Internet providers in Winston-Salem, NC
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Best high-speed coverage
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 5G internet
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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.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a city where small-town Southern charm meets big-city appeal. For its 250,000-plus residents, the Camel City has plenty to offer in terms of arts, entertainment, history and outdoor activities.
But what about reliable home internet? As anyone would these days, locals in Winston-Salem want to know where they can find affordable plans and top speeds for all their online needs. Fortunately, providers in Winston-Salem offer a wide range of options, with prices starting at $40/mo.
Explore this page to start comparing plans from the top internet service providers in Winston-Salem.
Best internet providers in Winston-Salem, NC
- AT&T: Best fiber internet
- Spectrum: Best high-speed coverage
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Best 5G internet
- EarthLink: Best fiber alternative
- Viasat: Best for rural customers
Winston-Salem internet comparison
There are plenty of home Wi-Fi options to choose from in Winston-Salem. Whether you need a little bandwidth for email or enough for a house full of gamers, you can find a plan that fits your needs. Internet providers in Winston-Salem offer anywhere from 25–5,000 Mbps download speeds for $40/mo. with bundling discounts to $249.99/mo.
In the following table, you can compare our top five choices for Winston-Salem internet providers.
| 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 | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
| EarthLink | $59.95–$189.95/mo. | 100–5,000 Mbps | Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC
With a number of good high-speed options for home Wi-Fi in Winston-Salem, how do you choose the right plan for your household? In our experience, it mostly comes down to these three things:
- Finding your speed sweet spot: The trick for home internet speed is figuring out exactly what you need — no more, no less. Otherwise, you overspend or end up frustrated with buffering TV shows or dropped gaming connections. Check out our guide to internet speeds to learn more about finding a plan that matches your internet usage.
- Watching for hidden costs: Winston-Salem internet providers may tack on several extra costs — from equipment fees to taxes — that come as a surprise if you don’t read the fine print. Be sure to check beyond the advertised rates to understand whether a plan truly fits your budget.
- Maximizing plan value: These days, there are plenty of ways to get more out of your internet plan. Internet service providers in Winston-Salem offer discounts for bundling services, add-on perks like free streaming subscriptions, and more.
Winston-Salem internet provider reviews
AT&T – Best fiber internet
AT&T’s internet service is available to roughly two-thirds of Winston-Salem residents, but not all of that is fiber. Where available, however, its fiber plan is one of the best in the business. AT&T offers matching upload/download speeds of up to 5 GB with no data caps and no contracts. Standard equipment pricing is built in, too, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra for your router.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full AT&T review.
Spectrum – Best high-speed coverage
If you live within the Winston-Salem metro area, chances are good that you can get cable internet from Spectrum. This popular provider offers affordable starting prices on plans of up to 1 GB, and you can save even more by bundling services. However, Spectrum is known for big price hikes down the road, not to mention poor customer service ratings.
Overall score: 4.0 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Best 5G coverage
T-Mobile boasts the largest 5G network in the country, and the company continues to make that network available for more than just its cellular customers. Its home Wi-Fi plans can reach download speeds of up to 245 Mbps, and there are no hidden monthly fees. You can save up to $20/mo. by bundling with a mobile plan. T-Mobile charges a one-time setup fee of $35 to get started.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
EarthLink – Best fiber alternative
EarthLink may be a less familiar name, but its plans are available to a wide range of customers in Winston-Salem. The company piggybacks off existing satellite, fixed wireless and fiber networks to offer service in 48 states. Its fiber options give you the best bang for your buck, with download and upload speeds of up to 5 GB, no data caps and no price increases after 12 months.
Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.
Read our full EarthLink review.
Viasat – Best for rural customers
Satellite internet is generally slower than other connection options, but Viasat consistently offers faster download speeds than its satellite competitors. It’s also widely available in the Winston-Salem area, making it a great choice for rural customers with fewer options. You’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property, and the cost will be built into your monthly rates.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
Cheap internet in Winston-Salem, NC
Home internet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The cost of living in Winston-Salem is 9% below the national average, and there are several affordable internet plans available. While T-Mobile, Spectrum and Viasat offer the lowest starting prices, it may be worth spending slightly more on AT&T’s basic plan to get lag-free fiber internet.
| 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 |
| Viasat | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite |
| AT&T | $55/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Winston-Salem, NC
If you’re willing to pay for it, you can get lightning-fast connections from internet service providers in Winston-Salem. AT&T and EarthLink both offer symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB on their fiber plans, while Spectrum’s cable internet download speeds reach a respectable 1 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 |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Winston-Salem internet technology
While your choice of home internet provider is significant, what’s much more important is the type of connection you’re getting. Fiber is much faster than satellite, for instance, so it’s helpful to know the differences before you choose a Winston-Salem internet provider.
- Fiber internet: Winston-Salem’s fiber network is fairly robust and continues to grow. In a few areas, over 85% of residents have fiber access, but others lag behind. If you can get a fiber internet plan, you’ll have much faster upload and download speeds than any other option.
- Cable: Cable internet has been around longer than fiber and is much more widely available. Most households in the Winston-Salem metro area have cable access, with Charter Spectrum supplying connections to more than 92% of houses. Cable offers download speeds of up to 1 GB, but its upload times and ability to handle multiple device connections aren’t nearly as good as fiber.
- Fixed wireless: Cellular home internet has made huge strides in recent years to catch up with cable internet as a legitimate option for home Wi-Fi needs. In Winston-Salem, 5G providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer download speeds of over 200 Mbps, but connection speeds vary significantly based on network traffic.
- DSL: Phone-based internet connections were once quite common, but other technologies have surpassed this type of home internet. Providers still offer some DSL connections in parts of Winston-Salem, but this slower technology is gradually phasing out.
- Satellite: If you’re looking for lightning-fast internet, satellite isn’t going to cut it. But if you live on the outskirts of town with few reliable home Wi-Fi options, satellite internet providers offer a way to stay connected with reasonable download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
Winston-Salem internet FAQs
Does North Carolina have fiber internet?
Yes, fiber-optic internet is available in North Carolina. Coverage varies widely by city and region, so check with providers like AT&T, EarthLink and Lumos to find out what’s available in your area.
Does fiber give you Wi-Fi?
Fiber internet providers typically include a Wi-Fi router as part of your home internet package. In some cases, you can bring your own router to save money.
What is the best carrier for internet?
Deciding on the best home internet provider comes down to numerous factors, such as speed, availability, customer service and price. Check out our round-up of the best internet service providers for some of the top options across the country.
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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