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Home Internet Crib Sheet: Find Answers to Your Broadband Questions
CNET provides everything you need to know to make your best home internet choices.


- Master's degree in Cinema Studies from NYU and interviews with Conan O'Brien, Stan Lee and some of his biggest Star Trek childhood idols

If you're fortunate enough to live in anarea with multiple internet service providers, you face a tough choice: Which ISP will give you thebest home internet connection for the greatest value? How can youconnect to Wi-Fi for free while trying to decide?
Here at CNET, we've put together a cheat sheet full of our expert advice. We help answer your most pressing home internet questions, from in-depth looks atStarlink's impact on our night sky to theramifications of the loss of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
How do I choose an internet provider?
Picking an internet service provider isn't easy, especially when you have more options -- hello,5G home internet -- than ever before. CNET has taken the time to review the top ISPs in the country to help level the playing field for you. We can help you cut through the clutter to determine the right provider for you and what plans best fit your household's needs.
Locating local internet providers
- Best Satellite Internet Providers
- Best Internet Service Providers
- Best Cheap Internet Providers
- Best Rural Internet Providers
- AT&T Home Internet Review
- Xfinity Home Internet Review
- T-Mobile Home Internet Review
- Starlink Internet Review
- Spectrum Home Internet Review
- Verizon 5G Home Internet Review
- Verizon Fios Home Internet Review
What should I look for in a Wi-Fi router?
Once you've decided on an ISP, consider choosing a router. We'vetested dozens of routers over the last few years and can help you find what you're looking for: an explainer onWi-Fi 7, a mesh router system, a gaming router or a Wi-Fi extender system.
- Best Wi-Fi Routers
- Best Mesh Routers
- Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers
- Best Wi-Fi Extenders
- Best Gaming Routers
- Buy or Rent a Router?
How do I cut costs on internet bills?
Most of us are concerned about saving money. Just as we might scrutinizehow often we leave the lights on when trying tolower our electricity bill, we can explore ways to save a little money on our broadband service. Whether investing in a router or learning tobetter manage your data caps, we have suggestions to help you save.
Locating local internet providers
- Best Internet Deals
- Best Internet Deals for Seniors
- Best Home Internet and TV Bundles
- How to Spot Hidden Fees and Save Money
- Low-Income Internet Guide for All 50 States
- Best Student Deals and Discounts on Internet Service
- Cost per Mbps: A Key to Finding Good Value in Your Internet Plan
- Need an ACP Alternative? Find Savings With the Lifeline Program
Can I speed up my Wi-Fi?
We all want to get the most out of what we pay for. But even if we're subscribing to our provider's fastest plan, we may not feel the effects of those zippy download speeds in our Wi-Fi. Here are some avenues to explore to see if your ISP is to blame or if your setup could be better maximized.
- Best Internet Speed Tests
- How to Extend Your Wi-Fi Outdoors
- Slow Wi-Fi? Throttling Might Be the Problem
- How to Get a Stronger Wi-Fi Connection in Your Apartment
- Having Trouble With Your Wi-Fi? Your Router Might Be in the Wrong Place
How do I troubleshoot internet issues myself?
One way to save money (and time) is to learn how to diagnose problems independently without calling in professionals. We've got you covered, whether you're battling choppy video calls or simply trying to avoid the fee that comes with a technician visit.
- Learn How to Self-Install Your New Internet Service
- DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: Which Cable Modem is Better?
- How to Fix Common Causes for Your Internet Outages
- Everything I Learned From Testing Home Wi-Fi and Ethernet
What steps do I take to keep my Wi-Fi secure?
You might be well-versed in spotting phishing scams but not as tuned into the dangers posed to your household's wireless broadband connections. Let CNET get you up to speed.
- Changing Your Wi-Fi Password Is Easy. Here's How to Do It
- Stop Home Network Hackers: Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Wi-Fi Security
Is there anything else I should know about home internet?
Whether you're researching thebest providers for unlimited data, thebest ISPs in Los Angeles or trying to track downhow fast broadband speed really is, you can count on CNET to get you the content you need.
- I Gave My Internet a Stress Test and Here's What Slowed It Down the Most
- My Simple Steps to Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds
- My First-Hand Experience With T-Mobile Home Internet
- Two Technicians Share the 5 Worst Places to Put Your Router
Home Internet Guides
- Best Internet Providers in Los Angeles
- Best Internet Providers in New York City
- Best Internet Providers in Chicago
- Best Internet Providers in San Francisco
- Best Internet Providers in Seattle
- Best Internet Providers in Houston
- Best Internet Providers in San Diego
- Best Internet Providers in Denver
- Best Internet Providers in Charlotte NC
- Google Fiber Internet Review
- Xfinity vs Verizon Fios
- Verizon 5G vs. T-Mobile Home Internet
- Verizon Internet Review
- Xfinity Internet Review
- Best Rural Internet
- Best Cheap Internet and TV Bundles
- Best Speed Tests
- AT&T Home Internet Review
- Best Satellite Internet
- Verizon 5G Home Internet Review
- T-Mobile Home Internet Review
- Best Internet Providers
- Frontier Internet Review