Internet providers in Birmingham, AL
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Best high-speed coverage
Best fiber internet
Prices from
$55.00
per month
Speeds up to
5,000
Mbps
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install charge may apply.
Best 5G coverage
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.
Birmingham, Alabama, has many claims to fame. Dubbed the Magic City for its quick growth at the turn of the 20th century, the Mecca of college football for holding the headquarters for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and a hotbed of activity in the Civil Rights Movement — there’s plenty of history to explore and activities to enjoy in Birmingham.
For many modern-day locals, however, the city’s history is less of a concern than where they can find fast home internet. Fortunately, there are several options in Magic City, with internet prices starting as low as $40/mo.
Read on to explore and compare plans from internet service providers in Birmingham.
Best internet providers in Birmingham, AL
- AT&T: Best fiber internet
- Spectrum: Best high-speed coverage
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G coverage
- EarthLink: Best multi-connection provider
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
Birmingham internet comparison
There’s no shortage of choices for reliable home Wi-Fi in Birmingham. Whether you only need a basic connection for email and browsing or lightning-fast, lag-free fiber for online gaming, there’s a plan for you. Birmingham internet providers offer download speeds of up to 5 GB, depending on where you live.
Check out our top five picks for internet providers in Birmingham in the following table.
| Provider | Starting price range | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $55–$245/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet® | $50–$70/mo.* | 500–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
| Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
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.
How to choose a provider in Birmingham, AL
Choosing a home Wi-Fi plan isn’t complicated, but there are a few important things to consider when comparing internet providers in Birmingham. To make the best choice for your home, we recommend evaluating the following features:
- Download and upload speeds: Connection speeds are always the biggest concern for home internet users — and they vary widely by plan type. While that pricey fiber plan with symmetrical 5 GB upload and download speeds may seem nice, you should be sure you actually need that much bandwidth before you sign up. Check out our guide to internet speeds to learn more.
- Additional fees: Extra fees often catch new customers by surprise when they start a new internet plan. Be sure to review the fine print on your service agreement with any Birmingham internet provider to check for additional charges for equipment, installation, taxes and more.
- Discounts and deals: Bundling discounts and other plan perks can significantly reduce overall costs. Search for ways to pair your plan with cable or cellular or save with free streaming subscriptions or signup bonuses.
Birmingham internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best fiber internet
AT&T’s fiber service is one of the best in the country, so it’s always worth considering if it’s available in your area. It offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB, and all equipment pricing is built into your plan. AT&T doesn’t require any contracts, and there are no data caps to limit your streaming or gaming. The biggest downside? It’s not available everywhere in Birmingham.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Spectrum – Best high-speed coverage
No options for fiber in your area? Spectrum’s cable internet is available to over 90% of Birmingham residents, and download speeds top out at 1 GB. Pricing is affordable, especially when you bundle with cable TV service. The biggest things to watch for with Spectrum are long-term price increases and below-average customer service.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G coverage
No fixed wireless provider has extensive coverage in Birmingham, but T-Mobile has a slight edge here. Its 5G network reaches nearly 40% of residents, offering download speeds of up to 245 Mbps. T-Mobile’s straightforward, single-plan pricing and steep bundling discounts will appeal to some households as long as you don’t need significant bandwidth for gaming and streaming on numerous devices.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
EarthLink – Best multi-connection option
EarthLink offers several options for Birmingham home internet. Depending on your location, you may have access to fiber, satellite or fixed wireless connections from this lesser-known provider. Its fiber plans are the standout, with matching upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB in some areas and no data caps. Many customers appreciate that EarthLink prices stay steady even after the first year.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
Viasat consistently stands out as the fastest option for satellite internet, with download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Its network is available almost everywhere in the country, but you’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property to connect. Viasat does offer discounted pricing for the first three months, but fees jump significantly after that point.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Birmingham, AL
Budgeting for home internet can be a challenge, but it’s manageable in Magic City. If you don’t need massive bandwidth, you’ve got several good options from Birmingham internet providers. T-Mobile cellular customers can bundle and save up to $20/mo., and AT&T Fiber is available for as low as $55/mo. Here are some of your best bets for cheap home Wi-Fi.
| Plan | Price | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo.* | 500 Mbps | Cable |
| Viasat | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite |
| AT&T | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham residents who want maximum internet speeds have several options to choose from. Both AT&T and Earthlink offer symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB, and Spectrum’s cable download speeds top out at a respectable 1 GB. As you’ll find below, pricing varies widely across these plans.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $245/mo. | Up to 5 GB | Fiber |
| EarthLink | $189.95/mo. | Up to 5 GB | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo. | Up to 1 GB | Cable |
Birmingham internet technology
Connection type has a significant impact on home Wi-Fi performance, so it’s important to understand the distinctions before you choose a plan. Internet service providers in Birmingham offer the following options:
- Fiber: Birmingham’s fiber network has a way to go before it reaches every home, but it’s the best option if it’s available where you live. Fiber internet offers symmetrical upload and download speeds for a lag-free online experience.
- Cable: Unlike fiber, cable internet is available nearly everywhere in Birmingham. It still offers gigabit download speeds, though upload times are much slower. Cable can also get laggy with a lot of connected devices, but it’s fast enough for most households.
- Fixed wireless: Cellular networks for home Wi-Fi are still fairly spotty in Birmingham, but where available, they can compete with slower cable plans. T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet tops out above 200 Mbps in some areas, but connection speeds vary depending on network traffic.
- DSL: Phone-based internet tends to be much slower than cable or fiber, and it’s slowly phasing out. However, providers still offer it in some areas.
- Satellite: Like DSL, satellite internet is a slower option for home Wi-Fi. However, it’s widely available, even in the rural areas outside Birmingham. Note that you’ll pay a lot more for slow download speeds with this option.
Birmingham internet FAQs
What is the best home internet in Birmingham?
Selecting the best Birmingham internet provider comes down to what types of plans and deals are available in your area. AT&T offers the fastest, most reliable service, but its fiber plans aren’t as widely accessible as Spectrum’s cable plans. Plus, companies like Spectrum and T-Mobile offer more opportunities to bundle and save. Compare several options for your home before you make a decision.
How much is internet in Birmingham, AL?
Internet pricing varies widely by provider and plan features. Internet service providers in Birmingham offer plans for anywhere from $40/mo. to $249.99/mo., and there may be additional charges for equipment and taxes.
What is the average internet speed in Birmingham?
According to Ookla’s speed test data, the median download speed in Birmingham is over 262 Mbps. That’s fast enough for most users to browse, stream and game online across a few devices.
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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