GARDEN GROVE, CA INTERNET
Find internet providers in Garden Grove, CA
Find internet offered in Garden Grove, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.
Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.
We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.
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 8 internet providers for Garden Grove, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedGarden Grove runs on a useful mix of fiber, nearly citywide cable, fixed wireless, and satellite, with fiber the option to want first. AT&T reaches 84.5% of the city overall, and its fiber tier covers about 43%, offering up to 5000/5000 Mbps for heavy work-from-home, big uploads, competitive gaming, and homes packed with devices. Frontier reaches 23.4% overall, with its up to 5000/5000 Mbps fiber tier available to about 17%, so AT&T is the broader citywide fiber bet, while Frontier can be excellent where it is installed. Local pockets vary sharply: AT&T fiber leads East Garden Grove in ZIP 92840 and Little Saigon in 92843, while Frontier fiber dominates West Garden Grove in 92845 and ZIP 92846. Spectrum is the practical next choice, reaching 97.0% of Garden Grove with up to 1000/35 Mbps cable, and its gigabit tier is available across that same roughly 97% footprint. For most students at Coastline Community College or Concorde Career College who stream, browse, use Zoom, and game, cable may be plenty and usually cheaper, so ask whether you truly need multi-gig fiber. Fixed wireless from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T can be a budget backup, but student apartments and older buildings should be checked for copper or DSL limitations. If neither fiber nor cable reaches your exact address, Starlink is the true satellite fallback, so confirm availability street by street and verify that an apartment unit is actually wired for fiber.
Best plan here: Internet 2 Gig — faster than 94% of all internet options in California
- Internet 2 GigCable2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$80Per month
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum 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 Garden Grove
Up to 2,000 Mbps on Spectrum Internet 2 Gig can handle multiple 4K streams, large downloads, and busy connected households. With a Speed Score of 94/100, this cable plan is a reliable choice and well above Garden Grove’s 67 average top speed score. Spectrum covers 97.0% of Garden Grove, and each listed plan, including the 2,000 Mbps tier, reaches 97.0%, though exact availability should still be confirmed at your address.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s Internet 2 Gig plan offers up to 2,000 Mbps over cable, which is excellent for busy households with 4K streaming, gaming, and many connected devices. Spectrum is a strong option in Garden Grove, with its cable plans available to 97.0% of the city, including up to 1,000 Mbps for $60/mo for the first 12 months and up to 500 Mbps for $40/mo for the first 12 months, but check your exact address before choosing the slower 100 Mbps plan for more demanding use.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
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 Garden Grove
5G Fixed Wireless can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, with Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload speeds with a strong 87/100 Speed Score. The 5G Home plan provides up to 300/75 Mbps with an 80/100 score, and both plans reach 66.4% of Garden Grove, while Verizon’s overall coverage is 71.2%, so confirm that 5G service is available at your exact address.
About Verizon
Verizon offers 5G fixed wireless, which can handle streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with up to 1,000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home. These are strong fixed wireless speeds, priced at $45/mo promotional then $70/mo for 5G Home Plus or $35/mo promotional then $60/mo for 5G Home, but availability is address-dependent: both plans reach 66.4% of Garden Grove, while Verizon’s overall coverage is 71.2%. Check your exact address before choosing, since fixed wireless performance can vary and Verizon does not offer a wired fiber or cable option here.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per 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 Garden Grove
Starting at $35/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T offers up to 300 Mbps both ways on fiber with an 80/100 Speed Score, while $50/mo gets up to 1,000 Mbps both ways with a 91/100 score and $95/mo gets up to 5,000 Mbps both ways with a 98/100 score. Fiber is the option to want and an excellent choice for performance, with AT&T’s top score well above Garden Grove’s 67 average, but these fiber plans reach 42.8% of the city, compared with AT&T’s 84.5% overall coverage. Check your exact address because Internet Air, a fixed wireless alternative with up to 300 Mbps both ways and an 80/100 score, reaches 40.9% and may be less consistent than fiber.
