Having high-speed internet in this day and age is a necessity. It allows us to stay connected with loved ones, work remotely, access information instantly, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment options. Using some of the best internet service providers allows us to video chat with family and friends across the globe, attend virtual meetings without any lag, and stream our favorite TV shows and movies without buffering. In short, high-speed internet has become an essential tool for navigating and thriving in the modern world, and the best internet service providers make that a reality.
Which provider should you invest in to ensure you are always connected? As always, we at StudyFinds have researched across 10 expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best internet service providers you can get today! Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good one? No worries, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below. Now, onto the list!
The List: Best Internet Service Providers, Per Technology Experts
1. AT&T Fiber
Sick of that annoying buffering wheel interrupting your movie marathon? AT&T Fiber might be your saving grace! CNET says they offer some of the most competitive prices around, with an average cost of just 10 cents per megabit per second (Mbps) – that includes equipment rental too! So you get serious bang for your buck.
As far as speed specifics, Forbes says AT&T boasts speeds starting at 100 Mbps for only $55 a month. And if fiber optic service is available in your area (they serve 21 states!), you can upgrade to a super-speedy 300 Mbps plan for the same price. Plus, you get unlimited data and the freedom of no annual contracts. They even offer bundle options with TV and phone service, so you can create a package that perfectly fits your needs.
2. Spectrum
We know you depend on the reliability of our products and services. Now, we’ve taken a step forward with our latest network technology.#Spectrum #KeepingYouConnected pic.twitter.com/WDt0MJblDT
— Spectrum (@GetSpectrum) August 3, 2023
In the never-ending quest for a solid internet connection, Spectrum is your knight in shining armor, especially if fiber optic isn’t available in your area. CNET says while fiber often offers more bang for your buck, Spectrum’s cable service is a reliable runner-up.
But Spectrum is more than just internet – they’re a one-stop shop for entertainment too. Money says they’re a great choice if you like bundling your TV and internet services. You can easily customize a plan to fit your needs and even score a sweet five percent discount! So ditch the juggling act of multiple bills and providers – Spectrum can streamline your entertainment experience. And, if you’re looking for flexibility, Cable TV says all of Spectrum’s internet plans are contract-free, so you’re not locked in.
3. Verizon Fios
If you’re tired of internet speeds that leave you longing for the dial-up days, Verizon Fios might be your answer! CNET says they consistently rank at the top of customer satisfaction surveys, year after year. So ditch the frustration and hello to a reliable, high-speed connection that won’t let you down.
Forbes says Fios delivers unmatched speeds thanks to its cutting-edge fiber optic technology. Their most affordable plan starts at just $24.99 a month and delivers a whopping 300 Mbps – that’s enough to stream, game, and browse all at once, with no lag in sight. Plus, you get the freedom of unlimited data usage – the best of both worlds!
CBS News says Fios boasts impressive speeds that cater to all types of users, from casual web surfers to hardcore gamers. They even offer a unique feature called Speed Match, which guarantees equally fast upload and download speeds. This is a game-changer for anyone who uploads large files or participates in online gaming. So ditch the slow uploads and say hello to a lightning-fast, seamless online experience.
4. Xfinity
On the network made for streaming pic.twitter.com/uSlcr3g2S4
— Xfinity (@Xfinity) August 11, 2023
Xfinity, a household name in the internet service provider world, offers a whole lot to consider, says Practical Ecommerce. They have a massive network reaching across the country, and their technology delivers speeds ranging from a decent 50 Mbps all the way up to a jaw-dropping 3,000 Mbps – that’s enough to power the online needs of even the most demanding user! Just keep in mind they do have a data cap of 1.2 TB – plenty for most users, but heavy streamers and downloaders might want to factor that in. Plans range from budget-friendly to premium, so you can find one that fits your needs and wallet.
But Xfinity is more than just internet, says Goal. They boast the top speed award with a mind-blowing 6,000 Mbps available in some areas! Plus, their prices are surprisingly affordable. Their basic “Connect” plan comes in at a sweet $19.99-$30 a month, and their “SuperFast” option offers a whopping 800 Mbps for just $60-$65 – that’s significantly faster than competitors at a similar price point! They even offer TV and mobile phone services, so you can create a bundle and streamline your bills.
Move fills us in on Xfinity’s reach. As one of the largest ISPs in the U.S., they cover a massive area, especially on the East Coast. But fear not, West Coast dwellers – they have a strong presence there too! So, whether you’re a speed demon, a bundling enthusiast, or just looking for a reliable connection with good coverage, Xfinity might be your perfect match. Just be mindful of the data cap if you’re a data hog!
