Internet providers in Pittsburgh, PA
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Best high-speed availability
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.
Best overall
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.
Known for many famous sports figures, a plethora of bridges, and its beautiful skyline situated at the intersection of the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, Pittsburgh draws more than 10 million visitors every year. The metro area in and around Steel City is also home to more than 2.3 million people.
For many Pittsburgh locals, finding reliable, fast and affordable home internet is probably one of their top concerns. Considering how many of us work from home, binge-watch Netflix and play video games online, home internet is central to our everyday lives.
The good news is that there are plenty of internet service providers in Pittsburgh, with prices from $9.95/mo. to $249.99/mo. Enter your address on this page or continue reading to start comparing options in your area.
Best internet providers in Pittsburgh, PA
- Verizon Fios: Best overall
- Xfinity: Best high-speed availability
- EarthLink: Best for multiple options
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet
- Viasat: Best for rural customers
Pittsburgh internet comparison
Internet providers in Pittsburgh offer a variety of plans, from fiber and cable to satellite and fixed wireless. Plans are available with download speeds as fast as 5 GB. Here’s an overview of our top five picks for Pittsburgh internet providers.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon Fios | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity | $9.95–$75/mo. | 50–1,200 Mbps | Cable |
EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
T-Mobile | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
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 Pittsburgh, PA
When it comes to home internet, what’s most important — speed, price or other features? There’s a lot to consider, but it may be helpful to break it down into three main areas:
- Speed: It’s easy to assume that faster is better for home Wi-Fi, but that’s not always the case. If you only use the internet for email, online shopping and occasional streaming, you’re probably wasting money on gigabit speeds. However, if you’re an avid online gamer or 4K streamer, that extra bandwidth may pay off.
- Price: Of course, you need to set a budget for your internet service, and prices vary quite a bit. Don’t go solely by the advertised cost, as many Pittsburgh internet providers charge extra for installation or equipment, and you may also need to pay taxes on your monthly bill. Be sure to find out if your price is promotional, too, as standard pricing may mean a big jump in monthly costs.
- Perks: You may be able to cushion the blow of your monthly price by taking advantage of some of the perks that many providers offer. Pay attention to bundling deals, signup bonuses and other plan perks like free streaming subscriptions.
Pittsburgh internet provider reviews
Verizon Fios – Best overall
Verizon’s fiber network is only available in eight states, but Pennsylvania is one of them. With affordable prices, no contracts or data caps and synchronous upload/download speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps, this is an excellent choice for fast home internet. Verizon’s wireless customers are eligible for a $25/mo. discount. Watch out for the $99 installation fee.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon Fios review.
Xfinity – Best high-speed availability
Xfinity is the largest home internet provider in the U.S., with service in more than 40 states. Widely available in Pittsburgh, Xfinity is known for low starting prices, great bundling deals and enticing perks like free Peacock Premium. However, beware of extra charges for equipment and installation, along with steep increases after your promotional period ends.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Xfinity review.
EarthLink – Best for multiple options
It may not be as popular as big names like Xfinity or AT&T, but EarthLink offers some of the most coverage for home internet in the U.S. With service in 48 states, EarthLink features fiber, fixed wireless and satellite internet plans. Its fiber service is the fastest option in Pittsburgh — where it’s available. Plans have no data caps, and prices stay steady even after your first year.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G internet
T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the U.S., and it’s rapidly making that network available for more homes in cities like Pittsburgh. Download speeds are as fast as 245 Mbps, and pricing is all-inclusive. T-Mobile cellular customers can get a steep discount on their monthly price, and there are no data caps or contracts.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Viasat – Best for rural customers
If the previous providers aren’t available in your area, check out plans from Viasat. As one of the most widely available options in the country, Viasat can reach homes even in many remote areas. You’ll need a satellite dish on your property, and plans top out at 150 Mbps. Introductory pricing is good, but beware that it only lasts three months.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Pittsburgh, PA
If budget is your top concern, internet providers in Pittsburgh offer a range of affordable options with reasonably fast connection speeds. Xfinity starts at $9.95/mo., and it only costs $20 more to upgrade to 300 Mbps. T-Mobile cellular customers can also get up to $20 off the regular price by bundling with cellular service.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity | $9.95/mo. | 50 Mbps | Cable |
T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Pittsburgh, PA
Steel City offers several options for lightning-fast home connections. Both Verizon Fios and EarthLink feature gigabit fiber connections, with EarthLink reaching upload / download speeds of 5 GB in some areas. Xfinity’s top plan is available in more households and features download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
EarthLink | $189.95/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Verizon Fios | $89.99/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Xfinity | $75/mo. | Up to 1,200 Mbps | Cable |
Pittsburgh internet technology
When you’re considering home Wi-Fi plans, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between the main types of internet connection. You’ll find the following options available from internet service providers in Pittsburgh:
- Fiber internet: When it comes to internet connectivity, fiber internet is the undeniable champion, both in terms of speed and reliability. Upload and download speeds are identical, making for a lag-free experience ideal for online gaming or Zoom meetings. The only downside is that it’s not yet available in many areas.
- Cable: Most urban and suburban homes now have access to cable internet, making it the most common choice for U.S. consumers. With download speeds of 1 GB or more, cable still meets the needs of most home users, even if its upload speeds lag far behind.
- Fixed wireless: Broadband internet was once more of a backup option for home connections, but 5G technology has brought it to the forefront. With providers like Verizon and T-Mobile expanding their fixed wireless networks, it is quickly becoming a viable option for many — especially with the great bundle deals available to cellular customers. Beware, however, that network demand can greatly impact service reliability.
- Satellite: Where fiber, cable and fixed wireless can’t reach, there’s almost always satellite internet. Covering most of the U.S., satellite signals top out at much slower speeds and often come with hefty equipment costs built in. In many rural areas, it’s still the only option.
Pittsburgh internet FAQs
How much is internet per month in Pittsburgh, PA?
Internet prices vary significantly by provider and plan type. Internet service providers in Pittsburgh charge anywhere from $9.95 to $249.99/mo. for service, with connection speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps.
Does Pittsburgh have fiber-optic internet?
Yes, Pittsburgh has fiber internet available from two providers — Verizon Fios and EarthLink. Enter your address on this page to find out if fiber is an option for your home.
How do I find the best fiber in my area?
Typically, you’ll only have one or two options for fiber internet at your home, if any. If you have more than one, compare top speeds, pricing (including equipment and installation fees) and customer reviews to find out which is a good fit for your needs.
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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