Best Internet Providers
A cable internet provider with some of the lowest prices we've seen
Advertised plans start at $25/month for 300 Mbps, equipment rental included. Pricing varies by region.
Live TV, mobile phone, home phone, home security
40 states, primarily northeast, midwest, and west coast
This high-speed fiber connection offers speeds up to 5 GB
Fiber internet service starts at $55/month for 300 Mbps, and their fastest speeds, 5 GB, goes for only $180/month.
Mobile phone, home phone, DirecTV Stream live TV
Fiber available in metro areas of 21 states. DSL hybrid is available more widely.
A simple internet plan with three tiers of service and no contracts — ever
Three tiers: 300 Mbps for $50/mo., 500 Mbps for $70/mo., or Gig service for $90/mo.
Live TV, mobile phone
42 states, mostly northeast and northern U.S.
The mobile phone giant gives you the option to bundle with a fully customized TV lineup
The internet and TV bundle includes 300 Mbps service and a customized 125-channel lineup for estimates as low as $99/mo.
Mobile phone, home phone, standard or customized live TV packages
Fiber is only available in metro areas, mostly in the northeast. 5G is available more widely.
A hotspot that doesn't rely on one network, so you get service almost anywhere. Bonus: it works internationally
Buy-as-you-go data bundles, ranging from $3 for one day of 1 GB service to $90 for 100 GB and 30 days of service.
No bundled services offered
Available anywhere there is cellular data service. Includes international data options in over 200 countries.
In today's interconnected world, having reliable internet service is a must. The internet plan you choose plays a crucial role in fulfilling your needs, whether you work from home and need steady connectivity for virtual meetings, are a competitive online gamer or simply use the service for streaming movies and browsing social media.
Below, we have compiled a list of the best internet providers, including reviews for each one. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each option and to access our guide, which will help you understand how internet service functions and what factors to consider when selecting a provider.
Our Top Picks for Best Internet Providers
- Xfinity – Best for Budget
- Spectrum – Best No-Contract Option
- Verizon Home Internet – Best Bundle Discounts
- MightyWifi – Best Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Networks
- AT&T Fiber – Best for Online Gaming
Best Internet Providers Reviews
Best for Budget: Xfinity
- Affordable service tiers with frequent promotional discounts
- Plenty of bundle options, including TV, phone and home security
- Broad national availability
- Customer service can be difficult
- Prices vary by region
Why We Chose It: Xfinity offers some of the lowest prices nationwide, with tiers as low as $10 per month in some areas.
While prices may vary according to your location, Xfinity plans are consistently affordable, and even their lowest-tiered plans provide sufficient speeds for streaming and remote work. Additionally, this internet provider is renowned for offering substantial promotions and discounts, so you can score an even better deal on your service if you keep an eye out for these offers.
Xfinity is currently available in 40 U.S. states and offers both contract and no-contract options, depending on where you reside. As of March 2023, one of their most widespread plans provides a speed of 200 Mbps and includes equipment rental for just $25 per month for up to two years, with no contract required. Because plans can vary widely from one area to another, lower prices may be available if you don't need as many Mbps.
Online reviews regarding Xfinity's customer service are mixed. While some customers found it helpful, others consider it time-consuming. If you're searching for a lower rate, Xfinity reps may be able to assist you in scoring a deal since their customer retention policies enable them to offer additional promotions to keep you subscribed. However, this can also make switching to another provider a more difficult process.
Best No-Contract Option: Spectrum
- Good range of speeds
- Affordable for the speeds offered
- No contract means no early termination fees
- Good bundle options
- Limited plan options
- Poor customer service
- Some customers report speeds lower than advertised
Why We Chose It: Spectrum's no-contract plans are affordable, widely available and include a good range of speeds.
Spectrum's plans are no-contract, so there are no early termination fees to worry about if you decide to switch to another internet provider. The starting plan level comes with 300 Mbps for $50 per month. Service at 500 Mbps jumps to $70, and a 1 GB plan will run you $90 monthly. Professional installation and activation will add around $60 to your first bill, and even if you choose to self-install, you'll have to pay $25 to activate your service.
One standout feature of Spectrum's plans is that they offer unlimited data, unlike many other home internet providers that often cap data usage at around 1 TB per month. While this might not be a concern for most users, heavy downloaders or streamers may find it to be a significant advantage. Spectrum also offers bundling options that include cable TV and mobile phone service.
