LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Find internet providers in Laguna Beach, CA
Find internet offered in Laguna Beach, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Laguna Beach, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Laguna Beach, CA, your best bet is Cox Communications, covering ~92% of the city with FCC-filed speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. In North Laguna’s 92651, though, Frontier fiber is the local leader at 66.7%, while Cox serves 26.4%, so this neighborhood can favor a different choice. ZIP 92652 is even more fiber-heavy, with Frontier reaching 76.0% there compared with Cox at 16.9%. That local split is useful context for South Laguna, Woods Cove, and Top of the World, where availability can change quickly from one street or building to the next. For students at Laguna College of Art and Design, apartments near campus may have a different lineup, and older DSL or copper infrastructure can be a headache for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Verizon and T-Mobile are worth checking as fixed-wireless alternatives, with Verizon reaching 77% of the city at up to 300/20 Mbps and T-Mobile reaching 48% at up to 100/20 Mbps. Frontier also reaches 57% of the city with fiber speeds up to 7000/7000 Mbps. Confirm the exact address before signing up, since FCC coverage can shift block by block.
Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 94% of all internet options in California
- 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115Per month
- 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100Per month
- 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85Per month
- 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$50Per month
Source: Cox Communications 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
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Laguna Beach
Cox Communications is a reliable cable choice in Laguna Beach, with its 2 GIG plan scoring 94/100, above the city average of 69, and offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. That plan is available to 91.3% of the city, while the 1 GIG plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 90/100 score, so confirm availability at your address.
About Cox Communications
Cox is a strong choice for most Laguna Beach households, with cable plans offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, including a 2 GIG option with a 94/100 Speed Score. That faster cable service is available to 91.3% of the city, but check your address because the 100 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload StraightUp plan is much more limited for modern heavy use and has a 58/100 Speed Score.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
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 Laguna Beach
Up to 7000 Mbps both ways can comfortably handle multiple 4K streams, competitive gaming, and heavy work-from-home use, and Frontier’s 99/100 Speed Score is above Laguna Beach’s city average of 69. Its fiber service is an excellent, top-tier option, although availability depends on your address and the Fiber 7 Gig plan reaches 56.9% of the city, so check eligibility before choosing it.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest option offers up to 7000 Mbps both ways, easily supporting multiple 4K streams, online gaming, large uploads, and many connected devices at once. Its listed plans are all excellent fiber options, available to 56.9% of Laguna Beach, so Frontier is a strong choice if fiber reaches your address, but check availability before counting on these speeds.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
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 Laguna Beach
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection can support everyday streaming, video calls, and online work, though wireless conditions may make performance less consistent than wired service. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with an 87/100 Speed Score, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with an 80/100 score. Both plans are available to 79.2% of Laguna Beach and score above the city’s 69 average, but confirm your address before choosing the plan.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless can support modern households, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices practical. Fixed wireless performance can vary by location and signal, so confirm your address is covered within the 79.2% availability before choosing, and check for faster wired options first if Verizon is not available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- 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 Laguna Beach
Households looking for home internet for streaming, remote work, and multiple users may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service practical, with plans offering up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up or up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up. Both plans have a Speed Score of 80/100, above Laguna Beach’s city average of 69, so the service is competitive, though fixed wireless can be more variable than wired connections. Because availability depends on the address, check yours carefully: these plans reach 68.8% of the city.
About T-Mobile
Households that stream, video-call, and connect several devices at once may find T-Mobile a good fit, with 5G Fixed Wireless plans offering up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up, or up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up. The faster All-In plan is $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, while Rely is $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both have a Speed Score of 80/100, but fixed wireless is available to 68.8% of Laguna Beach and can be less consistent than fiber or cable, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Laguna Beach
Satellite internet can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 70/100, about the same as Laguna Beach’s city average of 69, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 46/100. Each listed plan is shown as available to 100.0% of Laguna Beach, but confirm your address and consider checking other available options if low latency or stronger performance is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad reach, but its higher latency can make real-time uses such as gaming and video calls feel less responsive than fiber or cable. All three plans show 100.0% availability in Laguna Beach, with speeds up to 400 Mbps, 200 Mbps, or 100 Mbps, so Starlink is a practical option where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for a fiber or cable alternative first if responsiveness and consistently strong performance matter.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 80% 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 Laguna Beach
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps both ways with an 80/100 Speed Score, a competitive value available to 38.1% of Laguna Beach. AT&T Fiber is the top-tier option where your address qualifies, including up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a 98/100 Speed Score, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber. AT&T’s 80/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 69, so check your address to see whether you can get fiber or only Internet Air.
About AT&T
AT&T’s $35/mo introductory Fiber 300 plan buys up to 300 Mbps, while $50/mo gets up to 1,000 Mbps on Fiber, making these excellent values where available, although those rates rise after the first 12 months. Fiber is highly address-dependent, with Fiber 300 and Fiber 1 GIG available to 1.4% of Laguna Beach, while Internet Air costs $55/mo for up to 300 Mbps and reaches 38.1% of the city, so check for fiber first because fixed wireless can be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
West Coast Internet
Speeds up to 500 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 80% 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
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Laguna Beach
West Coast Internet is a solid cable option, offering up to 500 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload with a strong Speed Score of 80/100. This plan reaches 5.7% of Laguna Beach, so confirm cable availability at your specific address before signing up.