5. CenturyLink
Ready to do your best work with a reliable fiber internet connection? We can help… Limited availability. Service in select locations only. https://t.co/TH3d1fglxt pic.twitter.com/cLSspz4KC2
— CenturyLink (@CenturyLink) August 31, 2023
In the sometimes-confusing world of internet service providers, CenturyLink offers a breath of fresh air. This long-established company (they’ve been around since the late 1800s!) serves millions of people across the U.S. and offers competitive rates on par with other ISPs. While their speed guarantees might not be the highest, their plans are still a great option for many users. For example, you can snag speeds of up to 200 Mbps for just $30 a month, or crank it up to a blazing-fast 940 Mbps for $70 (Forbes).
Reviews loves CenturyLink’s commitment to transparency. They say ‘No’ to data caps, contracts, and sneaky price hikes. So you can ditch the worry about surprise charges and enjoy unlimited data without the fear of your bill skyrocketing after the introductory period.
Cable TV says if your neighborhood is lucky enough to have CenturyLink’s fiber optic coverage, you’re in for a treat! These plans offer lightning-fast download and upload speeds, unlimited data, and more. It’s the internet service dream come true! However, if fiber isn’t available in your area, you’ll have their DSL option. DSL speeds can vary depending on your location, but their straightforward pricing still makes CenturyLink a great choice, especially for those in rural areas.
6. Cox
From the red carpet to your screen, 🏆 these award winners are now available to stream via Cox! Which one are you watching first? #MTVAwards pic.twitter.com/VSgIXvG641
— Cox (@CoxComm) May 9, 2023
Looking for a reliable internet service provider that won’t break the bank? Cox Cable might be your perfect match, says Goal. They offer a variety of plans to fit different needs and budgets, with their “Go Fast” plan being a real winner – 100 Mbps for under $50 a month! That’s enough speed to stream your favorite shows, browse the web with ease, and maybe even do a little online gaming without any lag. Plus, they offer Panoramic Wi-Fi, which is designed for a super-simple self-installation. So ditch the frustrating setup process and get online in no time!
Top 10 says Cox is an up-and-coming ISP for a reason – they offer all the good stuff! They have consistent, fast connections that adapt to your current online activity, so you’ll always get the most out of your plan. Plus, they throw in some serious security features like a digital data shredder, vulnerability scanner, and spyware protection – all built right in to your devices!
While Cox might not be available in every area (check their coverage before you get too excited!), CBS News says they offer a sweet perk for frequent travelers – access to three million hotspots nationwide! So you can stay connected and keep the online world at your fingertips no matter where you roam.
7. T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile Home Internet Unboxing & Set Up – Join our Product Guy @Askdes as he shows you just how fast & easy it is to set up your new High-Speed Internet Gateway! pic.twitter.com/1fAi3Vtfzx
— T-Mobile (@TMobile) April 16, 2021
Launched in 2021, T-Mobile Home Internet offers lightning-fast speeds powered by 5G or 4G LTE networks, making them a game-changer in the world of home connectivity. Over 30 million households in 40 states can now experience the T-Mobile difference – say hello to blazing-fast downloads, smooth streaming, and online gaming without any lag! Plus, you get the freedom of unlimited data usage – no more worrying about hitting a data cap and getting hit with surprise charges (Practical Ecommerce).
Reviews raves about the ease of setting up T-Mobile Home Internet. They literally just plugged in the T-Mobile Gateway box and within minutes, their entire house was bathed in Wi-Fi glory! No complex installations, no waiting for a technician – just pure internet bliss.
Forbes says T-Mobile leverages their existing network to offer a compelling alternative to traditional home internet. Their affordable plan includes everything – the modem/router hybrid device, unlimited data, and no installation fees. Plus, you can ditch the dreaded contracts and easily cancel service without any penalty fees. Just return the Gateway box to your local T-Mobile store and you’re good to go!
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
All prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Where is Frontier? 500/500Mbps for $55 is the best around Tampa.
If any of you people have ever had Viasat you would not have listed them. You guys fail to note that Viasat’s service will drop in any kind of poor weather, and their customer service is horrible. We have had less outages in the last year then we would have in a months time with Viasat. Plus download and upload speeds rairly got close to advertised. We averaged between 5-10mbs on a good day.
And the latency was huge even on a good clear day. We had them for 10yrs and I can say, I forgot what broadband truly was till I switched.
You have to be kidding me! I’ve been a Spectrum 3 times now, twice because they were the only available service for a period of time. The only Top Ten lists I would put them on are for worst customer service, worst percent of promised speed, and volume of junk mail.
I would be very surprised if their network budget is even 10 percent of their marketing budget. My mental picture of their annual budget meeting is the CMO raging that he HAS to have a 50% increase for next year while the network VP hides quietly in the corner, hoping to not be noticed so the CMO doesn’t take the rest of the network budget.
Viasat and the fcc that let’s these scam artists exist need prosecuted for fraud! Their advertised speeds are absolutely fraudulent. Their only customer service skill is avoidance. Good thing starlink exists so people can get usable internet.
