8 Best Internet Service Providers 2023

We compared dozens of large internet providers across the US to find those with the best value, best speeds, best bundles, and best customer service.

Best Value
Xfinity
Xfinity Internet
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from
$19.99
/mo
Download speeds
751200 Mbps
Data cap
1.2 TBUnlimited
No Contracts
Spectrum
Spectrum Internet®
4 out of 5 stars
4
Starting from
$49.99
/mo
Download speeds
3001000 Mbps
Data cap
Unlimited
Fast Fiber Speeds
ATT
AT&T Fiber
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from
$55.00
/mo
Download speeds
3005000 Mbps
Data cap
Unlimited
Affordable Plans
Verizon Authorized Dealer
Verizon Fios Home Internet
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starting from
$49.99
/mo
Download speeds
3002300 Mbps
Data cap
Unlimited
Best Satellite Speeds
Viasat
Viasat Internet
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starting from
$59.99
/mo
Download speeds
12150 Mbps
Data cap
35 GBUnlimited
Tyler Abbott
Staff Writer, Mobile & Wireless
Read More
March 27, 2023
15 min read

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

After many hours of research and testing, here are the conclusions about the best internet service providers:

  • Comcast Xfinity offers the best combination of price and data speeds.
  • Spectrum internet is the best option that doesn't require a contract.
  •  AT&T Fiber won us over with its speeds.
  • Verizon Fios isn't widely available, but offers fast speeds for low prices.
  • Satellite internet isn't the fastest option, but Viasat gives you the most bang for your buck.

Of course, all of this depends on where you live. Only certain ISPs (internet service providers) are available in your area, and you might not get the advertised speeds. All things considered, you should get solid download and upload speeds with any of these recommended ISPs.

You can enter your ZIP code below to see what internet providers service your area.

Compare the best internet plans and prices near you.

So what are the best internet providers out there right now? Let’s dig in and find out.



xfinity savings
The best internet service providers 2023
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Upload speeds
Data cap
Connection type
Learn more
$19.99$70*751200 Mbps1035 Mbps1.2 TBUnlimitedCable/Fiber
$55$1803005000 Mbps3005000 MbpsUnlimitedFiber
$49.99$119.993002300 Mbps3002300 MbpsUnlimitedFiber
Spectrum
$49.99$89.99^3001000 Mbps1035 MbpsUnlimitedCable
$59.99$159.99°12150 Mbps23 Mbps35 GBUnlimitedSatellite
$50$70**100940 Mbps10940 MbpsUnlimitedDSL/Fiber
$49.99$109.99††1001000 Mbps535 Mbps1.28 TBCable
$25$60‡‡3001200 Mbps2050 MbpsUnlimitedCable/Fiber
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
* Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
^ For the first 12 months.
° Offer available to new qualifying customers. One-time standard installation fee may be due at checkout. Minimum 24-month service term required. Equipment lease fee is $12.99/mo. Taxes apply. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
** Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.
†† Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, usage-based charges, certain equipment, and other fees or charges, which are subject to change.
‡‡ Includes $10 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay. Experienced speeds may vary. Excludes surcharges and fees. New residential customers only.

Xfinity: Best Value

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Download speeds
751200 Mbps
Connection Type
Cable/Fiber
Starts at
$19.99
/mo
Data effective 03/14/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Xfinity internet has reliably fast download speeds
pro It has competitive promotional prices
pro It's available almost everywhere in the US
con
Cons
con Xfinity's prices vary widely based on location
con Notoriously known for difficult Xfinity customer service

We voted Comcast Xfinity as a great value internet provider thanks to its competitive prices and high marks for fast speeds. And it’s available across most of the US.

