Des Moines, IA Internet
Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
Compare every internet provider in Des Moines, IA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
Updated| Rank | Provider | Speed Score | Coverage in Des Moines | Up to | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  MetronetBest overall | 98 | 79% | – | – |
| 2 |  Mediacom XtreamBroad backup | 75 | 96% | 300 Mbps | $30/mo |
| 3 |  CenturyLink | 82 | 96% | 940 Mbps | $55/mo |
| 4 |  Quantum Fiber | 97 | 33% | 8,000 Mbps | $50/mo |
| 5 |  Google FiberFastest where available | 99 | 22% | 8,000 Mbps | $70/mo |
| 6 | ICS Advanced | 82 | 1% | – | – |
Mediacom Xtream is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 96% of the city. Google Fiber reaches about 22% of the city with fiber speeds up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps; if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice. Where Mediacom does not reach, CenturyLink is the broadest backup, mostly DSL across about 96% of the city, with its fastest common DSL tier reaching about 8% at up to 140 Mbps.
Fiber is the variable. Fiber reaches 99% of Drake University (50311) but only 74% of Downtown (50309). Find your neighborhood on the map.
Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
Best plan here: Internet 300 — faster than 75% of all internet options in Iowa
- Internet 300$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/moCable300 MbpsDownload75Our score$30Per month
- Mediacom Internet 100 Mbps$30/mo for 12 monthsCable100 MbpsDownload20Our score$30Per month
Source: Mediacom Xtream 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
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
At $30 per month, Internet 300 offers up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload for the first 24 months, making it a solid cable option for typical streaming, gaming, and household use. Its Speed Score of 75/100 is above Des Moines’s city average of 64, so it delivers competitive value, though the price rises to $40 per month after 24 months. Availability depends on your address, and this plan reaches 96.2% of Des Moines, so check your location before choosing it over other available technologies.
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 Mediacom Xtream
At $30 per month, Mediacom Xtream’s Internet 300 plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload for 24 months, then $40 per month, making it a strong-value cable option for most households. It is available to about 96% of Des Moines and has a 75/100 Speed Score, while the $30-per-month Internet 100 plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for 12 months, so most shoppers should start by checking whether the faster plan is available at their address.
Available Plans
Cable
Speed Score: Faster than 98% of all internet options in Iowa
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Metronet Holdings is an excellent choice for households that need top-tier performance for streaming, gaming, work, and many connected devices, with fiber offering up to 5120 Mbps download and 5120 Mbps upload and a plan Speed Score of 98/100. That score is well above Des Moines’s average top speed score of 64, though fiber availability depends on your specific address and reaches about 79% of the city.
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 Metronet Holdings
Metronet Holdings is a great fit for households that stream heavily, work from home, game online, or have many connected devices, thanks to its fiber plan with up to 5120 Mbps both ways. That excellent option is available across about 79% of Des Moines census blocks, so check your address to confirm service.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Fiber Internet – up to 940 Mbps — faster than 82% of all internet options in Iowa
- Fiber Internet – up to 940 MbpsFiber940 MbpsDownload82Our score$75Per month
- CenturyLink Internet 100 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months (Paperless billing or prepay required; speed may not be available in your area)DSL100 MbpsDownload20Our score$55Per month
Source: CenturyLink 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
CenturyLink is an excellent choice where its fiber service is available, with a Speed Score of 82/100 that is above Des Moines’s city average of 64. The Fiber Internet plan offers up to 940 Mbps download and upload for $75 per month, and is available to about 29% of the city. Address-level availability matters because some locations may instead receive the DSL plan, which offers up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload for $55 per month and has a limited Speed Score of 20/100, so check your address and consider checking other providers first if fiber is unavailable.
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 CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a strong option for modern internet needs, but the best experience depends on your address. Its fiber plan offers excellent speeds of up to 940 Mbps both ways and is available to about 29% of Des Moines, while the DSL fallback reaches about 28% and offers only up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, which may feel limiting for busy households. Check your address for fiber first, since the DSL option may be adequate for basic use but not sufficient for heavier streaming, work, or gaming.
Available Plans
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: Fiber 2G — faster than 97% of all internet options in Iowa
Badge = fastest plan reaching at least 5% of the city. Fiber 8G scores higher but reaches ~2%.
