Life without the internet is unimaginable. We are lucky enough to born in the digital age, where everything is just a few taps away. Whether you want to browse websites, binge watch TV shows or play games online, all we need is high-speed internet.
Internet is accessible almost in every area of the United States. However, you need to check the availability of internet service providers in your area to come up with a decision on which one to choose. However, things are not as easy as it seems to be. Prices, availability, data caps, and other things must be taken before finalizing the decision. Today, we are going to reveal the top internet providers in the U.S to help you find the right one. Let’s get started.
AT&T Internet
AT&T offers its services in 21 states, most prominently Florida, California, and Texas. If luckily you are currently residing in San Antonio, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, or Houston, AT&T fiber internet is the best option to go for.
AT&T Internet plans start from $49.99 per month for 12 months. And if you bundle it with other services such as AT&T TV, you can get a rebate of $10 every month. That makes it $39 per month. AT&T internet comes with no contract but charges $10 per month for renting equipment. AT&T internet DSL comes with a data cap, which is quite nominal for normal to moderate users. However, for the AT&T gig plan, you don’t need to take a look at data caps while playing games or watching movies. Enjoy unlimited data caps without worrying.
Pros
- Discounts on bundles
- Cheaper than Most ISPs
Cons
- Data cap with DSL plans
- Slow speeds on DSL
Verizon
Verizon Fios is currently offerings its services in eight states namely, Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The limited coverage of Verizon has left many people in a state of regret as they deliver up to the expectations.
Verizon internet plans start from $39.99 per month offering a download speed of 200Mbps way up to 940Mbps. Lags and buffering issues would be a thing of the past. The data limit policy of Verizon does not restrict its users to a limited data cap. Downloading, file sharing, gaming, and streaming on multiple devices can be done as much as the users want.
The installation fees of Verizon is zero if you order online. While they charge $99 for set up, which is found in most of the cases. No annual contracts mean that you are not going to pay in case of early termination. A plus point for frequent shifters and digital nomads.
Pros:
- No contracts
- Reliable service
- Economical prices
Cons
- Limited coverage
Spectrum
Spectrum is one of the best cable providers in the United States offering its services in 41 states. Charter Spectrum has expanded its coverage after merging with Time Warner Cable in 2016.
Spectrum internet plans start from $49.99 per month with 100Mbps. However, if you are looking to add up the speed, you can subscribe to Spectrum Internet Ultra offering speed up to 400Mbps at $69.99 per month. While Spectrum Internet Gig offers speed up to 940Mbps at $109.99 per month.
Spectrum also comes with no contract plan, meaning you don’t have to pay extra on early termination. Moreover, the unlimited data caps can prove to be a great deal for avid gamers, movie buffs, and downloaders.
The self-installation fee and Wi-Fi activation fee is just $9.99 while Spectrum gives free modem with its plan.
Pros:
- Unlimited data caps
- No contract
- Economical Price
Cons
- Price hike after a year
- Poor customer service
HughesNet
HughesNet offers satellite internet access to Europe and the United States. The coverage is provided in 50 states, which is a good option for rural consumers. HughesNet requires you to sign a contract for two years.
HughesNet plans start at $59.99 for 25Mbps with a 10Gb data cap. The biggest drawback of this service provider is that it only offers 25Mbps speed for all its plans, but the price increases with more data limits. The maximum data limits you would get is 50 GB for a monthly price of $150.
HughesNet unlike Spectrum and other service providers doesn’t give you surprise price hikes. The prices will remain the same throughout the services. However, if you want to terminate the services early before the contract period ends, the minimum amount charged would be $85 that could go up to $400. Buying your equipment would waive off the activation fee. While if you lease equipment, $99 would be charged for activation.
Pros
- Easy to understand plans and prices
- No Price Hikes
Cons
- Limited speed options
- Low data caps
Windstream
Windstream is the fifth biggest internet service provider offering cable, DSL, fixed wireless, copper, and fiber internet services across 50 states. Unlike AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum, Windstream offers a multitude of plans starting from 25Mbps up to 1000Mbps. You can choose from six different plans according to your needs.
Windstream’s fiber internet is available in a few areas. If you live in the coverage area, make sure to consider buying this plan that would cost you $75 per month. While the same plans would exceed $100 per month with other ISPs.
Enjoy unlimited data caps, no-contract plans, and widely available in rural areas. Keep in mind that prices will rise after a year, so be prepared to loosen your wallet (not a big deal because everyone does so).