About AT&T
At $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, AT&T offers excellent value with up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, while its up to 1,000 Mbps fiber plan costs $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo. Fiber is the option to want and reaches 42.8% of Garden Grove, while AT&T covers 84.5% of the city overall and offers up to 300 Mbps fixed wireless in 40.9%, so check your exact address for fiber before settling for the more limited fallback.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
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 Garden Grove
Households seeking competitive speeds for streaming, work, and everyday browsing may find T-Mobile a practical choice, with its Amplified and All-In 5G Fixed Wireless plans offering up to 498 Mbps and an 80/100 speed score, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps with the same score, all above Garden Grove’s 67 average. T-Mobile’s overall service reaches 89.7% of the city, but these 5G Fixed Wireless plans are available to 53.5%, so your exact address determines whether this option is available and how it compares with other connection types.
About T-Mobile
Households that want strong everyday performance for streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices may find T-Mobile’s 5G Fixed Wireless internet a good fit, with up to 498 Mbps and a Speed Score of 80/100. T-Mobile reaches 89.7% of Garden Grove, but these plans are available to 53.5% of the city, so check your exact address before choosing among Amplified Home Internet at $60/mo, All-In Home Internet at $70/mo, or Rely Home Internet at $50/mo.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fiber 7 Gig — faster than 99% of all internet options in California
- Fiber 7 GigFiber7,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$109.99Per month
- Fiber 5 GigFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$89.99Per month
- Fiber 2 GigFiber2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$64.99Per month
- Fiber 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$49.99Per month
- Fiber 500Fiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month
- Fiber 200Fiber200 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month
Source: Frontier 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 Garden Grove
Frontier’s up to 7000 Mbps Fiber 7 Gig plan, with a 99/100 Speed Score, can handle multiple simultaneous 4K streams, competitive gaming, large downloads, and heavy uploads. Fiber is an excellent choice and a top-tier option in Garden Grove, especially since this score is well above the city’s average top speed score of 67. Check your exact address because Frontier covers 23.4% of the city overall, while its fiber plans reach 16.9%.
About Frontier
Frontier’s headline option is fiber with up to 7,000 Mbps both ways, easily handling multiple 4K streams, large uploads, gaming, and busy households. Fiber is the option to want here, with plans from $29.99 per month, but Frontier reaches 23.4% of Garden Grove overall and these fiber plans reach 16.9%, so check your exact address before counting on the service.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
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 Garden Grove
Satellite internet offers broad reach and useful speeds for everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency can make gaming and video calls less consistent. Starlink covers 100.0% of Garden Grove, with plans offering up to 400 Mbps at a Speed Score of 70/100, up to 200 Mbps at 46/100, or up to 100 Mbps at 46/100, and each plan is listed across 100.0% of the city. The 400 Mbps plan is competitive with Garden Grove’s average top speed score of 67, but satellite is best treated as a fallback where wired alternatives are unavailable, so check what other technologies reach your exact address first.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink 100.0% coverage across Garden Grove and can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and home use, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming or video calls. Its fastest option, Residential – Max, offers up to 400 Mbps for $130/mo with a Speed Score of 70/100, while 200 Mbps for $85/mo and 100 Mbps for $55/mo are available citywide; check your exact address for cable or fiber first, and consider Starlink mainly as a fallback where faster wired service is unavailable.
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 Garden Grove
At $64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/mo, Elite buys up to 100 Mbps over satellite with a Speed Score of 29/100, so the value reflects broad availability more than strong performance. Fusion also offers up to 100 Mbps with a 29/100 score, while Select offers up to 50 Mbps with a 4/100 score and Lite up to 25 Mbps with a 1/100 score. HughesNet reaches 100.0% of Garden Grove, but satellite has higher latency and more limited real-world performance than wired connections, so check what other providers can serve your exact address first.
About HughesNet
Starting at $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps, while $64.99/mo for the first 12 months gets you up to 100 Mbps with Elite, though satellite service offers limited value for heavy streaming, gaming, or work. HughesNet reaches 100.0% of Garden Grove, but its plans have speed scores from 1/100 to 29/100, so check your exact address for faster wired options first and consider HughesNet mainly as a fallback where those options are unavailable.
