Best home Wi-Fi of 2024: Find options in your area
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Best cable internet home Wi-Fi
Cheapest home Wi-Fi
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.
Home Wi-Fi with no extra fees
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.
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.
How to get home Wi-Fi
Home Wi-Fi is a local network within your residence that connects all your wireless devices to the internet. A fast and reliable broadband connection is key to good in-home Wi-Fi service. The best home Wi-Fi providers near you depend on your location.
Consider these details when choosing your home Wi-Fi service:
- Availability: What’s available at your address will determine your choices for home wireless plans. Finding internet options near you is the first step when shopping for home Wi-Fi.
- Budget: The starting price of home Wi-Fi can range from around $25–$90.
- Internet activities: Faster speeds will benefit households that stream, game and work remotely. If you’re online for several hours a day, make sure your Wi-Fi service has unlimited data or a high data limit of 1 TB or more.
- Number of devices: The number of devices actively connected to your home’s wireless network will affect everyone’s online speed. Households with many devices should consider higher-speed plans or fiber internet.
Read on to find the providers that offer the cheapest home Wi-Fi and compare reliable plans.
Best Wi-Fi providers for your home
The following best Wi-Fi providers are classified by their distinctive features.
- AT&T: Home Wi-Fi with no extra fees
- Frontier Fiber: Cheapest fiber home Wi-Fi
- Spectrum: Best cable internet home Wi-Fi
- T-Mobile: Home Wi-Fi with the best customer service
- Verizon Fios: Home Wi-Fi with consistent pricing
- Xfinity: Cheapest home Wi-Fi
Compare home Wi-Fi providers
Cheap internet deals under $30/mo. for home Wi-Fi include Frontier and Xfinity. If those providers are unavailable at your address, T-Mobile 5G is another affordable option with widespread coverage.
Provider | Speed range | Starting price* | Availability | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet | 300–4,700 Mbps | $55/mo. | 21 states | Fiber |
Frontier Fiber | 200–5,000 Mbps | $39.99/mo. | 17 states | Fiber |
Spectrum Internet® | 500–1,000 Mbps | $50/mo. | 41 states | Cable |
T-Mobile 5G | Up to 245 Mbps | $60/mo. | 50 states | 5G |
Verizon Fios | 300–940 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | 8 states + D.C. | Fiber |
Xfinity | 50–6,000 Mbps | $9.95/mo. | 40 states | Cable, fiber |
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.
Home Wi-Fi providers breakdowns
Whether you’re searching for cheap internet, a no-contract provider or fiber home internet, there is a whole home Wi-Fi solution for you. Find out more about the cheapest plans without hidden fees and other highly-rated features here.
AT&T
Home Wi-Fi with no extra fees
- Prices: $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.
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.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
AT&T home Wi-Fi’s starting price is slightly higher than other providers, but you will save money because you won’t have to pay extra for equipment or installation. Home Wi-Fi with AT&T comes from a fiber-optic connection, which is best for ultra-connected homes. AT&T Fiber also gives you symmetrical upload and download speeds, a feature you won’t find with cable or 5G services. Plus, AT&T provides a booster for mesh Wi-Fi if you need broader Wi-Fi coverage. AT&T home Wi-Fi speeds are 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 GB, 2 GB or 5 GB.
Pros
All-in-one pricing, including equipment.
Super-fast upload and download speeds.
Cons
Taxes and surcharges still added to your monthly bill.
Costs slightly more than other providers.
Read the full AT&T review.
Frontier Fiber
Cheapest fiber home Wi-Fi
- Prices: $29.99 per month
- Speeds up to: 5,000 Mbps
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Frontier has great introductory pricing for getting fiber internet on a budget. Fiber plans start at $39.99/mo. and include free installation. Home Wi-Fi on a fiber connection is faster and more secure than shared connections like cable or 5G. Because fiber internet is a dedicated line, network congestion will not affect your speeds. Frontier Fiber includes unlimited data and no contracts or early termination fees (ETFs).
Pros
Plans include a Wi-Fi 6E router, which cuts down on interference in the home.
Very affordable starting rates.
Cons
Price goes up by $20 after 12 months for most plans.
Fiber connections have limited availability.
Read the full Frontier review.
Spectrum
Best cable internet home Wi-Fi
- Prices: $50 per month
- Speeds up to: 1,000 Mbps
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
For cable home Wi-Fi, Spectrum is one of the best providers due to its no-contract, unlimited internet. Spectrum has coverage in 41 states, and you can bundle your Wi-Fi home internet with TV and Mobile. There is a small charge for equipment of $10/mo. for the router, but you also have the option to provide your own.
