ALAMEDA, CA INTERNET
Find internet providers in Alameda, CA
Find internet offered in Alameda, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.
Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Alameda, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedFiber leads: AT&T reaches 78% of the city with fiber offering up to 5000/5000 Mbps, while Sonic.net reaches 51% with up to 10000/10000 Mbps. Sonic has the higher ceiling, but AT&T is more available, and multi-gig fiber suits heavy remote work, big uploads, competitive gaming, and device-packed homes. East End (94501) favors Sonic.net across 59.1% of the ZIP, while Bay Farm Island (94502) favors AT&T fiber at 69.9%, so West End and Gold Coast still require address checks. Next, Xfinity cable reaches 42% of the city with up to 2000/300 Mbps and 73% with up to 1200/35 Mbps, plenty for most streaming, browsing, and video calls, and often the smarter, cheaper choice than fiber. At College of Alameda, student apartments can differ from nearby homes, and old DSL or copper may hinder Zoom, streaming, and gaming. For a budget backup, Unwired Ltd covers 100% of the city with licensed fixed wireless up to 300/25 Mbps, while Verizon and T-Mobile also have address-specific fixed wireless. If neither fiber nor cable reaches you, satellite such as Starlink is the true fallback, so confirm coverage street by street and verify an apartment unit is actually wired for fiber.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
At $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG offers up to 5000 Mbps download and 5000 Mbps upload. Its 98/100 Speed Score is above Alameda’s city average of 69, making it a top-tier option for demanding internet use, and this plan is available to 78.2% of the city. Because AT&T also offers fixed wireless, fiber availability depends on your specific address, so confirm that the fiber plan reaches your home before choosing it.
About AT&T
Starting at $35/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T offers fiber speeds up to 300 Mbps, while $50/mo gets up to 1000 Mbps or 500 Mbps, and $95/mo gets up to 5000 Mbps, all with matching upload speeds. Fiber is available to 78.2% of Alameda, making AT&T an excellent choice at eligible addresses, while Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo and reaches 55.4% of the city, though fixed wireless can be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in California
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber1,200 MbpsDownload90Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
Xfinity reaches only 4.0% of Alameda, so availability at your address is limited. Where its fiber is available, it is an excellent choice: the 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a 91/100 Speed Score, while Xfinity’s 90/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 69, so confirm that this fiber option reaches your address.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches only 4.0% of Alameda, so most residents have a low chance of ordering these plans. At eligible addresses, its fiber service is excellent, with up to 1000 Mbps both ways for $60/mo for the first 12 months and a Speed Score of 91/100, making it worth checking your address, though shoppers outside that small footprint should compare other providers first.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Sonic.net
Speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Plans start at $40 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 100% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
For the monthly price shown, Sonic.net offers up to 10000 Mbps download and 10000 Mbps upload, delivering exceptional value for the speed. This fiber plan is an excellent, top-tier option with a 100/100 speed score, but availability is address-dependent and reaches 51.2% of Alameda, so verify that fiber service is available at your address.
About Sonic.net
For the monthly price quoted at your address, Sonic.net offers excellent value with fiber providing up to 10000 Mbps download and 10000 Mbps upload, plus a 100/100 Speed Score. This top-tier option is available across 51.2% of Alameda’s census blocks, so check your address to confirm that Sonic’s fiber service is available to you.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 87% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
5G fixed wireless can support streaming, video calls, gaming, and work from home, though performance may vary with local network conditions. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 87/100, above Alameda’s city average of 69. The 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100. Both plans are available to 74.7% of Alameda, so confirm service at your address and compare other connection types if consistent low-latency performance is especially important.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle streaming, video calls, and many connected devices, with plans offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload or up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. These are excellent advertised speeds, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, and availability is address-dependent across 74.7% of Alameda, so check your address and compare faster wired options before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Amplified Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- Amplified Home Internet$60/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$60Per month
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
Streaming households and remote workers who want fast advertised download speeds may find T-Mobile a competitive fit. Its 5G Fixed Wireless plans offer up to 498 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 80/100, above Alameda’s city average of 69. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, and availability reaches 64.4% of Alameda, so verify your address and compare the technologies available there.
About T-Mobile
For households that mainly stream, browse, and make video calls, T-Mobile can be a good fit, with 5G fixed wireless plans offering up to 498 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Fixed wireless is an adequate option rather than a fiber or cable equivalent, and service is available to 64.4% of Alameda, so check your address and compare any faster wired alternatives before signing up.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Unwired Ltd
Speeds 50–200 Mbps
Plans range $55–$175 /mo *
Best plan here: Residential 200 Mbps — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- Residential 200 MbpsFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload72Our score$175Per month
- Residential 150 MbpsFixed Wireless150 MbpsDownload71Our score$135Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsFixed Wireless100 MbpsDownload58Our score$85Per month
- Residential 50 MbpsFixed Wireless50 MbpsDownload47Our score$55Per month
Source: Unwired Ltd official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
With a Speed Score of 72/100, Unwired Ltd’s top fixed wireless plan offers up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, enough for streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices. That score is above Alameda’s 69 city average, making it a competitive choice, and the plan is listed as available to 100.0% of the city, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired alternatives, so verify performance at your address.