- Fiber 8GFiber8,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$165Per month
- Fiber 3GFiber3,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$70Per month
- Fiber 2GFiber2,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$70Per month
- Fiber 1 GigFiber940 MbpsDownload82Our score$80Per month
- Fiber 500Fiber500 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month
Source: Quantum Fiber 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Fiber is an excellent choice for low-latency gaming, streaming, video calls, and busy households. Quantum Fiber’s Fiber 1 Gig plan offers up to 940 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 82/100 and availability to 33.3% of Des Moines, while the provider’s overall 97/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 64. Available tiers vary by address, so the faster Fiber 2G, Fiber 3G, and Fiber 8G plans may not reach your home.
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 Quantum Fiber
Quantum Fiber uses fiber, which is excellent for streaming, video calls, gaming, and other demanding home internet needs, with plans offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways. Coverage is address-dependent: the up to 2,000 Mbps Fiber 2G plan reaches about 29% of Des Moines, while the up to 940 Mbps Fiber 1 Gig and up to 500 Mbps Fiber 500 plans reach 33.3%, so check your address for the fastest fiber option and do not assume availability throughout the city.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 8 Gig — faster than 99% of all internet options in Iowa
- 8 GigFiber8,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$150Per month
- 5 GigFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$125Per month
- 2 GigFiber2,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$70Per month
Source: Google Fiber 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Homes with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or many connected devices will find Google Fiber an excellent choice, with up to 8,000 Mbps both ways and a 99/100 Speed Score. Its top score is above Des Moines’s city average of 64, and the 1 Gig plan is also a strong value at up to 1,000 Mbps both ways, with an 82/100 Speed Score and availability to about 23% of the city. Address availability matters because these fiber plans reach only about 22% of Des Moines, so confirm that Google Fiber’s fiber service is offered at your address.
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 Google Fiber
Google Fiber is an excellent fit for households that stream heavily, work from home, game online, or have many connected devices, with fiber plans offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways. Its 8 Gig plan reaches about 22% of Des Moines, so availability is highly address-dependent, but eligible homes have top-tier choices ranging from 1 Gig to 8 Gig, while homes outside the fiber footprint should check for other fast providers before settling for a slower connection.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
ICS Advanced Technologies
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Iowa
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Up to 1000 Mbps symmetrical fiber can comfortably handle 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. The 1000 Mbps fiber plan scores 82/100, making it an excellent, top-tier option and above Des Moines’s 64 average. Availability depends on your address, so confirm that this fastest fiber tier reaches your home before choosing it.
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 ICS Advanced Technologies
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways is an excellent fiber option for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple users at once. ICS Advanced Technologies also offers up to 250/250 Mbps and 50/50 Mbps fiber, but availability is highly address-dependent, so check whether the fastest plans reach your home first. The up to 10/1 Mbps option is mainly suitable for basic browsing and may not be enough for modern households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 75% of all internet options in Iowa
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload75Our 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though performance can vary more than wired service. Its Speed Score of 75/100 is above Des Moines’s city average of 64, making it a competitive option. The plan is available to about 71% of the city, so confirm that 5G Home reaches your specific address before signing up.
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 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and typical household use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. This plan is available to about 71% of Des Moines, and at $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid mobile plan, it is worth checking your address and comparing any faster fiber or cable options before signing up.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 79% of all internet options in Iowa
- 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 MbpsDownload79Our 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 MbpsDownload79Our 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 MbpsDownload79Our 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 Des Moines
For households seeking a budget-friendly connection for streaming, browsing, and everyday work, T-Mobile Rely Home Internet offers speeds up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month. Its fixed wireless service has a Speed Score of 79/100, above Des Moines’s city average of 64, making it a competitive option, though performance can be less consistent than wired connections. Availability is address-specific, with this plan reaching about 44% of the city, so confirm service at your location before choosing it.