Suddenly link the worst company to do business with.
What a joke of a paid article. These companies don’t make them the best but conglomerates or cartels with no competition.
Xfinity #2. This must be a comedy piece or PR cop-out.
Who paid for this article. Comcast and ATT are two of the most hated providers out there. Many times they are the only choice. I finally ditched Comcast after Verizon home internet showed up. Great speeds and tax included.
Comcast is a terrible service provider.
I agree who paid for this ad?
They’re always telling you that your speed is better than it actually is. They’re not using normal metrics
Anyone who’s had HughesNet or ViaSat knows how unpredictable the download rates are and latency is abysmal. Starlink saved my bacon during COVID while going to school through Zoom. Starlink is better than both on it’s worst days of performance. Latency allows for true two-way video conferencing, as well.
I have had Spectrum for several years now. Internet and TV went from $140 per month,to $247 per month in 6 months.There are outages in my are daily.I am diving to drop them,worst customer service ever..
The worse it’s probably frontier every time I’ve check the speed it’s only about 60 to 100 on their 500 Mbps service.
Nice list of the most well known providers but not necessarily the most reliable by any means. Even some listed with abysmal customer service. As if the writer simply Googled “Internet Providers” and started writing a story.
AT&T? Best? Give me some of whatever it is you are smoking! I have had my Internet through AT&T the past 15 years and it is by far…GARBAGE! When you can’t even get enough signal to email, there’s a problem. When you wait for service (2 months in a row) and it takes 8 days to get someone to your home(2 months in a row) there’s a problem. When you have to file FCC Complaints three different times, there’s a problem. I had to pay to have three separate DSL lines in my home just to maintain basic service for four users, and basic wifi needs. It was to the point I offered to mark a spot at my home for AT&T service vehicles only. They didn’t see the humor in that one, but I did. 😉 So yes, AT&T is in fact GARBAGE!
I have been using feontier and i am getting over 500 up and down speed. Preety happy with it
The “no contract” selling point may sound sweet, but it’s simply a disguise. By having a “no contract” deal, in my opinion, clearly states providers can continually raise the service prices. Spectrum is notorious for implementing this. During the days of Cablevision, one could simply exit a contract by submitting proof one was moving out of the immediate service area and not have to pay exit fees.
“No contract” deals are just sponges absorbing more of our money each year as Spectrum inserts a rate increase. Retention plans, providing a customer can obtain one as I did last year, appears to be a one-time plan. I can say this because after speaking with a Spectrum phone rep recently, I was told my plan will increase by $25 on March 3rd, 2023, the day my retention rate ends. From there, it will be a continued yearly rate increase.
Note that I have near about stripped my Spectrum plan down to the bare minimum. I turned in my cable box and reverted to accessing the Spectrum app. The app doesn’t include local or premium channels. I mounted a TV antenna on my house to obtain local channels (32 in total). Due to the need for reliable bandwidth for when I am on call for work (I work for a leading hospital system in the IT department), my bandwidth package is the 500 meg package. (500 down and 23 up). On March 3, 2023, I will see if Spectrum will continue to honor my current retention plan price ($78). If not and the plan does go up, then I will cancel the Spectrum app access. I was told last month by a Spectrum rep that doing that will balance out the rate increase. Is there even a cap on the rate increases when one doesn’t add services? Answer: That is a hard “no” when it comes to “no contract” packages. “No contract” is basically the golden ticket for providers to continually increase rates at will.
I concur on the problems with standard satellite data service. Just for the record, I have been building the Internet since before it was cool. I have tested multiple satellite internet providers and had both Hughes and Viasat services at my personal residence since none of the other vendors mentioned were available here. There were problems with outages when the sun aligned with the satellite, and then there were outages from storms, but the biggest problem with satellites is the distance between the earth stations and the satellites. This introduces what I consider an unreasonable delay. It takes 1/4 second from your location to the satellite, then 1/4 second from the satellite to the earth station, a short while to travel to the server and the server to respond, and then another 1/2 second back to you. While a 1-second delay does not seem like much, but when transferring files, the Internet breaks the stream into packets; each packet must be sent and acknowledged. This adds 2 seconds per packet. This is noticeable, especially with interactive video. Side note: Later versions of the Internet protocols allow for multiple packets to be acknowledged at once, so this problem is not quite this bad as it has been in the past; however, this web page is approximately 7 million bytes long, making the delay almost a minute. That you notice.
I was glad when I could get Starlink. Their satellites are much closer, and the delay is only about 0.031 Seconds, which is mostly unnoticeable. The throughput ranges from 20 megabits per second at busy times to over 150 Megabits per second when the traffic is light. While not blazing speed, it is fast enough to allow voice and video conferences.