The right internet plan depends on your usage, location, and budget. This guide compares major providers, explains what speeds you actually need, and helps you avoid hidden fees.
Top Picks 2025
- Best Overall: Verizon Fios (fiber, no contracts)
- Best Coverage: Xfinity (nationwide availability)
- Best Value: T-Mobile Home Internet ($50/mo)
- Best for Gaming: AT&T Fiber (low latency)
- Best No Contract: Spectrum (no contracts, no data caps)
Major Internet Providers Compared
| Provider | Type | Starting Price | Top Speed | Rating |
|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | $50/mo | 2,000 Mbps | ★★★★★ |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $55/mo | 5,000 Mbps | ★★★★★ |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | $70/mo | 2,000 Mbps | ★★★★★ |
| Xfinity | Cable | $35/mo | 1,200 Mbps | ★★★★☆ |
| Spectrum | Cable | $50/mo | 1,000 Mbps | ★★★★☆ |
| T-Mobile 5G Home | 5G Wireless | $50/mo | 245 Mbps avg | ★★★★☆ |
What Internet Speed Do You Need?
Speed Recommendations
- Basic browsing/email (1-2 people): 25-50 Mbps
- HD streaming (2-4 people): 100-200 Mbps
- 4K streaming + gaming (4+ people): 300-500 Mbps
- Work from home + heavy use: 500+ Mbps
- Multiple gamers/streamers: 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps)
Internet Types Explained
| Type | Speed Range | Reliability | Availability |
|---|
| Fiber | 500-5,000 Mbps | Excellent | ~40% of US |
| Cable | 100-1,200 Mbps | Good | ~90% of US |
| DSL | 25-100 Mbps | Fair | ~85% of US |
| 5G Home | 100-1,000 Mbps | Good | Growing |
| Satellite | 25-100 Mbps | Fair (latency) | Everywhere |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Equipment rental: $10-15/month for modem/router (buy your own!)
- Installation fees: $50-150 (often waived with promotion)
- Price increases: Promotional rates expire after 12-24 months
- Data caps: Overage fees ($10-30 per 50GB)
- Early termination: $10-20 per remaining month (contract plans)
- Broadcast TV fee: Hidden $15-25/month for bundles
How to Save on Internet
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy your own modem/router: Saves $120-180/year
- Negotiate after promo expires: Call and ask for retention deals
- Bundle strategically: Only if you need the services
- Check for low-income programs: ACP, Lifeline, provider programs
- Don't overpay for speed: Most households need 200-300 Mbps
- Skip extras: Security suites, cloud storage (get elsewhere)
Best Router Recommendations
| Router | Price | Best For | Speed Support |
|---|
| TP-Link Archer AX50 | $130 | Budget WiFi 6 | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Netgear Nighthawk AX12 | $400 | Large homes | Up to 2 Gbps |
| Google Nest WiFi Pro | $200+ | Mesh coverage | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Eero Pro 6E | $300+ | Easy setup, mesh | Up to 2 Gbps |
Choosing the Right Provider
- Check availability: Enter your address on provider sites
- Compare actual prices: Including fees and after promo
- Read reviews: Customer service and reliability matter
- Check data caps: Avoid providers with strict limits
- Consider contracts: Month-to-month offers flexibility
- Look for bundles: Only if you need the other services
Internet for Specific Needs
Work From Home
- Minimum: 100 Mbps (video calls work well)
- Recommended: 200-300 Mbps (multiple calls, uploads)
- Fiber preferred for reliable upload speeds
Gaming
- Speed: 100+ Mbps is plenty
- Latency: <30ms ping is key (fiber best)
- Wired connection: More stable than WiFi
Streaming Household
- 4K streaming: 25 Mbps per stream
- Multiple 4K TVs: 200-300 Mbps
- No data caps: Important for heavy streaming