Article updated on July 1, 2025 at 8:02 AM PDT

Our expert staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and evaluates our top picks. The order in which our top picks are presented may be impacted by partnerships, and we may get a commission if you buy through our links.

Our picks

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Why we chose these providers

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Best fiber internet provider

300 - 5,000 Mbps

$55 - $250 per month

Check with AT&T Fiber Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (833) 579-0031

Featured Deal

What is this?

Choose any plan and get a gift card up to $300

87 - 415 Mbps

$50 - $70 per month

Check with T-Mobile

Or call to learn more: (877) 519-7610

Best cable internet provider

500 - 1,000 Mbps

$50 - $80 per month

Check with Spectrum Internet Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (877) 508-6169

Best internet provider for customer care

300 - 2,000 Mbps

$50 - $120 per month

Check with Verizon Fios Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (888) 461-3204

Best internet provider for value

100 - 1,200 Mbps

$20 - $95 per month

Check with WOW! Internet Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Worth a look if service is available

200 - 8,000 Mbps

$45 - $165 per month

Check with Quantum Fiber Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Convenient alternative rural internet provider

25 - 50 Mbps

$45 - $65 per month

Check with Rise Broadband Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Fast and reliable option

150 - 2,000 Mbps

$19 - $95 per month

Check with Xfinity Internet Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (877) 587-0411

Great value for high-speed internet

1,000 - 8,000 Mbps

$70 - $150 per month

Check with Google Fiber Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (855) 500-4211

Best if you're stuck with satellite

12 - 150 Mbps

$70 - $300 per month

Check with Viasat Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Off to a strong start

100 - 50,000 Mbps

$20 - $900 per month

Check with Ziply Fiber Provider not available in 90001 Edit ZIP code

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Show 6 more

Searching for an internet provider is often a painstaking, teeth-grinding process. I've been working the broadband beat for over six years and know the task can be daunting if you don't know where to start. But we've done the work for you by gathering our top broadband picks based onpricing, speeds, service terms andinternet connection types. Here's everything you need to know to find the best internet provider for your home.

What's the best internet provider overall?

Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber are two providers that stand out as the best internet service providers overall.Those in the Northeast will have a tough time finding a better ISP thanVerizon Fios, while many in the South and Midwest will findAT&T Fiber the best option. As we often say in our ISP reviews,fiber internet almost always trumps other internet connection types. Don't hesitate to sign up if you can getfiber broadband at your address for a reasonable price.

There are times when cable internet, like that ofXfinity,Spectrum andCox, is the best option. Cable is often a solid choice for cheap internet, which could be important because a recentCNET survey showed that 63% of adults paid more for internet service last year than they did the year prior. Cable can also be a fine option if you're interested in bundling internet and TV, or internet and mobile.Cable internet boasts the highest availability of any non-satellite connection type, often making it the best option if there are nofiber providers in your area. Let's look at which internet providers made CNET's cut.

Best Multi-Gigabit Internet PlansSee at Cnet

Best internet providers in the US

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

300 - 5,000 Mbps

Price range

$55 - $250 per month

AT&T Fiber

Best fiber internet provider

Our take - It's not the cheapest internet provider, but in terms of overall value, AT&T Fiber is one of the best. Considering cost-per-Mbps, which is a way of comparing apples to apples, AT&T Fiber is one of the top values out there. Free equipment rental, unlimited data and no set price increases add to the provider's overall appeal. 

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (833) 579-0031

Check with AT&T

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

300 - 5,000 Mbps

Price range

$55 - $250 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No contracts required to receive the lowest available price
• No data caps for any fiber plans
• Valuable perks and promotional offers

Cons

• Much slower DSL plans are more prevalent than fiber options
• Data caps enforced on all non-fiber plans

For comparison, you can expect Verizon's average fiber internet plan to cost you 11 cents per Mbps. Meanwhile, most cable internet plans from names like Xfinity will typically cost you at least 17 cents per Mbps, if not more. Another point worth mentioning: AT&T offers multi-gig plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds of 2 and 5 gigabits per second.

Fair pricing and simple service terms have helped make AT&T Fiber one of the highest-ranked internet service providers for customer satisfaction by the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. The telecom giant's DSL and fixed wireless plans are much less impressive, but if AT&T Fiber is available at your address, consider yourself lucky because there isn't much reason to consider anything else.