Online customer reviews note that speeds are frequently lower than what Spectrum advertises, and customer service is decidedly unhelpful at addressing the issue. However, the speeds offered are usually high enough that even if your actual internet service is a little slower, the average user probably won't notice too much of a difference. If the speeds aren't meeting your needs, not being tethered to a contract means you can cancel service easily and penalty-free if you find a better offering in your area.
Best Bundle Discounts: Verizon Home Internet
- Bundles include unique custom TV package
- Some of the best customer service in the industry
- Affordable service tiers
- Not available everywhere
- Cable services only work on Verizon-brand routers
Why We Chose It: Verizon offers bundles that include internet, mobile or home phone service and TV. The ISP stands out the most for its custom TV package, which offers a bespoke selection of around 125 channels based on your individual preferences.
What makes Verizon's most popular TV bundle unique is that the channel lineup isn't standardized. Instead, you'll choose up to five channels you love, and Verizon will build a custom 125-channel lineup based on your tastes. Other TV options at Verizon offer more channels if you want a wider variety, but they're not customized.
Verizon's internet-only plans range from $50 per month for 300 Mbps to $90 per month for 1GB service. The Your FIOS TV plan can be customized and starts at $75 per month, while the bundled internet and TV plan includes 300 Mbps service and Your FIOS TV for as low as $99 per month, resulting in a net savings of $25 per month. Additionally, online orders waive the $99 setup fee.
Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and many highlight Verizon's incredible customer service — a rarity in this industry. For markets where fiber internet services aren't available yet, customers complained about service interruptions, but fiber customers were generally satisfied with their service in online reviews.
Best Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Networks: MightyWifi
- No monthly subscription — buy data plans as needed
- Affordable plan options
- Connects to whatever 4G LTE signal is strongest in the area
- No wired internet service
- Service is purchased by the GB, so it's not great for heavy use
- Subject to cell signal availability
Pros:
- No monthly subscription — buy data plans as needed
- Affordable plan options
- Connects to whatever 4G LTE signal is strongest in the area
Cons:
- No wired internet service
- Service is purchased by the GB, so it's not great for heavy use
- Subject to cell signal availability
Why We Chose It: MightyWifi's hotspots automatically connect to the strongest signal at your location. Its data plans are some of the cheapest on the market and include international data options in over 200 countries.
MightyWifi operates exclusively through its hotspots, with no wired internet connections to speak of. Although you'll want to combine your hotspot with a separate home internet service if you use a lot of data, this hotspot is a great option for frequent travelers, as the data packages include service in over 200 countries.
In the U.S., packages range from 1 GB of data and one day of service for $3 to 100 GB of data over 30 days for $90. Data packages are purchased individually rather than as a monthly subscription, so you only need to recharge your data when needed. However, data doesn't roll over at the end of the package term, even if you add another package before it ends.
The hotspot connects to the strongest 4G network available in the area to provide the best possible connection rather than limiting you to a single network's coverage. This makes MightyWifi a great option for frequent travelers who may dip in and out of coverage areas. You can purchase a hotspot starting at $99 or rent one for a few dollars a day, plus a $20 shipping fee.
Best for Online Gaming: AT&T Fiber
- Fiber internet means super-fast speeds
- The most widely available fiber network
- No-contract plans
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Poor customer service
- Service interruptions in rural or suburban areas
Why We Chose It: As one of the most widely available and cheapest internet services of its caliber, AT&T is a no-brainer for serious gamers who need the lightning speeds that fiber internet can provide.
AT&T is the most widely available fiber network on the market right now, with fiber services available in major cities across 21 states. If you live in a rural or suburban area, fiber may not have made it your way yet. Although AT&T still offers DSL or hybrid DSL-and-fiber plans, its DSL caps out at a mere 100 Mbps and limits you to 1 TB of data per month — it's best to hold out for full fiber service.
Fiber-only service from AT&T ranges from 300 Mbps for $55 per month to a whopping 5 GB for $180. As of 2023, equipment rental is included in those prices, so you don't have to hunt down your own router or pay an additional rental fee. All of the ISP's plans are no-contract, with a caveat — promotional pricing might require a contract, with reported fees of $15 per month of service remaining.