Pros
Simple plan options at 500 or 1,000 Mbps for $50 and $70/mo.
Widespread availability throughout the U.S.
Cons
Charges for both professional installation ($65 fee) and self-installation ($30 activation fee).
Extra fees can quickly increase your monthly price.
Read the full Spectrum review.
T-Mobile
Home Wi-Fi with the best customer service
- Prices: $60.00 per month
- Speeds up to: 245 Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
T-Mobile is 5G home internet, a type of fixed wireless service, available in parts of every U.S. state. T-Mobile has one plan that costs $60/mo. and includes equipment and installation for free. Plus, there are no contracts with T-Mobile home Wi-Fi. T-Mobile has two-day shipping for its wireless gateway, making it one of the quickest and easiest Wi-Fi installations available.
Pros
The 2023 ACSI ranked T-Mobile 5G as best in customer satisfaction.
Bundling with T-Mobile wireless saves up to $20/mo.
Cons
T-Mobile’s 5G home Wi-Fi speeds only go up to 245 Mbps.
New internet plans are not unlimited. (1.25 TB cap)
Read the full T-Mobile review.
Verizon Fios
Home Wi-Fi with consistent pricing
- Prices: $49.99 per month
- Speeds up to: 1,000 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.
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.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Verizon Fios has no contract, ETF, or data limit. You can get 300 Mbps for $49.99/mo., 500 Mbps for $69.99/mo. or 940 Mbps for $89.99/mo. This price is around the same as other top home Wi-Fi ISPs but doesn’t increase after 12 months. With reasonable pricing and fast fiber-optic speeds, Verizon Fios earns a decent customer satisfaction rating from the ACSI.
Pros
Verizon Fios price guarantees range from two to four years on all three plans.
Reliable service earns consistently good customer reviews.
Cons
Standard installation is $99 unless it is waived during a promotion.
Availability is limited to northeastern states.
Read the full Verizon Fios review.
Xfinity
Cheapest home Wi-Fi
- Prices: $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.
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Xfinity has some of the best internet deals for home Wi-Fi over cable and fiber lines, depending on where you live. Like other ISPs, Xfinity’s promotional rates increase after 12 months, so the cheap starting price doesn’t last forever. Still, there are typically about seven different Wi-Fi plans to choose from, so you can upgrade or downgrade your plan if needed. The cheapest Xfinity plan is $9.95/mo. for 50 Mbps in the Northeast Xfinity coverage area.
Pros
Cheap home Wi-Fi plans also available for $25, $30 and $35/mo.
Multiple high-speed internet options to suit every home.
Cons
Pricing varies regionally, so the lowest prices are not available everywhere.
Equipment fees can add $15/mo. or more to the price.
Read the full Xfinity review.
What you need to install Wi-Fi for home
Home Wi-Fi requires an internet connection and a router. Depending on your ISP, there might be other equipment or steps you need to take to get wireless internet at your home.
What Wi-Fi equipment do you need?
Your ISP will likely provide you with the proper equipment to get started with home Wi-Fi. Some home Wi-Fi providers give you the option to buy your own router. Here’s what you may need for wireless internet:
- Modem and router: A modem allows your devices to connect to the internet once you have signed up for internet service. The router is a box connected to the modem that makes your internet signal wireless. You can access the internet with just a modem, but a router without a modem will not provide an internet connection.
- Gateway: Many ISPs combine the modem and router into a single device called a gateway. This all-in-one unit makes it simpler to set up service.
- Wi-Fi extender or booster: These boxes can be added around your home to pick up your Wi-Fi signal and make it travel further. While these devices are not necessary to get service, they can help make your internet faster or more reliable, especially if you have more square footage to cover.
- Satellite: A satellite dish will be a requirement for satellite internet connections with providers like Hughesnet, Viasat or Starlink. Satellite is often needed for rural internet home Wi-Fi. The satellite is installed on your roof and needs an unobstructed view of the southern sky.
- ONT box: If you sign up for fiber internet, you will connect your modem or gateway to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal). The ONT is a box that connects the fiber lines to the inside of your home and is typically installed on a wall or in a closet.
- Coaxial wall connection: Cable internet services use a coaxial connection to connect to the modem.