Your prices may differ based on where you live, but generally, Xfinity charges the same prices—or less—compared to similar ISPs. Here’s a snapshot of Xfinity plans and prices for the Western US:

Xfinity plans and prices: Western US
Plan
Price
Download speed
Connection type
Details
Connect$19.99/mo.^^Up to 75 MbpsCable
Connect More$25.00/mo.°°Up to 200 MbpsCable
Fast$50.00/mo.***Up to 400 MbpsCable
Superfast$60.00/mo.***Up to 800 MbpsCable
Gigabit$60.00/mo.***Up to 1000 MbpsCable
Gigabit Extra$70.00/mo.***Up to 1200 MbpsFiber
Data effective 02/10/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
^^ For 12 months with 1-year term contract. Taxes and equpiment not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.
°° For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount.
*** For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Not available in all areas.
Xfinity internet + mobile = big savings
Deals

Need to upgrade your cell phone plan too? Don't forget about Xfinity Mobile for extra savings! If you sign up for Xfinity internet, you're eligible for Xfinity Mobile service too. Here's what our expert says about Xfinity Mobile:

"Because of Xfinity Mobile's bundle-only model, plan structure, and rock-bottom prices, it really is like no other mobile carrier." —Easton Smith

Learn more! Find the Xfinity internet and mobile deals in your area.

Save on Xfinity Mobile and Internet

Or, if you just want internet, you're in luck. Switch to Xfinity and get up to a $200 Visa® Prepaid Card!

Xfinity bundles

Another perk to Xfinity is that it now offers multiple services you can bundle together: internet, TV, home security, and mobile. Bundling is a great way to save money each month, and you may also find bundle-specific Xfinity discounts.

But aside from cable TV, Xfinity’s other home services might be a bust. Here’s what our fellow experts had to say about other Xfinity services:

Xfinity cable TV: “Xfinity might have a lot of fees, but at least you won’t be disappointed by Xfinity’s service. This cable TV company is reliable, widely available, and you’ll get most, if not all, of the channels you and your family want.” —Chantel Buchi, TV and streaming expert

Xfinity Home security system: “Xfinity Home’s prices are hard to pin down, most of the equipment lags behind other brands, and its customer service (through Comcast) may be the worst we’ve ever encountered.” —Brianne Sandorf, home security expert

Xfinity Mobile: “Because of its bundle-only model, plan structure, and rock-bottom prices, it really is like no other mobile carrier... Overall a solid, cheap plan for those already in the Xfinity universe, though you have to deal with data throttling, slowdowns, and poor video streaming quality (unless you have a 5G device).” —Easton Smith, mobile expert

Does Xfinity have Wi-Fi hotspots?

Another major benefit Xfinity customers enjoy is thousands of wireless hotspots across the US. And if you’ve got Xfinity Mobile or any postpaid internet plan, you get hotspot access for free.

This is a huge boon if you’re on vacation and can’t find a Starbucks to siphon wireless internet off of. Not to mention access to all those Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots is a lifesaver if your home internet goes down and you’ve got an assignment due the next morning.

You can access the wireless hotspots through the Xfinity Wi-Fi app, which uses your Xfinity username and password.

Share your Wi-Fi with the Xfinity xFi Gateway modem

Xfinity has one of the largest Wi-Fi hotspot networks thanks to its xFi Gateway modems. Most of these modems are automatically set to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal.

If you’re not keen on your own modem broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that almost anyone can use, here’s how to turn off Xfinity Wi-Fi sharing.

View Plans | Read Full Xfinity Internet Review

Spectrum: Best for no contracts

4 out of 5 stars
4
Download speeds
3001000 Mbps
Connection Type
Cable
Starting from
$49.99
/mo
Data effective 03/10/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Spectrum has good prices for most speeds
pro There are no contracts
pro There are also no data caps
con
Cons
con Spectrum has download speeds that may be slower than advertised
con This internet provider gives poor customer service

Spectrum Internet comes with a few extras that you might not get from other internet providers in the same area. That includes no contracts and no data caps—plus Spectrum’s prices are fairly competitive.

We’re also keen on Spectrum because it serves much of the Midwest. While other large ISPs stick to the coasts, that can leave residents of states like Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin feeling left out.

