband

Best rural internet provider

Our take - Pickings can be frustratingly slim when shopping for an internet plan in a rural area because most of the best internet infrastructure in the country is centralized in population-dense cities and the suburban neighborhoods surrounding them. If you live outside a region like that, your home probably isn't wired for fiber or cable. Instead, you'll have to make do with slower, less reliable and more expensive technologies, and you'll likely have fewer options to choose from, too.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (866) 484-6634
Check with Rise
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
25 - 50 Mbps
Price range
$45 - $65 per month
Show more details

Rise Broadband plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Rise Broadband 25Mbps
Read full review
$45 25Mbps download, 4Mbps upload$10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional)NoneNone, but required for some promotions
Rise Broadband 50Mbps
Read full review
$55 50Mbps download, 5Mbps upload$10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional)NoneNone, but required for some promotions
Rise Broadband 100Mbps
Read full review
$65 100Mbps download, 15Mbps upload$10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional)NoneNone, but required for some promotions
Rise Broadband 250Mbps
Read full review
$75 250Mbps download and upload$10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional)NoneNone, but required for some promotions
Rise Broadband 1000Mbps
Read full review
$105 1Gbps download and upload$10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional)NoneNone, but required for some promotions
Show more (1 item)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
300 - 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 - $120 per month

Verizon Fios

Best internet provider for customer care

Our take - Verizon lands near the top of the American Customer Satisfaction Index's rankings of internet providers year after year, and it's been one of the strongest finishers with J.D. Power for multiple years running too.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (888) 235-6118
Check with Verizon
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
300 - 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 - $120 per month
Show more details

Verizon Fios plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Fios 300 $50 300Mbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Fios 500 $70 500Mbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Fios 1 Gig $90 940Mbps download, 880Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Cable
Speed range
100 - 1,200 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $95 per month

WideOpenWest

Best internet provider for value

Our take - WideOpenWest -- or WOW -- is a relatively small provider that offers services in nine states. Still, it earns the exclamation point it likes to stick at the end of its branding by offering cable internet plans at some of the best prices you'll find anywhere in the US. That includes an entry-level 300Mbps plan that starts at $30 per month and a high-speed gigabit plan at $60 monthly. That's a stellar cost per Mbps of just 6 cents, which is unheard of in the cable category.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (888) 901-0817
Check with WOW!
Connection
Cable
Speed range
100 - 1,200 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $95 per month
Show more details

WOW Internet plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData CapContract
WOW Internet 300 $30 300Mbps download, 20 Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone
WOW Internet 600 $45 600Mbps download, 50 Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone
WOW Internet 1 Gig $60 1,000Mbps download, 50 Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone
WOW Internet 1.2 Gigs $95 1,000Mbps download, 50 Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Honorable mentions

Product image
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
200 - 8,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 - $165 per month

Quantum Fiber

Worth a look if service is available

Our take - CenturyLink offers DSL internet plans across 16 states, but roughly half of the coverage map also has access to its sibling company's fiber plans, branded as Quantum Fiber. The plans themselves are a great deal -- $50 a month for matching upload and download speeds of 500Mbps (10 cents per Mbps), or $75 a month for a gigabit plan with matching speeds of 940Mbps (just under 8 cents per Mbps, which is an even better value than you'll get with AT&T for its fiber gigabit plan). There are no data caps or contracts with those plans, and those prices don't arbitrarily go up after a year, either.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (888) 271-6698
Check with Quantum
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
200 - 8,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 - $165 per month
Show more details

Quantum Fiber plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Quantum Fiber 500 $50 500Mbps download, 500Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone
Quantum Fiber Gigabit $75 940Mbps download, 940Mbps uploadNoneNoneNone

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Cable
Speed range
150 - 6,000 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $300 per month

Xfinity

Fast and reliable option

Our take - Comcast is the biggest name in cable, and the company offers its Xfinity internet service to over 100 million people in the US -- more than a third of the country. Subscribers will find a great variety of plans and packages to choose from, including download speeds of up to 2,000Mbps that are available across the majority of the sprawling coverage map (or, if you're lucky, plans with multi-gig speeds of up to 10Gbps that are available at a small percentage of addresses). In addition, Xfinity consistently earns above-average customer satisfaction scores, too.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (877) 297-7621
Check with Xfinity
Connection
Cable
Speed range
150 - 6,000 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $300 per month
Show more details

Xfinity plans and prices (varies by region)

