Wilmington, DE Internet
Internet Providers in Wilmington, DE
Compare every internet provider in Wilmington, DE: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 67% of the city. If Verizon fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps reaching about 19% of the city. Citywide, Xfinity’s cable network is the practical front-runner, while Verizon’s fiber is concentrated in select pockets rather than broadly available everywhere.
The local split is clear in the larger ZIPs: Xfinity leads 19804 and 19805, and is especially strong in the Delaware College of Art and Design area, Brandywine Village, and Trolley Square. Forty Acres is the standout Verizon pocket, with fiber reaching most of the area, while 19807 and 19808 are the best ZIPs to check for Verizon’s fastest fiber. Students near Delaware College of Art and Design should verify their apartment’s exact options, since older buildings can still have aging copper or DSL infrastructure and may not match nearby homes. T-Mobile and AT&T are worth a look for budget fixed-wireless service, with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps where available. Coverage changes street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing, especially for reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming.
Best Internet Providers in Wilmington, DE
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in Delaware
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload82Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload74Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload68Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan reaches about 99% of Wilmington, giving most shoppers a strong chance of qualifying at their address. With up to 1200 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 82/100, cable is a solid, reliable choice for most households, while Xfinity’s headline Speed Score of 90/100 is above Wilmington’s city average of 46; verify your address because available plans can vary.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.1% of Wilmington, so most residents have a good chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are excellent for most households, including up to 2 Gig with a Speed Score of 90/100, while up to 1.2 Gig is available to about 99% of the city; the fastest options are address-dependent, so check your exact address to see whether the 2 Gig plan is offered.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 74% of all internet options in Delaware
- 1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift CardFiber940 MbpsDownload74Our score$89.99Per month
- 500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber500 MbpsDownload74Our score$74.99Per month
- 300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber300 MbpsDownload68Our score$49.99Per month
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload68Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Verizon’s fiber service is a strong choice for streaming, gaming, and work, with the 1 Gig plan offering up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus low-latency performance. Its 74/100 Speed Score is above Wilmington’s city average of 46 and is available to about 77% of the city. Availability depends on your address, and where fiber is unavailable, 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 68/100 Speed Score, so confirm the technology offered before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s fiber plans offer excellent service for streaming, gaming, and working from home, with up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus symmetrical speeds on the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps options. Fiber is available to about 77% of Wilmington, while the 5G Home fallback reaches about 26% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address first because availability and performance are location-dependent.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 74% of all internet options in Delaware
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload74Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload74Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload74Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Households seeking affordable internet for everyday use, streaming, and work may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service a competitive option, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 74/100, above Wilmington’s city average of 46. Fixed wireless is generally adequate but can be less consistent than wired connections, while the $35 Rely plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. Availability depends on the address, with these plans reaching about 60% of Wilmington, and the offers require a qualifying postpaid voice bundle.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a solid fit for households that want good everyday speeds and can use fixed wireless, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 74/100. The plans are available to about 60% of Wilmington, so service is address-dependent, and fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users; check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 68% of all internet options in Delaware
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload68Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
At $40/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 68/100 that is above Wilmington’s city average. Availability is address-specific, covering 48.2% of the city, and because fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, consider checking other providers first if your address qualifies for alternatives.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
At $40 per month for the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households, though its below-average 68/100 Speed Score reflects that it is not a top-performing option. This fixed wireless plan is available to about 48% of Wilmington, and performance can vary by address, so check for faster fiber or cable alternatives before choosing it, especially if you have a busy household, work from home, or need consistently strong upload speeds.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 74% of all internet options in Delaware
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload74Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload52Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload15Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but its higher latency may feel less responsive than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a Speed Score of 74/100, above the city average of 46. That plan is available to 100.0% of Wilmington, though performance can vary by address, so check what other connection types are available before choosing satellite.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad availability and can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and many work-from-home needs, though its latency can be less ideal for fast-paced gaming or other real-time uses. Its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a good 74/100 Speed Score, while the up to 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans cost $85 and $55 per month; since fiber or cable may be available at your address, check those faster, lower-latency options first, especially if you have demanding household needs.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 85% of all internet options in Delaware