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 good fit for households that want solid everyday performance, including streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a 79/100 Speed Score. The faster 500 Mbps options and 400 Mbps Rely plan are available to about 44% of Des Moines, so check your address carefully, since fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber and other providers may offer better availability.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 75% of all internet options in Iowa
- 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 MbpsDownload75Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T 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 Des Moines
At $40/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload over fixed wireless, a strong value backed by a 75/100 Speed Score above Des Moines’ city average of 64. Fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, and this plan is available to 53.4% of Des Moines, so check your address and compare available technologies 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 AT&T
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers good value for up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a solid choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday use. Its Speed Score of 75/100 is better than average, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber, so check your address first because this plan is available to about 53% of Des Moines.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 79% of all internet options in Iowa
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload79Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload20Our 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 Des Moines
Satellite internet offers broad availability, but its higher latency can be noticeable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan provides up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a 79/100 Speed Score that is above Des Moines’s average of 64, making it a competitive satellite choice. It is available to 100.0% of the city, though checking other technologies at your address is worthwhile if low latency or more consistent performance matters most.
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
Starlink uses satellite internet, so it can provide broad access and respectable everyday performance, with the Residential Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for larger households, streaming, and work from home. It reaches 100% of Des Moines, but satellite service can have higher latency than fiber or cable, so check your address for faster wired options first, especially if you need consistently responsive gaming, video calls, or heavy uploads.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 80% of all internet options in Iowa
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload20Our 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 MbpsDownload5Our 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 Des Moines
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 20/100 Speed Score is below Des Moines’ city average of 64, limiting its value at that price. Satellite service can have higher latency and more limited real-world performance than other technologies, so even with availability across 100.0% of Des Moines, check what else reaches your address before choosing HughesNet.
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 provides below-average performance and may not be the best value for demanding modern internet use. The plans reach 100% of Des Moines, yet satellite’s higher latency can affect video calls, gaming, and streaming, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options before choosing HughesNet.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 81% of all internet options in Iowa
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload19Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload11Our 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 Des Moines
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Des Moines, with a headline Speed Score of 19/100 versus the city average of 64. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability to 100% of the city, but satellite service can have higher latency and weaker real-world performance. Because address-level availability and plan options can vary, check what other technologies are offered at your specific address 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a reasonable fallback, but you should check for faster internet options first because its satellite plans are below average for speed and can have higher latency. Viasat Essentials is the better choice here, with up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month and availability to 100% of Des Moines, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Des Moines
All 26 product lines from the 10 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 26 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload79Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Mediacom XtreamInternet 300$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/mo300 MbpsDownload75Our score$30$40Per month~96.2%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload75Our score$60Per month~71.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)300 MbpsDownload75Our score$40Per month~53.4%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-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 Mastercard400 MbpsDownload79Our score$35$50Per month~43.6%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-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 Mastercard500 MbpsDownload79Our score$45$60Per month~43.6%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-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 Mastercard500 MbpsDownload79Our score$55$70Per month~43.6%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Quantum FiberFiber 2G2,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$70Per month~29.3%CoverageFiber
- Quantum FiberFiber 1 Gig940 MbpsDownload82Our score$80Per month~33.3%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Des Moines providers head-to-head
See how Des Moines’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Des Moines
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Mediacom Xtream Internet 300 for 300 Mbps at $30/mo for the first 24 months.
It reaches about 96% of Des Moines, including much of Downtown Des Moines.
Check first: Confirm your address, because Mediacom does not reach every city block.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Metronet fiber where available for symmetrical 5,120 Mbps service.
Metronet reaches about 79% of Des Moines, supporting demanding video calls and uploads.
Check first: Its published data includes no pricing, so verify the address and monthly cost.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Google Fiber 8 Gig where available for symmetrical 8,000 Mbps service.
Google Fiber reaches about 22% of Des Moines, including 90% of ZIP 50311.
Check first: The 8,000 Mbps tier is limited to about 22% city coverage.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential 100 Mbps at $55/mo, available everywhere in the city.
Starlink provides citywide availability where wired options may not reach the address.
Check first: Confirm satellite suitability for your property before choosing a plan.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code and Neighborhood in Des Moines
How much of each Des Moines ZIP code can get fiber, and which wired providers file service there. Tap a ZIP code on the map, or type yours.
Blocks with fiber50%65%80%90%
All of Des Moines
87% of the city can get fiber
- Mediacom Xtreamcable96%
- Metronetfiber79%
- Quantum Fiberfiber33%
- CenturyLinkfiber30%
86% of the city can choose between two or more cable or fiber providers.
