Best Internet Providers for 2024
If you're thinking about getting a new broadband provider, CNET's got the best, cheapest and fastest plans to help you choose the right one for your home.
Our Experts
- 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
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
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. With AT&T's fiber internet plans, the average cost per Mbps is just 10 cents, including your equipment rental.
AT&T Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AT&T Fiber - Internet 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
AT&T Fiber - Internet 500 Read full review | $65 | 500Mbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
AT&T Fiber - Internet 1000 Read full review | $80 | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
AT&T Fiber - Internet 2000 Read full review | $125 | 2Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
AT&T Fiber - Internet 5000 Read full review | $225 | 5Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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. 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.
Spectrum plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spectrum Internet Read full review | $50 | 300Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload | Modem free; $7 for router (optional) | None | None |
|
Spectrum Internet Ultra Read full review | $70 | 500Mbps download, 20Mbps upload | Modem free; $7 for router (optional) | None | None |
|
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review | $90 | 1Gbps download, 35Mbps upload | Modem free; $7 for router (optional) | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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.
Rise Broadband plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rise Broadband 25Mbps Read full review | $45 | 25Mbps download, 4Mbps upload | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
|
Rise Broadband 50Mbps Read full review | $55 | 50Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
|
Rise Broadband 100Mbps Read full review | $65 | 100Mbps download, 15Mbps upload | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
|
Rise Broadband 250Mbps Read full review | $75 | 250Mbps download and upload | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
|
Rise Broadband 1000Mbps Read full review | $105 | 1Gbps download and upload | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) | None | None, but required for some promotions |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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.
Verizon Fios plans and prices
| Plan | Max speeds | Starting monthly price | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fios 300 | 300Mbps download, 300Mbps upload | $50 | None | None | None |
| Fios 500 | 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload | $70 | None | None | None |
| Fios 1 Gig | 940Mbps download, 880Mbps upload | $90 | None | None | None |
| Fios 2 Gig | 2,300Mbps download, 1,500Mbps upload | $110 | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
WideOpenWest
Best internet provider for value
Our take - WideOpenWest -- or WOW -- is a relatively small provider that offers services in nine states. 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.
WOW Internet plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data Cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WOW Internet 300 Read full review | $30 | 300Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
|
WOW Internet 600 Read full review | $45 | 600Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
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WOW Internet 1 Gig Read full review | $60 | 1,000Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
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WOW Internet 1.2 Gigs Read full review | $95 | 1,000Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Honorable mentions
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.
Quantum Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber 500 | $50 | 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload | None | None | None |
| Quantum Fiber Gigabit | $75 | 940Mbps download, 940Mbps upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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.
Xfinity plans and prices (varies by region)
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20-$30 | 150Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | 1 year |
|
Xfinity Connect More Read full review | $25-$35 | 300Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
|
Xfinity Fast Read full review | $35-$55 | 500Mbps download, 10Mbps upload | $15 (optional) | 1.2TB | None |
|
Xfinity Superfast Read full review | $50-$70 | 800Mbps download, 15Mbps upload | $25 (optional) | 1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity) | None |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review | $60-$80 | 1Gbps download, 20Mbps upload | $25 (optional) | 1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity) | None |
|
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $70-$85 | 1.2Gbps download, 35Mbps upload | $25 (optional) | 1.2TB (none if renting equipment from Xfinity) | None |
|
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review | $100-$120 | 2Gbps 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 | None | 2 years |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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.
Google Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Google Fiber 1 Gig Read full review | $70 | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
Google Fiber 2 Gig Read full review | $100 | 2Gbps download, 1Gbps upload | None | None | None |
|
Google Fiber 5 Gig Read full review | $125 | 5Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
Google Fiber 8 Gig Read full review | $150 | 8Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
|
Google Webpass Read full review | $70 ($63 with a yearly plan) | 1Gbps download and upload | None | None | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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. That's the issue; too many of us don't have other options, and satellite internet from established names like Viasat and Hughesnet is available just about everywhere.
Viasat plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Viasat Unlimited Read full review | $100 | 25-150Mbps download, 3Mbps upload | $15 or $250 one-time purchase | None (850GB soft cap) | None |
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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.
Ziply Fiber plans and prices
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max speeds | Monthly equipment fee | Data cap | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziply Internet (DSL) | $50 | 115Mbps download, 7Mbps upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 100/100 | $20 | 100Mbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 300/300 | $40 | 300Mbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber Gig | $60 | 1Gbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 2 Gig | $80 | 2Gbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 5 Gig | $120 | 5Gbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 10 Gig | $300 | 10Gbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
| Ziply Fiber 50 Gig | $900 | 50Gbps download and upload | $10 (optional) | None | None |
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 comprehensive 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).
As for uploads, most of us couldn't care less about our upload speeds before the pandemic. 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 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 monthly 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. 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.
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, although 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. Our CNET crew shares their experiences with each internet connection type to better illustrate some of the differences.
For a thorough breakdown of each, check out CNET's 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. That fixed wireless connection can come via cellular networks or satellite. Fixed wireless networks tend to be slower and more laggy than wired connections. 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 score | Price range | Speed 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-$70 | 50-1,000Mbps |
|
Astound Broadband Read full review | 7.0/10 | $25-$80 | 100-1,500Mbps |
|
Starry Internet Read full review | 7.0/10 | $15-$80 | 30-1,000Mbps |
|
Metronet Read full review | 6.9/10 | $30-$115 | 100-5,000Mbps |
|
Sparklight Read full review | 6.9/10 | $25-$110 | 100-940Mbps |
| Kinetic by Windstream | 6.7/10 | $30-$300 | 50-8,000Mbps |
|
Armstrong Internet Read full review | 6.4/10 | $35-$80 | 25-1,000Mbps |
| Mediacom | 6.4/10 | $20-$60 | 100-2,000Mbps |
|
Nomad Internet Read full review | 6.4/10 | $109-$199 | 60-200Mbps |
|
Earthlink Read full review | 6.3/10 | $55-$190 | 12-5,000Mbps |
|
Frontier Read full review | 6.3/10 | $50-$155 | 500-5,000Mbps |
| Cox Communications | 6.2/10 | $50-$150 | 100-2,000Mbps |
|
Optimum Read full review | 6.2/10 | $40-$180 | 300-5,000Mbps |
|
Hughesnet Read full review | 6/10 | $50-$80 | 50-100Mbps |
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.
One of the cheapest ways to get internet service is through permanent government 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.
Who's the fastest internet provider?
The good news is it's now common to find gigabit plans offered by almost all major ISPs. 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. 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. Although 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.
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. If you’re more interested in customer care and value, Verizon offers the best sign-up bonuses among high-speed internet providers.
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.
What internet speed do I need?
The FCC defines "broadband speed" as a minimum of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speed. 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 (although 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home Internet Guides
- Sometimes a provider is available in your Zip code, but not at your exact address
- See what exact plans are available at your home