We do wish Spectrum speeds were more in line with other cable providers like Cox and Xfinity. But at 13th out of the 284 internet providers we analyzed, it's still a great bet for getting the speed you pay for.

We're also glad to see Spectrum do away with its hefty $199.99 setup fee for the Gig plan. You'll still need to pay a $19.99 equipment upgrade fee to go from its slower plans to the Gig plan, but that's much more reasonable. (And understandable, since the Gig plan requires different equipment.)

Spectrum Internet prices and speeds
Plan
Price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
Spectrum Internet®$49.99/mo. for 12 mos.†††Up to 300 Mbps‡‡‡Unlimited
Spectrum Internet® Ultra$69.99/mo. for 12 mos.†††Up to 500 Mbps‡‡‡Unlimited
Spectrum Internet® Gig$89.99/mo. for 12 mos.^^^Up to 1000 Mbps°°°Unlimited
Data effective 12/08/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
††† For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter.
‡‡‡ Wireless speeds may vary.
^^^ For 12 months when bundled. Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra.
°°° Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem.
Compare Spectrum Internet prices near you.

AT&T Fiber: Best for the fastest fiber speeds

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Download speeds
3005000 Mbps
Connection Type
Fiber
Starts at
$55.00
/mo
Data effective 03/07/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Well-priced fiber plans with unlimited data
pro Option to bundle with DIRECTV
pro Full fiber connections offered in some areas
con
Cons
con Limited fiber availability
con DSL speeds can be sluggish
con 1 TB data cap on DSL plans

If you're looking for those excellent fiber internet speeds but can't get Verizon Fios Home Internet in your area, AT&T Fiber is well worth checking out.

Its fiber internet plans start at $55 a month for 300 Mbps speeds, putting it leagues ahead of most, if not all, other fiber providers when it comes to affordable prices. And even if you're running a home business and need gig speeds, the starting price for its 1000 Mbps plan won't break your piggy bank.

AT&T Fiber internet promotional prices
Plan
Monthly price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
AT&T Internet 300$55.00/mo.****300 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Internet 500$65.00/mo.****500 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Internet 1000$80.00/mo.††††1000 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Internet 2000$110.00/mo.‡‡‡‡Up to 2000 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Internet 5000$180.00/mo.‡‡‡‡Up to 5000 MbpsUnlimited
Data effective 12/20/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
**** Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas.
†††† Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds & based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds require the latest router & recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
‡‡‡‡ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Ltd. availability/areas.
Get up to $150 with AT&T Fiber
Deals

Ready to give AT&T Fiber a go? Sign up for the AT&T Internet 300 or 500 plans and get a $100 Visa reward card to sweeten the deal.

Sign up for the AT&T Internet 1 Gig plan or higher, new customers will get a $150 Visa reward card.

Did we mention AT&T Fiber will cover your cancellation for free when you switch?

Get the Deal

This deal ends on March 31, 2023.

UP TO $150 REWARD CARD OFFER Ends 3/31/23. For new residential AT&T Fiber customers. $100 Reward Card w/ Internet 300 or 500; $150 Reward Card w/Internet 1Gig of higher plan. Residents of select multi-dwelling units are not eligible for this offer. Reward Card: Will be sent email or letter with redemption requirements. Redemption req’d. w/in 75 days from reward notification email or mail date. Reward Card delivered within 3-4 weeks after redemption to customers who maintain and pay for qualifying service from activation date and through reward fulfillment. Card expires at month-end 6 mos after issuance. For cardholder agreement, go to rewardcenter.att.com. The AT&T Visa Reward Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the United States, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. No cash access. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. The Bancorp Bank does not endorse or sponsor and is not affiliated in any way with any product or service offered by AT&T.

AT&T has some of the best customer service

Internet providers aren't typically known for amazing customer service, but AT&T (along with Verizon and T-Mobile) tops the charts in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report.1

The ACSI interviewed thousands of actual customers in 2021 and 2022 to score internet providers. That's what makes it such a big deal that AT&T earned a top score out of all other major internet providers.