About Unwired Ltd
Up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload can handle HD streaming, video calls, and several connected devices, making Unwired Ltd’s fastest plan a solid fit for everyday home use. All of its listed plans use fixed wireless, which can vary with local conditions, so consider checking for a faster fiber or cable option at your address if you need especially consistent service for heavy uploads or many simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in California
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
Satellite internet offers broad reach, but its higher latency can be noticeable in gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan provides up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 70/100, about the same as the city average of 69, making it a competitive satellite option for streaming and everyday use. The plan is listed as available to 100.0% of Alameda, though local conditions at your specific address can affect real-world performance, so check other available technologies first if low latency is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad reach across Alameda, covering 100.0% of the city, but its higher latency can be limiting for fast-paced gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses. The Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, while lower-priced options provide up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo or 100 Mbps for $55/mo, also with 30 Mbps upload. It is a practical choice where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive needs.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Elite — slower than 71% of all internet options in California
- Elite$64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$64.99Per month
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload4Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
At $64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/mo, HughesNet’s Elite plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is only 29/100. That score is below the city average of 69, and satellite’s high latency means limited performance compared with other technologies for activities such as gaming and video calls. Elite is available to 100.0% of Alameda, but check which technologies reach your specific address before signing up.
About HughesNet
At $64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/mo, HughesNet’s Elite plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score and satellite technology make it a modest value for modern internet use. Since satellite service can have high latency, check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, while Elite is available to 100.0% of Alameda as a broad-coverage fallback for homes without better choices.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 96% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload4Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Alameda
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Alameda, so consider checking other providers first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users. Its satellite Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 4/100, below the city average of 69, and is listed as available to 100.0% of Alameda. The Unleashed plan is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 1/100, while satellite service can also have higher latency than wired connections.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Alameda, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address first. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of the city, but Viasat Essentials offers only up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo, with satellite latency that can make video calls, gaming, and other modern uses less reliable.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Alameda
All 27 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 27 plans
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95$135Per month~78.2%CoverageFiber
- Unwired LtdResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload72Our score$175Per month~100%CoverageFixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50$90Per month~78.2%CoverageFiber
- Unwired LtdResidential 150 Mbps150 MbpsDownload71Our score$135Per month~100%CoverageFixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~74.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~78.2%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$75Per month~78.2%CoverageFiber
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~74.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Unwired LtdResidential 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload58Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageFixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Alameda
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose AT&T Fiber 300 at a $35/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 78.2% of Alameda.
It combines Alameda’s lowest listed price with broad fiber reach.
Check first: Confirm your address; 78.2% reach does not mean every Alameda home qualifies.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Sonic.net’s 10,000 Mbps fiber where available; it reaches 51.2% of Alameda.
Symmetrical fiber suits video calls, uploads, and many simultaneous devices.
Check first: Sonic.net publishes no pricing, so verify address-level availability before deciding.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG at a $95/mo promotional starting rate for 5,000 Mbps, reaching 78.2% of Alameda.
Its listed symmetrical fiber speed supports gaming, streaming, and substantial uploads where available.
Check first: Confirm fiber at your address; AT&T’s 95.9% overall footprint is not fiber coverage.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Alameda.
Its basic satellite footprint reaches approximately 100% citywide, useful where wired options are unavailable.
Check first: Compare address-level eligibility because wired and wireless footprints vary by provider.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Alameda
East End
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for Broadest listed fiber availability.
ZIP 94501’s Sonic.net fiber reaches 59.1% in the East End, versus AT&T fiber’s 21.7%.
Bay Farm Island
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber coverage on Bay Farm Island.
ZIP 94502’s AT&T fiber reaches 69.9% on Bay Farm Island, ahead of Xfinity cable at 29.2%.
East End
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Sonic.net leads this ZIP with 59.1% best-address share.
Bay Farm Island
AT&T is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
AT&T leads this ZIP with 69.9% best-address share.
Internet providers near Alameda
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Alameda, check the neighboring market directly.
Alameda Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Alameda, CA?
Sonic.net is the fastest listed provider, offering 10,000 Mbps symmetrical fiber where available, with that fiber reaching 51.2% of Alameda. AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 78.2%, so check your address before choosing based on maximum speed.
Can I get fiber internet in Alameda, CA?
Yes—AT&T and Sonic.net offer fiber, reaching 78.2% and 51.2% of Alameda respectively. ZIP 94502 shows AT&T fiber at 69.9%, while ZIP 94501’s Sonic.net fiber reaches 59.1%, so address-level checking remains important.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Alameda, CA?
AT&T Fiber 300 is Alameda’s cheapest listed plan at a $35/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 78.2% of the city. Confirm your address because the plan’s stated reach is not universal across Alameda.
What internet speed do I need for my Alameda household?
A 300 Mbps plan is Alameda’s lowest listed AT&T fiber tier and reaches 78.2% of the city. Heavier simultaneous use can justify AT&T Fiber 1 GIG at 1,000 Mbps, which has the same 78.2% fiber reach; verify address availability.
Is fiber available in Alameda’s East End?
Yes—Sonic.net fiber reaches 59.1% of ZIP 94501, the East End, while AT&T fiber reaches 21.7% there. Check your address because ZIP-level percentages do not guarantee service at every East End home in Alameda.
How We Analyze Internet in Alameda
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Alameda report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Alameda
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.