Find and compare internet providers in Illinois
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Most available fiber
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.
Simple plan option
Prices from
$60.00
per month
Speeds up to
245
Mbps
Fastest cable options
Prices from
$19.99
per month
Speeds up to
2,000
Mbps
The political home of Abraham Lincoln. The birthplace of deep-dish pizza. The origin of the Italian beef sandwich and the Chicago hot dog. Illinois has many claims to fame. Today, however, you might be more interested in where you can find reliable internet than learning another historical fun fact about the Prairie State.
There are numerous well-known internet providers for Illinois’ 12.8 million residents, but pricing and connection speeds vary widely depending on where you are. You can find great options for high-speed gaming in major cities like Chicago or reliable rural connections for small towns in the Land of Lincoln.
Read on to find out more about the top internet service providers in Illinois.
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 in Illinois
Illinois is home to a number of top internet providers, though availability varies from city to city. AT&T, T-Mobile and Xfinity are the three highest-scoring providers in the state, each rating at least 4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system.
Providers like AT&T, Earthlink and Metronet offer the fastest connections in Illinois, with symmetrical upload/download speeds of up to 5 GB. However, you’ll be more likely to find internet service from cable providers like Xfinity, fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile, or satellite providers like Hughesnet and Viasat.
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $65–$255/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber | 66% |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40**–$60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless | 70% |
| Xfinity | $19.99–$95/mo. | 100–2,000 Mbps | Cable | 74% |
| Verizon 5G Home | $35**–$80/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless | 30% |
| Astound Broadband | $25–$55/mo. | 300–1,500 Mbps | Cable | 19% |
| Metronet | $29.95–$109.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber | Unknown |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber | Unknown |
| Hughesnet | $49.99–$94.99/mo. | 50–100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Starlink | $120/mo. | 25–220 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Viasat | $119.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
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.
Internet technology in Illinois
Illinois residents have a range of options for internet connection types, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. For availability anywhere, satellite internet providers like Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink are your best bet. If you’re searching for widely available high-speed connections in urban areas, however, check out cable providers like Xfinity or Astound Broadband. 5G fixed wireless may be a good alternative with fast download speeds in many areas, as well. For completely lag-free, lightning-fast streaming and gaming, you’ll want to check if fiber internet from companies like AT&T and Metronet is available in your area.
| Connection type | Starting price* | Speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite | $49.99–$120/mo. | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| Cable | $19.99–95/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 90% |
| Fixed wireless | $35**–$80/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 78% |
| Fiber | $29.95–$255/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 29% |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Top Illinois cities
Internet service providers in Illinois differ by city and region. You can typically find affordable cable and fiber plans in a city like Chicago, for example, but you may need to check out satellite internet options in rural areas or smaller towns. Wherever you are, you can find a home Wi-Fi plan that works for you.
Cheap internet options in Illinois
Illinois features some excellent options for affordable home internet plans, with at least five internet providers offering plans that start at $40/mo. or less — sitting at the bottom end of the national average of $40–$80/mo. Of the cheap internet plans in Illinois, T-Mobile and Xfinity are the most widely available. Xfinity’s cable plans start as low as $20/mo., and you may be able to save more by bundling with TV or home security. T-Mobile, meanwhile, offers big bundling discounts for cellular customers. Be sure to check with local providers regularly for internet deals that could save you money on your monthly bill.
Fast internet options in Illinois
If you or others in your household do a lot of online gaming, 4K streaming or video-conferencing, you may need one of the top-speed plans from Illinois providers like AT&T, Xfinity or Metronet. Nearly half of Illinois residents have access to gigabit internet, or even multi-gig plans for ultra-connected households. Xfinity’s cable plans can reach 2 GB, while AT&T and Metronet offer symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB.
Curious how much bandwidth you need for your typical internet usage? Check out our internet speed guide.
Rural internet options in Illinois
Once you get outside the major metro areas of Illinois, your options for reliable, fast home Wi-Fi get a little slimmer. However, satellite providers like Hughesnet, Starlink and Viasat offer universal coverage in rural areas across the Prairie State. Connection speeds vary by location, so it’s worth comparing plans from each provider to find out which one is the fastest in your area. Keep in mind, too, that satellite providers may charge hefty fees for equipment.
Illinois internet FAQs
What is the best internet provider in Illinois?
AT&T and T-Mobile are our top-rated pick among all internet providers in Illinois. Both companies offer straightforward pricing and strong customer service. While T-Mobile has the edge on pricing, AT&T wins out on connection speed.
Is Spectrum internet available in Illinois?
Spectrum offers limited internet coverage in areas around East St. Louis and Rockford, Illinois. In most of the state, Xfinity and Astound Broadband are your best options for cable internet.
How do I know if a provider is serviceable for me in Illinois?
It only takes a minute to find out if you can get internet from a specific provider. You can explore internet coverage from providers at the FCC’s National Broadband Map, or you can enter your address on this page to find internet providers available in your area.
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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