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Xfinity Connect
Read full review
$20-$3075Mbps download, 10Mbps upload$15 (optional)1.2TB1 year
Xfinity Connect More
Read full review
$25-$35200Mbps download, 10Mbps upload$15 (optional)1.2TBNone
Xfinity Fast
Read full review
$35-$55400Mbps download, 10Mbps upload$15 (optional)1.2TBNone
Xfinity Superfast
Read full review
$50-$70800Mbps download, 15Mbps upload$25 (optional)1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity)None
Xfinity Gigabit
Read full review
$60-$801Gbps download, 20Mbps upload$25 (optional)1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity)None
Xfinity Gigabit Extra
Read full review
$70-$851.2Gbps download, 35Mbps upload$25 (optional)1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity)None
Xfinity Gigabit X2
Read full review
$100-$1202Gbps download, 200Mbps upload$25 (optional)1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity)None
Xfinity Gigabit Pro
Read full review
$300 10Gbps download and upload$25 None2 years
Show more (4 items)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
1,000 - 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$70 - $100 per month

Google Fiber

Great value for high-speed internet

Our take - It's been over a decade since Google first announced that it would bring fiber internet service to select regions across the country -- and it's been an interesting ride ever since. After initially rolling out across 11 metro areas, Google struggled to build the service beyond that. It paused its efforts in 2016, leaving disappointment across dozens of cities where the company had teased prospects for future fiber expansions.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (888) 595-5774
Check with Google
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
1,000 - 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$70 - $100 per month
Show more details

Google Fiber plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Google Fiber 1 Gig
Read full review
$70 1Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Google Fiber 2 Gig
Read full review
$100 2Gbps download, 1Gbps uploadNoneNoneNone
Google Fiber 5 Gig
Read full review
$125 5Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Google Fiber 8 Gig
Read full review
$150 8Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Google Webpass
Read full review
$70 ($63 with a yearly plan)1Gbps download and uploadNoneNoneNone
Show more (1 item)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Satellite
Speed range
12 - 150 Mbps
Price range
$70 - $300 per month

Viasat

Best if you're stuck with satellite

Our take - Satellite internet is typically slow, laggy and temperamental in inclement weather, so I'd explore other options if you've got them. But that's the thing -- too many of us don't have other options, and satellite internet from established names like Viasat and Hughesnet is available just about everywhere.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (877) 390-0656
Check with Viasat
Connection
Satellite
Speed range
12 - 150 Mbps
Price range
$70 - $300 per month
Show more details

Viasat plans and prices (varies by region)

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Choice 25 $50 25Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 or $300 one-time purchase60GB2 years
Choice 50 $70 50Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 or $300 one-time purchase100GB2 years
Choice 75 $100 75Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 or $300 one-time purchase150GB2 years
Choice 100 $150 100Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 or $300 one-time purchase300GB2 years
Choice 150 $200 150Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 or $300 one-time purchase500GB2 years
Show more (1 item)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Product image
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
100 - 50,000 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $900 per month

Ziply Fiber

Off to a strong start

Our take - Ziply Fiber is a relative newcomer to the fiber scene after acquiring fiber-optic infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest from Frontier. The service launched in 2020 amid the pandemic, offering relatively affordable fiber plans to customers across parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Read full review
Or call to learn more: (844) 585-9189
Check with Ziply
Connection
Fiber
Speed range
100 - 50,000 Mbps
Price range
$20 - $900 per month
Show more details

Ziply Fiber plans and prices

Plan Starting monthly priceMax speedsMonthly equipment feeData capContract
Ziply Internet (DSL) $50 115Mbps download, 7Mbps upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 100/100 $20 100Mbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 300/300 $40 300Mbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber Gig $60 1Gbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 2 Gig $80 2Gbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 5 Gig $120 5Gbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 10 Gig $300 10Gbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Ziply Fiber 50 Gig $900 50Gbps download and upload$10 (optional)NoneNone
Show more (4 items)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to choose the best internet service provider for your home

Finding the right ISP for your household is not easy. This is especially true if you live in a rural or underserved portion of the US. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine the download and upload speeds necessary to meet your needs. With that knowledge, you can better tackle plan pricing that will fit your budget and broadband demands.

For more thorough tips on finding the top internet plan for your household, check out CNET's 10 tips to help you get the most out of your internet service.

Download and upload speeds

For most of us, our internet use mainly focuses on our download speeds. It determines how easily we can stream the latest hit Netflix show or how fast we can load our favorite Amazon shopping page. The slower your download speeds, the longer it takes to do tasks on the internet. For example, Netflix suggests 15Mbps or higher to watch programming in ultra HD (to take full advantage of that 4K TV you bought).

The Federal Communications Commission defines "broadband speed" as a minimum of 25Mbps download speeds and 3Mbps upload speeds, though discussions began in 2022 to update those minimums to 100Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads.

Speaking of uploads, most of us couldn't care less about our upload speeds before the pandemic. But once we started excessively video chatting with friends and family, taking Zoom calls with business colleagues and sending files and homework to our bosses and teachers, we discovered its importance too.

