Internet providers in Wilmington, NC
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Best fiber internet
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 internet
Best fixed wireless coverage
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.
A charming Southern town with plenty of history, Wilmington is home to more than 120,000 residents. “Port City,” as it’s often called, keeps locals entertained with its scenic Riverwalk, bustling nightlife and beautiful parks and gardens.
However you spend your time in Wilmington, you probably need fast internet for work and play at home. Wilmington offers plenty of choices, whether you’re just a browser or a high-speed gamer.
Explore some of the top internet service providers in Wilmington and compare plan options to find the best home Wi-Fi for you.
Best internet providers in Wilmington, NC
- AT&T: Best fiber internet
- Spectrum: Best high-speed coverage
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best fixed wireless coverage
- EarthLink: Best multi-connection provider
- Viasat: Best for rural areas
Wilmington internet comparison
Pricing and bandwidth vary widely from Wilmington internet providers. You can find everything from fixed wireless for $40 with bundle deals to lightning-fast fiber for $245/mo. Cable and satellite plans are also available.
Here’s an overview of our top five choices for internet providers in Wilmington.
| Provider | Starting price range | Download speed range | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $55–$245/mo. | 300–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet® | $50–$70/mo.* | 500–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40**–$60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
| Viasat | $119.99/mo. | 25–150 Mbps | Satellite |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
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 Wilmington, NC
Home Wi-Fi plans may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but there are several important factors to consider when comparing the top internet providers in Wilmington. Carefully examine the following three features of any plan:
- The fine print: When it comes to internet pricing, don’t only consider the advertised costs. Dig into the fine print to discover equipment fees, installation charges and taxes that could add to your monthly bill.
- Connection speeds: Choosing an internet plan isn’t about going as fast as possible — it’s about matching connection speed to your needs. Consider things like how many connected devices you have, how much online gaming you do and how often simultaneous streaming happens in your house. That will help you determine the ideal connection speed.
- Bundles and deals: Don’t only consider the advertised price for your plan. Also search for additional ways to add value or save on overall costs. Wilmington internet providers offer discounts for bundling TV or cell phone services with internet, and some offer special perks for signing up.
Wilmington internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best fiber internet
AT&T is frequently a top pick for fiber internet thanks to its symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB. The company offers plans with no data caps or contracts, and equipment pricing is built into your regular monthly fee. AT&T regularly earns good marks for customer service, as well. Just be sure you get its fiber service, as AT&T service through copper wires is a much slower option.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Spectrum – Best high-speed coverage
Spectrum is the second-largest cable internet company in the country, and it offers service to more than 90% of households in Wilmington. Spectrum’s biggest perks are its low starting prices and the option to save by bundling with cable TV. However, be sure to read the fine print for long-term price hikes and beware of subpar customer service.
Overall score: 4.0 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best fixed wireless coverage
T-Mobile boasts the largest 5G network in the country. It’s not as fast as Verizon’s 5G Home service, but it now reaches more than 60% of the Wilmington market for home Wi-Fi. T-Mobile still reaches a respectable download speed of 245 Mbps, and pricing is clear and straightforward with just one plan. You can save big by bundling cellular and home internet services, and all pricing is built in other than a one-time $35 setup charge.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
EarthLink – Best multi-connection option
EarthLink offers service in 48 states, with options for cable, fixed wireless and fiber internet. Like AT&T, its fiber offering tops out at 5 GB in some areas, with similar pricing. EarthLink plans don’t have data caps, and pricing stays steady even after a year. Its fixed wireless and cable options aren’t as fast as its fiber service, nor do they offer symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
While there aren’t huge differences between satellite internet providers, Viasat does tend to stand out for offering faster download speeds than its competitors. The provider is available anywhere in Wilmington, but you’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property in order to connect. Initial pricing is only good for the first three months.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Wilmington, NC
Internet service providers in Wilmington offer several options for budget-conscious customers. T-Mobile plans start as low as $40/mo. when paired with cellular service, and Spectrum offers cable plans for as low as $50/mo. AT&T’s fiber service, which starts at 300 Mbps for $55/mo., is an especially great deal if you need something faster.
| Plan | Price | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| Spectrum Internet® Premier | $50/mo.* | 500 Mbps | Cable |
| AT&T | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington residents have plenty of choices for high-speed home Wi-Fi plans. According to Ookla, the city’s median download speed is just over 282 Mbps. Spectrum offers cable plans as fast as 1 GB, and both AT&T and EarthLink offer symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB.
| Plan | Price | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $245/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| EarthLink | $189.95/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | $70/mo.* | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Wilmington internet technology
Connection type is probably the most important component of your home internet service. You can find any of the following options from internet service providers in Wilmington, each with its pros and cons:
- Fiber internet: Fiber-optic cables offer the fastest and most reliable connection, with zero lag between download and upload times. That makes it an ideal choice for online gaming, heavy streaming or video conferences. Unfortunately, fiber internet is not yet universally available in Wilmington.
- Cable: Cable internet is available almost anywhere within the city of Wilmington. Although not as fast as fiber, its download speeds can reach up to 1,000 Mbps. Cable speeds tend to fluctuate and slow down based on the number of connected devices.
- Fixed wireless: Wilmington has a relatively strong fixed wireless network, and providers like T-Mobile and Verizon lead the way with their 5G offerings. Download speeds can be as fast as cable, but fixed wireless performance can fluctuate even more than coaxial connections.
- DSL: Digital subscriber lines, or DSL, are phone-line connections that were once popular for residential internet. Since they’re much slower than cable or fiber, DSL connections are gradually being phased out in most areas. However, AT&T still offers internet through copper wires in parts of Wilmington, where it hasn’t expanded its fiber network.
- Satellite: Satellite internet is one of the slowest options for home Wi-Fi, but it’s often the only option in rural areas without wired connections or nearby cell towers. It also requires expensive equipment on your property.
Wilmington internet FAQs
Does Wilmington, NC, have fiber internet?
Wilmington’s fiber network isn’t as strong as in some cities, but it’s growing. Some neighborhoods have more than 60% coverage.
How do I know if I have fiber-optic service in my neighborhood?
The easiest way to find out if fiber is available is to reach out to the fiber internet providers in your area. In Wilmington, AT&T and EarthLink both offer fiber coverage.
Is Spectrum different from Xfinity?
Yes, Spectrum is owned by Charter, while Xfinity is owned by Comcast. The two companies are the largest cable internet providers in the U.S., and their services don’t overlap.
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