Can you bundle AT&T internet?

AT&T doesn't seem to offer bundling options with its fiber internet service. But if you're in an area where you can get only AT&T DSL internet, you might want to look into bundling DIRECTV.

Our resident TV expert, Chantel Buchi, provides a helpful guide on which DIRECTV package is right for you. She also has this to say about DIRECTV: "DIRECTV’s satellite TV service has all the channels you want—including premium channels like HBO and SHOWTIME.

Although DIRECTV has a two-year contract with second-year price hikes, you’re guaranteed a great channel variety for the family, for movie buffs, and for sports addicts."

Does AT&T have Wi-Fi hotspots?

Similar to Xfinity, AT&T offers Wi-Fi hotspots across the nation. So if you can’t find the Wi-Fi password posted at your favorite coffee shop, you can just hop on an AT&T hotspot to browse Instagram or check your work email.

View Plans | Read Full AT&T Internet Review
Read DIRECTV Review

Other fiber internet providers

If AT&T Fiber isn't in your area, take a look to see if smaller ISPs or even some of the following providers are available to you.

Other ways to get fiber internet
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Data cap
Learn more
$49.99$119.993002300 MbpsUnlimited
$39.95$309.95^^^^1001000 MbpsUnlimited
$20$120°°°°505000 MbpsUnlimited
Data effective 12/08/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
^^^^ Offers available to new residential customers only and may not be combined with other offers. MetroNet reserves the right to revoke or modify offers at any time. Taxes, fees, and other terms apply.
°°°° For 12 months.

Verizon Bundles general: For new eligible TV and/or Internet res. custs. Availability varies. Wired & wireless Internet speeds vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info. $15/mo. router and $99 setup charges & other taxes & terms may apply. Auto Pay & paper-free billing reqd. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Fios TV: $12/mo. STB charge may apply.

Verizon Fios Home Internet: Affordable plans

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Download speeds
3002300 Mbps
Connection Type
Fiber
Starts at
$49.99
/mo
Data effective 03/21/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Symmetrical speeds for most plans
pro Reliable service
pro No annual contracts
con
Cons
con Limited availability

We always recommend fiber internet if you can get it. And Verizon Fios Home internet gives you plenty more reasons to choose it over other ISPs: low prices, fast download speeds, and some of the best customer service.

Verizon Fios Home Internet is still limited mostly to the East Coast, but given its good reputation, we hope it expands its service area soon. After all, every one of our East Coast friends who uses Verizon Fios Home Internet has nothing but great things to say about it.

Verizon Fios Home Internet plans and prices
Plan
Price
Download speed
Connection type
Details
Internet 300/300$49.99/mo.300 MbpsFiber
Internet 500/500$69.99/mo.500 MbpsFiber
Internet 1 Gig$89.99/mo.Up to 940 MbpsFiber
Data effective 12/08/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees

Verizon TV and internet combos

Verizon also offers some of the best TV and internet combos out there thanks to its mix and match system. You can pretty much pair any of its Fios Home Internet plans with any of its Fios TV packages. So no sorting through dozens of pre-built bundles to get the internet speed and channel count you want.

We cover this more in-depth in our Verizon Fios TV and Internet combos review if you’re the kind of person who likes a little TV with your internet.

And if you’re already a Verizon Wireless Unlimited customer, you can combine select mobile plans with your internet plan and save up to $20 a month.

Okay, technically, it's $10 off your mobile bill and $10 off your internet bill for a total of $20. And you'll need to enroll in the Mobile + Home Rewards program through Verizon Up to land those savings. But an extra $20 each month is totally worth it in our book.

Does Verizon Fios Home Internet have Wi-Fi hotspots?

The only major downside to Verizon Fios we could find is that it no longer seems to offer a public Wi-Fi hotspot network. You won’t mind this much if your local haunts have a Wi-Fi wireless router and share their password.

But if all those wireless connections are hidden behind lock and key—er, password—those hotspots will be sorely missed. (If Wi-Fi hotspots are a necessity in your life, check out Xfinity or AT&T instead.)

