Internet providers in Raleigh, NC
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Best overall
Prices from
$65.00
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 fixed wireless internet
Prices from
$35.00
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
with a mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. With Auto Pay + Paperless billing.
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.
The capital of North Carolina is known for its natural beauty and sprawling parklands. Appropriately dubbed the City of Oaks for its oak-lined streets, Raleigh is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
But nowadays, even the most outdoorsy residents need solid home internet to stay connected to the digital world. In Raleigh, you’ve got no shortage of options for high-speed internet. You can get online for anywhere from $24.99 (for qualifying households) to $250 a month in the City of Oaks.
Here, we’ll break down and compare the best internet service providers in Raleigh to help you make the optimal choice for your home.
Best internet providers in Raleigh, NC
- AT&T: Best overall
- Google Fiber: Best new fiber network
- Spectrum: Best high-speed availability
- Viasat: Best for rural customers
- Verizon 5G Internet: Best fixed wireless internet
Raleigh internet comparison
Whether you rent or own a home in Raleigh, you can find a home Wi-Fi plan that fits your needs. There are plans to suit every type of internet user, from the casual browser to the serious gamer. Here’s an overview of our top five picks for internet providers in Raleigh.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T | $55–$250/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Google Fiber | $70–$150/mo. | 1,000–8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Spectrum Internet® | $50–$70/mo. | 500–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Viasat | $49.99–$249.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
Verizon 5G Home | $60–$80/mo. | 300–1,000 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 Raleigh, NC
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an internet provider in Raleigh. How do you decide which features matter most? We recommend focusing on the following factors:
- How fast you need your connection to be: Speed is often the first feature consumers consider when looking for a home internet plan. However, before you opt for the fastest option, you should consider your internet habits. You don’t need a super-fast connection speed for emailing, internet browsing and even some occasional streaming. But once you start streaming in 4K or gaming online, you may want to consider gigabit plans.
- Ensuring you can afford the hidden costs: Be sure to understand what other fees are involved in addition to the sticker price on any given plan. Equipment fees, taxes and installation charges add up, and promotional pricing is often only good for a year or so.
- Finding ways to get more value from your plan: There are ways to minimize the impact of home internet on your budget. Many Raleigh internet providers offer discounts for bundling with other services, and you may be able to toss in streaming subscriptions or other perks for free.
Raleigh internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best overall
Even though Google Fiber offers faster internet in some areas, AT&T is our top choice overall among internet service providers in Raleigh thanks to wider availability and a proven track record. AT&T has excellent customer service scores and keeps pricing simple by including equipment in your monthly cost. There are also no contracts or data caps.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Google Fiber – Best new fiber network
Google is still relatively new to home internet, but it’s aggressively expanding its lightning-fast fiber network in Raleigh and the surrounding area. Its highest speeds of 8 GB aren’t yet widely available, but many customers in Raleigh can get up to 2,000 Mbps with Google Fiber. There are no data caps or contracts, but the biggest downside is a lack of more affordable, lower-speed plans.
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read our full Google Fiber review.
Spectrum – Best high-speed availability
If fiber hasn’t yet reached your home, there’s a good chance Spectrum’s solid cable network is available in your area. With connection speeds of up to 1 GB and no contracts or data caps, Spectrum is an excellent choice for many home internet needs. Still, the company has below-average customer service reviews, and you may be hit with price hikes after the first year.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
Viasat – Best for rural customers
Satellite internet isn’t the fastest option, but providers like Viasat can reach almost any customer in the U.S. Plus, its top speed of 150 Mbps is faster than many other satellite internet providers. You’ll need to install a satellite dish at home and keep in mind that starting prices only last for three months.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Verizon 5G Home – Best fixed wireless internet
Verizon already offers the fastest fixed wireless internet in Raleigh, and it continues to invest in expanding its service to more customers in the area. It offers straightforward pricing, major discounts for cell customers, and enticing perks like a $200 Target gift card or free Nintendo Switch, depending on active promotions. Prices are also guaranteed for up to five years.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon 5G Home review.
Cheap internet in Raleigh, NC
If you’re looking for a more affordable home internet plan in Raleigh, you have several options. Verizon cellular customers can get an especially good deal on 5G home internet, starting at only $35/mo. Spectrum offers cable plans at 500 Mbps starting at $50/mo. For those on the outskirts of Raleigh with minimal internet access, Viasat is a great option for cheap internet.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo. | 500 Mbps | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home | $35**–$60/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Viasat | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Raleigh, NC
There’s no shortage of options for high-speed internet in the City of Oaks. In fact, Raleigh ranks at the top of Ookla’s speed test list for the fastest median internet speed out of all major U.S. cities. Google Fiber, AT&T and Spectrum all offer plans of 1 GB or faster in the Raleigh market.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Google Fiber | $150/mo. | Up to 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
AT&T | $250/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Raleigh internet technology
Internet performance largely depends on the type of technology used. Internet service providers in Raleigh offer all of the following options:
- Fiber internet: If you need lightning-fast connectivity with no lag between download and upload times, fiber-optic internet is the way to go. This technology is ideal for demanding online activities and households with a lot of connected devices, but it’s not available everywhere.
- Cable: Cable internet is more widely available than fiber and offers fast download speeds, but it’s much slower in terms of upload speeds. It can also get bogged down with too many connected devices. Still, it’s a great option for many high-speed internet activities, and you can get great discounts by bundling internet with TV.
- Fixed wireless: 5G technology has changed the game for fixed wireless internet, allowing broadband providers to compete with cable plans in terms of upload and download speeds. Plus 5G plans are sometimes available where cable and fiber can’t reach. However, beware of slow connections during high-demand periods.
- DSL: Phone-line-based internet connections are phasing out as many providers replace them with fiber lines, but these are still one of the only options in rural areas. Connection speeds are much slower than the previous options, topping out around 150 Mbps.
- Satellite: If you can’t find any of the previous options in your area, check out satellite from providers like Viasat and Hughesnet. Satellite internet covers almost the entire country, allowing residents even in remote areas to get reliable home internet. Beware of slow connection speeds and high prices, though.
Raleigh internet FAQs
How much is internet per month in Raleigh, N.C.?
Internet costs vary by provider and plan type. Raleigh internet providers offer plans for anywhere from $24.99/mo. to $250 a month.
Does Raleigh, N.C., have fiber internet?
Yes, several internet service providers in Raleigh offer fiber connections. Compare options from Google Fiber, AT&T, EarthLink and Frontier Fiber.
What type of internet is best for home?
The right internet for your home depends on your usage habits and availability in your area. Fiber offers the fastest upload and download speeds, but it also tends to be more expensive and less widely available. Cable is still the most widely accessible high-speed internet that works for most home users.
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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