Considering what types of activities dominate your household will affect what level of download speed you'll need. Do you work remotely from home? Are you living in a household full of kids with their own personal devices? Have you recently downsized and are an empty nester?

Plan pricing

At first glance, you might think it would be easy to spot good plan pricing. The cheaper the monthly fee, the better the price, right? Maybe. Because internet providers are not the most transparent bunch (a Consumer Reports broadband study from late 2022 noted that customers found internet bills to be "extremely confusing"), one low monthly rate might not equal the next.

Keep on the watch for promo rates that expire quickly. That means the enticing starting price won't last, and you may pay more in the long term. Also, look for hidden fees that may add to your monthly expenses. For example, some providers don't include equipment rentals in their monthly rates. That could add another $5 to $15 to your monthly bill.

Lastly, one good way to determine value is by examining the cost per megabit per second. You might find a 75Mbps plan for $20 a month from one provider and a 250Mbps plan for $30 monthly from another. Before you sign up for that $20 plan, consider that the cost per Mbps is just under 27 cents. The 250Mbps plan, on the other hand, chimes in at 12 cents per Mbps, so it's a better value -- more than 50% cheaper per Mbps -- and you get more than three times the download speed.

Customer satisfaction

Just as you might search the internet for recommendations on a good local restaurant, it can be helpful to research customers' experiences with an ISP before you sign up. CNET has found it helpful to lean on the annual ISP surveys from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, but many resources are out there. Learning about constant network interruptions, a negligent help desk or frequent billing mistakes can be valuable info for choosing (or avoiding) certain providers.

How CNET chose the best internet providers

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 pricing, availability and speed database 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 answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who 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.

Internet connection types

There are six major types of internet available: fiber, cable, 5G, fixed wireless, DSL and satellite. Each of these internet technologies provides different quirks and benefits.

For a thorough breakdown of each, check out our guide on internet connection types

Fiber

Fiber internet is the gold standard if you can get it. It's often called "future-proof," meaning that it offers some of the fastest plans available and features symmetrical download and upload speeds. It's more reliable than cable and is less prone to outages or network congestion. AT&T, Google and Verizon are among the major players that offer fiber-optic internet.

Cable

Cable internet supplies your internet connection through the same cables (often a hybrid fiber and copper line) that providers use for TV services. It's more reliable than satellite internet and offers faster download speeds. Often, cable internet is bundled with TV to get consumers to buy higher-priced packages to get a deal on internet service. Companies like Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity offer cable internet.

5G home internet/Fixed wireless

5G home internet and fixed wireless go hand-in-hand: 5G home internet services are fixed wireless internet services. But not all fixed wireless services are 5G home internet offerings. Fixed wireless service means the connection between your provider and home is not wired. However, that fixed wireless connection can come via cellular networks or satellite. Fixed wireless networks tend to be slower and more laggy than wired connections. But the promise of 5G home internet -- from companies like Starry, T-Mobile and Verizon -- is speeds that match up favorably to cable connections.

DSL

DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to users. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Frontier offer DSL internet. The good news is those copper lines are prevalent across the country. The not-so-good news is that download speeds fall short of what cable internet can offer. In some cases, your speeds might even be slower than satellite internet.

Satellite

Satellite internet is the one broadband connection type currently available to people in the rural areas of all 50 states. As a solid alternative for those without access to DSL, cable or fiber internet, satellite internet links a modem in your home to a satellite in space, sending the internet back to Earth.

Other broadband providers we reviewed

The broadband beat keeps our team busy, but we'll continue evaluating internet providers and updating this post as new options emerge. Here's a rundown of every other provider we've covered, with a link back to our full review.

Provider CNET review scorePrice rangeSpeed range
T-Mobile Home Internet
Read full review
7.4/10$60 72-245Mbps
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Read full review
7.2/10$50-$7050-1,000Mbps
Astound Broadband
Read full review
7.0/10$25-$80100-1,500Mbps
Starry Internet
Read full review
7.0/10$15-$8030-1,000Mbps
Metronet 6.9/10$30-$115100-5,000Mbps
Sparklight 6.9/10$25-$110100-940Mbps
Kinetic by Windstream 6.7/10$30-$30050-8,000Mbps
Armstrong Internet 6.4/10$35-$8025-1,000Mbps
Mediacom  6.4/10$20-$60100-2,000Mbps
Nomad Internet 6.4/10$109-$19960-200Mbps
Earthlink 6.3/10$55-$19012-5,000Mbps
Frontier
Read full review
6.3/10$50-$155500-5,000Mbps
Cox Communications 6.2/10$50-$150100-2,000Mbps
Optimum 6.2/10$40-$180300-5,000Mbps
Hughesnet
Read full review
6/10$50-$8050-100Mbps
Show more (11 items)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What's the final word on the best internet providers?

