CNET recommendsVerizon Fios as the best internet provider in Virginia. It is the state's top internet service provider (ISP), delivering incredible speeds across different areas, with the median speed being 235Mbps. In Virginia Beach and Chesapeake we spotted speeds up to 940Mbps. If you're after brilliant fiber service, look no further but at Verizon.

However, if you're outside of the Verizon Fios service area, don't worry. There are plenty of other alternatives such asCox, which also delivers decent speeds,T-Mobile,Xfinity as well as smaller ISPs and satellite internet providers.

Best internet options in Virginia

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Virginia broadband at a glance

Virginia is for lovers of fast internet speeds. The southern state formerly held the distinction of having thefastest internet speeds in the country, at an impressive average of 13.7 megabits per second. That was in 2014, and the state has come a long way since then. Old Dominion now sees median download speeds of about 214Mbps, according toOokla, placing it in a respectable 18th place among the 50 states and neighboringWashington, DC, regarding internet speeds. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

One of its cities fared even better on Ookla’s rankings, with Chesapeake ranking 2nd among the 100 most populous US cities with median download speeds of about 285Mbps. Virginia Beach was in the top half at 31st with median speeds of approximately 246Mbps. Norfolk can be found further down in the rankings in 72nd place, with median download speeds of about 222Mbps.

According to theFederal Communication Commission, every Virginian has access to internet speeds of at least 25Mbps, but that’s likely due to pricier options from satellite internet providers Hughesnet and Viasat. The state's speed is solid overall, with median download speeds of about 214Mbps. Virginia likely gets a boost from about 45% of its households having access to fiber internet with speeds of 250Mbps (particularly in cities such as Chesapeake and Virginia Beach) and a much smaller portion of 11% who can access speeds of 1,000Mbps.

Internet breakdown by city in Virginia

It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state and give individual areas the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Virginia. We tackle details such as internet connection types, maximum speeds and cheapest providers. Check back later if you don’t find the city you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more locations every week. 

• Best internet providers in Alexandria
• Best internet providers in Arlington
• Best internet providers in Charlottesville
• Best internet providers in Chesapeake
• Best internet providers in Lynchburg
• Best internet providers in Norfolk
• Best internet providers in Richmond
• Best internet providers in Roanoke
• Best internet providers in Virginia Beach

Internet pricing in Virginia

The starting price for internet service in Virginia will vary based on where you live, with people in rural areas forced to pay a premium for slower speeds. For a ballpark figure, expect to pay around $50 per month to get online, but cheaper plans are available from Xfinity. Existing customers of certain T-Mobile or Verizon plans can get discounted rates on their5G home internet offerings.

Future of broadband in Virginia

More Virginians will have access to high-speed internet shortly, WDBJ reports, thanks to a$1.4 billion investment from the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration estimates 364,156 Virginia homes and small businesses lack access to high-speed internet, but is this number accurate? The FCC wants input from Virginians, according toVirginia Mercury. Separately, Verizon announced it would install more than 120 miles of fiber-optic cables in Caroline County and Greensville County, expanding access to 3,000 households and businesses,WRIC reports.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Virginia

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latestsmartphone,laptop,router orkitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information fromFCC.gov.

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

While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though 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 also take into account real-world speed data from sources likeOokla andFCC reports.

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

Internet in Virginia FAQs