Best RV internet options to support your traveling needs
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There are many reasons you need the best internet for your RV, including navigating with your GPS, finding restaurants and attractions near your location, staying in touch with family or friends, or enjoying streaming and gaming. Reliable, high-speed internet can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a frustrating experience.
So, whether you’re on the road for a quick trip or living a permanent nomad life, selecting the best RV internet provider is vital. Our expert analysis of each Wi-Fi internet service provider’s pros and cons can help you more easily choose among the numerous options to determine the best internet for your RV.
Here are our the top five picks for the best RV internet options:
- Calyx Institute — Cheapest RV internet plan
- HomeFi Travel Internet — Best pay-as-you-go option
- Net All Over — Fastest RV internet plan
- Starlink Roam — Most available RV internet service
- Cellular data or hotspots — Convenient bundle option
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Compare internet options for your RV
The following table compares the best internet for RVs by speed, pricing and data limits. Also noted is the type of internet connection, which is important as it can determine how to set up the internet. For example, setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot is as simple as turning on a small wireless device, while satellite internet may involve securing a satellite dish to your RV.
Provider | Download speeds | Data limit | Plan cost | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Calyx Institute | 72–245 Mbps | Unlimited | $500/yr. ($41.66/mo.) | 4G/5G |
HomeFi Travel Internet | 20–35 Mbps | 200–800 GB | $80–$135/mo. | LTE |
Net All Over | Up to 1 GB | Unlimited | $79.99–$114.99/mo. | 4G/5G |
Starlink Roam | 5– 50 Mbps | Unlimited | $150/mo. | Satellite |
Cellular data/hotspots | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | 4G/5G |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Calyx Institute – Cheapest RV internet plan
Unlike the other internet providers on this list, Calyx is a non-profit organization — which is why it refers to its services as memberships instead of internet plans. More importantly, this structure allows Calyx to provide cheap internet about $50 less per month than other camper internet services.
The initial $500 fee covers the first year of service as well as the modem and router equipment. After the first year, the annual fee drops to $400, equivalent to $33.33/mo. You can also choose to pay $150 quarterly, though this is the more expensive option.
Two other higher-priced membership options are available, providing Wi-Fi devices with tethering capabilities and the ability to connect to faster 5G speeds where available.
HomeFi Travel Internet – Best pay-as-you-go option
HomeFi Travel Internet is a prepaid internet service, so there are no contracts or credit checks required. Plans range from $80–$135/mo. based on the data amount you need and come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- $80/mo. for 200 GB
- $90/mo. for 300 GB
- $100/mo. for 450 GB
- $135/mo. for 800 GB
Other fees include the $10/mo. hotspot rental charge and $3.50/mo. service fee. The rechargeable hotspot device has up to 20 hours of battery life and can connect up to 10 wireless devices. HomeFi is not recommended for heavy streaming since all plans have a data limit.
Although HomeFi doesn’t specify the cellular networks it uses, the provider claims that it will automatically connect to the strongest nearby LTE signal. Still, LTE mobile networks are generally slower than 5G internet, so expect Wi-Fi/internet speeds around 10 to 30 Mbps, but depending on the area, they can reach 100 Mbps.
Net All Over – Fastest RV internet plan
Net All Over has two monthly plans, both with unlimited internet for RVs. Both plans have a one-time $39.99 setup fee, but equipment is included at no extra charge. This RV internet provider also provides 24/7 customer service, two-day free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- The $79.99 plan includes a 4G LTE router that can handle speeds up to 150 Mbps, where available.
- The $114.99 plan includes a 5G router for speeds up to 1 GB where available. Net All Over is one of the few RV internet providers that offers internet speeds up to 1 GB.
Starlink Roam – Most available RV internet service
At $150/mo., Starlink satellite internet is pricier than most other RV mobile internet options and has higher equipment fees. Still, Starlink covers over 99% of the U.S. and surrounding maritime areas, giving it one of the broadest reaches of any RV internet service available. This benefit, plus the fact that you can pause and restart service an unlimited number of times, may be worth the extra cost to many travelers. These features put Starlink among the providers with both the best unlimited internet for RV and the best satellite internet for RV, since RV internet options with fellow satellite provider Hughesnet is much more expensive.
