Top 10 Internet Service Providers in 2024 – Comparison & Reviews

Selecting the right internet service provider (ISP) involves balancing price, speed, infrastructure, and logistics. Price is crucial, but you must also consider the connection type that suits your needs, required speeds, and provider coverage. For instance, a family of five has different needs than a serious gamer.

In the US, there are thousands of ISPs, from large nationwide ones to smaller local ones. We’ve researched and reviewed various ISPs to present the top 10 options for 2024:

1. AT&T Internet – Best overall provider
2. Rise Broadband – Ideal for rural areas
3. CenturyLink – Best for families
4. T-Mobile Home Internet – Great for cost savings
5. Xfinity Internet – Perfect for gamers
6. EarthLink – Best for business services
7. Verizon 5G Home Internet – Best for fast uploads and downloads
8. Verizon Fios – Ideal for students and high broadband speed
9. ViaSat – Suitable for remote locations with lower speed tolerance
10. Ultra Home Internet – Limited and additional costs may be incurred

Closer Look at Our Top 10 Internet Service Providers

1. AT&T Internet: 

With AT&T, expect fast, reliable internet suited for a smart home ecosystem starting at $55 per month. The connection types include fiber and fixed internet, presenting a multitude of plans catering to diverse needs. The 1000 Mbps speed stands out for its ability to support extensive Wi-Fi use, copious data, and superior upload rates. The associated mobile app simplifies smart home management, enhancing convenience. The main drawbacks are the limited coverage for certain plans and the potential for expensive additional fees.

Pros:

• High reliability and fast speeds
• Multiple plan options
• Strong customer satisfaction record

Cons:

• Coverage may be limited for some plans
• Additional fees can be costly

2. Rise Broadband : 

Rise Broadband excels at $25/month starting price, providing high-speed internet to rural areas through wireless and limited fiber connections. The Internet Service Providers eclipses satellite alternatives in speed and cost-effectiveness, with no rental fees for personal routers and an unlimited data option. However, wireless internet may induce some latency, and unlimited data incurs an added charge.

Pros:

• Significant rural coverage
• Cost-effective plans
• No equipment rental fees with your own router

Cons:

• Latency issues with wireless connection
• Additional cost for unlimited data

3. CenturyLink: 

CenturyLink incorporates built-in security and is best suited for families, with plans starting at $55/month for DSL and $70/month for fiber. The connection types are DSL and fiber with speeds suited for various household sizes and needs. WiFi 6 technology enhances the user experience in connected homes. However, DSL might be pricey, and you may face hefty installation fees for DSL plans.

Pros:

• No annual contracts with some plans
• Advanced modem included with Fiber Gigabit plan
• Strong privacy and parental controls

Cons:

• High cost for DSL options
• Substantial DSL installation fee

4. Xfinity Internet: 

Xfinity covers families with a $19.99/month starting price and provides cable and fiber connections. It’s widely available, affordable, and offers a variety of no-contract plans bundled with additional perks. The unavailability of equipment purchases and aggressive upselling for rentals can be downsides.

Pros:

• Fast, reliable speeds
• Wide plan selection
• No-contract options with added features

Cons:

• Equipment must be rented
• Persistent upselling for rentals

5. EarthLink :

EarthLink supports a variety of needs starting at $59.95/month, providing fiber, wireless, and satellite connections without data caps. Plans scale up to 5000 Mbps to accommodate everything from light usage to intensive online activities. While costs are slightly above average, and availability is location-dependent, EarthLink’s commitment to customer service stands out.

Pros:

• A wide array of plans
• No data caps
• Excellent customer service

Cons:

• Plans can be more expensive than others
• Availability varies by location

6. Cox Internet: 

At $29.99/month, Cox Internet offers fiber connections and is best for tech-savvy customers. Its plans include strong security features, consistent fast connections, and a vast network of hotspots, plus a gamer mode for enhanced online gaming. However, Cox is available only in 19 states, and initial pricing may be unclear.

Pros:

• Advanced features at reasonable prices
• Flexible plans with prepaid options
• Optimized gaming experience

Cons:

• Limited state coverage
• Initial pricing can be unclear

7. Verizon 5G Home Internet: 

With a starting price of $25/month, Verizon 5G Home offers high-speed fiber internet, excelling in streaming and reliability. It’s an excellent option for heavy internet users, providing fast and consistent bandwidth without long-term contracts but is limited to 10 states and lacks public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast connections with high reliability
• No long-term contract requirements
• Ideal for heavy internet users

Cons:

• Restricted state availability
• No public Wi-Fi hotspot access

8. Verizon Fios: 

Verizon Fios starting from $39.99/month delivers a fiber connection best suited for families and students seeking speed. This Internet Service Provider offers impressive bandwidth and reliability but is available only in a select few states and does not include public Wi-Fi hotspots, which could be a downside for some.

Pros:

• Fast fiber speeds with high reliability
• Bundled service offerings
• Unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

• Limited state availability
• No access to public Wi-Fi hotspots

9. Viasat: 

Serving remote locations with a starting price of $69.99/month Viasat provides satellite and DSL hybrid connections, spanning an extensive area. While data caps are in place, slowed speed still allows for unlimited internet use after cap thresholds, although the cost is higher compared to other providers and includes equipment rental fees.

Pros:

• Reliable satellite service with broad coverage
• Fast connection options
• Unlimited internet after reaching data caps

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Additional equipment rental fees

10. Ultra Home Internet: 

Ultra Home Internet emerges as a staunch competitor in the market, offering robust connectivity solutions with a focus on speed and reliability. Their cost-effective packages provide an attractive choice for households and businesses alike, seeking a strong and stable internet connection without the hefty price tag. However, like many ISPs, their service area can be limited and additional costs may be incurred for premium features.

Pros:

• High-speed internet at competitive prices
• Reliable connections suitable for various uses
• Attractive plans for both residential and commercial customers

Cons:

• Coverage area may be limited
• Extra charges for advanced features

Best Internet Providers

Rank	Provider	Best For	Starting Price	Connection Type
1	AT&T Internet	Setting up a smart home	$55 per month	Fiber, fixed internet
2	Rise Broadband	Rural internet	$25/month	Wireless, fiber
3	CenturyLink	Families	$55/month (DSL), $70/month (fiber)	DSL, fiber
4	Xfinity Internet	Families	$19.99 per month	Cable, fiber
5	EarthLink – Fiber	Families, students, gamers	$59.95/mo.	Fiber, wireless, satellite
6	Cox Internet	Tech-savvy customers	$29.99 per month	Fiber
7	Verizon 5G Home Internet	Streaming	$25 per month	Fiber
8	Verizon Fios	Families, students	From $39.99 per month	Fiber
9	Viasat	Remote users	$69.99/mo.	Satellite, DSL hybrid
10	Ultra Home Internet	Coming Soon	$54.99 per month	5G/4G LTE

How to Choose an Internet Provider?

Consider these factors when choosing an ISP:

• Internet speed
• Customer service
• Installation and equipment costs
• Data caps and overage fees
• Contracts

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?

Decide based on your usage:

• Gaming or streaming requires higher speeds
• Basic browsing works with slower plans

How Much Does an Internet Service Provider Cost?

Prices vary by location:

• Urban areas offer plans for around $30 per month
• Rural areas may have more expensive options
• Beware of additional fees like installation, equipment rental, and overage fees

Final Thoughts on Picking an Internet Service Provider

Take your time selecting an ISP. Understand contract terms, prices, and plan details. Set a budget, decide on a speed, and research providers in your area. Pay attention to hidden fees and contract terms to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions