5 Best Internet Providers in the USA

Without a doubt, the internet is the most essential thing in this tech-savvy world. From communicating with your friends and family to activating smart home appliances, everything needs the internet nowadays. As of November 2024, the Pew Research Center found that in the USA, almost 80% of people have internet service at home.

There are tons of internet service providers all over the country, each of which has availability by location. However, choosing the right internet provider for your home is quite a task. For this reason, we have curated a list of some of the best Internet providers that are affordable yet have a great performance.

1.      AT&T Internet

AT&T Internet is one of the most popular telecommunication services in the United States. Fiber internet is a great option to go for if you need good and consistent speed. That works great if you are into gaming and streaming online. For this, AT&T internet is a great choice.

Pros of this internet service:

• Provides free equipment,
• Pay no annual charges,

AT&T All-Fi Wi-Fi includes an app through which you can control your internet settings. During times of technical issues, a friendly tech service is also available at all times.

AT&T starts its internet services from around $55 and goes up to $155 per month, plus taxes*, varying by speed plans that include 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 GIG, 2 GIG, and 5 GIG. The 2 GIG and 5 GIG plans include AT&T All-Fi Pro, which provides equipment upgrades, extended coverage, and advanced security.

If you want a reliable connection with high-speed internet up to 5 GIG, AT&T is your best bet.

*Note: Prices are subject to change; visit website for details.

2.      Google Fiber

Want a safer option where you don’t have to worry about prices rising every year? Google Fiber is the perfect match. This internet service has been providing the same fast and stable internet access at the same prices for a long time.

Why should you get this?

• No fee for equipment,
• No installation charges,
• Stable prices.

What makes it more preferable is its battery backup. Google Fiber has three types of plans: core, home, and edge, with prices starting from $70 a month to $150 a month.

Moreover, you don’t have to worry about a power outage when you have a Google Fiber device with 2 hours of battery life (available for home and edge only). Core has 1 Gig internet, which is perfect for a small house or a dorm room. Home, with 3 Gig internet, lets you stream, play, and work online flawlessly.

Edge has 8 Gig internet, helpful especially for businesses. Its specification of a 25% refund on the total bill when the internet is not working for more than 45 minutes is the highlight of the service.

3.      Spectrum

Another well-known internet service provider is Spectrum, which offers a cable connection. Its advantages are:

• Fast speed,
• Free modem

It has four types of internet packages. The basic plans start around $30, and higher-tiered speed plans go over $70; however, the prices are subject to change. They have Gig plans for larger households, which allow up to 10 devices connected at a time.

The prices may also increase after 12 months when the promo period ends, but this is different for all plans. Spectrum provides users to have free access to Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.

One of its best features is the parental controls, making it safe for users with children to have a secure environment while browsing online. This service is perfect for users who want a stable internet on a budget.

4.      Xfinity

Xfinity internet service is one of the most popular when it comes to home internet, in the U.S. Xfinity has a feature bundling the internet plan that is loved by people, especially by those who love streaming online.

You can get discounts from them on OTT platforms like Peacock, Netflix, Apple TV+, etc., depending on what is on the list at the time.

Its best features are:

• affordable plans
• reliable fast internet speed
• user-friendly app

Xfinity offers a variety of services like Xfinity Wi-Fi, Xfinity hotspots, and Xfinity Mobile. Its price ranges from $55/month to $100/month for Xfinity Wi-Fi. It also offers a fiber connection, “Gigabit Pro” for $300. There may be internet contracts, which you’ll have to find out about. Do ask questions about the plan you pick so you know all its details.

While this internet is a great option, you might have to look out for a few things, like data caps (on select plans), and there may be an increase in prices after 12 months or 60 months (depending on your contract).

5.      Astound

Astound is a name popular in many cities, like New York, due to its award-winning internet services. This internet has exceptional speed with budget-friendly internet plans.

Its highlighted specifications are:

• Same-day installation is possible,
• Deals for new customers according to the location.

Astound offers various plans with prices starting from $30 per month, with a maintenance fee of around $17 with each plan. It also offers one free month of internet service when you choose a plan.

Table for Comparison:

Final Verdict

Although the internet is a necessity, it does not come cheaply. Given above are some of the reliable, transparent, and most of all light on your pockets, providers. These ISPs provide you with easy and fast downloading, good quality online streaming, and so much more.