Online customer reviews for the service are largely positive, with many highlighting AT&T's reliability compared to other providers in similar areas. Some customers have complained about awful customer service and that service to less urban areas, even on fiber connections, was somewhat unreliable. Regardless, AT&T is one of the few internet service providers that consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction.
Other Internet Providers We Considered
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- 15-Day Test Drive
- Discounts for Autopay or bundling with cell service
- Current promotion pays your contract termination fees to switch
- Service has a waiting list
- Inconsistent speeds
- Only one tier, with no high-speed option
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has some great features, including a 15-day Test Drive option that allows you to try it out at no cost to ensure it works at your location. You can also combine its internet service with an existing T-Mobile cell phone account for discounts, and if you're switching from a contract service, they're currently offering to pay your termination fees up to $750.
Why T-Mobile didn't make the cut: Because the service is still being rolled out, there's a waiting list in many areas, and its availability is reliant on having access to 5G cell service. Online reviews also report inconsistent speeds, with some being as low as 6 Mbps.
Google Fiber
- Ultra-high speeds
- Highly affordable
- Limited to a couple of cities
- Poor customer service
- Still very new, so they're working out the kinks
Google Fiber promises incredible speeds — gigabytes per second — which is ideal for gamers, streamers and tech-heavy households. Their lowest tier starts at $63 for 1 GB in some markets, which is highly affordable compared to similar plans from other providers.
Why Google Fiber didn't make the cut: Google Fiber is relatively new and has only been rolled out in a handful of cities, though more are already on the way. Some customers also reported service issues like outages and lower-than-advertised speeds, particularly in the most recently added service areas. Customer service is reportedly lacking when it comes to solving these issues.
Frontier
- Fiber internet speeds up to 5 GB
- Affordable prices
- Fiber availability is limited
- DSL service has some of the worst reviews
- Reportedly terrible customer service
Frontier's growing fiber internet services offer speeds of up to 2 GB at great prices. All of their plans are no-contract and include unlimited data and free router rental.
Why Frontier didn't make the cut: Frontier's fiber services are sparse so far, and customers on their non-fiber plans are less than enthused. Although Frontier is one of the few mainstream providers that offers rural internet service, customers in these areas complain about frequent service interruptions and less-than-helpful customer service.
Internet Providers Guide
What Is An Internet Service Provider (ISP)?
An internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides access to the internet for an individual or business. They're the ones who make it possible for you to surf the Web, stream movies and play videogames with your friends online.
ISPs are often responsible for building and managing infrastructure such as cables or satellites to transmit information to your home or business, though some companies rent or borrow existing infrastructure.
How Do Internet Service Providers Supply Internet Access?
ISPs provide a connection from any internet-enabled device in the world to any other through access points and databases that can be used to store and transfer information. This may be through physical connections, such as cable or fiber networks, or wirelessly, through cell towers and satellite signals.
Data from one device is converted into bits — minute points of data — and transferred to another device. This data can be sent as pulses or signals along cables (like television signals), through satellites or cell towers (like phone calls or GPS) or more recently, via fiber networks, which use ultra-thin glass filaments mere microns wide to carry information as pulses of light.
What To Consider When Choosing An Internet Plan?
Selecting the right plan is not as simple as signing up for any high-speed internet service. Not all plans are created equal, so here are a few of the factors you should keep in mind when choosing one.
Download Speeds
It's important to have enough bandwidth. Consider what you'll be using the internet service for. If you plan to do a lot of online gaming, video streaming or working from home, you might need higher speeds to avoid disruption.
Also, consider how many people are in your household. You might need a stronger wireless connection if you have several people at home using the internet simultaneously. On the other hand, if you live alone or your household doesn't use demanding online services, you might not need high-speed internet and can look for more affordable home internet service.
Monthly Price
Different providers will offer different prices for similar services. Don't just settle for the first provider that offers internet service within your price range. Shopping around may net you higher speeds, better service, additional perks or bundle options for the same cost.
Consider whether the services a company offers align with your needs. For example, an internet provider may offer one tier well below your needs and another that includes way more data or services than you'll ever use, with nothing in between. In such a case, you should probably look for another company so you're not paying extra for a service you don't need.
Equipment Fees
Before committing to an internet provider, find out what their equipment requirements are. The best router for your service may depend on factors like the download speed, type of service (e.g., cable vs. satellite) or hotspot capabilities. Some home internet providers require you to buy your own equipment, while others will rent you the routers and modems you need.
