Internet providers in Pensacola, FL
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Best overall
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.
Best high-speed availability
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.
Pensacola may be a small beach city in the Florida panhandle, but it also boasts a little-known history as the oldest European settlement in the U.S. Dating back to 1559, when Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna sailed into the future Pensacola Bay, the city recently celebrated its 450th birthday.
Those who call Pensacola home today enjoy a relaxed beach town, with crystal clear bay waters along more than 50 miles of coastline. But no matter how much they may enjoy the Gulf atmosphere, locals also want more basic necessities like reliable home internet.
The good news? This coastal city has plenty of options to offer for home Wi-Fi plans. Read on to learn more and compare our top picks for internet service providers in Pensacola.
Best internet providers in Pensacola, FL
- AT&T: Best overall
- Cox: Best high-speed availability
- EarthLink: Best multi-connection option
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet
Pensacola internet comparison
Despite being a small town, Pensacola is home to many recognizable names in home internet. Locals can choose from plans from providers like AT&T, Cox, T-Mobile and more, with plans ranging from $49.99/mo. to $250/mo.
The following table highlights the main features of our top five picks for internet providers in Pensacola.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $55–$250/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Cox | $50–$120/mo. | 100–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
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 Pensacola, FL
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your home Wi-Fi provider. Plan prices and speeds vary significantly, and the type of connection can have a big impact on service. Here are a few things to weigh before you make a decision about your Pensacola internet provider.
- The total bill: As you consider your budget, be sure you’re factoring in all the extra costs that aren’t advertised. These may include equipment fees, installation charges and taxes. Promotional prices may only last 12 months before your price goes up, too.
- Ways to add value: Price isn’t the only factor, and you can save by making smart plan choices. Many internet service providers in Pensacola offer bundling discounts and free extras to add value to your home internet service.
- How you use the internet: Most of all, your decision probably comes down to internet speed. While it may be tempting, it’s important not to just spring for the fastest option. If you only have a few connected devices and mostly use the web for email and browsing, you probably don’t need more than 500 Mbps. For 10+ devices and demanding activities like 4K streaming and online gaming, however, you may want a gigabit fiber connection.
Pensacola internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best overall
AT&T’s fiber service is available in 22 states, including much of Florida. Thanks to strong customer service, 5 GB connections and contract-free plans, it regularly tops our list as the best overall provider. Equipment fees are built in, and there are no data caps to limit how much you stream or game. Beware that prices may increase over time, and AT&T’s fiber service isn’t available everywhere in Pensacola.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Cox – Best high-speed availability
Cox offers its hybrid fiber and coaxial cable network in Pensacola. It’s not true fiber, but it brings reliable gigabit connectivity to residents in most of the city. There are no contracts or early termination fees, and Cox even has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans do come with data caps, though, and Cox scores below average on customer service.
Overall score: 3.6 out of 5.
Read our full Cox review.
EarthLink – Best multi-connection option
EarthLink is a lesser-known name on this list, but it’s one of the most accessible providers in the country, with service in 48 states. It offers fixed wireless and satellite internet in Pensacola, but its fiber service is its best option if it’s available in your area. With symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB, no data caps and stable long-term pricing, this is an excellent choice for many Pensacola residents.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
Viasat is one of the only providers that offers service everywhere in Pensacola. As long as you install a satellite dish on your property, you can tap into satellite internet with speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It may not be as fast as other options, but Viasat may be the best (or only) choice for some rural areas. Beware that introductory pricing is only good for the first three months.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best fixed wireless internet
T-Mobile’s 5G network is the largest in the country, and it’s now available not just for cell service but also home internet in many areas. It reaches some areas where cable and fiber can’t and offers download speeds of up to 245 Mbps. With one plan and straightforward pricing, T-Mobile offers an affordable option, especially if you’re a cellular customer. There are no equipment fees, but you’ll pay a one-time $35 setup fee.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Cheap internet in Pensacola, FL
If budget is your top concern when comparing home Wi-Fi plans, internet service providers in Pensacola have affordable options for you. T-Mobile cellular customers, in particular, can save big by bundling home internet with their plan, with options as low as $40/mo. Viasat and Cox both offer home internet for around $50/mo.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Viasat | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite |
Cox | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Pensacola, FL
Willing to spend more to get lightning-fast internet? Pensacola internet providers have you covered there, too. AT&T and EarthLink both offer fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB, which is more than enough for almost any home user. If fiber isn’t available near you, Cox has gigabit cable plans available almost everywhere in the city.
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 |
Cox | $120/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Pensacola internet technology
As noted previously, connection type plays a big role in internet speed and reliability. Internet service providers offer any of the following options, each with its pros and cons:
- Fiber internet: If speed is your biggest priority, fiber internet is the best choice. With lag-free connections and speeds of up to 5 GB in Pensacola, there’s no faster connection type. However, fiber may not be available for your home.
- Cable: Cable internet is second to fiber for speed and reliability, but it’s first in terms of high-speed availability. Cable is widely available in urban areas, with download speeds of 1 GB or more in many cases. It does tend to get bogged down with multiple connected devices, however.
- Fixed wireless: 5G technology has brought much faster fixed wireless connections to home internet. With providers like Verizon and T-Mobile rapidly expanding their networks, it has become a more viable option in many areas. Download speeds can compete with some cable plans, but service tends to lag more often due to fluctuations in network demand.
- Satellite: For maximum availability, nothing beats satellite internet. These connections can reach remote areas far from cable or fiber lines, but download speeds are much slower than other options. Satellite internet also tends to be quite expensive.
Pensacola internet FAQs
Is Xfinity in Pensacola, Florida?
Xfinity only has very limited availability in the Pensacola area. For reliable cable internet, check out plans from Cox, which is available in most of the city,
Does Pensacola have fiber internet?
Yes, a few Pensacola internet providers offer fiber-optic internet. Enter your address on this page to find out if fiber providers like AT&T and EarthLink are options for your home.
Is Cox fiber optic or cable?
Cox uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network to deliver its internet service. Although this provides faster download speeds, it still falls short on upload times compared to true fiber 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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