The best internet provider for you is one that has a reliable network, is transparent with customers, is eager to provide great customer service, and offers pricing that is affordable.

Methodology

Providers earning a ranking fulfill essential prerequisites. Elements include customer feedback, support avenues, geographic coverage, ancillary services, pricing range from the most affordable to the premium plans, expert setup options, availability of unlimited data packages, and bundled service offerings.

• AT&T Internet: Available in 22 states, plans start at $55; has good ratings and strong customer support. AT&T mobile coverage extends throughout most but not all of the U.S.
• Fios by Verizon: Available in 7 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (Including Washington, DC); plans start at $25; has good ratings and good customer support.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: 5G or 4G LTE coverage is available in all 50 states but mostly near metropolitan areas. Plans start at $50; has great ratings and good customer support.
• Cox Communications: Allconnect internet service is available in 19 states plus the District of Columbia; plans start at $49.99; has good ratings and good customer support.
• Xfinity: Available in 39 states; plans start at $35; has good ratings and good customer support.
• CenturyLink: Available in 17 states; plans start at $30; has very good ratings and great customer support.
• Astound Broadband: Available in 12 states; plans start at $55; has good ratings and good customer support.
• Google Fiber: Available in 10 states in metropolitan areas; plans start at $70; has very good customer ratings and exceptional customer support.
• Spectrum: Available in 41 states; plans start at $50; has good ratings and has significantly improved customer support.
• Windstream: Available in 18 states, plans start at $39.99; has great customer ratings and great customer support.

What is an Internet Service Provider?

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company or organization that offers users access to the internet and related services. They play a crucial role in connecting homes, businesses, and institutions to the vast global network of the internet. IPSs maintain infrastructure and manage service to customers.

• Functionality: ISPs provide the technical and telecommunication solutions to offer users internet connectivity. This includes both the infrastructure (like cables, routers, and servers) and the services (like email, web hosting, and domain name registration).
• Types of ISPs: Residential ISPs: Cater to homeowners and individual users. They typically offer broadband connections like DSL, cable, or fiber-optic services.
• Mobile ISPs: Offer internet access through mobile networks. Users can access the internet using mobile devices or mobile hotspots.
• Rural ISPs: Specialize in bringing the internet to less densely populated or remote areas, often using satellite or fixed wireless connections.
• Connection Methods: ISPs can deliver internet connectivity through various means, including DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, fiber-optic, satellite, and cellular networks.
• Additional Services: Beyond just internet access, many ISPs offer related services such as email accounts, VPN services, web hosting, and domain registration.
• Regulation and Role: ISPs are subject to regulations and laws of the country they operate in. These regulations can pertain to issues like net neutrality, data retention, and privacy. They also play a role in cybersecurity, as they can detect and mitigate certain types of cyber threats.
• Billing: ISPs typically charge a monthly fee based on the speed and type of connection. Some might have data caps, where users are limited to a certain amount of data each month, while others offer unlimited data.

How to Choose an Internet Service Provider

• Speed: Determine the download and upload speeds the ISP offers. Ensure it meets your requirements, especially if you frequently stream videos, play online games, or work from home.
• Reliability: A consistent connection is crucial. Research if the ISP is known for stable service without frequent outages.
• Coverage Area: Ensure the ISP offers service in your location. Some providers might not cover rural or specific urban areas.
• Cost: Compare the pricing of different plans. Look for any hidden fees, installation charges, or equipment rental costs.
• Contract Terms: Some ISPs require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month services. Check for any early termination fees.
• Data Caps: Investigate if there are any data limitations. Some providers might have monthly data caps, after which the speed may be throttled or additional charges may apply.
• Customer Service: Consider the reputation of the ISP's customer support. Prompt and effective customer service can be invaluable when facing issues.
• Equipment: Check if you need to rent or purchase equipment (like modems or routers) from the ISP or if you can use your own.
• Bundling Options: Some ISPs offer bundle packages that include TV, phone, and internet services, which might save you money.
• Security Features: Look for ISPs that offer additional security features, such as anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewall protections.
• Additional Services: Some providers might offer email accounts, cloud storage, or other additional services as part of their packages.
• Customer Reviews: Read reviews from current or past customers to get insights into the performance and reliability of the ISP.
• Installation Process: Consider whether the ISP offers professional installation or if it's a DIY process. There might be associated fees.
• Promotional Offers: Some ISPs provide promotional rates for new customers. However, be aware that these rates might increase after the promotional period ends.
• Environmental Impact: If it's a concern for you, research the company's environmental initiatives or policies.