Buying your own equipment allows you to shop around for the best deal, and you can usually resell the equipment or use it with another internet service if you switch. It also saves you the monthly rental fees.
Renting has its benefits, too. Services that rent equipment usually optimize it to work most efficiently with your service, and they often offer free repairs and upgrades if relevant. It also saves you time researching which equipment works with your type of service.
Availability
Not every internet service provider will be available in every area. Some services are regional or local and may not be available outside your city.
In some places, certain options are inaccessible — cable or fiber internet providers often don't service small, rural communities because installing the infrastructure is costly and time-consuming. On the other hand, some ISPs may not be accessible in urban apartments where you can't control the cable or satellite infrastructure.
Contract Requirements
If you're considering a contract internet service, be sure you examine the contract thoroughly first. Pay special attention to details such as the length of the contract (most are 1-2 years), any fees for things like early termination or a failed payment, what services are specifically included and what your legal rights or obligations are in the event of a breach of contract on either side.
Some providers offer both contract and no-contract options; there are pros and cons to each. Contract service tends to be cheaper if you're prepared to commit to long-term service, but if you close the contract early, it can be expensive. No-contract options may cost a few dollars more per month, but you can cancel your service at any time without penalty.
Both options usually come with similar coverage tiers, so it mostly comes down to how long you're comfortable committing to the service.
Customer Service
No one likes calling customer service to deal with a problem, but if it happens, you'll want to speak with representatives who can help you. Look up customer reviews to find out if an ISP's customer service representatives are responsive, qualified and actually helpful. Customer service reps may also be able to help you do things like score discounts or upgrades, especially if you've had service issues.
If a company's customer service reviews indicate that they're difficult to get hold of or offer little to no resolution, steer clear — even if it looks like a good deal. You may just wind up frustrated rather than with an actual solution when a problem arises.
Internet Providers FAQ
How do I find internet providers in my area?
Start your search by asking neighbors and friends in your area what providers they've tried. They can give you a real picture of what the service looks like for the end user, and some companies offer special referral discounts that benefit both you and the person who referred you.
An online search can also show what providers are in your area. If you're looking for particular features like bundle discounts or high speeds, include those in your search terms. Be sure to read customer reviews from third-party sites not affiliated with the provider to get a clear picture of how real customers feel about the service.
Don't hesitate to contact a provider's customer service team to ask about features, address concerns or negotiate a better deal. Some providers authorize their customer service representatives to approve better discounts or upgrades than the ones advertised. If you're choosing between a few options, be open about that — they might offer discounts or perks just to outdo the competition.
How do I switch internet providers?
The process of switching providers may be different depending on whether your service is contract or no-contract. Contract services may require you to wait until the contract runs out. Otherwise, you'll most likely have to pay a fee to break the contract early.
If your contract has ended or you're on a no-contract plan, changing providers is as simple as contacting your current ISP and letting them know you'd like to discontinue its service. The company may halt your service immediately and credit you the remainder for the month or set the service to shut off at the conclusion of your current billing cycle. In the meantime, you can contact the company you'd like to switch to and begin setting up your new service.
If you've rented any equipment from your former provider, be sure to return it as directed to avoid any additional fees.
What's the difference between cable internet and satellite internet?
The simple answer is that cable internet uses physical cables attached to your home or business to provide service, while satellite internet uses wireless satellite signals to transmit information.
Your location may limit the kind of service you can choose, as some remote areas only have access to satellite internet providers. Meanwhile, apartments in more urban areas often don't have any place to mount a satellite, limiting you to cable options already built into the complex.
How We Chose the Best Internet Providers
To find the best internet providers, we looked at several factors, including:
- Affordability: We favored lower prices for higher speeds.
- Availability: We looked for providers with the widest availability rather than limited regional services.
- Plan options: The more options you have, the better. We highlighted providers with a wide selection of plans.
- Bundle offerings: We favored services that offer better bundle deals to get you the most bang for your buck.
- Connection speeds: We chose services with a wide range of high and low speeds.
- Customer reviews: We scoured reviews from real customers to determine whether internet service providers lived up to their promises.
Summary of Digg's Best Internet Providers
- Xfinity – Best for Budget
- Spectrum – Best No-Contract Option
- Verizon Home Internet – Best Bundle Discounts
- MightyWifi – Best Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Networks
- AT&T Fiber – Best for Online Gaming