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload15Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload13Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance satellite option compared with alternatives in Wilmington, with a headline Speed Score of 15/100, below the city average of 46. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability across 100% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month and has a Speed Score of 13/100. Because address-level availability and real-world satellite performance can vary, consider checking other providers first if your address supports a faster technology.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a widely available fallback, but it should not be your first choice if faster internet is available at your address. Its satellite plans reach about 100% of Wilmington, with Viasat Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both have below-average Speed Scores, so check for fiber, cable, or another faster option first, especially for streaming, video calls, and multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 85% of all internet options in Delaware
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload15Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our 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
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its satellite service has a 15/100 Speed Score, below Wilmington’s city average of 46. Satellite’s high latency and limited performance make this a weaker value for demanding use compared with other technologies, so consider checking what else is available at your address. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Wilmington, but actual performance can still vary by location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service delivers below-average value for modern heavy streaming, gaming, and work needs. All three plans are available to about 100% of Wilmington, yet satellite’s high latency and limited performance mean you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Wilmington
All 21 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 21 plans
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload82Our score$100Per month~99%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month~99%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload74Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload74Our score$45$55Per month~99%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload68Our score$40Per month~99%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100Per month~66.7%CoverageCable
- Verizon500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card500 MbpsDownload74Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~77.4%CoverageFiber
- Verizon1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift Card940 MbpsDownload74Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~77.4%CoverageFiber
- Verizon300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card300 MbpsDownload68Our score$49.99Per month~77.4%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload52Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
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 Wilmington
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose T-Mobile Rely Home Internet for 400 Mbps at $35/mo for 12 months with required bundle conditions.
Its 400 Mbps plan reaches about 60% of Wilmington, supporting shared streaming and coursework.
Check first: Confirm availability; the promotional rate requires qualifying credit, postpaid voice, and a new Internet line.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber 1 Gig for 940 Mbps where its fiber network reaches about 77% of Wilmington.
Its 940/880 Mbps fiber tier offers strong upload performance for video calls and large file transfers.
Check first: Fiber availability varies by address, including within Wilmington neighborhoods and ZIPs.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 1.2 Gig for 1,200 Mbps reaching about 99% of Wilmington.
The cable tier combines high capacity with broader availability than Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier.
Check first: The 2,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 67% of Wilmington.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 200 Mbps, available everywhere in Wilmington.
Starlink provides a consistent availability option where wired providers may not reach an address.
Check first: Check satellite service suitability for your home's equipment and usage needs.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington 19801
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 95% of Downtown Wilmington's ZIP 19801.
Forty Acres 19803
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber availability.
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber tier covers about 41% of ZIP 19803, its largest listed share there.
Trolley Square 19806
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 61% of Trolley Square's ZIP 19806.
Brandywine Village 19802
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable coverage.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 79% of Brandywine Village's ZIP 19802.
Internet providers near Wilmington
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Wilmington, check the neighboring market directly.
Wilmington Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Wilmington, DE?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 67% of Wilmington. Verizon is faster where available, offering 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber to about 19% of the city, so check your address before choosing.
What is the fastest internet in Wilmington, DE?
Verizon fiber is fastest where available, reaching 2,048/2,048 Mbps at about 19% of Wilmington addresses. Xfinity is the best overall provider, with its 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaching about 67%, making address-level availability the deciding factor.
Which internet provider covers the most of Wilmington, DE?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite footprint, covering about 99% of Wilmington with its overall network. Satellite providers are available everywhere, while Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps cable tier also reaches about 99% and offers substantially more capacity than satellite plans.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Wilmington, DE?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest plan at $35/mo promotional pricing for 400 Mbps, reaching about 60% of Wilmington. The offer lasts 12 months and requires qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line in a bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in Wilmington?
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 19% of Wilmington, while its 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 77%. Fiber availability is address-specific, so an address in Forty Acres, Trolley Square, or another neighborhood may differ.
What internet speed do I need in Wilmington?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Wilmington households, and Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches about 99% of the city. Larger households with simultaneous streaming, gaming, and remote work should consider 500 Mbps or higher.
Which internet provider is best in Downtown Wilmington?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 95% of Downtown Wilmington's ZIP 19801. That makes Xfinity the strongest local starting point, but verify the exact address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every property.
How We Analyze Internet in Wilmington
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Wilmington report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Wilmington
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.