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 Garden Grove
Viasat is a fallback rather than a top performance choice in Garden Grove. Its satellite Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 4/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps and 4 Mbps with a score of 1/100, despite both reaching 100.0% of the city. Because satellite has higher latency and limited performance compared with the city’s average top speed score of 67, consider checking other providers first at your address.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is best viewed as a fallback rather than a first choice, since its satellite service covers 100.0% of Garden Grove but offers relatively slow speeds and high latency. Viasat Essentials costs $69.99/mo for up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up, so check for faster cable or fiber options at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Garden Grove
All 29 product lines from 8 providers that actually serve this city, with the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 29 plans
- SpectrumInternet 2 Gig2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$80Per month~97%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$60$70Per month~97%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40$50Per month~97%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~66.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload58Our score$30Per month~97%CoverageCable
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~66.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~53.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Garden Grove providers head-to-head
See how Garden Grove’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Garden Grove
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Check AT&T fiber first; if unavailable, Spectrum cable is the practical roommate fallback.
AT&T's 5-Gig fiber reaches about 43% citywide, while Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 97%.
Check first: Confirm address-level fiber before splitting service costs or settling for slower alternatives.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose fiber first—AT&T or Frontier—then use Spectrum cable where fiber misses.
AT&T fiber reaches about 43% of Garden Grove; Frontier fiber reaches about 17%.
Check first: Citywide provider coverage does not guarantee fiber at your address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Prefer fiber first, especially AT&T's up-to-5-Gig tier or Frontier fiber where available.
Fiber offers symmetrical 5,000/5,000 Mbps tiers, but each reaches only part of the city.
Check first: Verify the specific fiber tier; provider coverage and tier reach are different.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Check fiber first, then Spectrum cable; use satellite only when wired service misses your address.
Spectrum's cable tier reaches about 97% of the city, while Starlink reaches about 100% overall.
Check first: Satellite is a fallback, not the first choice where fiber or cable is available.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Garden Grove
East Garden Grove
AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber households.
In East Garden Grove's 92840, AT&T fiber reaches 67.1%, ahead of Spectrum cable at 31.1%.
Little Saigon (Garden Grove area)
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber-first home offices.
Little Saigon's 92843 lists AT&T 5-Gig fiber at 55.5%, versus Spectrum cable at 37.2%.
West Garden Grove
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Multi-gig fiber.
West Garden Grove's 92845 lists Frontier 5-Gig fiber at 64.8% and 7-Gig fiber at 23.6%.
ZIP 92842
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Widely available cable.
ZIP 92842 is led by Spectrum cable at 55.2%, while AT&T 5-Gig fiber reaches 44.8%.
Internet providers near Garden Grove
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Garden Grove, check the neighboring market directly.
Garden Grove Internet FAQs
What is the best and fastest internet provider in Garden Grove?
AT&T is Garden Grove’s fastest broad fiber choice: its 5,000/5,000 Mbps tier reaches about 43% of the city, while AT&T coverage overall is 84.5%. Check your address for fiber first; Spectrum’s 1,000/35 Mbps cable tier reaches about 97% as the widely available wired alternative.
Can I get fiber in Garden Grove?
Yes—AT&T’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 43% of Garden Grove, and Frontier’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 17%. Check your address for fiber first, then consider Spectrum cable, whose 1,000/35 Mbps tier reaches about 97% of the city where fiber is unavailable.
What is the cheapest internet option in Garden Grove?
Frontier has the lowest advertised promotional starting rate, with plans from $29.99/mo. Its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 17% of Garden Grove, so check fiber availability first; Spectrum cable is the practical widely available alternative at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo.
What internet speed do I need for a busy Garden Grove household?
For a busy household, target up to 1,000 Mbps: Spectrum’s 1,000/35 Mbps cable tier reaches about 97% of Garden Grove. Check fiber first for better connection quality and symmetrical speeds, then use cable when fiber is unavailable at your address.
Is fiber internet available in West Garden Grove?
Yes—West Garden Grove’s ZIP 92845 lists Frontier 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber across 64.8% and 7,000/7,000 Mbps fiber across 23.6%. Check your exact address because ZIP-level tier percentages do not guarantee service at every home, and fiber should be checked before cable.
How We Analyze Internet in Garden Grove
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 Garden Grove report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Garden Grove
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.