Compare the best internet providers in 2025

Having a fast and stable internet connection has become a necessity. It facilitates everything from remote work and online learning to streaming and staying in touch with loved ones. That’s why it’s crucial to compare internet providers in order to choose a service that meets your needs.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area or upgrading your current plan, comparing ISPs can significantly influence your decision. In other words, selecting the right provider can enhance your online experience, delivering smooth browsing, uninterrupted streaming, and optimal productivity without frustrating downtimes and glitches.

Our Cybernews experts, dedicated research team, and I have carefully examined multiple providers and types of internet connections based on user feedback, coverage, and availability data.

Best internet providers in the US

What to consider when choosing an internet provider

Choosing the right internet provider is not always easy. This process involves evaluating key factors like speed requirements for streaming, gaming, or remote work, along with availability, reliability, and cost.

It’s equally important to compare internet plans for contract terms, bundling options (like internet with TV or phone services), and customer service ratings. By considering these aspects, you can find a plan that delivers the best value and performance.

Below, we will discuss each of these factors in more detail:

• Internet speed: Connection speed is a crucial factor when choosing a provider, as it determines how efficiently you can use your internet connections. Speed requirements vary based on household size and activities. For instance, 5-25 Mbps should be sufficient for browsing or emailing, while streaming, gaming, or remote work requires 50-200+ Mbps. Fiber-optic plans offer the fastest speeds (up to 8 Gbps) and ensure seamless performance for high-demand tasks.
• Coverage: Internet availability varies considerably between urban and rural areas. While urban regions often have access to high-speed options like fiber or cable, rural areas may be limited to satellite or LTE-based internet connections. Start by identifying providers in your area to ensure reliable service.
• Data caps: Bandwidth caps can significantly impact your internet usage, especially for streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. Many providers enforce data limits, and exceeding them may lead to reduced speeds or extra charges. While some ISPs offer unlimited data, not all plans are truly unlimited. To find the best internet plan, ensure it meets your household’s data needs.
• Customer support: Reliable customer service is essential when troubleshooting connection issues. Providers with high client ratings tend to resolve problems efficiently and minimize disruptions. When choosing an internet provider, be sure to research reviews, ask neighbors for feedback, or explore forums like Reddit. Remember that responsive, knowledgeable support can make a significant difference when unexpected internet issues arise.
• Cost vs. value: Balancing cost with service quality and speed is key when choosing an internet provider. Faster connections and unlimited data often come at a higher price, while budget plans may limit performance. Conduct an internet price comparison to identify hidden fees, promotional pricing, and long-term costs.
• Installation and equipment costs: Fees for installation and modem rentals are common additional costs when setting up internet service. Some providers waive these charges for premium plans, but they can quickly add up for basic packages. If you want to save money, consider purchasing your own modem and router. When you compare internet packages, factor in these costs to ensure you’re getting the best overall value.
• Contracts: Many internet providers still offer contract-based plans, often with early termination fees if you cancel before the contractual period ends. Opting for a no-contract, month-to-month plan helps you avoid these penalties, as it provides more flexibility. While contract-free options may not always be available, it’s worth ensuring you’re not locked into a long-term commitment when you compare internet packages.

Compare internet providers

In this section, you'll find a comparison table to help you evaluate various internet providers. Whether you want to compare Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity or another operator, we have highlighted key metrics such as speed, price, and special features below.

Provider	Starting price	Max speed	Availability	Contract	Special features
Verizon	$34.99/month	Up to 2.3 Gbps	Available in 9 US states	No annual contract	Ultra-fast 5G home internet, router provided
AT&T	$55/month	Up to 5 Gbps	Available in 25 US states	No annual contract	No equipment fees included, bundles with AT&T mobile, wireless, and TV
T-Mobile	$50/month	75-245 Mbps	Nationwide	No annual contract	Price lock guarantees, 15-day free trial
Frontier	$29.99/month	Up to 7,000 Mbps	Available in 28 US states	Optional	No data caps, no expert installation
Xfinity	$30/month	50-3,000 Mbps in selected areas	Available in 36 US states	Contract and no-contract packages	High-speed internet, bundle perks
Spectrum	$50/month	1 Gbps	Available in 43 US states	No annual contracts	Free modem, no data caps
Metro	$40/month	72-245 Mbps	Nationwide	No annual contracts	14-day free trial period
HughesNet	$49.99/month	100 Mbps	Nationwide	24-month commitment	Unlimited data, expansive availability
Optimum	$40/month	2 Gbps	Available in 21 US states	No annual contracts	60-day money-back guarantee, TV and mobile bundles available
Google Fiber	$70/month	Up to 8 Gbps	Available in 19 US states	No annual contracts	No equipment fees, fast download speed