There are two Starlink RV internet plans available:
- The Starlink Roam plan offers unlimited mobile inland data, making it a good solution for RVs with multiple connected devices. The internet speed generally reaches up to 50 Mbps but may be higher depending on your location. The equipment investment is normally $499 upfront (may run cheaper during promotional events), and you must install it yourself.
- Another Starlink RV internet option is the Starlink Mini plan, geared towards hikers, backpackers or other short trip-takers. This service has a data limit of 50 GB but costs just $50/mo., and speeds can reach 100 Mbps. You still must purchase the portable kit for a one-time fee of $599.
- Both plans include a 30-day money-back trial period if you want to try out Starlink internet for RV use.
Find out more about Starlink options in our full Starlink review.
Cellular data or hotspots – Convenient bundle option
Before spending money on a new Wi-Fi provider for your RV internet needs, consider checking with your existing cellular provider. Bundling hotspot service with your cell phone plan can provide inexpensive RV internet options and be convenient, as well, since everything can be combined on one monthly bill.
- Many providers already include some amount of mobile hotspot data in their monthly cell phone plans, plus the ability to connect other devices like laptops and tablets to the Wi-Fi generated by your cell phone.
- If you require a standalone hotspot, your provider also may offer a standalone hotspot plan that you can bundle with your existing cell phone package.
The main drawback is that your coverage will be limited to the areas where your provider has service. Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon 5G and T-Mobile offer extensive coverage, but it’s a good idea to check in advance if they are available in the areas you are traveling.
According to the FCC, Verizon and AT&T have about 20% more nationwide coverage than T-Mobile. However, T-Mobile RV internet covers the broadest area and has more 5G coverage. If you’re traveling with a partner or family member, consider covering more ground by subscribing to more than one cellular provider to ensure the widest range of coverage.
How to find the best internet for your RV
Keep in mind that RV mobile internet service is generally less reliable than home Wi-Fi. This happens due to RV internet’s reliance on cellular or satellite signals, which are more prone to speed throttling or slower internet speeds compared to the best residential internet service providers that use cable or fiber connections.
Before signing up for internet service for your RV, think about a few factors.
- Consider your online activities. Determine a good internet speed for your online tasks. Basic browsing and email need minimal internet speeds, but if you’ll be using Wi-Fi for entertainment like streaming or gaming, it’s better to choose a plan with unlimited data and 5G capabilities.
- Estimate how many wireless devices you need to connect. This can include cell phones, tablets, laptops or other smart devices like security cameras. If you plan on connecting more than five devices, opt for a service with faster speeds. While it can be hard to determine what speeds will be available in the various areas you travel to, doing a speed test at the locations you visit is the best way to find out.
When you are shopping around for an RV internet service, you might be tempted to try out multiple service providers. Switching internet providers for RVs is relatively simple since most plans have no contracts. However, if you’ve prepaid for your camper internet or purchased a device specifically for a service plan, you may still end up in a deficit.
Cheap internet service for RVs
If you need the most economical internet for your RV, several providers offer low-cost internet services that utilize hotspot technology, which may be suitable for your RV. For completely free Wi-Fi, using public Wi-Fi hotspots along your route is the optimal strategy.
RV Internet FAQs
How do you get internet in an RV?
You can get internet in an RV using a satellite, a hotspot or your cell phone data.
Can you get high-speed internet for an RV?
Yes, you can get high-speed internet for an RV. Speeds can vary substantially depending on your location. If you are using 4G or 5G service, speeds may reach up to 1 GB in select areas; however, it’s more common to receive speeds up to 200 Mbps.
How much does RV internet cost?
On average, internet for RVs costs around $80/mo. RV internet service may be more expensive if you have a pay-by-the-gig plan. However, RV internet service can be cheaper if you have a mobile hotspot with your existing cell phone provider.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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