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• no contracts
• equipment included

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AT&T Fiber plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

87 - 415 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $70 per month

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

Choose any plan and get a gift card up to $300

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has the greatest nationwide coverage of any single internet provider (apart from satellite internet), boasting a 60% availability, according to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission. That's why we voted T-Mobile as the best rural internet provider. When you're rurally located, your chances of getting cable or fiber are much lower. To avoid the high costs and traditionally slow speeds of satellite internet, T-Mobile is an excellent alternative.

Or call to learn more: (877) 519-7610

Check with T-Mobile

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

87 - 415 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $70 per month

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Cable

Speed range

500 - 1,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $80 per month

Spectrum

Best cable internet provider

Our take - Fiber offers the most bang for your buck, but a cable connection is the next best thing if fiber isn't an option. Spectrum is the provider offering cable internet service in the country that I'd be happiest to see available at my address.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (877) 508-6169

Check with Spectrum

Compare

Connection

Cable

Speed range

500 - 1,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $80 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Straightforward pricing
• No data caps on any plans
• No contracts required for internet service
• Free access to Spectrum's nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots

Cons

• Competitive rates for cable, but pricier than many fiber providers
• Internet service is slightly below the industry average for customer satisfaction

Spectrum isn't the biggest name in cable internet -- that'd be Comcast's Xfinity -- but it still offers service to approximately 30 million customers, according to Spectrum's first quarter 2025 report. Unlike Comcast (or Cox, its other main cable rival), Spectrum doesn't enforce a data cap and won't tie you down to a long-term contract.

On top of all that, Spectrum's prices and terms are straightforward, easy to understand and easy to live with. It isn't quite the best value in the cable category (keep reading), and Spectrum prices usually increase by $30 monthly after one year, but Spectrum is still your top option for cable internet at home when you drill down into the details.

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• simple pricing
• no contracts
• modem included
• free access to nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots

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Spectrum plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

300 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $120 per month

Verizon Fios

Best internet provider for customer care

Our take - Verizon lands near the top of the American Customer Satisfaction Index's rankings of internet providers year after year, and it's been one of the strongest finishers with J.D. Power for multiple years running, too.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (888) 461-3204

Check with Verizon

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

300 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $120 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• All Verizon Fios plans are 100% fiber, with symmetrical download and upload speeds
• No data caps or allowances on any plans
• No term agreements necessary on any plans

Cons

• Low fiber availability for a national company
• While Fios and 5G are affordable, LTE and DSL options are pricey

What do people like about Verizon? For starters, while the company's DSL service isn't special, most customers across the company's eight-state coverage map in the northeast have access to Verizon Fios fiber service capable of gigabit speeds and uploads as fast as the downloads. Verizon plans don't come with contracts or data caps and your price won't automatically go up after a year the way it will with most other providers.

What's more, Verizon 5G Home Internet is now available in more than 15 million homes in the country, per the company's website. Given the nationwide need for better internet options, this is a promising development for consumers.

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• no contracts
• free equipment with gig service

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Verizon Fios plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Cable

Speed range

100 - 1,200 Mbps

Price range

$20 - $95 per month

WideOpenWest

Best internet provider for value

Our take - WideOpenWest is a relatively small provider that offers services in six states. It earns the exclamation point it likes to stick at the end of its branding by offering cable internet plans at some of the best prices you'll find anywhere in the US. That includes an entry-level 300Mbps plan that starts at $30 per month, reaching all the way up to a high-speed 1,200Mbps plan at $95 monthly. That's a stellar cost per Mbps of just 8 cents, which is unheard of in the cable category. In some areas, for an extra $5 a month, WOW offers price-lock to your chosen plan to protect against sudden price increases.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Check with WOW!

Compare

Connection

Cable

Speed range

100 - 1,200 Mbps

Price range

$20 - $95 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Some of the most competitive pricing for a cable ISP
• No contracts
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Unlimited data on all plans

Cons

• Limited availability, just six states
• Service interruptions can be a bit too frequent, depending on location

In addition, WOW doesn't enforce annual contracts with any of its plans, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee when you sign up, letting you cancel without penalty if it isn't the right fit. All in, it's about as strong as ISP sales pitches get, I just wish the footprint was a bit bigger.

