Internet providers in Charleston, SC
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Best overall
Prices from
$65.00
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.
Most affordable internet
Prices from
$19.99
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
Best 5G internet
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.
Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest cities in the nation. The Holy City was settled in 1670, dating its origins to more than a century before the U.S. established itself as an independent nation. Today, the Charleston metro area is home to more than 800,000 people.
Charleston locals now need something that definitely wasn’t around in the 17th century: high-speed home internet. Charleston internet providers offer home connectivity for anywhere from $9.95/mo. to over $250/mo., with plans for every kind of internet user. Choose from well-established providers like Xfinity, AT&T, T-Mobile and more.
Keep reading for our breakdowns, comparisons and reviews of the top internet service providers in Charleston.
Best internet providers in Charleston, S.C.
- AT&T: Best overall
- Xfinity: Most affordable internet
- EarthLink: Best multi-connection provider
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet
Charleston internet comparison
Internet providers in Charleston offer plans that cover the full spectrum of speed, pricing and availability. As you’ll find in the following table, there are options for basic internet at 25 Mbps as well as top-speed fiber connections of 5 GB.
Here’s an overview of our top picks for Charleston home internet.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $55–$250/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity | $9.95–$85/mo. | 50–1,200 Mbps | Cable |
EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, satellite, fixed wireless |
Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
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 Charleston
Internet providers offer all sorts of bundles, special deals and additional equipment to woo new customers. Figuring out what matters most can help you sift through the options and choose the best one. Consider these three key factors:
- Connection speed: Speed is obviously an important feature in any home internet plan, but it’s not as simple as saying, “More equals better.” Ultimately, you should pay for only as much speed as you truly need. Gigabit plans are important for high-bandwidth activities like online gaming and 4K streaming, but you can get by with much less for lighter activities like web browsing, emailing and even some streaming.
- Affordability: Of course, you want an internet plan to fit your budget, but doing so involves looking at more than the advertised price. Charleston internet providers often charge fees for installation and equipment, and there are taxes to consider, too. Be sure to read the fine print for a realistic idea of what your monthly bill will be.
- Other benefits: The costs of home internet may not be as big as you think when you consider other perks that come with the plan. Some providers offer free streaming subscriptions, while others offer big discounts for bundling. Weigh these in connection with any costs to get a clear picture of overall value.
Charleston internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best overall
AT&T is a top internet provider with service in 22 states, including South Carolina. Its fiber service is among the best, with speeds of up to 5 GB in many areas and a proven track record of customer service. Pricing is straightforward, as your monthly cost has equipment built. Plans have no data caps, contracts or early termination fees.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Xfinity – Most affordable internet
Xfinity’s cable network is blended with fiber lines. It’s not a true fiber connection, but it offers impressive download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps. The company also has some of the lowest starting prices, but beware of installation and equipment fees, plus steep jumps in price after your promotional period ends. Xfinity offers significant savings through bundling home internet, phone, TV and security.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Xfinity review.
EarthLink – Best multi-connection provider
EarthLink is one of the few internet service providers in Charleston to offer several different connection types. Depending on where you live, you may have access to fixed wireless, satellite or even fiber plans of up to 5 GB. Plan prices stay steady even after the first year, and there are no data caps.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
If you live outside the Charleston metro area, you may have fewer options for home internet. Satellite providers like Viasat offer service even in remote areas, but the connection speed is much slower than some other options. Note that Viasat requires a satellite dish on your property, and your initial pricing will increase after 90 days.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G internet
T-Mobile currently boasts the largest 5G network in the country, and it’s making that network available for more and more homes in the Charleston area. Download speeds can be as fast as 245 Mbps, and there are no data caps. You’ll pay a device connection fee of $35 to get started, but pricing is as low as $40/mo. if you bundle it with a cell phone plan.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet in Charleston, SC
Home internet in Charleston doesn’t have to cost more than a night out. There are a variety of cheap internet plans available from Charleston internet providers — even as low as $9.95/mo. from Xfinity. Viasat and AT&T also offer low starting prices, and AT&T’s basic plan is fast enough for many home internet users.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity | $9.95/mo. | 50 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 Charleston, SC
There’s plenty of speed and bandwidth available from Charleston internet providers — as long as you’re willing to pay for it. The fastest fiber plans reach 5 GB, but they do get pricey. Xfinity’s cable plans offer a nice compromise between speed and affordability, with up to 1,200 Mbps at only $85/mo.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $250/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
EarthLink | $189.95/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity | $85/mo. | Up to 1,200 Mbps | Cable |
Charleston internet technology
When comparing home Wi-Fi plans, it’s important to understand how each technology affects overall performance. Depending on your location, you can choose from at least some of the following in Charleston:
- Fiber internet: For top speed and performance, nothing beats fiber-optic internet connections. You’ll get synchronous upload and download speeds that can far exceed 1 GB, making this technology perfect for fast-paced activities like online gaming. The only downside is that fiber networks have yet to reach a significant number of U.S. homes. In Charleston, fiber only reaches about 59% of residences.
- Cable: Cable networks have been around longer than fiber, so they’re much more widely available, especially in urban areas. They offer gigabit download speeds, but upload speeds lag far behind. As long as you don’t have 20+ connected devices, cable connections are generally up to the task for most high-speed activities.
- Fixed wireless: Broadband wireless providers are increasingly adding home internet services to their plans, making high-speed 5G connections available for home use. Some of these plans compete with cable speeds, and they’re even available in some areas where cable isn’t. However, high demand in your area at certain times of the day can bog down connectivity.
- DSL: These connections use phone lines to transmit internet data, and they’re much slower than the previous options. Few providers still offer DSL, but AT&T still uses similar service through copper phone lines in Charleston where fiber isn’t yet available.
- Satellite: Like DSL, satellite internet is much slower than options like cable or fiber. Unlike DSL, it’s available almost anywhere, making it the only choice for some customers in remote areas.
Charleston internet FAQs
What is the best internet provider in Charleston, S.C.?
The best provider in Charleston depends on what you need and what’s available in your particular neighborhood. AT&T offers the fastest and best connection overall, but its fiber services aren’t available everywhere. Because it’s widely available, affordable and reasonably fast, Xfinity will also be a top choice for many Charleston residents.
Does Charleston have Spectrum?
Spectrum has limited internet coverage in Charleston and the surrounding area. For cable internet, providers like Xfinity or WOW! are more widely available.
Does South Carolina have fiber internet?
Yes, you can get fiber from several internet service providers in Charleston. Compare plans from AT&T, EarthLink and Home Telecom.
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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