Whether you work from home, consider yourself an avid gamer or simply use the internet often, you may be on the lookout for a fast internet provider. We’ve found that Google Fiber is the fastest internet provider overall, with the fastest plan providing an impressive 8,000 Mbps for both upload and download speeds. Google Fiber is only available in select cities across 19 states, but if it’s in your area, it’s going to provide the fattest internet speeds available.
Our picks
Google Fiber: Best for speed
AT&T Internet: Best internet service provider
Optimum: Best for unlimited data
Cox Communications: Best for flexibility
Kinetic Windstream: Best for bundling services
EarthLink: Best for satellite internet
Frontier Communications: Best for affordability
Google Fiber: Best for speed
Star rating: 3.8 out of 5
Speed: 1000 Mbps to 8000 Mbps
Monthly price: $70 to $150
Availability: 19 states
Why we picked Google Fiber
Google Fiber’s fiber internet offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 8 gigabits (Gb) at affordable rates ranging from $70 to $150 per month. Many internet service providers have slower upload speeds than download speeds, but with Google Fiber, you get equal speeds for both. This is ideal if you’re a content creator or share a lot of large files.
Not only does Google Fiber provide the fastest internet speeds, but it’s also one of the most affordable options on a per-Mbps basis. The average cost per Mbps among our top picks is between four and five cents, but Google’s fastest plan costs just under 2 cents per Mbps, less than half the average.
Who should use Google Fiber
If you’re a content creator, live streamer or gamer who uploads a lot of content, Google Fiber’s super-fast symmetrical speeds will reduce the time it takes to share your work with your followers or co-workers.
Pros
- Reasonable rates between $70 and $150
- Fast, symmetrical download and upload speeds
- Free equipment rentals for routers and mesh extenders, and network boxes, depending on the plan
Cons
- Only available in 19 states
- Speeds vary based on location and can be as low as 1 Gb
- Limited to four plans
AT&T Internet: Best internet service provider
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Speed: 300 Mbps to 5000 Mbps
Monthly price: $55 to $250
Availability: 22 states
Why we picked AT&T Internet
AT&T offers internet speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps, which should be plenty for most homeowners, even if they have fairly intensive uploading and downloading requirements. With AT&T Fiber, you can enjoy symmetrical upload and download speeds, although other AT&T internet options, like DSL and wireless options, have significantly slower upload speeds, so they might not be ideal for content creators or individuals who share large files for work.
AT&T Internet’s widespread availability and variety of internet technologies can accommodate those who live in rural areas. Depending on where you live, you may choose from fiber internet, 5G internet or fixed wireless internet. Fiber internet is the fastest option, followed by 5G and fixed wireless internet.
Note that AT&T’s plans are more expensive than those of competitors. It’s the second-most expensive option on our list at 5 cents per Mbps.
Who should use AT&T Internet
If you live in a rural area, are an avid RVer or van-lifer or you’re struggling to lock in reliable coverage, AT&T’s vast cable and 5G network may meet your needs.
Pros
- No annual contracts
- Unlimited data plans
- Variety of plans available
Cons
- Not as fast as others on the list
- Professional installation fees starting at $99 per month
- No satellite internet
Optimum: Best for unlimited data
Star rating: 4.8 out of 5
Speed: 100 Mbps to 8000 Mbps
Monthly price: $40 to $300
Availability: 21 states
Why we picked Optimum
Optimum matches Google Fiber in terms of the maximum speed, although the service area for the highest speed of 8,000 Mbps is limited. More customers will have access to Optimum’s 5,000 Mbps plan, which is still very fast and provides good value for the money. If you have access to the 8,000 Mbps plan, you’ll pay around 4 cents per Mbps, just below the industry average of 4.5 cents.
Upload speeds also match download speeds, making it a solid option for customers who share large files or enjoy online gaming.
Best of all, if you opt for an Optimum cable or fiber plan, you won’t have to worry about data caps or overage charges. The provider offers unlimited data plans that can support several devices via Wi-Fi, making it a good option for families that need fast internet services.
Who should use Optimum
Optimum is great for users who use a lot of data but don’t want to have to worry about tracking their usage, combing through the fine print on data caps or disputing overage charges.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Affordable rates for new customers
- No contracts
Cons
- Only available in select parts of the northeastern United States
- Low upload speeds
- Low customer satisfaction score
Kinetic by Windstream: Best for bundling services
Star rating: 4.6 out of 5
Speed: 500 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps
Monthly price: $40 to $100
Availability: 18 states
Why we picked Kinetic by Windstream
Kinetic by Windstream has internet speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, which should be plenty for families of four or more who engage in 4K streaming, video calls and some online gaming. The speed is one-quarter of the fastest internet available, but for average homes just looking for a fast connection, it should be plenty. The upload speeds also match the download speeds for its fiber internet, making it equally suitable for customers looking to share large files.
