Internet providers in Norfolk, VA
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More than two decades ago, Norfolk, Virginia, leaned into its seafaring history by embracing the nickname “Mermaid City” and posting mermaid sculptures all over town. This port city now hosts more than 235,000 residents, the world’s largest naval base and the North American headquarters for NATO.
There’s plenty to keep locals busy in this coastal town, whether you want to sneak away to Virginia Beach or embrace the city’s thriving cultural scene. However, when you’re at home, you’ll want to be sure you have reliable home Wi-Fi for work and play.
Fortunately, you have some strong options in Mermaid City. Explore this page to browse some of the best plans from internet service providers in Norfolk.
Best internet providers in Norfolk, VA
- Cox: Best high-speed coverage
- Verizon Fios: Best fiber internet
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G coverage
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
Norfolk internet comparison
Although Norfolk offers fewer home internet choices than some other cities of its size, locals can still find affordable, fast Wi-Fi plans that fit a range of needs. Whether you game online, work from home or just need to stream your favorite show, you can find a plan that works for you.
Norfolk internet providers offer plans starting as low as $40/mo. (with bundling discounts), with download speeds of up to 2 GB. Here’s an overview of our top four picks:
| Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $50–$120/mo. | 250–2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | 300–940 Mbps | Fiber |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40**–$60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Viasat | $119.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
**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.
How to choose a provider in Norfolk, VA
Mermaid City may have a smaller list of high-speed internet options, but it’s still important to review plan details and make sure you find the best fit. Overall, we recommend looking at the following as you compare internet providers in Norfolk:
- Download and upload speeds: Everyone wants to know how fast they can browse, stream or game online. How much speed you really need comes down to how much of each of those activities you do — and on how many devices.
- Hidden fees: Some Norfolk internet providers charge extra fees that aren’t laid out in the advertised price. Check for equipment leasing charges, installation fees and taxes to determine what you’ll really pay.
- Ways to save: Some plans don’t have to be as pricey as they seem at first. Some internet service providers in Norfolk offer bundling discounts and/or extra perks to sweeten the deal. Be sure you’re comparing all the freebies or savings before you decide.
Norfolk internet provider reviews
Cox – Best high-speed availability
Cox offers cable internet to more than 92% of residents in Norfolk. Its hybrid coaxial-fiber connections allow it to offer download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps in some areas. There are no contracts or early termination fees, and Cox offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. On the downside, Cox has poor customer service ratings and data caps on its plans.
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read our full Cox review.
Verizon Fios – Most accessible fiber internet
If you’re searching for fiber internet in Norfolk, Verizon is your best bet. The company’s Fios plans offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 940 Mbps, and it offers up to $500 in credit toward any cancellation fees from your current provider. Verizon also features a two- or four-year price guarantee and built-in equipment fees for simple, straightforward pricing. Unfortunately, fiber isn’t available in many parts of Norfolk.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon Fios review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best fixed wireless coverage
Fixed wireless coverage has a long way to go in Norfolk, but T-Mobile currently reaches around 27% of the city. Its 5G Home plan offers straightforward pricing and steep discounts for existing cellular customers, and download speeds reach a respectable 245 Mbps in some areas. You’ll pay a one-time setup fee of $35, but all other costs are built into your monthly rate.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
Satellite may be much slower than other options, but Viasat stands out for offering download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It’s available anywhere in the Norfolk area, as long as you install a satellite dish on your property. Its simple, one-plan option makes purchasing streamlined and easy.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Norfolk, VA
You don’t have to spend exorbitantly to get a decent home Wi-Fi plan. Norfolk internet providers like T-Mobile, Cox and Verizon all offer starting prices of $50/mo. or less, with typical download speeds of 100 Mbps or more. Here are some of your best options for affordable home Wi-Fi in Norfolk:
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Cox | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Norfolk, VA
Ookla clocks the median download speed in Norfolk at roughly 264 Mbps. That’s not bad for most home users who want to stream, game or browse on a few connected devices. If you need more bandwidth, a few internet service providers can get you there. Cox and Verizon both offer gigabit connectivity, while T-Mobile can reach download speeds of 245 Mbps in some areas.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $120/mo. | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Cable |
| Verizon Fios | $89.99/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Fiber |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40**–$60/mo. | Up to 245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Norfolk internet technology
Although your choice of Norfolk internet provider is important, the type of connection is a much more critical factor in the performance of your home Wi-Fi plan. Internet service providers in Norfolk offer each of the following connections:
- Fiber internet: Fiber isn’t yet widely available in all parts of Norfolk, but Verizon does offer substantial coverage along the coast and in the city center. Fiber internet typically offers the best, most reliable connection with symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 1 GB in Norfolk.
- Cable: Cable may not be as fast at fiber on upload speeds, but it’s much easier to get in Norfolk. Cox cable internet is available to more than 92% of residents, with download speeds of up to 2 GB. Keep in mind, however, that cable connections tend to get bogged down with too many devices.
- Fixed wireless: Fixed wireless coverage in Norfolk is spottier than cable but more extensive than fiber. 5G technology has made this a much more viable option for home internet. Providers like T-Mobile now offer download speeds of over 200 Mbps, but beware of slowdowns during high-traffic periods.
- DSL: Phone-line connections aren’t common anymore, but some providers still offer DSL where they haven’t made the switch to fiber. These connections are much slower, usually topping out around 150 Mbps.
- Satellite: Like DSL, satellite internet is much slower than other options. However, because satellite signals can reach almost anywhere, satellite is an excellent option for rural customers or people in areas with poor wired connection options.
Norfolk internet FAQs
How much is internet in Norfolk, VA?
Internet providers in Norfolk offer a wide range of plans and prices for home Wi-Fi. You can connect for anywhere from $40/mo. to $120/mo., though there may be additional equipment and installation charges to consider.
Is Spectrum available in Norfolk, VA?
Although Spectrum is available in many parts of Virginia, the company doesn’t offer internet services in Norfolk. Cox is the cable provider in Mermaid City.
Does Virginia have fiber internet?
Yes, Virginia’s fiber network is growing quickly. Towns like Norfolk, Richmond and Charlottesville all have decent residential fiber coverage from companies like Verizon.
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