- Phone jack: A digital subscriber line (DSL) is an internet connection that connects via a wall phone jack. Not to be confused with dial-up, DSL can reach speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Home Wi-Fi installation
A professional installation might be necessary if you are in a newly-built home or a home that has never had internet installed. Most satellite providers also require a professional installation since a dish is attached to the roof. Professional installation may require a fee ($50–$100 for cable, fiber and DSL or $100–$500 for satellite) depending on the provider and current promotions.
How to get the best speed out of your home Wi-Fi
Even if the Wi-Fi provider you want isn’t available at your address, there are ways to improve your home Wi-Fi service. Getting faster Wi-Fi can sometimes be as simple as moving your gateway, adding Wi-Fi extenders or optimizing your network. Consider the following actions to fix slow Wi-Fi or find solutions if your home Wi-Fi is not working.
Start with the best wireless equipment
If you buy your equipment, ensure that it meets the specifications for your type of internet connection (fiber, cable, DSL, etc.) and is compatible with the number of devices you are connecting. These details should be available in the product description of the equipment.
Add Wi-Fi boosters and extenders
If you have a large house or unusual architectural needs (i.e., a room over a garage that needs Wi-Fi), you can invest in Wi-Fi boosters. Also called Wi-Fi extenders or Wi-Fi mesh routers, these devices pick up the central Wi-Fi signal and enhance it so it reaches further. These devices can make a significant difference in the range of your home Wi-Fi and are less expensive than a new router. Your ISP may provide Wi-Fi boosters for free or at a low cost, and they are also available to purchase in a value pack of three or more.
Manage and prioritize wireless devices
Finally, consider the time of day of your internet activities. On shared connections like cable internet service, the evenings and weekends are when more people are online, which can slow the internet service to your home and, therefore, affect your Wi-Fi. Direct internet connections, such as fiber, won’t have this issue.
How to choose your home Wi-Fi plan
The table on this page can help compare and contrast wireless internet plans. Here are a few other details to consider when choosing your home Wi-Fi service, such as:
- Number of devices: The number of devices actively connected to the wireless network in your home will affect the speed of everyone online. Even devices in standby mode, such as smart TVs that are plugged in but not in use, will use a few Mbps. Households with many devices should consider higher-speed plans or fiber Wi-Fi internet.
- Internet activities: Wireless internet plans have various speeds. Households with more than five connected devices will be better off with at least 100 Mbps or more. Internet activities, such as streaming, gaming and WFH, will benefit from faster speeds, too. If you’re online for several hours a day, make sure your Wi-Fi service has unlimited data or a high data limit of 1 TB or more.
- Budget: The starting price of home Wi-Fi can range from around $25–$90, so you have a lot of flexibility when choosing a plan that fits your budget.
- Availability: Your choices for home wireless plans will be determined by what is available at your address. Finding options near you is the first step when shopping for home Wi-Fi. Enter your address on this page to discover internet in your area.
Home Wi-Fi takeaways
Start your search for home Wi-Fi by finding a reliable ISP that offers Wi-Fi services in your area. Choose an appropriate speed and connection type for the activities and the number of devices you connect to the internet. Lastly, sign up for a plan that works with your budget.
Home Wi-Fi FAQs
Can you get home Wi-Fi without internet?
No. Wi-Fi service is always dependent on an internet connection. If you do not have an internet service provider, you can get home Wi-Fi using a hotspot that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal using your cell phone’s internet connection.
Can you get free home Wi-Fi?
Check with the ISPs in your area to find out how to qualify for cheap internet. You can also often access free Wi-Fi outside your home at many local restaurants, coffee shops or businesses.
How do I set up my Wi-Fi?
Set up your Wi-Fi by connecting your router to your modem with an Ethernet cable and then plugging it into an electrical outlet. Turn the router on, then set up your Wi-Fi network. You can set up the Wi-Fi name and password by downloading your ISP’s app or entering your IP address into the address bar on your computer browser.
How do I connect devices to my Wi-Fi?
After your Wi-Fi is set up in your home, go to the settings function on your cell phone, tablet, or computer, find the “Wi-Fi” tab, select your network name, and enter the password. Once connected to your home Wi-Fi network, your device should automatically connect to your network whenever you are in range.
What’s the cheapest way to get home Wi-Fi?
The cheapest way to get home Wi-Fi is to find a new-customer internet deal in your area. Xfinity, Frontier and Spectrum are all known for offering cheap starting prices. Providers like Verizon Fios and T-Mobile 5G offer significant discounts on home Wi-Fi if you bundle with their wireless service.
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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