View Plans | Read Full Verizon Fios Home Internet Review
Read Verizon Fios TV Review | Read Verizon Wireless Review

Other fiber internet providers worth considering

If Verizon Fios Home Internet isn’t available in your area, check out these other top fiber internet providers:

Other fiber internet providers
Service
Plan
Price
Download speed
Details
AT&T FiberAT&T Internet 1000$80.00/mo.††††1000 Mbps
CenturyLink InternetCenturyLink Fiber Gigabit$70.00/mo.Up to 940 Mbps
Optimum Internet East1 Gig Fiber Internet$80.00/mo.Up to 940 Mbps
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
†††† Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes & fees. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability speeds & based on wired connection to gateway. 1GIG speeds require the latest router & recommended setup. Actual customer speeds may and are not guaranteed. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Offer details. Offer includes professional installation at customers eligible location
w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Terms apply. Not available in all areas.

Viasat: Best satellite internet speeds

3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Download speeds
12150 Mbps
Connection Type
Satellite
Starts at
$59.99
/mo
Data effective 02/15/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro More than one speed option
pro Lower price per Mbps per month than HughesNet
con
Cons
con Three-month price hike
con Not a lot of data compared to DSL or cable
con Limited availability for cheaper plans

Generally, we recommend DSL or cable internet providers like Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) if you can get them.

But in rural areas where you can’t get these types of internet connections, satellite internet can be a saving grace. And Viasat currently offers the fastest satellite internet speeds with the most generous data caps.

Though it’s not known for blazing fast download speeds or low latency, satellite internet has come a long way. Viasat’s Discovery Unlimited plans now go up to 150 Mbps, which blows HughesNet’s 25 Mbps speeds out of the water.

You’ll also find that Viasat gives you more data for your money, from 35 GB to 150 GB of high-speed data and unlimited standard data. HughesNet’s data caps range from 15 to 100 GB, which is not a lot. (That’s putting it lightly.) Still, we’re frustrated with only two choices for satellite internet, and we bet you are too. So, in the meantime, we’re keeping our ears to the ground for news on Starlink.

Viasat unlimited satellite internet plans, prices, and speeds
Plan
Price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
Discovery 25 Mbps/100GB$59.99/mo.35 MbpsUnlimited
Discovery 50 Mbps/200GB$79.99/mo.50 MbpsUnlimited
Discovery 100 Mbps/400GB$119.99/mo.100 MbpsUnlimited
Discovery 150 Unlimited$159.99/mo.150 MbpsUnlimited
Data effective 03/16/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Installation fees, monthly equipment lease fees, and taxes may apply. After 100 GB of High-Speed Data usage, you still have unlimited access to Standard Data, which may result in slower speed.

Things to know about Viasat and satellite internet

Satellite internet is very different from DSL, cable, or fiber. If you’re used to blazing-fast internet speeds for relatively low prices, you might be in for a rude awakening with satellite.

Viasat’s prices may put you into a state of temporary sticker shock. And those prices last only for three months. About 90 days later, your price gets bumped up. Yuck.

We should mention here that, even after the price hike, Viasat is still your best deal if you want 150 Mbps of download speeds and no standard data caps.

And both Viasat and HughesNet, the only other satellite internet provider, suffer from high latency. That’s just the nature of the beast that is satellite internet. It likely won’t affect you—unless you enjoy fast-paced online gaming.

Does Viasat have Wi-Fi hotspots?

Viasat currently doesn’t offer wi-fi hotspots to its customers in the US—except for military and government personnel on Navy bases.

But it did build a wireless hotspot network in Latin America, connecting much of rural and urban Mexico to the internet.5 Here’s hoping that Viasat extends its hotspots to the US soon.

View Plans | Read Full Viasat Review

Other satellite ISPs worth considering

Until Starlink, Project Kuiper, and other satellite internet projects offer service everywhere in the US, you might be stuck with two satellite internet providers: Viasat and HughesNet.