Kinetic’s services are some of the most expensive on a price per Mbps basis — at around 5 cents. The average cost is around 4.5 cents, and only AT&T’s services are as expensive as Kinetic’s (but AT&T’s plans come with higher speeds).
Kinetic by Windstream allows you to bundle your internet service with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a phone service that uses your internet connection. It includes caller ID, premium call forwarding, spam call alerts and more.
Who should use Kinetic by Windstream
If you’re in the market for fast internet and would like the convenience of a home phone service, Kinetic by Windstream’s bundling option is worth exploring.
Pros
- No data caps or overage charges
- Free installation and activation
- No contracts
Cons
- Prices may increase after a year
- Monthly equipment rental fees
Cox Communications: Best for flexibility
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Speed: 100 Mbps to 2000 Mbps
Monthly price: $30 to $150
Availability: 19 states
Why we picked Cox Communications
Cox Communications offers internet speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps, which should be enough for average customers who just need a fast connection for everyday use. However, the upload speed for the fastest plan is just 100 Mbps, so this service won’t be ideal for customers with intensive uploading needs, such as streamers, content creators or tech professionals.
Cox is also the most expensive option for fast internet, charging around 7.5 cents per Mbps. This is about 66% higher than the average among all of our top picks.
Cox Communications offers customizable bundles to meet various budgets and needs. You can choose from one of its premade bundles or create your own, including internet, TV, phone and more.
Who should use Cox Communications
If you would like high-speed internet in addition to TV and phone service and don’t need the fastest upload speeds, Cox Communications might suit you well. It has customizable options that let you cater your bundle to your needs.
Pros
- Low monthly costs
- No annual contracts
- Customizable bundling options
Cons
- Expensive on a per-Mbps basis
- Only available in 19 states
EarthLink: Best for satellite internet
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Speed: 12 Mbps to 5000 Mbps
Monthly price: $55 to $190
Availability: 48 states
Why we picked EarthLink
Earthlink offers internet speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps, and you get symmetrical upload and download speeds with the company’s fiber network. That’s ideal if you need fast internet for work or online gaming, including streaming, content creation and sharing large files with co-workers. Earthlink’s prices come in below the industry average at just under 4 cents per Mbps. Plus, its prices don’t change once your 12-month plan ends.
EarthLink is one of the few providers offering satellite internet, which uses a dish to send signals to satellites orbiting Earth. While satellite internet is typically slower than other internet technologies, EarthLink also offers fiber internet plans with up to 5 Gb speeds. Plus, their prices don’t change once your 12-month plan ends.
Who should use EarthLink
EarthLink may be your best choice for a fiber internet provider that allows you to lock in your rates after 12 months. It’s also a good option for homeowners in rural or remote areas, as it offers satellite internet that doesn’t require a wired connection.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Available in 48 states
- Ability to lock in pricing after 12 months
Cons
- Pricing varies by location
- No bundle plans
- Quotes only available when you call
Frontier Communications: Best for affordability
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Speed: 200 Mbps to 7,000 Mbps
Monthly price: $30 to $300
Availability: 25 states
Why we picked Frontier Communications
Frontier Communications offers internet speeds of up to 7,000 Mbps, which makes it the third-fastest internet provider in our ratings. However, its fastest connection is only available in very select areas across six states. Most homeowners will have to choose a slower connection from Frontier. The average cost per Mbps is slightly below average at just over 4 cents, but it’s much more expensive than service from Google Fiber.
Frontier’s upload speeds make it a good option for customers who want to stream 4K videos and download large files. However, if you’re looking to upload large files for content creation, edit and share videos, or do other data-intensive work using your connection, you’ll have to purchase the more expensive, higher-gig plans.
Who should use Frontier Communications
If you live in a household with several casual internet users who perform basic online activities, like surfing the web or streaming videos and don’t need ultra-fast speeds, Frontier Communications offers the lowest monthly charges of any provider on our list.
