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*Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies
The best internet service provider overall is Verizon for its superior internet connection and unmatched price stability.
Other options for the best internet provider include Spectrum, AT&T, Xfinity and T-Mobile, with a good balance of speed and affordability.
The best internet providers start at $19.99/mo. and offer speeds up to 8 GB.
The best internet provider for you depends on your location — city and suburban areas will have more options than rural regions.
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Best internet providers of 2025
Best overall — Verizon
Offering both Fios fiber-optic and 5G service, Verizon offers fast speeds, unlimited data plans and guaranteed prices for two years or more — all without the hassle of contracts or extra equipment fees.
What are the best internet providers near me? Choosing the best internet providers depends on your location and available options, but comparing all the home internet providers in your area can be time-consuming.
Allconnect has reviewed over 30 internet service providers (ISPs) across the U.S. and ranked the best internet companies and plans to simplify your decision. Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Spectrum and AT&T lead the list of best internet service providers with scores of 4 and above (out of 5).
Discover the best broadband service providers, pros and cons of each and helpful tips for choosing a top internet company.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. 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.
How to choose an internet provider
Consider typical online activities, number of devices, speeds and budget when shopping for the best internet providers.
Your household’s online activities: Match your online tasks with the best internet connection for your needs. There’s no need to overpay for the fastest internet for basic internet use.
Your necessary upload/download speeds: Gaming and streaming need faster upload speeds, making fiber’s symmetrical speeds ideal, while browsing and emailing work well with cable or 5G internet.
Your devices: The more Wi-Fi devices you use, the faster your internet speed should be. U.S. households have 21 connected devices on average, according to Deloitte.
Your monthly budget: Average internet costs start at $40–$60/mo., plus equipment fees and taxes. Some providers offer low-income internet plans at $10/mo. for qualifying households.
Length of stay: For short-term stays, choose no-contract or prepaid internet plans to avoid early termination fees (ETFs).
Customer satisfaction: Weigh customer service quality against cheap internet deals. Low pricing may not be worth it if the provider has a poor reputation for support.
Our picks for the best internet providers
Verizon Fios
Best for consistent speeds
Prices: $49.99 per month
Speeds up to: 1,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Pros
No data caps.
No extra equipment fees or ETFs.
Top speeds range from 300 to 940 Mbps.
Cons
Limited availability.
One-time installation fee of $99.
Verizon Fios technology type: Fios runs fiber all the way to your home (end-to-end fiber technology) for fast, consistent download speeds unaffected by network congestion. This best internet service has high customer satisfaction ratings for speed, reliability and customer service.
Verizon Fios speeds: Three speed tiers available — up to 300, 500 and 940 Mbps (2 Gig in select areas). Symmetrical upload and download speeds sets Verizon Fios apart and makes it one of the best Wi-Fi providers for gaming, streaming, or uploading photos or files.
Verizon Fios prices: Starts at $50/mo., with rates guaranteed for two to five years. No data caps, contracts, ETFs or equipment charges. $99 installation fee, but promotions may include free installation or reward cards for new customers.
Verizon Fios availability: Fios covers 9% of the country, across eight states and Washington, D.C. Primarily available along the Northeast coast from Virginia to Massachusetts, western New York and Pennsylvania.
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Pros
Cheapest promotional price.
Available in 40 states.
Options for no-contract plans.
Cons
Modem and router can add up to $15/mo.
Speeds vary by region.
Some plans have an ETF.
Xfinity availability: Covers 40 states and 35% of the country, making it the most widely accessible ISP. Numerous plans and deals available. Below-average customer service ratings vs. other home Wi-Fi providers.
Xfinity speeds: 50 Mbps to 6 GB. Limited availability on multi-gig fiber plans.
Xfinity prices: Cheapest internet plans start at $19.99/mo. Prices guaranteed for 12–24 months. Most plans are no-contract, but some have an agreement and an ETF. $15/mo. equipment fee may apply.
Xfinity technology type: Cable internet with some fiber availability. Reliable download and upload speeds for gaming and streaming. Speeds may slow during peak times due to shared bandwidth.
Spectrum summary: One of the best internet companies for heavy internet users due to no data caps. Offers cable internet plans starting at $30/mo.
Spectrum availability: Available to 30% of the U.S. and 41 states (including areas formerly part of Time Warner Cable and Bright House).
