1. AT&T Internet:
AT&T Internet is an excellent choice for setting up a smart home. With affordable pricing and a wide range of internet plans, AT&T offers fast and reliable internet connections. Their 1000 Mbps plan is ideal for powering an entire house with WiFi capability, unlimited data, and faster upload speeds. AT&T also provides a convenient mobile app for managing your smart home.
Pros:
- 99% reliability rating
- Fast speeds, including fiber plans
- Good customer satisfaction rankings
Cons:
- Limited coverage area for some plans
- Pricey extra fees
2. Rise Broadband:
Rise Broadband is a top-rated ISP that specializes in providing internet access to rural areas. With fixed wireless technology, Rise Broadband offers faster and more affordable internet options compared to satellite internet. They also offer a limited fiber option in select locations.
Pros:
- Covers many rural locations with limited ISP options
- No equipment rental fees if you use your own router
- Unlimited data option
Cons:
- Wireless internet may have latency issues
- Unlimited data on wireless plans costs an additional $20
3. CenturyLink:
CenturyLink is a reliable ISP that offers built-in security and privacy controls. With internet services available in 16 states, CenturyLink provides DSL and fiber options with speeds ranging from 3-100 Mbps for DSL and 100-940 Mbps for fiber (available in select areas). Their WiFi 6 advanced technology ensures faster connectivity and extended battery life for in-home devices.
Pros:
- Free wireless modem with Fiber Gigabit plan
- No annual contracts
- Built-in privacy and parental control tools
Cons:
- DSL options can be relatively expensive
- $149 installation fee for DSL plans
Please note that the rankings and reviews are based on the information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change. It is recommended to visit the respective ISP websites for the most up-to-date information and to compare plans and availability in your specific location.
4. T-Mobile Home Internet:
T-Mobile Home Internet is a very good option for those seeking fast and reliable mobile internet. With its affordable pricing and unlimited data, T-Mobile Home Internet stands out as a leader in the mobile internet market. There are no lock-in contracts or hidden fees, and customers receive a 5G Gateway device for free with their subscriptions. While the speeds may not match cable or fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet offers a reliable and affordable mobile internet solution.
Pros:
- No lock-in contracts or hidden fees
- Unlimited data
- 15-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- No fixed upload or download speeds
- No email support
5. Xfinity Internet:
Xfinity Internet provides excellent cable and fiber internet options with a range of plans to suit different needs. Whether you’re a gamer, streamer, or part of a family with multiple users, Xfinity Internet offers fast and reliable speeds. With seven plan options, including a prepaid month-to-month payment option, Xfinity Internet is accessible and affordable in 40 states. Additionally, Xfinity Internet includes fun extras bundled into their plans.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable speeds
- Multiple plan options and no-contract choices
- Fun extras bundled into plans
Cons:
- Inability to purchase Xfinity equipment
- Upselling for equipment rental
6. EarthLink:
EarthLink offers a variety of internet plans, including fiber, wireless, and satellite options, at different speeds to cater to various needs. Whether you require light streaming, gaming, or business-level internet, EarthLink has a plan for you. With no data caps, you can enjoy uninterrupted internet usage without throttling.
Pros:
- No data caps
- Wide range of plans to choose from
- Great customer service
Cons:
- Plans may be slightly more expensive compared to other ISPs
- Availability depends on location
7. Cox Internet:
Cox Internet is an excellent choice for tech-savvy customers. With features like digital data shredder, vulnerability scanner, and spyware protection, Cox ensures top-notch security. Their fast and consistent connections are optimized for your internet activities, and they offer full-house WiFi coverage and millions of hotspots across the country.
Pros:
- Affordable prices with awesome features
- Flexible plans, including prepaid internet option
- Specialized gamer mode for lag-free gaming
Cons:
- Limited availability in only 19 states
- Initial pricing may be confusing
Please note that the rankings and reviews are based on the information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change. It is recommended to visit the respective ISP websites for the most up-to-date information and to compare plans and availability in your specific location.
8. Verizon 5G Home Internet:
Verizon 5G Home Internet is a very good option for those seeking fast fiber internet. With speeds of up to 940 Mbps delivered through a network of fiber-optic cables, Verizon Fios is ideal for gamers, streamers, and heavy bandwidth users. The service comes with a 99.99% reliability rating and no long-term contracts, ensuring consistent and unlimited bandwidth.