Pros
- Low rates available
- No data caps
- No contract plans available
Cons
- Only available in 25 states
- Early termination fee up to $100
Our picks at a glance
|
|
Our rating (out of 5)
|
|---|---|
| Google Fiber | 3.8 |
| AT&T Internet | 5.0 |
| Optimum | 4.8 |
| Kinetic by Windstream | 4.6 |
| Cox Communications | 4.4 |
| EarthLink | 4.3 |
| Frontier Communications | 4.2 |
|
|
Fastest advertised download speed
|
|---|---|
| Google Fiber | 8,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | 5,000 Mbps |
| Optimum | 8,000 Mbps |
| Kinetic by Windstream | 2,000 Mbps |
| Cox Communications | 2,000 Mbps |
| EarthLink | 5,000 Mbps |
| Frontier Communications | 7,000 Mbps |
|
|
Price per month
|
|---|---|
| Google Fiber | $70 - $150 |
| AT&T Internet | $55 - $245 |
| Optimum | $40 - $300 |
| Kinetic by Windstream | $40 - $100 |
| Cox Communications | $30 - $150 |
| EarthLink | $55 - $190 |
| Frontier Communications | $30 - $300 |
Honorable mentions
Though Starlink and HughesNet are two reputable internet providers, they didn’t score a spot on our list of the fastest internet providers. Here’s why: Starlink and HughesNet specialize in satellite internet with max speeds much lower than what you’ll find on our list. Starlink’s speeds cap out at 220 Mbps, while HughesNet’s speeds only go up to 100 Mbps.
What are the fastest internet providers in my area?
The fastest internet provider will depend on where you live since not all ISPs are available nationwide. Here’s how to find the fastest ISPs in your area:
- Research local ISPs: Look for a list of ISPs that operate in your area. You can find this information online through search engines or by checking local business directories.
- Use comparison tools: Online comparison tools and review articles can help you weigh offerings from different ISPs. Search for ones that are specific to your area.
- Read reviews and ratings: Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews or specialized review sites can provide insights into the quality and speed of service different ISPs provide.
- Consider fiber internet: Fiber optic internet offers the fastest speeds compared to other technologies like cable or DSL, but it’s unavailable everywhere. Ask your local ISPs if they have fiber options or plans to expand fiber service to your neighborhood.
- Ask your neighbors: Reach out to your neighbors to see if they have any recommendations and insights based on their experiences with different ISPs in the area.
How to choose the fastest high-speed internet provider
As you shop around for the fastest internet provider, remember these factors.
Availability
Where you live will play a vital role in the high-speed internet providers you have available. If you’re in an urban area, for example, you’ll likely have more options than someone in a rural town who may only have access to satellite internet due to a lack of the required infrastructure, such as broadband internet access.
Company reputation
Not all internet providers are created equal. You should do your research and learn about the reputation of each company you consider. Look at customer satisfaction scores and reviews from current and former customers.
Incentives and deals
Sometimes, internet providers will have special deals and incentives for new customers. These may include price-lock guarantees, free unlimited data, equipment rentals at no additional cost or gift cards to major retailers. While the amount you can save from special deals varies, it’s possible to lock in up to $100 or more in savings.
Internet type
You can choose from several internet types, especially if you live in an urban area. The most common internet connections include fiber, cable, 5G home, DSL and satellite internet. Fiber tends to offer the fastest speeds, while DSL internet is on the slower side.
Price
Determine how much you want to spend on an internet plan each month. Generally, the fastest internet providers offer plans ranging from $30 to $300 per month. You can save cash by bundling your internet with TV or phone services. Since the amount you save can vary greatly, check individual plans’ prices to find the cheapest internet in your area.
Speed
The ideal speed will depend on your particular needs and preferences. If you work from home, game frequently or have a large family, for example, you may need a faster internet connection between 1 Gb and 5 Gb than someone who lives alone and occasionally surfs the web and may be satisfied with 100 Mbps.
What are the pros and cons of high-speed internet?
Before you invest in high-speed internet, it’s a good idea to consider its benefits and drawbacks, including:
Pros
- High-speed plans available from many providers
- Can enjoy speeds of up to 8000 Mbps
- Can support multiple users
- May bundle it with other services, like TV and phone
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Not available everywhere
- Potential data caps
- Potential equipment fees
What factors impact internet speed?
There are a number of factors that will affect your internet speed, including:
- Internet type: The technology that connects you to the internet significantly impacts speed. Fiber will get you the fastest connection, while satellite has the slowest speeds.
- Plan you choose: If you opt for an 8 Gb plan, you can expect faster speeds than someone with a 500 Mbps or 2 Gb plan, for example.
- Number of devices: When multiple devices use the internet at once and compete for the same available bandwidth, slower internet is likely to arise.
Is faster internet always better?
Faster internet is better if you work from home or frequently game or stream large files. However, if you only use the internet on occasion to check your email or shop online, it may not be necessary or worth the extra cost. It all depends on your unique situation and preferences.
— Additional reporting by Dan Simms
Methodology
To determine the rankings for internet providers, the CNN Underscored Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by a variety of metrics and subcategories, including: