The hunt for a reliable internet service provider (ISP) can be simple,complicated, or maybe a little bit of both. It is quite unusual to run into people who only have a single provider available in their neighborhood; most people have multiple choices.
Though many internet service providers collect grumblings and complaints, not every provider is a bad apple. Read on to learn about the best ones in America!
Internet Connection in America
Before you learn about the best internet providers, let’s first find out the types of internet services available in the U.S. and the total number of providers delivering these services nationwide:
| Internet Connection Type | Number of Internet Service Providers |
| DSL | 897 |
| Copper | 256 |
| Cable | 464 |
| Fiber Optic | 1,469 |
| Fixed Wireless | 1,685 |
| Mobile Broadband and LTE | 50 |
The Fastest Internet Provider by Connection Type
When exploring different internet providers, you will come across multiple connection types. There is a repetition in download speeds, for instance, fiber and cable both offer up to 1,000 Mbps download speeds. The biggest concern should be if a certain broadband type is serviceableat your address. Compared to satellite and DSL, fiber optic internet has limited coverage. Satellite internet, on the other hand, is a perfect option for rural residents, with nearly 100% coverage throughout the U.S.
| Fastest DSL internet provider | AT&T internet |
| Fastest cable internet provider | Mediacom |
| Fastest satellite internet provider | HughesNet |
| Fastest fiber internet provider | Xfinity |
Best Internet Service Providers
Of course, some internet service providers in the United States stand out among the rest. Although it is difficult to determine the best performing providers, here’s a list of the top 11 providers in terms of speed, reliability, and overall service.
- Xfinity
- Verizon Internet
- AT&T Internet
- Spectrum Internet
- Cox Internet
- RCN Internet
- CenturyLink Internet
- Frontier Internet
- HughesNet Internet
- Mediacom Internet
- Optimum Internet
Comparison: Top Internet Service Providers
| Provider | Starting Price | Internet Type | Max Download Speed |
| Xfinity Internet | $29.99 (per month) | Cable | 2,000 Mbps |
| AT&T Internet | $35 (per month) | DSL & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99 (per month) | Cable | 940 Mbps |
| Cox Internet | $29.99 (per month) | Cable & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| RCN Internet | $29.99 (per month) | Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| CenturyLink Internet | $49 (per month) | DSL & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| Frontier Internet | $37.99 (per month) | DSL & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| HughesNet Internet | $59.99 (per month) | Satellite | 25 Mbps |
| Mediacom Internet | $49.99 (per month) | Cable | 1,000 Mbps |
| Optimum Internet | $45 (per month) | Cable | 940 Mbps |
Cheapest Internet Providers
- AT&T Internet: Delivers high-speeds and reasonable DSL
- Frontier Communications: Includes affordable equipment
- Comcast XFINITY: Provides fastest maximum speed
- CenturyLink: Comes with a Price for Life guarantee
- Charter Spectrum: Offers contract buyout
- Cox Communications: Have a low subscription cost
How to Get the Best Internet Service Provider?
Follow these simple steps to find the best standalone internet plans for your home:
- Make a list of all internet service providers available in your area along with their plans, data caps, contract requirements, and other offerings.
- Set your monthly budget.
- Learn how much download speed you require.
- Estimate the amount of data you need.
- Check if there is an option to save by bundling.
- Collect reviews from people in your neighborhood.
- Compare shortlisted options
- Pick the one that perfectly fits your internet lifestyle and monthly budget limit.
Most people find the last two steps pretty confusing, but if you have your priorities set straight, it is simply a no-brainer to take the final pick. For example, let’s say good customer service is your top priority and after thorough research, you find out that only Spectrum customer service offers the best around-the-clock support and it also fits well within your budget. Now, it is just a piece of cake for you to sign up for the provider’s services.
Bottom Line
Before you shortlist your top internet providers, make sure that they offer services in your area. For this, you need to enter your Zip Code and check providers available at your address. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, some ISPs also offer bundle deals — internet + TV, internet + phone, or all three together. By bundling, you can get amazing discounts that may help you pare down your monthly bill. So, Good Luck!