Pros:
- High-speed connection with 99.99% reliability
- Service bundles for greater affordability
- Great option for gamers, families, and streamers
Cons:
- Limited availability in only 10 states
- No public WiFi hotspots
9. Verizon Fios:
Verizon Fios is another excellent choice for those in need of fast fiber internet. With speeds of up to 940 Mbps, Verizon Fios caters to gamers, streamers, and bandwidth-intensive users. Like Verizon 5G Home Internet, Verizon Fios offers a 99.99% reliability rating and no long-term contracts, ensuring a consistent and unlimited bandwidth experience.
Pros:
- High-speed connection with 99.99% reliability
- Service bundles for greater affordability
- Great option for gamers, families, and streamers
Cons:
- Limited availability in only 10 states
- No public WiFi hotspots
10. Viasat:
Viasat is a good option for those in remote areas. As a satellite internet service provider, Viasat offers reliable coverage across the USA, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. While Viasat plans come with data caps, you still have access to unlimited internet at slower speeds once you reach the cap. However, the prices are relatively high, and there is an additional $13 per month equipment rental fee.
Pros:
- Reliable service with fast connections available
- Excellent nationwide coverage
Cons:
- Low data caps
- Expensive pricing
Please note that the rankings and reviews are based on the information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change. It is recommended to visit the respective ISP websites for the most up-to-date information and to compare plans and availability in your specific location.
Reviewing the Top Internet Providers: Our Methodology
At Top10.com, our internet service provider reviews are based on objective facts. We conduct thorough research by visiting the internet service providers’ websites, trusted third-party sites, analyzing customer reviews, and sometimes even using the products ourselves through free trials or paid subscriptions.
While it may not always be possible to use the product throughout its entire lifecycle, our reviewers go through the signup process, interact with customer service to assess response times, and explore the functionality of the service within the review period. We also rely on information provided by the brand about their product offerings, customer reviews and complaints, ratings from independent agencies like the BBB, and trusted journalistic publications.
When evaluating internet service providers, we compare key features such as:
- Price
- Connection type
- Download speed
- Coverage
Types of Internet Service:
There are various types of internet service available, depending on availability and connection method:
- DSL (digital subscriber line): Widely available but slower.
- Cable: Offers higher speeds and better reliability.
- Fiber: The fastest internet service, with speeds exceeding 1Gbps.
- Mobile broadband: Accessing the internet through the mobile network.
- Satellite broadband: Available widely but can be expensive and slow.
The type of internet service accessible to you depends on your geographical location.
How to Choose an Internet Provider:
To help you select the right internet service provider, here are a few important factors to consider:
- Internet speed: Choose a plan that meets your specific needs, whether for gaming, streaming, or general browsing.
- Customer service: Access to reliable customer service is crucial for prompt assistance.
- Installation and equipment costs: Be aware of any additional costs associated with installation and equipment rental.
- Data caps and overage fees: Consider the data limits and potential charges for exceeding them.
- Contracts: Determine whether the provider offers contract-free service or requires a long-term commitment.
Determining the Required Internet Speed:
Deciding on the necessary internet speed can be challenging. Generally, a download speed faster than 25Mbps is considered “good,” with a 3Mbps upload speed falling into the same category. Keep in mind that actual speeds may vary from the advertised speeds.
Measuring and Testing Internet Speed:
Numerous online tools, such as Google’s native speed test, are available to measure your internet speed. Simply search “internet speed test” in Google and follow the prompts.
Determining if You Need More Internet Speed:
If you experience buffering while streaming, low-quality video playback, or lag during online gaming, it may indicate a need for a faster internet connection.
Costs of Internet Service Providers:
The average price for an internet subscription varies based on geographic location. In urban areas, simple plans can be found for $30 per month or less, while higher-speed plans are more expensive but rarely exceed $100 per month. Rural or remote areas may have limited options, with mobile broadband or satellite connections being more expensive.
Pay attention to additional fees, including installation fees, equipment rental fees, and overage fees that can result in substantial charges if you exceed your data limit.
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Internet Service Provider:
Selecting an internet service provider requires careful consideration. Take your time to understand contract terms, price structures, and plan inclusions. Follow the provided advice and invest time in researching the available options in your area.
Once you determine the type of connection and speed you need, create a shortlist of service providers that meet your criteria and conduct further research on them. In some cases, you may have limited options that offer the desired service, simplifying the selection process.
Lastly, pay close attention to hidden fees and contract terms to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.