Key Info

• Good promo prices
• no contracts
• unlimited data on some plans

Compare

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WOW Internet plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Honorable mentions

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

200 - 8,000 Mbps

Price range

$45 - $165 per month

Quantum Fiber

Worth a look if service is available

Our take - CenturyLink offers DSL internet plans across 16 states, but roughly half of the coverage map also has access to its sibling company's fiber plans, branded as Quantum Fiber. Overall, the plans offer decent cost per Mbps, with the entry-level plan starting at $50 monthly for matching upload and download speeds of 500Mbps (10 cents per Mbps), all the way up to $165 a month for 8 gigabits with matching speeds of 8,000Mbps. There are no data caps or contracts with those plans, and, best of all, the ISP offers a price-for-life guarantee, pledging to never raise your rate for as long as you keep your plan.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Check with Quantum

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

200 - 8,000 Mbps

Price range

$45 - $165 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast upload and download speeds
• No data caps, no contracts
• Price for life guarantee

Cons

• Availability limited to select areas
• Few plan options

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• low price increase

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Quantum Fiber plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

25 - 50 Mbps

Price range

$45 - $65 per month

Rise Broadband

Convenient alternative rural internet provider

Our take - Pickings can be frustratingly slim when shopping for an internet plan in a rural area because most of the best internet infrastructure in the country is centralized in population-dense cities and the suburban neighborhoods surrounding them. If you live outside a region like that, your home probably isn't wired for fiber or cable. Instead, you'll have to make do with slower, less reliable and more expensive technologies, and you'll likely have fewer options to choose from too.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Check with Rise

Compare

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

25 - 50 Mbps

Price range

$45 - $65 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Availability in rural areas with no direct cables to the home
• Significantly higher data allowances than satellite
• Advanced Wi-Fi equipment and service available
• Growing fiber network

Cons

• Max speeds of only 100Mbps in most areas
• Line of sight to nearby wireless tower required
• Possible service disruptions in bad weather

You'll need to take the good with the bad with just about any rural ISP, but there's more good than bad with Rise Broadband. A fixed wireless provider covering much of the country's middle, Rise Broadband will beam an internet signal directly to an antenna mounted outside your home, providing download speeds of up to 100Mbps for $75 monthly. That matches the top end of what you'll get with a satellite internet plan from Hughesnet and is faster than many DSL plans, which often struggle to surpass double-digit download speeds. 

Rise also recently introduced fiber internet packages: 300Mbps, 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps, but these plans are even more scarce nationwide than Rise's fixed wireless plans.

Key Info

• Unlimited data on some plans
• low price increase

Compare

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Rise Broadband plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Cable

Speed range

150 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$19 - $95 per month

Xfinity

Fast and reliable option

Our take - Comcast is the biggest name in cable, and the company offers its Xfinity internet service to over 100 million people in the US -- more than a third of the country. Subscribers will find a great variety of plans and packages to choose from, including download speeds of up to 2,000Mbps, that are available across the majority of the sprawling coverage map. In addition, Xfinity consistently earns above-average customer satisfaction scores too.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (877) 587-0411

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Compare

Connection

Cable

Speed range

150 - 2,000 Mbps

Price range

$19 - $95 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Good variety of plans
• Some of the fastest residential plans available
• Above average scores in almost all customer satisfaction metrics

Cons

• Data caps for some plans
• Contracts often required to get the lowest price
• Steep jump from promo price to regular rates

Xfinity plans are slightly better value than its cable internet competitors, like Spectrum and Optimum. There's a lot to like about Xfinity's home internet service, but it's more of an honorable mention than an outright best pick.

Key Info

• Lots of plan options
• solid customer satisfaction numbers
• data caps on some plans

Compare

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Xfinity plans and prices (one-year term)

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

1,000 - 8,000 Mbps

Price range

$70 - $150 per month

Google Fiber

Great value for high-speed internet

Our take - It's been over a decade since Google first announced that it would bring fiber internet service to select regions across the country -- and it's been an interesting ride ever since. After initially rolling out across 11 metro areas, Google struggled to build the service beyond that. It paused its efforts in 2016, leaving disappointment across dozens of cities where the company had teased prospects for future fiber expansions.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (855) 500-4211

Check with Google

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

1,000 - 8,000 Mbps

Price range

$70 - $150 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Speeds start at 1Gbps
• No equipment fees, data caps or contracts
• Continuing fiber expansion

Cons

• No cheap plan options Fiber network still has room to grow

Google hasn't given up: The company is working on expanding fiber access in select cities and recently rolled out plans that support speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second for $125 per month. That super-speedy plan is currently only offered in certain cities.

Google Fiber is available in select cities in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington. If you live in any of those states, and Google Fiber is available at your address, give it a look because that's one of the best deals you'll find for such a blazing-fast connection.

