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Internet connection types: How to select the right technology for your home

Lisa Iscrupe,Hannah WhatleyAllconnect

Published 5:51 pm ET Jun 4

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.

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The type of internet connection you choose will impact your online experience. Fiber, cable and 5G internet are just a few examples of different internet connection types offered by various internet providers.

What are the differences between internet connection types? 

Each internet connection type has its own features, such as maximum upload and download speeds, latency, equipment types and more. These details can determine which online activities, like general browsing, uploading to social media, gaming or streaming, work well with your internet plan. The best internet provider for you will be a connection type that can support your typical internet tasks. 

Every internet connection type is built differently. Fiber, cable and DSL are lines buried underground using various materials, while fixed wireless, 5G and satellite use over-the-air internet signals. Some providers offer several of these types; for example, AT&T provides fiber and 5G internet as well as slower service through copper wire (the availability of each type is based on where you live).

Your internet connection can also determine how many potential devices you can connect to your wireless network. Laptops, cell phones, tablets and security cameras are a few of the devices you might need to connect to your home Wi-Fi. Account for all the devices in your home when selecting an internet connection for your needs. 

Types of internet connections

The following table lists each connection type’s general price range, speed and availability in the U.S. Knowing which providers can reach your home is essential in choosing the right internet connection for you. 

Fiber, cable, 5G and other types of internet services each have various pros and cons that make them ideal choices for different homes. Read on to better understand what each connection type offers.

Fiber internet

Fiber-optic internet is the most advanced internet type available. This technology sends signals over thin strands of glass, creating a secure, dedicated link that offers the fastest speeds available for your home. This connection is also the only type that offers upload speeds as fast as its download speeds. 

Our take on fiber internet: High-speed fiber internet is great for practically all online activities, and especially the best for gaming. Fiber internet may offer speeds of 1 GB or more, but these speeds won’t necessarily mean a better online experience for you unless you are a heavy internet user or connect numerous devices at once. 

Pros

• Up to 10 GB speeds available.

• Can support 20 or more Wi-Fi devices.

Cons

• Can be pricier than other internet types.

• Excessive speed for light internet use.

Fiber internet providers

While fiber internet is not as available as cable, it is one of the fastest-growing internet connection types. Many ISPs, like Google Fiber, are constantly investing in their fiber infrastructure to bring the technology to new cities. 

Cable internet

Cable internet is a good connection type if you want cheap internet or want to opt for a TV and internet bundle for monthly discounts. Cable lines are available in virtually every city and suburb, so it’s easy to find cable internet service in most areas. 

Our take on cable internet: Cable internet is good for streaming, browsing and more. Some cable providers include additional charges, such as modem and router fees, that can increase the monthly cost. Overall, however, cable internet is a great option for nearly any household. 

Pros

• Cheap plans available.

• Widespread coverage.

Cons

• Introductory rates may increase sharply.

• The shared connection can slow at times.

Cable internet providers

Cable internet providers have large footprints in the U.S. Some also offer low-cost internet for qualifying households.

5G home internet

5G internet has grown in popularity within the last few years. It uses some of the latest mobile technology to beam Wi-Fi to your home. With a gateway strategically placed near your window with a good line of sight to the nearest cell tower, you can get up to 1 GB speeds with some 5G ISPs. 

Our take on 5G internet: A 5G connection is a great choice for inexpensive Wi-Fi and can provide a good internet speed. Bundling 5G internet with a wireless plan can save money on internet, but this connection type is also known for throttling internet when the network is busy. 

Pros

• Decent amount of coverage.

• Easy to install.

Cons

• Network congestion may slow speeds.

• Signal interference from line-of-sight obstacles.

5G internet providers

These 5G internet providers have good speeds, no contracts and unlimited data. Plus, 5G providers offer some of the most available connection types.  

Fixed wireless internet

Fixed wireless is similar to 5G because it transmits the internet signal from a nearby tower. While the frequency isn’t specifically a 5G signal, the download speeds can reach 1 GB. 

Our take on fixed wireless internet: In rural areas, fixed wireless is often a faster and cheaper alternative to satellite internet. Like 5G, the speed may slow down when more people are online in the area, which can cause buffering. This fact can be frustrating for internet users who need a reliable connection for video conferencing or other streaming and gaming activities. 

Pros

• Often available in rural areas.

• Does not require any internet lines.

Cons

• Can be pricey depending on the provider.

• Need to install an antenna on your home.

Fixed wireless internet providers

The following tables displays the largest fixed wireless providers. Many towns have locally owned and operated fixed wireless providers, since it is one of the easier types of internet services to set up.

DSL internet

DSL is an older internet technology that uses copper phone lines to connect homes to the internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps. DSL came after dial-up internet and was the first to make Wi-Fi a practical reality for most homes. Although DSL requires copper phone lines running to your home, most DSL providers these days do not require you to purchase home phone service.

Our take on DSL internet: DSL is a reliable service that can work well for many homes with lighter internet use. While you can game and stream with this technology, the DSL speed at your residence relies on how far you are from the local hub — the further away, the slower the speeds. Therefore, the activities you can do with your DSL service may differ from someone who lives in a different area. 

Pros

• Speeds up to 100 Mbps.

• Reasonable prices.

Cons

• Older technology is less maintained.

• Requires phone line infrastructure.

DSL internet providers

Many DSL providers also offer other types of internet services, like fiber or fixed wireless. As these internet companies update their lines to fiber internet, DSL internet will become less available. 

Satellite internet

This type of internet connection bounces signals from satellites to virtually any U.S. location with a clear view of the southern sky. Satellite internet providers use either GEO (Geostationary Equatorial Orbit), MEO or LEO (medium- or low-earth orbit) satellites to provide service. Since they are closer to Earth and the signal travels a shorter distance, LEO satellites provide the fastest speeds and lowest latency. 

Our take on satellite internet: Satellite internet is perfect for those hard-to-reach homes in rural areas. If your residence is overlooked by cable, fiber and DSL providers, satellite is one of the best and most available ways to get home Wi-Fi. Satellite internet does have some drawbacks, like higher latency and data caps. These features make it less suitable for gaming and streaming, but still apt for browsing, email and other general online activities.

Pros

• Available anywhere in the U.S.

• Provides Wi-Fi for rural areas.

Cons

• Expensive monthly prices and equipment.

• High latency and lag.

Satellite internet providers

Of the three satellite providers in the U.S., Hughesnet and Viasat have been around the longest, but Starlink is the only provider mainly using LEO satellites. Starlink is also the only satellite provider to forgo contracts with early termination fees and offers higher download speeds than the other options.

What internet connection type is the best?

The best internet connection type for you depends on your needs and what is available at your location. Generally, fiber and cable internet offer the highest speeds and most reliability. Fixed wireless, 5G and DSL may be slower but are still widely available, while satellite is best for areas with few options, such as rural areas. 

Determining which ISPs are available at your home is the crucial first step in picking the best internet connection type. Shop the internet providers accessible to your location at the top of this page.

Allconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

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.