Compare internet connection types

Before you compare broadband deals, it’s paramount to understand there are different types of internet connections and choose one that aligns with your needs and location. Each connection type, whether it’s fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless, offers unique advantages in terms of speed, reliability, and availability. Therefore, it’s essential to compare their features before deciding.

Fiber internet

Fiber internet is one of the most advanced types of internet due to its unparalleled speed and reliability in transmitting data through light signals via ultra-thin glass or plastic fibers. This technology ensures blazing-fast download and upload speeds, which makes it ideal for remote work, online gaming, and streaming.

Fiber connections can deliver speeds ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Mbps, with some providers offering bandwidth as high as 50 Gbps. While fiber plans can be priced higher, typically between $40 and $100 per month, they often deliver the best value in terms of cost per megabit.

Despite its impressive advantages, fiber internet faces limitations in coverage, with only about 43% of US households having access. Moreover, expanding infrastructure to underserved regions remains a significant challenge.

That said, if fiber internet is available in your area, it’s undoubtedly the superior choice among all types of internet for speed, reliability, and performance.

These are some of the best internet providers offering fiber internet:

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
Google Fiber	$70/month	Up to 8 Gbps
Verizon Fios	$34.99/month	Up to 2.3 Gbps
AT&T Fiber	$55/month	Up to 5 Gbps
Optimum Fiber	$40/month	2 Gbps
Frontier Fiber	$29.99/month	Up to 7,000 Mbps

Cable internet

Cable internet is one of the most common types of internet connection. It relies on coaxial cables, originally designed for cable TV services, to deliver broadband internet. Due to its widespread availability, cable internet reaches nearly 82% of US households; hence, it is far more accessible than fiber.

While it doesn’t match fiber performance, cable still offers impressive download speeds, often reaching up to 940 Mbps. Conversely, upload speeds remain significantly lower, typically in the range of 35 Mbps. Cable internet is also susceptible to network congestion during peak hours, which can cause noticeable slowdowns in busy households.

Despite these limitations, cable internet remains one of the cheapest broadband offers in many areas. Plans often start at just $30 per month, with providers like Xfinity and Optimum providing options tailored to different budgets and needs.

Spectrum, while slightly more expensive, compensates with higher speed offerings. That said, users should be mindful of promotional pricing and potential price hikes after the introductory period.

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
Optimum	$40/month	940 Mbps
Spectrum	$50/month	1 Gbps
Xfinity	$30/month	1.2 Gbps

DSL internet

DSL, or digital subscriber line, is one of the oldest internet types available. It primarily serves rural and suburban areas where fiber or cable internet use is limited. DSL transmits data using copper telephone lines, offering an uninterrupted connection without interfering with regular phone services.

While it’s significantly faster than dial-up, DSL lags behind modern connection types like fiber and cable in both speed and reliability. Download speeds typically range from 5 to 100 Mbps, depending on the provider and proximity to network hubs.

When conducting your internet comparison plans, you should know that DSL remains an affordable choice for those seeking basic internet access for browsing, email, and light streaming. Providers like Frontier offer DSL plans starting at around $65 per month, but actual speeds are location-dependent, with some addresses barely reaching 10 Mbps.

This unpredictability makes the service less suitable for heavy users or households with multiple connected devices. AT&T and Verizon offer DSL plans with better speed ranges, though they, too, face regional limitations.

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
Verizon	$34.99/month	11.32 Mbps
AT&T	$55/month	100 Mbps
Frontier	$29.99/month	Varies by location but generally tops at 75 Mbps

Satellite internet

When you compare internet services, you’ll see that satellite internet is one of the most widely available options, especially in remote and rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking.