We recommend Viasat for its faster speeds and more generous data caps. But if you can make do with 25 Mbps speeds and low data caps, HughesNet might be worth a look.

Other satellite internet providers
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Data cap
Learn more
HughesNet$49.99$149.9925 Mbps15100 GB
Data effective 03/06/23. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Pricing not available in all areas.

CenturyLink: Runner-up

Runner-up
4 out of 5 stars
4
Download speeds
100940 Mbps
Connection Type
DSL/Fiber
Starts at
$50.00
/mo
Data effective 03/14/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Unlimited data for all plans
pro Price lock and no contracts
pro Gig fiber internet option for select cities
con
Cons
con Not-so-great DSL speeds
con Poor customer service
con Confusing availability for download speeds

We’re fans of CenturyLink's commitment to the word "No." The ISP gives the big N-O to data caps, contracts, and price hikes, which means you won't need to worry about paying for more data, forking over your latest paycheck if you cancel service, or paying more and more on your monthly bill as the years go by.

Promotional prices are great . . . at least until they expire and your monthly internet bill launches into space. But CenturyLink offers the best of both worlds: pretty low prices that don’t get out of hand a couple of years down the road.

CenturyLink recently overhauled its internet plans, but even though some names have changed, it seems to still be the same deal it was before. Its Simply Unlimited Internet plan features DSL internet service that gets you speeds of 15–100 Mbps, depending on where you live. And its Fiber Internet plan gets you all the benefits of a fiber internet connection, complete with speeds up to 940 Mbps. (Though only certain cities can get this plan so far.)

Save $329 on Fiber Gigabit with free modem + installation
Deals

If you're eyeing CenturyLink's Fiber Gigabit plan, check out this deal:

Sign up for the plan online and you'll save $329 with a free gigabit modem and installation.* That's a huge chunk off your bill.

Get the Deal

Speed may not be available in your area. Prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Modem and Install Offer: Limited time offer is available to new CenturyLink customers who sign up for a new, qualifying 940M Internet plan. Limit one offer per location during a 12-month period. Offer may not be transferable or stackable with certain promotions. CenturyLink may change or cancel offer at its sole discretion without notice. Additional restrictions apply.

CenturyLink internet plans, prices, and speeds
Name
Price
Download speed
Connection type
Data cap
Details
Simply Unlimited Internet 100 Mbps$50.00/mo.Up to 100 MbpsDSLUnlimited
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit$70.00/mo.Up to 940 MbpsFiberUnlimited
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Get the fastest internet speed available at your location (max speed is up to 100 Mbps).
Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Offer details. Offer includes professional installation at customers eligible location

CenturyLink internet benefits

CenturyLink internet comes with the following perks that make it a good deal:

  • No contract
  • No data caps
  • No price hikes

You'll want to make sure you set your account up for paperless billing in order to get all the benefits as well. And if you swap internet plans or move, be aware that your monthly bill may change at that time. Otherwise, these CenturyLink deals are pretty straightforward and easy to get.

Does CenturyLink have Wi-Fi hotspots?

One of our frustrations with CenturyLink is that it doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi hotspot network to its current subscribers.

So if hopping from hotspot to hotspot is a must-have for you, we think Xfinity or AT&T are better Wi-Fi companies. Both of these ISPs let you access hotspots as long as you’re paying for a home internet plan—no extra cash required.

View Plans | Read Full CenturyLink Review

Other DSL internet providers worth considering

DSL is older internet technology, but it’s also more widely available across the US. Especially in rural areas.