Internet Service Types

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): DSL uses telephone lines to transmit digital data. Pros: Widely available and often more affordable than other types. Cons: Speed can be affected by the distance from the service provider's central office.
• Cable: This service uses the same coaxial cable lines as cable television. Pros: Faster than DSL in many cases. Cons: Speed can decrease during peak usage times since bandwidth is shared among users in the same locality.
• Fiber-Optic (Fiber): Uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals. Pros: Offers the fastest speeds available and is more reliable than other types. Cons: Limited availability as it requires specific infrastructure.
• Satellite: Uses satellites to beam internet data to a dish installed at the user's location. Pros: Available almost everywhere, especially in rural areas where other services might not reach. Cons: Depending on the provider, connections may be slower and more expensive than other options. Latency can be an issue. Newer technology is resolving these issues but may not be available in all rural areas.
• Fixed Wireless: Uses antennas to transmit internet data between two fixed locations. Pros: Useful in areas without wired infrastructure. Cons: Can be affected by weather and obstructions.
• Mobile (Cellular) Broadband: Uses cellular networks to provide internet access, typically through mobile hotspots or smartphones. Pros: Portable and available wherever there's cellular coverage. Cons: Data caps are common, and speeds can vary based on network congestion.
• Dial-Up: An older technology that uses telephone lines to connect to the internet. Pros: Almost universally available. Cons: Significantly slower than other options and ties up the phone line when in use.
• Broadband over Powerlines (BPL): Delivers internet over existing electrical power lines. Pros: Utilizes existing infrastructure. Cons: Limited availability and can be affected by electrical interference.

Internet Bundles

Internet bundles, often referred to as "bundled services" or "package deals," are offerings by service providers where multiple services are combined into a single package, usually at a discounted rate compared to purchasing each service separately. Here's a breakdown of what internet bundles typically entail.

• Internet: The primary service, with varying speeds and data limits based on the package.
• Television (TV): This can include basic cable channels, premium channels, or even satellite TV services.
• Landline Telephone: Traditional home phone service with local and/or long-distance calling.
• Mobile Phone Service: Some providers offer mobile phone plans as part of their bundles.
• Home Security: Some providers include home security monitoring and equipment in their bundles.

• Cost Savings: Bundling often provides a discount compared to purchasing each service individually.
• Convenience: Customers receive one consolidated bill for multiple services, making management easier.
• Promotional Offers: Providers often offer promotional rates, additional features, or premium channels for a limited time to new bundle subscribers.
• Unified Customer Support: Having a single point of contact for issues related to any of the bundled services can simplify troubleshooting.

• Contract Terms: Bundles might require a long-term contract, which can include early termination fees.
• Promotional Periods: The discounted rate might only apply for a specific period, after which prices could increase.
• Actual Needs: It's essential to evaluate whether you need all the services in the bundle. For instance, if you rarely watch TV, a bundle that includes a TV package might not be cost-effective.
• Bundle Limitations: Some bundles might have restrictions, such as data caps on the internet service or limited channels for TV.
• Customizable Bundles: Some providers allow customers to customize their bundles, choosing the services they want to include. This flexibility can be beneficial for customers with specific needs.

How Much Does Internet Service Cost?

The average monthly internet bill in the U.S. is $75.75. A normal range is between $60 and $90 per month for the internet. However, if you live in a rural or remote area where satellite internet is your best option, you will likely pay more for a connection fast enough to handle multiple devices streaming and large file uploads and downloads. Your location is the first factor in the type of internet service available for your home.