Finding the right ISP is easier said than done, especially if you live in a rural part of the country with limited options for getting online. While fiber internet is almost always the best internet connection type, we recognize that many Americans don't currently have access to fiber internet.

Some providers we listed might not be the perfect fit for your situation. Often, the best provider is simply the one available at your address. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine your broadband demands. 

Best internet providers FAQ

What's the cheapest way to get internet?

That depends. We know, not helpful, but stay with us.

One of the cheapest ways to get internet service is through the government's Affordable Connectivity Program. It's a long-term subsidy to help qualifying households receive $30 a month ($75 for those on Tribal lands) towards internet service. There are also other permanent programs available for low-income families, as well as for seniors and students

Lastly, you can try negotiating with your current internet provider to secure a lower rate on your broadband service. Or you can keep your eyes open for broadband deals or other internet promotions each month.

Show more

Who's the fastest internet provider?

The good news is it's now common to find gigabit plans offered by almost all major ISPs. But, as we often say, the fastest internet service for you will depend on your location and specific address. Xfinity and Kinetic by Windstream often extend the fastest plans available for residential homes, with a 10,000Mbps and an 8,000Mbps plan, respectively. However, those aren't as widely available and may require a site survey to ensure serviceability.

In 2022, a Chattanooga, Tennessee, provider announced it was offering a 25Gbps plan. Though that's impressive, Ziply Fiber recently released a 50-gigabit plan. That's ridiculously fast, and though you probably don't need that much speed in your household, it's pretty cool nonetheless.

Show more

What is the most powerful internet company?

If fast is what you’re looking for, Ziply Fiber has two of the fastest internet plans of any major ISP, with advertised symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 10,000Mbps and 50,000Mbps. However, if you’re more interested in customer care and value, Verizon offers the best sign-up bonuses among high-speed internet providers.

Show more

Who has the best Wi-Fi coverage?

Since internet providers tend to operate in specific areas, the provider with the best Wi-Fi coverage will depend on where you live. Currently, T-Mobile Home Internet is available in 49 states and has 89% nationwide coverage.

Show more

What internet speed do I need?

The FCC defines "broadband speed" as a minimum of 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speed. But that definition is out of date. As mentioned above, most providers now offer a gigabit plan, but most households won't need that much speed. According to a recent report from OpenVault, the average American household uses approximately 415Mbps download speeds (though nearly 70% of households get less than 200Mbps) and 25Mbps upload. Does that mean you'll need that much? Not necessarily. The internet speed you need will depend on how many people use the internet in your home and for what activities you need.

Show more

Should I self-install my internet or have a professional do it?

Most internet providers offer a self-installation option, where they'll mail you your home internet equipment after you sign up for service, and you'll set it up yourself on your own time. In most cases, the process is straightforward, with clear instructions on how to plug everything in correctly. In some cases, opting for self-installation can save you money, too.

All of that makes self-installation a great option for homes that don't require much labor to get a network up and running -- for instance, if you're setting up a cable internet modem and your home already has the necessary coaxial wiring running through your walls. Check with your provider when you sign up to see if it's an option for you, how much work it would entail, and how much money you could save off of the cost of letting the pros handle it.

Show more

What is a Tier 1 ISP?

Tier 1 internet providers have direct access to the network, letting them offer services directly to customers without relying on other providers. A few Tier 1 ISPs include AT&T, Verizon and CenturyLink, which all have extensive networks and complete control of their network and routing.

Show more

How many ISPs are there in the US?

Approximately 2,000 ISPs operate in the US, including national, regional and local providers. While some offer nationwide coverage, others cater to specific areas or communities.

Show more

Which internet service providers offer bundles?

If you’re considering home internet and TV service, bundling can save you time and money. Companies like AT&T, Cox Communications and Frontier offer internet and television packages, but you can read more at CNET's list of the best cheap internet and TV bundles.

Show more
Looking for internet service?
Check availability
Tell us your address to view what’s available
Tell us your address to view what’s available
Why do we ask for your address?
  • Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address
  • See what exact plans are available at your home
provider image
Enter your address
Why do we ask for your address?
  • Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address
  • See what exact plans are available at your home
Prefer to speak with an expert live? Call (833) 888-6076 for availability in your area.
Prefer to speak with an expert live? Call (833) 888-6076 for availability in your area.
Enter your address to view what's available near you
Why do we ask for your address?
We ask for your address to help pinpoint which providers and plans are available in your area.
Prefer to speak with an expert live? Call (833) 888-6076 for availability in your area.