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• no contracts
• equipment included

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Google Fiber plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Satellite

Speed range

12 - 150 Mbps

Price range

$70 - $300 per month

Viasat

Best if you're stuck with satellite

Our take - Satellite internet is typically slow, laggy and temperamental in inclement weather, so I'd explore other options if you've got them. That's the issue; too many of us don't have other options, and satellite internet from established names like Viasat and Hughesnet are available just about everywhere.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

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Connection

Satellite

Speed range

12 - 150 Mbps

Price range

$70 - $300 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great availability in rural areas
• Max speeds faster than most rural providers
• No data overage fees
• Viasat continues to improve top download speeds

Cons

• High prices that increase after just three months
• Speeds no better than 12Mbps in some areas
• High latency and service disruptions are common with satellite internet

If it comes down to those two, I'd start with Viasat. Why? Neither offers strong value for what you're getting, but Hughesnet caps the maximum download speeds at 100GB to 200GB of priority data. Viasat's newest plan, Viasat Unleashed, offers satellite speeds of up to 150Mbps and is available in some regions.

All of that said, there are aspects of Viasat's service that would probably be more at home on a "worst list" than a "best list" like this. For starters, "unlimited data" isn't truly unlimited. If you exceed 850GB in 30 days, your speeds will be slowed. Yes, you won't incur any added fees, but your service will be affected. Make sure to shop around for other, better options in your area. If there aren't any, Viasat is a workable choice for getting online in remote parts of the country.

Key Info

• No hard data cap
• nationwide availability

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Viasat plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

100 - 50,000 Mbps

Price range

$20 - $900 per month

Ziply Fiber

Off to a strong start

Our take - Ziply Fiber is a relative newcomer to the fiber scene after acquiring fiber-optic infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest from Frontier. The service launched in 2020 amid the pandemic, offering relatively affordable fiber plans to customers across parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Read full review

Or call to learn more: (866) 671-3650

Check with Ziply

Compare

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

100 - 50,000 Mbps

Price range

$20 - $900 per month

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Straightforward, competitive pricing
• No data caps, contracts or credit checks
• Dedication to fiber expansion, even in rural areas

Cons

• Lots of room to grow fiber service

Plans are limited for now, with a notable lack of middle-ground options between the lowest and fastest speed tiers. In addition to offering multi-gig plans of 2, 5 and 10 gigabits per second, the provider added a 50-gig tier to its lineup for a hefty $900 monthly, making it the fastest provider in the country.

Ziply also includes whole-home Wi-Fi with up to three extenders, which is a nice deal for anyone interested in trying out the benefits of a mesh network. Customers also have an option to use their own router or lease one for $15 per month. We'll keep an eye on the company as it grows, but we like what we see.

Key Info

• Unlimited data
• no contracts
• fast rural internet connection

Compare

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Ziply Fiber plans and prices

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Broadband providers compared

The broadband beat keeps our team busy, but we'll continue evaluating internet providers and updating this post as new options emerge. Please note that the plans below show each provider's cheapest available tier. The maximum speed is the top advertised speed for that given plan, but it might not be available in your area. Overall, the best selection for you -- and the most cost-effective plan -- might be a different tier that provides a faster speed at a higher price but a better value. To more fully understand this value-based approach, check out CNET's guide toexamining the cost per Mbps.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to choose the best internet service provider for your home 

Finding the right ISP for your household isn't easy. This is especially true if you live in a rural or underserved portion of the US. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine the download and upload speeds necessary to meet your needs. With that knowledge, you can better tackle plan pricing that will fit your budget and broadband demands.

For more comprehensive tips on finding the top internet plan for your household, check out CNET's 10 tips to help you get the most out of your internet service.

Download and upload speeds

For most of us, our internet use mainly focuses on our download speeds. Your download speed determines how easily you can stream the latest hit Netflix show or how fast you can load your favorite Amazon shopping page. The slower your download speeds, the longer it takes to do tasks on the internet. For example, Netflix suggests 15Mbps or higher to watch programming in ultra HD (to take full advantage of that 4K TV you bought). 

As for uploads, most of us couldn't care less about our upload speeds before the pandemic. Once we started excessively video chatting with friends and family, taking Zoom calls with business colleagues and sending files and homework to our bosses and teachers, we discovered its importance too.