If you’re looking for top-notch DSL internet, these other providers are worth a look:

Other DSL internet providers
Provider
Monthly price
Download speeds
Data cap
Connection Type
Learn more
ATT$5575100 Mbps1 TBUnlimitedDSL
Earthlink$49.95$189.95105000 Mbps100 GBUnlimitedDSL/Fiber
Kinetic by Windstream$39.99$169.991002000 MbpsUnlimitedDSL/Fiber
Data effective 12/06/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
With a 12 month contract.
With Auto Pay for 12 months

Cox: Runner-up

Runner-up
3 out of 5 stars
3
Download speeds
1001000 Mbps
Connection Type
Cable
Starting from
$49.99
/mo
Data effective 03/08/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro Budget-friendly high-speed plans
pro Wide range of internet speeds to choose from
pro No-contract options for all plans
con
Cons
con Not-so-great customer service

Cox offers low promotional prices on most of its plans that last for 12 months. But if you don't want to get roped into a contract, you can subscribe to Cox Internet's Essential 100 internet service with speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

Cox still costs about $10/month more compared to an internet service provider like Xfinity, but having no contract and potentially getting on promotional pricing can really sweeten the deal.

On top of all that, Cox performed fairly well in our latest speed report and offers some excellent bundling options if you want cable TV with your internet.

Cox internet prices and speeds
Plan
Price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
Cox StraightUp Internet$50.00/mo.Up to 100 Mbps1.28 TB
Cox Internet Preferred 250 No Contract$59.99/mo.Up to 250 Mbps1.28 TB
Cox Internet Ultimate 500$69.99/mo.Up to 500 Mbps1.28 TB
Cox Gigablast$99.99/mo.Up to 1000 Mbps1.28 TB
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
No term agreement. Same price for 3 yrs.
No annual contract or early cancellation fees
for 12 months with 1-yr. term agreement

Astound Broadband, Powered by Grande: Runner-up

Runner-up
4 out of 5 stars
4
Download speeds
3001200 Mbps
Connection Type
Cable/Fiber
Starting from
$25.00
/mo
Data effective 03/08/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
pro
Pros
pro No contracts
pro Fast download speeds
con
Cons
con Limited availability
con Price hikes after one year

Even though it’s limited to 11 states, we had to mention Astound Broadband, powered by Grande here because of its low prices and exceptional internet speeds. And really, Astound does internet right with its no contracts and unlimited data too.

Grande Communications is now called Astound Broadband
Heads Up

Grande Communications just got a name change, and now it's called Astound Broadband, powered by Grande.

Grande service should remain the same, and we'll keep this review plus our full-length Astound Broadband, powered by Grande review updated if any more changes roll through.

Like we said, the biggest catch is that you can’t get Astound (formerly Grande) internet service outside of Washington, Oregon, California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Washington D.C.,or Virginia. That’s a real shame, because it not only advertises fast speeds, it actually gives them to you.

Aside from limited availability, the only other thing about Astound Broadband that makes us frown is its promotional prices last only 24 months.

Astound Broadband (formerly Grande) internet prices and speeds
Plan
Price
Download speed
Data cap
Details
600 Mbps Internet$39.99/mo.Up to 600 MbpsUnlimited
940 Mbps Internet$50.00/mo.Up to 940 MbpsUnlimited
1200 Mbps Internet$60.00/mo.Up to 1200 MbpsUnlimited
Data effective 12/07/22. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
No contract required. 24 Month Internet Pricing. Equipment priced separately. Includes $10 discount for 12 months w/ ebill & autopay. Experienced speeds may vary. Excludes surcharges and fees. New residential customers only.
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Recap: The 8 best internet providers 2023

When it comes to the best internet providers overall, we recommend Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios Home Internet, CenturyLink, and Viasat, while Cox, Spectrum, and Astound Broadband, powered by Grande are worth a look as runners-up. It’s always worth looking around to see if there’s a smaller local internet provider offering a great deal near you too.

Either way, searching for the best internet gives you a lot to think about. We recommend running through our guide on how to find the right internet plan before you start shopping.