Pros:
- Unlimited data caps
- No contracts
- Rural coverage
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Price hikes after a year
Cox
Cox is the fourth largest internet service provider in the United States covering 18 states, facilitating 20 million people. Apart from cable broadband, it also offers fiber service in limited areas, which is a great choice for heavy internet users.
Cox currently offers five plans starting from $19.99 for 10Mbps plan way up to $99.99 for 940Mbps. What haunts most of the internet users is signing a contract and Cox is not an exception. You can cancel the services within 30 days of the start of the agreement without paying a dime. However, after that, you need to pay $120 in case of early termination.
Renting equipment would cost you $10.99 per month. However, if you wish to buy the modem, Cox can offer you a Wi-Fi modem for $179.99.
Pros:
- Economical Plans
- Wi-Fi Hotspots nationwide
- Multiple Plans
Cons
- Contract for one year
CenturyLink
CenturyLink is another great option worth considering, provided that you are living in its coverage area. The service provider brings some of the best speeds at affordable prices. As most of the internet service providers surge the prices after a while, CenturyLink charges only what is being advertised.
The prices are clear and straightforward. Starting from 15Mbps to 100Mbps, CenturyLink charges $49.00 per month and remains the same for the entire time. CenturyLink Fiber Internet is something for high-end users especially those who need high-speed internet without any break. Movie lovers and hardcore gamers are not going to face any lags or disruptions while streaming or playing. Moreover, there is no contract plan and with each plan, you get a 1Tb data limit, which is more than enough, even if there are plenty of gamers and streamers at your home.
Pros
- No surprise price hikes
- No contracts
Cons
- Limited data caps
- Clumsy customer service
Xfinity
When it comes to top internet service providers in the U.S, Xfinity surely deserves a place on the list. If you want to enjoy lucrative plans, blazing speed, and low prices, Xfinity will surely meet your expectations. All of the plans come with limited data caps offering up to 1TB, which is enough to fulfill your household needs. If the data limit exceeds, you need to pay an extra $10 for an additional 50 GB.
However, if you want to enjoy unlimited data caps, just subscribe to Gigabit Pro Plan offering speed up to 2000Mbps.
Xfinity is available throughout the United States. Keep in mind that the prices may vary from one location to another. Check the availability and prices in your area before you call upon the team to install everything.
Xfinity also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee without charging extra fees. However, after that, you need to pay the fees for the remaining months of your contract. Equipment fees are higher than other service providers amounting to $13 per month.
Pros
- Reliable and stable internet connection
- No contract
- Coverage in most parts of the U.S
Cons
- Price fluctuation according to location
- Customer service not up to the mark
Mediacom
Mediacom is also one of the ISPs that you can’t afford to ignore. If you are living in the Deep South or Midwest, Mediacom is going to fulfill your requirements. Offering download speed of 60Mbps way up to 1000Mbps, Mediacom offers limited data plans. But rest assured, you are not going to pass the limits, even if you browse, stream or download heavily.
There are no contract bindings when you sign up with Mediacom. That means if you opt-out of the services early, you owe nothing to Mediacom. Just like any other service provider, Mediacom also charges for renting equipment for $11.50 per month along with a one-time activation fee of $10. You also need to pay a $99 installation fee. However, it is waived off if you order online.
Pros
- No contracts
- High-speed internet
Cons
- Limited data caps
- Additional fees
- Poor customer service
RCN Internet
RCN offers a plan for people living in the United States with download speeds as low as 25Mbps going up to 940Mbps. RCN’s higher speed plans are meant for people who are crazy about online gaming and binge-watching latest TV shows on weekends. If you fear running out of data limits, just relax because RCN offers unlimited data caps whether you subscribe to a 25Mbps plan or 940Mbps plan.
RCN offers a no-contract plan for its subscribers. That means no need to worry about paying hard-earned money even if you cancel before the said period. Use as long as you want and cancel anytime whenever you experience clumsy service.
RCN is available only in limited areas, and if you are living in its coverage area, you can subscribe to it without giving a second thought. Just like any other ISP, installation fees are $50. And if you are lucky enough, you can get free installation by applying coupon code. Also, there is a one-time activation fee of $9.99, which is the norm for many ISPs.
Pros
- Flexible Plans
- High-Speed internet
Cons
- Limited availability