All 12 residential ZIP codes in Des Moines
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Any fiber | Mediacom Xtream cable | Metronet Fiber | Quantum Fiber | 2+ choices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50309 | Downtown, East Village, Western Gateway | 74% | 98% | 54% | 25% | 73% |
| 50310 | Beaverdale, Merle Hay, Lower Beaver | 98% | 100% | 96% | 50% | 98% |
| 50311 | Drake University, Drake Neighborhood, Waterbury | 99% | 100% | 98% | 50% | 99% |
| 50312 | Ingersoll, Grand Avenue, South of Grand | 94% | 100% | 86% | 30% | 94% |
| 50313 | Highland Park, Oak Park, North Des Moines | 85% | 92% | 78% | 32% | 82% |
| 50314 | River Bend, Mondamin, Cheatom Park | 81% | 99% | 64% | 30% | 80% |
| 50315 | South Side, Watrous South, McKinley | 93% | 99% | 92% | 31% | 93% |
| 50316 | Union Park, Capitol Park, Fairground | 91% | 97% | 84% | 36% | 89% |
| 50317 | East Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Highland Park East | 86% | 94% | 74% | 36% | 83% |
| 50319 | State Capitol Complex | 82% | 94% | 72% | 22% | 79% |
| 50320 | South Des Moines, Southeast Des Moines, Easter Lake | 85% | 96% | 84% | 22% | 85% |
| 50321 | Southwest Des Moines, Airport, Fort Des Moines | 81% | 92% | 70% | 38% | 78% |
Share of each ZIP’s census blocks where the provider files that technology with the FCC; DSL and fixed wireless are not counted as fiber. Neighborhood names are approximate.
Des Moines Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Des Moines, IA?
Mediacom Xtream is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 1,000 Mbps across about 96% of Des Moines. Google Fiber is faster where available, reaching about 22% with fiber up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps, so check your address before prioritizing speed.
What is the fastest internet in Des Moines, IA?
Google Fiber is fastest where available, offering up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps on fiber reaching about 22% of Des Moines. Mediacom Xtream is the best overall choice, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 96%, but it is not the city's fastest technology.
Which internet provider covers the most of Des Moines, IA?
Excluding satellite, Mediacom Xtream and CenturyLink tie for the broadest footprint at about 96% of Des Moines. Satellite services are available everywhere, while Mediacom's 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 96% and CenturyLink's common fastest DSL tier reaches about 8%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Des Moines, IA?
Mediacom Xtream Internet 300 is the cheapest plan at a promotional $30/mo for the first 24 months, delivering 300 Mbps and reaching about 96% of Des Moines. The rate then becomes $40/mo, so verify promotional terms and address eligibility before ordering.
Can I get fiber internet in Des Moines?
Yes—Metronet fiber reaches about 79% of Des Moines, while CenturyLink fiber reaches about 29% and Google Fiber reaches about 22%. Fiber availability varies by address, so use the provider's address check rather than assuming a neighborhood-wide footprint applies to your home.
What internet speed do I need in Des Moines?
A 100 Mbps plan can suit lighter households, while 300 Mbps supports multiple users and streaming; Des Moines plans range up to 8,000 Mbps where available. Choose based on simultaneous video calls, gaming, uploads, and streams, then confirm that tier's address-level coverage.
What internet is available near Drake University in Des Moines?
Google Fiber reaches about 90% of ZIP 50311, the ZIP containing Drake University, with fiber up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps. Metronet reaches about 9% there, so students should check the exact address before assuming Google Fiber service is available.
Is Starlink worth it in Des Moines?
Rarely. Starlink starts at $55/mo, and cable or fiber reaches about 98% of Des Moines. It makes the most sense at an address with no wired or 5G home internet option.
Is $100 a month a lot for internet in Des Moines?
For most homes, yes. A 1 Gig plan in Des Moines costs $70 (Google Fiber), $75 (CenturyLink), $80 (Quantum Fiber) a month in our latest price check. If you pay more than $80 for a gig, your promo price may have ended.
How We Analyze Internet in Des Moines
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 Des Moines report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Des Moines
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.