Spectrum speeds: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps or 1 GB available. All plans are suitable for gaming and streaming. Note: While there is no limit to the number of devices you can connect to Spectrum Wi-Fi, more connected devices can overcrowd and slow your network.
Spectrum prices: $30/mo. for 100 Mbps, $50/mo. for 500 Mbps or $70/mo. for 1 GB. All deals increase by $30/mo. after 12 months, adding $360 annually. The Spectrum router is $10/mo. with the 100 and 500 Mbps plans; equipment is included (modem and router) with the 1 GB internet package.
Spectrum fees: Professional installation for $65 or self-installation with a $30 activation fee. No contracts, data overages or ETFs.
Spectrum internet deals: Deals often include free Peacock Premium or one line of free Spectrum mobile service.
Spectrum technology type: Most Spectrum plans are cable internet, except for Spectrum Internet® Gig, which uses a hybrid fiber and cable system.
Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Pros
No data caps.
No extra equipment fees or ETFs.
Speeds up to 5 GB.
Cons
Periodic price increases.
One-time install fee of $99.
Fiber not available everywhere.
AT&T summary: AT&T Fiber is one of the best internet services for streaming and gaming and offers some of the best Wi-Fi and unlimited data plans. However, AT&T’s non-fiber service (“AT&T Internet”) has slower speeds and a 1 TB data limit.
AT&T technology type: AT&T Fiber plans are available at five speed tiers and have no additional equipment fees, data caps or contracts. Some areas offer copper lines or 5G home internet, with different price structures and benefits.
AT&T speeds: AT&T Fiber has speeds from 300 to 5,000 Mbps (5 GB) and symmetrical download/upload speeds perfect for gaming or uploading content. AT&T’s non-fiber areas have download speeds up to 300 Mbps/upload speeds up to 20 Mbps.
AT&T prices: AT&T Fiber costs $55–$245/mo. A one-time $99 installation fee may apply, although AT&T often runs free installation promotions and will pay cancellation fees if you switch internet providers.
AT&T availability: The most widely available fiber internet provider, covering 21 states and 44% of the country.
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. As of 03/20/25.
**Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. As of 03/20/25.
Widespread availability, no charge to move service.
Cons
Speeds can vary throughout the day.
Not suitable for over 10 devices.
Only one plan available.
T-Mobile summary: While T-Mobile doesn’t have the fastest speeds or the cheapest cost, it is among the best home internet options due to its great value, no-contract plans and affordable internet and mobile bundles.
T-Mobile speeds: Download speeds up to 415 Mbps; upload speeds average 55 Mbps. Actual speeds depend on your proximity to a tower. Internet speeds are sufficient for everyday use, but you may need to prioritize devices with multiple users.
T-Mobile prices: $50–$70/mo. with autopay. Eligible phone and internet bundles get internet for $35–$55/mo., one of the best internet service plans with no contracts, ETFs or equipment charges.
T-Mobile technology type: With the largest 5G network due to Mint Mobile, MetroPCS and Sprint acquisitions, T-Mobile 5G internet uses cell towers for Wi-Fi transmission. This technology has fast speeds with varying stability based on population density and network congestion.
T-Mobile availability: Covers over 60% of the nation; available in all 50 states.
Top T-Mobile 5G plans:
T-Mobile 5G Home: 87–415 Mbps; $50–$70/mo.
T-Mobile 5G Home with voice service: 87–415 Mbps; $35–$55/mo. (qualifying voice service extra).
Astound Broadband summary: Offering some of the cheapest internet deals available in its region, all great for streaming, gaming, video conferencing and more. Uses cable or fiber optic lines, depending on your location.
Astound Broadband speeds: The cheapest plan has speeds up to 300 Mbps, the fastest plan is 1.5 GB, and upload speeds are 20–50 Mbps.
Astound Broadband prices: Starting at $25/mo. for 300 Mbps; gigabit speeds are under $60/mo. and guaranteed for 24 months. $79.95 installation fee, sometimes waived for new customers. Free equipment for 12–24 months, then $15/mo.
Astound Broadband technology type: Cable internet, with fiber-to-the-home in limited areas (0.67% of the U.S.). Whole Home Wi-Fi with eero boosters for better home wireless coverage.
Astound availability: Covers 11 states and Washington, D.C.