About West Coast Internet
West Coast Internet is a strong option for households at eligible addresses, but its reach in Laguna Beach is limited. Its cable plan offers up to 500 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, with an 80/100 Speed Score that makes it excellent for most uses, but coverage is only 5.7%, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in California
- 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 Laguna Beach
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 69. Satellite service can have higher latency and limited upload performance for gaming, video calls, and large uploads, while the lower-cost Select and Lite plans drop to up to 50/5 and 25/3 Mbps with Speed Scores of 4/100 and 1/100. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Laguna Beach, but confirm availability at your address and check what other technology options reach it before choosing satellite.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, while $49.99/mo Select offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, and $94.99/mo Fusion offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, so the value is limited for modern households. All three satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Laguna Beach, but satellite’s latency and below-average speed scores make it wise to check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
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 Laguna Beach
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Laguna Beach, so consider checking other providers first. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan is available to 100.6% of the city and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 4/100, below the city average of 69. The Viasat Unleashed plan is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 1/100, and satellite service can have higher latency for activities such as gaming and video calls.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is best treated as a fallback in Laguna Beach, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service before signing up. Its satellite service is listed across 100.0% of the city, but the fastest plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo with a 4/100 Speed Score, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo with a 1/100 score, which may not be enough for busy households, video calls, or gaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Laguna Beach
All 28 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 28 plans
- Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115$154Per month~91.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100$124Per month~91.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$74Per month~91.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85$94Per month~91.3%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~79.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~79.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- FrontierFiber 7 Gig7,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$109.99Per month~56.9%CoverageFiber
- FrontierFiber 5 Gig5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$89.99Per month~56.9%CoverageFiber
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~68.8%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.
Best Fit by Household Type in Laguna Beach
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Frontier Fiber 500 for 500 Mbps where its 56.9% plan footprint reaches your address.
North Laguna’s ZIP 92651 has 66.7% Frontier fiber coverage, supporting shared schoolwork and streaming.
Check first: Confirm address availability; Frontier’s overall 61.7% footprint exceeds its 56.9% fiber-plan reach.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Frontier Fiber 1 Gig where its 1,000 Mbps plan reaches 56.9% of Laguna Beach.
ZIP 92652 shows 76.0% Frontier fiber coverage, useful for work connectivity where available.
Check first: Confirm the address: Frontier’s 7,000/7,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 57%, not its full 61.7% footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Prefer Frontier Fiber 1 Gig for 1,000 Mbps where its 56.9% reach serves your address.
Cox’s 1,000 Mbps cable plan reaches 91.3% citywide, providing a broader wired fallback.
Check first: Check address eligibility before assuming Frontier’s higher fiber speeds are available in Downtown Laguna Beach.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $55/mo, reaching 100% of Laguna Beach.
Starlink’s 100 Mbps plan reaches 100%, while Frontier Fiber 500 reaches 56.9%, making satellite the broader listed option.
Check first: Confirm your address and plan before ordering, although Starlink’s listed reach is 100%.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Laguna Beach
North Laguna
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber for shared households.
Frontier fiber covers 66.7% of ZIP 92651, compared with Cox cable at 26.4%.
ZIP 92652
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Broadest listed wired option.
Frontier fiber covers 76.0% of ZIP 92652, while Cox cable reaches 16.9%.
North Laguna
Frontier is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Frontier leads this ZIP with 66.7% best-address share.
ZIP 92652
Frontier is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Frontier leads this ZIP with 76.0% best-address share.
Internet providers near Laguna Beach
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Laguna Beach, check the neighboring market directly.
Laguna Beach Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Laguna Beach?
Frontier’s Fiber 7 Gig is the fastest listed plan at 7,000 Mbps, reaching 56.9% of Laguna Beach. Check your address because that fastest technology has a smaller footprint than Frontier’s 61.7% overall coverage across the city.
Can I get fiber in Laguna Beach?
Yes—Frontier Fiber 500 reaches 56.9% of Laguna Beach, while AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 1.4%. Address-level checking matters: ZIP 92651 shows Frontier fiber at 66.7%, and ZIP 92652 shows 76.0%, so availability can vary by street within Laguna Beach.
What is the cheapest internet option in Laguna Beach?
Frontier Fiber 500 is Laguna Beach’s cheapest plan: a promotional starting rate of $29.99/mo for 500 Mbps, reaching 56.9% of the city. Confirm address eligibility before choosing it, because Frontier’s fiber footprint does not cover every Laguna Beach address.
What internet speed do I need for gaming and streaming in Laguna Beach?
For gaming and streaming, start with Frontier Fiber 500 at 500 Mbps, which reaches 56.9% of Laguna Beach. Where Frontier fiber is unavailable, Cox offers plans up to 2,000 Mbps across 91.3% of the city, subject to address eligibility.
Is fiber available in North Laguna?
Yes—Frontier fiber covers 66.7% of ZIP 92651, identified here as North Laguna. Cox cable covers 26.4% there, while Starlink’s listed ZIP footprint is 2.6%, so check the exact North Laguna address before selecting service there.
How We Analyze Internet in Laguna Beach
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 Laguna Beach report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Laguna Beach
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.