Considering what types of activities dominate your household will affect what level of download speed you'll need. Do you work remotely from home? Are you living in a household full of kids with their own devices? Have you recently downsized and are an empty nester? Take stock of how many devices are in your home and what kind of internet users you have. You can refer to ourinternet speed guide for a quick explainer on determining what speeds you may need.

Plan pricing

At first glance, you might think it's easy to spot good plan pricing. The cheaper the monthly fee, the better the price, right? Maybe. Because internet providers are not the most transparent (a Consumer Reports broadband study noted that customers found internet bills to be "extremely confusing"), one low monthly rate might not equal the next. 

Keep an eye out for promo rates that expire quickly. Most enticing, low starting prices won't last, and you may pay more for low speeds in the long term. Also, look for hidden fees and/orpricing traps that may add to your monthly expenses. For example, some providers don't include equipment rentals in their monthly rates. That could add another $5 to $15 to your monthly bill. 

Lastly, one good way to determine value is by examining thecost per Mbps. You might find a 75Mbps plan for $20 monthly from one provider and a 250Mbps plan for $30 monthly from another. Before you sign up for that $20 plan, consider that the cost per Mbps is just under 27 cents. The 250Mbps plan, on the other hand, chimes in at 12 cents per Mbps, so it's a better value -- more than 50% cheaper per Mbps -- and you get more than three times the download speed.

Customer satisfaction

Just as you might search the internet for recommendations on a good local restaurant, it can be helpful to research customers' experiences with an ISP before you sign up. CNET has found it helpful to lean on the annual ISP surveys from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, but many resources are available. Learning about constant network interruptions, a negligent help desk or frequent billing mistakes can be valuable info for choosing (or avoiding) certain providers.

Internet connection types

There are six major types of internet available: fiber, cable, 5G, fixed wireless, DSL and satellite. Each of these internet technologies provides different quirks and benefits. Our CNET experts share their experiences with each internet connection type to better illustrate some differences.

Fiber

Fiber internet is the gold standard if you can get it. It's often called "future-proof," meaning that it offers some of the fastest plans available and features symmetrical download and upload speeds. It's more reliable than cable and is less prone to outages or network congestion. AT&T, Google and Verizon are among the major players that offer fiber-optic internet, but unfortunately, fiber internet is one of the least available internet connection types in the country. To learn whether this connection is right for your household,read our explainer on fiber internet.

Cable

Cable internet supplies your internet connection through the same cables (often a hybrid fiber and copper line) that providers use for TV services. It's more reliable than satellite internet and offers faster download speeds. Often, cable internet is bundled with TV to get consumers to buy higher-priced packages to get a deal on internet service. Companies like Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity offer cable internet for competitive prices.

5G home internet/Fixed wireless 

5G home internet and fixed wireless go hand-in-hand: 5G home internet services are fixed wireless internet services. Not all fixed wireless services are 5G home internet offerings. Fixed wireless service means the connection between your provider and home is not wired. That fixed wireless connection can come via cellular networks or satellite. Fixed wireless networks tend to be slower and more laggy than wired connections. You're also subject to network congestion and speed throttling during peak usage hours. The promise of 5G home internet from companies like Starry, T-Mobile and Verizon is speeds that match up favorably to cable connections. Is it there yet? Not quite, but myCNET colleague is optimistic about 5G home internet's potential.

DSL

DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to users. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Frontier offer DSL internet. The good news is those copper lines are prevalent across the country. The not-so-good news is that download speeds fall short of what cable internet can offer. In some cases, your speeds might even be slower than satellite internet.

Satellite

Satellite internet is the one broadband connection type currently available to people in the rural areas of all 50 states. As a solid alternative for those without access to DSL, cable or fiber internet, satellite internet links a modem in your home to a satellite in space, sending the internet back to Earth. Typically, satellite internet features slower speeds -- thoughStarlink has certainlydisrupted expectations for satellite internet and raised the bar way up. Note that, like 5G home internet and other fixed wireless offerings, satellite internet is subject to network congestion and speed throttling.

How CNET chose the best internet providers 

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov. 

It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. 

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: 

• Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? 
• Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? 
• Are customers happy with their service? 

The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

What's the final word on the best internet providers?

Finding the right ISP is easier said than done, especially if you live in arural part of the country with limited options for getting online. Fiber internet is almost always the best internet connection type, but we recognize that many Americans don't currently have access to fiber internet.

Some providers we listed might not be the perfect fit for your situation. Often, the best provider is simply the one available at your address. We recommend carefully considering your household's activities so you can better determine your broadband demands. 

Best internet providers FAQ