Unlike fiber, cable, or DSL, satellite internet relies on signals transmitted between a satellite dish installed at the user’s location and a satellite orbiting Earth. This setup allows users to access the internet wherever they are.

Although satellite internet provides basic connectivity, it is generally slower and more expensive than other services. Depending on the provider and plan, speeds typically range between 12 and 220 Mbps. HughesNet, one of the key players in the satellite internet market, offers plans starting at $50 per month, but they often come with data caps and limited speeds.

While satellite internet is a reliable choice for remote areas, its performance and cost can’t match other connection types. That said, with advancements in LEO satellite technology and increasing competition, the future of satellite internet looks promising.

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
HughesNet	$49.99/month	100 Mbps

Fixed wireless internet

Fixed wireless internet delivers internet connectivity through radio signals transmitted between a nearby tower and a mounted receiver at the user’s location.

Unlike fiber or cable, it doesn’t rely on physical cables running to your home. Instead, a clear line of sight between the receiver and the access point is essential for optimal performance. It’s a popular choice in rural areas where laying physical infrastructure is costly or impractical.

Fixed wireless connection speeds typically range from 5 to 50 Mbps, but urban providers like Google Fiber Webpass are pushing those limits, offering gigabit speeds in select metropolitan areas.

Pricing for fixed wireless internet generally starts at around $50 per month, though it often includes data caps ranging between 200 and 300 GB. However, newer services like AT&T Internet Air are improving both speed and data limits, making them more competitive.

If you compare WiFi options, you’ll find that fixed wireless is an excellent choice for those lacking fiber or cable infrastructure. That said, its performance can vary based on location and environmental factors. Nevertheless, urban providers are redefining their potential with faster speeds and more reliable connections.

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
AT&T Internet Air	$70/month ($60 when bundled)	10 Mbps
Google Fiber Webpass	$70/month	1 Gbps

5G internet

5G internet is an advanced wireless broadband technology that delivers high-speed internet via cellular networks. Unlike traditional wired connections, 5G uses cell towers to broadcast signals, which are then received by a 5G-enabled router at your home.

It is perfect for users looking for a hassle-free setup without relying on physical infrastructure like cables or fiber lines. With the growing expansion of 5G networks, providers like Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet are offering competitive speeds and pricing.

In urban and suburban areas with robust cellular infrastructure, 5G home internet can deliver bandwidth comparable to fiber connections, reaching up to 1 Gbps in optimal conditions. However, speeds can fluctuate based on network congestion, weather, and distance from the nearest 5G tower.

Still, more rural and remote areas can benefit from Verizon 4G LTE Home Internet, where fiber is not an option. Verizon 5G Home Internet offers two pricing tiers: $50 per month for download speeds between 50 and 300 Mbps and $70 per month for speeds ranging from 85 to 1,000 Mbps.

Provider	Starting price	Maximum speed
AT&T Internet Air	$47/month	90-300 Mbps
Verizon 5G Home Internet	$50-$70/month	1 Gbps
T-Mobile Home Internet	$50	72-245 Mbps

When comparing broadband options, location is a key factor that affects availability, speed, and reliability. Urban areas often benefit from fiber and 5G networks, which deliver high speeds, while rural regions may rely on DSL, satellite, or fixed wireless connections.

To make an informed decision, always check ISP availability and consider internet comparison plans to ensure the chosen service aligns with your needs, budget, and connectivity expectations.

Final words on the best internet providers

Choosing the best internet provider requires balancing availability, speed, and cost.

Fiber internet offers unmatched speeds and reliability but remains limited in coverage. Meanwhile, cable internet is widely available and cost-effective but struggles with slower uploads and peak-hour congestion.

DSL and satellite serve remote areas but often have slower speeds and higher latency. Finally, emerging technologies like 5G home internet and fixed wireless strive to bridge the gaps by offering flexible alternatives in disadvantaged regions.

It’s crucial to compare prices of broadband plans, check ISP availability in your area, and read customer reviews to get reliable insights. Additionally, we recommend avoiding services that include inconsistent speeds, hidden fees, and price hikes after a promotional period.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your location, budget, and internet usage. Explore recommendations, verify local options, and research thoroughly to make an informed choice that balances performance and cost.

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