  • Xfinity: Best Value. Available basically nationwide, Xfinity offers stellar prices and speeds. It scored high on our list of the fastest ISPs, and regularly offers limited-time deals. Plus, you can save more money by bundling your internet with its TV, home security, and mobile services.
  • Spectrum: Best for no contracts. Spectrum Internet comes with no contracts or data caps, and most of its prices are competitive. But you may not get the internet speeds you pay for.
  • AT&T Fiber: Best for low fiber prices. It's hard to find fiber internet prices lower than AT&T's. That makes it a stand-out deal for gamers, streamers, and anyone who works from home.
  • Verizon Fios Home Internet: Affordable plans. We always recommend fiber internet if you can get it, and Verizon Fios Home Internet comes with top-notch fiber speeds and customer service we’ve heard nothing but good things about. The only thing it’s missing is Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Viasat: Best satellite internet speeds. With the fastest speeds satellite can provide, Viasat is our pick for anyone who can’t get cable or DSL service in their area. It may even be a better value than the competing satellite provider, HughesNet, if you’re looking for speeds around 150 Mbps.
  • CenturyLink: Runner-up. Look no further than CenturyLink if you’re after reasonable prices that don't skyrocket a year later. It also offers a fiber internet plan for those that need gig speeds. But if you need a wireless network while you’re out of town, look elsewhere.
  • Cox: Runner-up. Cox saves you money with low promo prices that last a year. And it doesn’t require a contract for its Internet Essentials plan. We only hope it improves its internet speeds and raises its data cap to unlimited in the future.
  • Astound Broadband, powered by Grande: Runner-up. Astound (formerly Grande) gets a gold star for no contracts, unlimited data, fast internet speeds, and good value. But it’s not available in every state—and your promo prices last for only 24 months.
Find and compare internet plans in your area.

Methodology

Our team tests our own home internet networks regularly, along with reaching out to folks living in different areas to test out ISPs we don’t have access to.

Based on hands-on testing, we gather information on data speeds, billing, customer service, installation, and outages for each ISP. We also use millions of Reviews.org internet speed test results from across the country to get a better idea of average performance.

We also use outside sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), HighSpeedInternet.com, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete our assessment of an ISP. (Remembering that FCC data is flawed and doesn’t include every ISP.2)

We also look at Better Business Bureau, JD Power, and Consumer Affairs comments and ratings, along with browsing Reddit or Quora threads for anecdotal insights on ISP experiences.

Long-story short: We balance our own proprietary data and personal experience with research from other sources.

Best Internet Service Providers FAQs

What are the best options for DSL internet?

We don't recommend DSL (copper) internet unless you have no other choice. But for folks that do use AT&T, Verizon, and Ziply DSL internet, here's an update for you:

These three ISPs are discontinuing their DSL service in 13 states. A majority, if not all, of their DSL service is set to be replaced by fiber or fixed wireless.

  • AT&T: Ending DSL service in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and South Carolina by 2025.10
  • Verizon: Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.11
  • Ziply: Oregon and Washington.12
Need help paying for internet?

The new Affordable Connectivity Program could give you $30 a month toward your monthly bill.

All of our best internet provider picks participate in the program. Find out more, like how to qualify and how to apply, in our Affordable Connectivity Program guide.

Does Xfinity offer bundling options?

Yes!

Xfinity's bundles gives you unlimited internet and one Mobile Unlimited line for just $50 a month.

With no contract requirement, and a two-year price guarantee, this is a pretty sweet bundle.

Also, if you purchase an Xfinity Flex streaming box along with your internet service, you now get access to YouTube TV along with Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV.8

See Xfinity Internet Deals

Which internet service is best for work from home?

If you're looking for reliable internet to support your work-from-home gig, you'll want to look for fast download and upload speeds and enough data per month depending on how many users are in the house.

We recommend getting at least 50 to 100 Mbps download speeds: 50 Mbps for one person and 100 Mbps for most families. And you can usually get even higher speeds without spending a ton every month.

AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios Home Internet both have internet plans with speeds of 300 Mbps for under $60 a month and unlimited data. 

Now that you know more about the best ISPs in the US, check these out next.

Find out which ISPs are the fastest.

Live in the country? These are the best rural internet options.

Sources

Tyler Abbott
Written by
Tyler Abbott
Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.

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