How to Negotiate Lower Rates

• Request to speak with Customer Retention: Instead of speaking with regular customer service, ask to speak with the customer Retention or Loyalty department. Their primary goal is to keep customers from switching to another provider, so they often have more authority to offer discounts or promotions.
• Express Willingness to Switch: Politely mention that you've seen better offers from competitors and are considering switching. This can prompt them to offer you a better deal to retain your business.
• Ask About Promotions: Sometimes, there are ongoing promotions that you might not be aware of. Simply asking can reveal discounted rates or added services.
• Discuss Contract Terms: If you're open to committing to a longer-term contract, they might offer you a better monthly rate.
• Bundle Services: If the provider offers other services (like TV or phone), consider bundling them with your internet. This can often lead to overall savings.
• Inquire About Lower-Tier Plans: If you're not utilizing the full speed or capacity of your current plan, consider downgrading to a lower-tier plan that still meets your needs.
• Mention Past Loyalty: If you've been a long-term customer, bring it up. Companies often value loyal customers and might offer special rates or bonuses to keep them.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: If negotiations aren't going in your favor, be prepared to end the conversation and consider switching providers. Sometimes, the mere act of starting the cancellation process can prompt better offers.
• Regularly Review Your Bill: Keep an eye on your monthly bill for any unexpected rate increases. If you notice any, call and inquire about them.
• Negotiate Regularly: Rates and promotions change over time. Make it a habit to call and negotiate every year or whenever your contract is up for renewal.

Remember, the key is to be persistent, polite, and well-informed. Even if you don't get a reduced rate, you might be offered additional services or perks at no extra cost. We’re not saying these will work in your situation but they are worth a try.

How to Pick an Internet Service Provider for Gaming

Choosing the right internet service for gaming is crucial to ensure a smooth and lag-free experience.

• Speed Requirements: Download Speed: While gaming itself doesn't require very high download speeds, updates and game downloads can. A speed of at least 25 Mbps is recommended for most gamers, but if multiple people are using the network, you might want higher speeds.
• Upload Speed: This is crucial for online gaming, especially if you're playing competitively or streaming your gameplay. Aim for at least 3-5 Mbps of upload speed.
• Latency (Ping): Low latency is vital for gaming. A ping below 20ms is excellent, but anything up to 50ms can still provide a good gaming experience. Higher pings can result in noticeable lag.
• Data Caps: Some ISPs have monthly data limits. Given that modern games can have large updates, it's essential to ensure you won't exceed any data caps. Unlimited data plans are ideal for heavy gamers.
• Reliability: A consistent connection is more important than raw speed. Look for providers known for stable service without frequent outages.
• Type of Connection: Fiber-optic is the best choice for gaming due to its fast speeds and low latency. Cable is also suitable for most gamers, though it can suffer from peak-time slowdowns. DSL can be adequate, but it's not the best choice for competitive gaming. Satellite and Fixed Wireless often have higher latency and aren't ideal for gaming.
• Equipment: Ensure you have a high-quality modem and router. Some routers are specifically designed for gaming, prioritizing gaming traffic to reduce lag.
• Network Traffic: If multiple people are using your network simultaneously (e.g., streaming, downloading), it can affect your gaming experience. Consider this when choosing your speed requirements.
• Local Servers: Check if the games you play have servers located near you. Connecting to a nearby server can significantly reduce latency.
• Customer Service: Good customer support can be invaluable if you face issues. Check reviews and ratings for the ISP's customer service.
• Contract and Pricing: Consider the contract length, monthly costs, potential hidden fees, and the possibility of prices rising after a promotional period.
• Reviews and Recommendations: ook for reviews from other gamers in your area. They can provide insights into the real-world performance of the ISP.
• Additional Features: Some ISPs might offer gaming-specific features, such as optimized routing for reduced latency.