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Find and compare internet providers in Ohio

Published 3:22 pm ET Aug 30

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Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

From lively city life in Cleveland to peaceful rural areas in the Appalachian foothills, you find a blend of landscapes in Ohio. Wherever you live in the Buckeye State, having reliable internet keeps you connected. 

With median download speeds of around 251 Mbps, you can easily stream, game and work from home without interruption. Ohio offers a variety of connection types, including widely available satellite and cable or the fastest fiber internet speeds up to 4,700 Mbps. Internet prices start at $35/mo. and range up to $245/mo., offering a balance between affordability and performance. Keep reading to explore top internet service providers in Ohio and find the perfect fit for your home. 

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 Ohio

The top-rated internet providers in Ohio are Verizon 5G and T-Mobile. Both providers offer 5G wireless internet at a low starting price of $35 or $40/mo., but review your plan details to know how long the promotional price lasts. Though Verizon is the highest-rated provider, it’s only available in 25% of the state, while T-Mobile covers 66% of Ohio. If speed is your priority, Verizon leads with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, compared to T-Mobile’s maximum of 245 Mbps.

Choosing the best Wi-Fi plan for your home will depend on availability in your area, budget and internet needs. To help you compare, refer to the following table for a breakdown of prices and download speeds for Ohio internet providers.

ProviderStarting price range*Download speed rangeConnection typeAvailability
Verizon 5G$35**–$80/mo.85–1,000 Mbps5G25%
T-Mobile$40**–$60/mo.Up to 245 Mbps5G66%
AT&T$55–$245/mo.300–4,700 MbpsFiber54%
Spectrum$49.99–$79.99/mo.100–1,000 MbpsCable74%
altafiber$39.99–$99.99/mo.400–2,000 MbpsFiber27%
Starlink$120/mo.25–220 MbpsSatellite100%
Hughesnet$49.99–$94.99/mo.50–100 MbpsSatellite100%
Viasat$119.99/mo.25–150 MbpsSatellite100%
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. As of 1/18/24.
**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 Ohio

With Ohio’s mix of rural and urban areas, connection availability varies throughout the state. Fortunately, satellite internet covers 100% of Ohio, so you can choose from providers like Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat no matter where you live. Cable is also widely available, with 85% coverage in Ohio. Satellite and cable have the same lowest starting price, but if you’re in a rural area and need faster speeds, a cable internet provider like Spectrum might be best. You’ll find the fastest internet speed with fiber internet, though its availability is limited to about 36% of the state.

Use the following table to compare internet types and availability. 

Connection typeStarting price*Speeds up toAvailability
Satellite$49.99–$120/mo.220 Mbps100%
Cable$49.99–$79.99/mo.1,000 Mbps85%
Fixed wireless / 5G$35**–$80/mo.1,000 Mbps72%
Fiber$39.99–$245/mo.4,700 Mbps36%
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. As of 1/18/24.
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.

Top Ohio cities

Check out which internet providers Ohio has in your city. You can compare varying prices or home Wi-Fi deals based on your location. 

Cheap internet options in Ohio

The cheapest internet in Ohio is a Verizon 5G wireless plan starting at $35/mo. (with bundling discounts) but is only available throughout 25% of the state. While Verizon’s plan has download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, the next lowest starting price is $39.99/mo. from altafiber, which offers a better value and doubles the download speed up to 2,000 Mbps. However, fiber internet from altafiber has less coverage (27%) compared to the $40 5G fixed wireless plan from T-Mobile. But, to get that price, you have to bundle internet with a mobile plan. Without bundling, T-Mobile prices start at $60, which is something to keep in mind if you’re considering this option.

All of the lowest-priced home Wi-Fi plans in Ohio are at or below the average costs in the U.S. of $40–$60. Before signing up for cheap internet, check the fine print for additional fees, like equipment rental and potential price increases. This way, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting the best price for your budget.

Fast internet options in Ohio

Ohio’s median download speed is about 251 Mbps with a median upload of nearly 23 Mbps. While this is good for general browsing, streaming and light work-from-home needs, those searching for faster connections can explore options like 5G wireless, fiber and cable, all of which can offer speeds well above the median. 

Fiber internet offers the fastest internet speeds and is available throughout 36% of Ohio. This means nearly half of Ohio residents can experience a fast connection, which is ideal for heavy internet users and large households. AT&T and altafiber are two fiber internet providers in the state. AT&T, a top internet company, offers the fastest plan with speeds up to 4,700 Mbps, which is nearly 19 times faster than the median speed in Ohio. 

Rural internet options in Ohio

If you live in a rural area, having internet access is worth it to stay connected. Even if the speeds aren’t as fast as those in urban areas, the ability to connect to the internet can make a significant difference in daily life. Satellite internet covers 100% of Ohio, and you can choose from rural internet providers like Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat. Starlink is the fastest option, offering speeds up to 220 Mbps, which can support multiple devices and streaming services. Starlink is a solid choice for those who need reliable internet for work or entertainment. However, this speed comes at a higher cost, with Starlink plans starting at $120/mo., which is double the average U.S. internet cost. 

If you’re searching for a lower monthly bill, Hughesnet offers a more budget-friendly option with promotional prices starting at $49.99/mo. However, the trade-off is slower speeds, with Hughesnet maxing out at 100 Mbps. This speed might be good for basic browsing and single-device use, but if you need faster speeds, investing in Starlink is worth the extra cost to ensure a smoother and more reliable experience.

Ohio internet FAQs

What is the best internet provider in Ohio?

Verizon 5G is the highest-rated internet provider in Ohio, offering a great combination of speed and affordability. With promotional prices starting at $35/mo. and speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, it provides fast, reliable internet at a budget-friendly price.

Who has the fastest internet in Ohio?

AT&T offers the fastest fiber internet plan with up to 4,700 Mbps download speeds. With these speeds, you can stream 4K videos, engage in video calls and use multiple devices at a time without lag.

How much is Wi-Fi a month in Ohio?

Wi-Fi costs range from $35/mo. up to $245/mo. in Ohio. Internet costs for your home will vary based on location, provider and connection type.

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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Faith FousheeAllconnect.com

Faith Foushee is a writer who is passionate about helping consumers understand broadband, internet, home services, and clean energy products. She enjoys chatting with experts and sharing her learnings through writing to help customers gain a better understanding about their home purchases.

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Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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