Low customer satisfaction ratings (acc. to the ACSI).f
Optimum summary: Cable and fiber internet from $40–$280/mo. for speeds 300 Mbps–8 GB. TV and internet packages start at $120/mo. (220+ channels) and mobile bundles are also available.
Optimum speeds: Speeds reach up to 8 GB, ideal for those needing the fastest internet speeds, but the 300, 500 or 940 Mbps plans are sufficient for most streaming and gaming needs with multiple connected devices.
Optimum prices: Starts at $40/mo. for 300 Mbps; up to $100/mo. for the 2 GB plan. 5 GB at $180/mo. and 8 GB for $280/mo. also available in select areas. Free equipment and self-installation; professional installation costs $100.
Optimum technology type: 24% fiber and 76% cable, with fiber areas centered around New York City. Optimum’s fiber and cable plans are priced the same, making the fiber option the better value due to its faster upload speeds and more reliable connection.
* Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Cheapest internet: Providers like Xfinity, WOW!, Mediacom and Frontier offer plans starting under $40/mo.
Other cheap ISPs: Verizon Fios, Spectrum, Cox and AT&T offer plans between $30–$55/mo.
Free internet: Check with your local provider for low-cost or free internet deals specifically for eligible low-income households.
Fastest internet providers
Fastest internet: Fiber-optic speeds from 5–8 GB are available from AT&T, Frontier, Google Fiber, Xfinity (in specific regions), Optimum and Kinetic by Windstream.
Value: Multi-gig plans are worth the extra cost for bandwidth-intensive tasks and users seeking the utmost high-speed internet performance.
Most available internet providers
Cable: The most available cable providers are Xfinity and Spectrum, covering 65% of the nation, according to the FCC.
Fiber: The most available fiber internet service providers are AT&T and Verizon Fios, which are accessible to more than 20% of the country.
5G: T-Mobile and Verizon 5G home internet offer the largest 5G networks.
Satellite: Each of the three satellite providers — Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink — offer over 99% U.S. coverage.
Find an internet provider near you
Which internet providers offer service near you? Most locations have two to four ISPs, typically including cable, fiber, 5G, or satellite providers like Starlink.
With Allconnect, you can input your address to determine which Wi-Fi providers offer internet in your area.
Cable providers near you: It’s uncommon to find multiple cable internet providers at one address due to noncompete clauses, infrastructure and geographical features.
Fiber providers near you: Fiber internet companies generally don’t overlap, although Google Fiber and other local providers are changing this.
What to know about internet price increases
Price increases can mean higher costs after introductory rates end or occasional hikes from providers, so finding a long-term rate within your budget is best to avoid the hassle of switching ISPs later.
Price-stable providers: Verizon Fios stands out with its four-year price guarantee, while Wi-Fi internet providers like AT&T, Google Fiber and T-Mobile 5G provide steady rates with occasional increases.
Introductory rates: Deals from Wi-Fi providers like Xfinity, Astound and Kinetic by Windstream can save $120–$480 in the first year, but expect rate hikes of $25/mo. or more afterward.
Switching providers:Switching internet providers to avoid price hikes may save money, but the process can be tedious and time-consuming.
What type of internet technology should you get?
Most reliable: Fiber and cable are best for dependable Wi-Fi and affordable rates between $50–$70/mo.
Easy setup: 5G internet from best internet providers T-Mobile or Verizon offer two-day shipping and simple self-installation.
How do I find internet providers available in my area?
Explore deals from home internet providers in your area by selecting “Check availability” on the table on this page.
Which internet providers offer the best deals?
Several of the best price deals for high-speed internet are the AT&T 300 Mbps, Verizon Fios 300 Mbps, Spectrum 500 Mbps or Xfinity 400 Mbps. Each of these plans offers fast download speeds and cost between $50–$55/mo.
What are the best prepaid internet services?
The best prepaid plans include AT&T Prepaid plans starting at $25/mo. and Cox StraightUp Internet starting at $50/mo.
What are the best cheap internet options in my area?
Where available, the best cheap internet options include cable internet with Xfinity for $9.95/mo. and Frontier Fiber for $29.99/mo.
Which internet providers offer the fastest speeds near me?
Google Fiber, Kinetic by Windstream and Optimum offer the fastest internet speeds with plans up to 8 GB, depending on location.
Which internet providers offer bundles?
Cable internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox offer internet and TV packages. 5G providers such as T-Mobile and Verizon offer bundles with home internet and wireless.
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.
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
