Internet connection types: How to select the right technology for your home
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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.
Connection type | Starting price range* | Speed range | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Fiber | $39.99–$250/mo. | 300–8,000 Mbps | 40% |
Cable | $9.95–$299.95/mo. | 50–2,000 Mbps | 83% |
5G / fixed wireless | $25–$80/mo. | 10–1,000 Mbps | 78% |
DSL | $55–$64.99/mo. | 3–100 Mbps | 52% |
Satellite | $49.99–$250/mo. | 12–500 Mbps | 100% |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
AT&T | $55/mo. | 300–4,700 Mbps |
CenturyLink | $50/mo. | 200–940 Mbps |
Google Fiber | $70/mo. | 1,000–8,000 Mbps |
Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99/mo. | 300–8,000 Mbps |
Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | 300–940 Mbps |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
Cox | $35/mo. | 100–1,000 Mbps |
Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | 400–1,000 Mbps |
Xfinity | $9.95/mo. | 50–6,000 Mbps |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
AT&T Internet AirTM | $55/mo. | Up to 140 Mbps |
T-Mobile 5G | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps |
Verizon 5G Home | $60–$80/mo. | 85–1,000 Mbps |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
Earthlink | Varies | Up to 100 Mbps |
Rise Broadband | $55/mo. | 25–100 Mbps |
Starry | $30/mo. | 100–1,000 Mbps |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
AT&T | $55/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps |
CenturyLink | $55/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps |
Frontier | $64.99/mo. | Varies |
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.
Provider | Starting price* | Speed range |
---|---|---|
Hughesnet | $55/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps |
Starlink | $120/mo. | 25–220 Mbps |
Viasat | $49.99/mo. | Up to 150 Mbps |
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.
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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