FindBetterInternet

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Find internet providers in New Orleans, LA

Find internet offered in New Orleans, LA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.

Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.

We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.

Austin Shrum, FindBetterInternet

Austin Shrum

Charlotte, NC

Ali Yazdi, FindBetterInternet

Ali Yazdi

Charlotte, NC

Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.

Person using internet

Shop and compare 7 internet providers for New Orleans, LA

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In New Orleans, LA, your best bet is Cox Communications, covering ~89% of the city; its FCC-filed speeds reach up to 2,000 Mbps. Cox cable reaches 88% of the city at up to 2000/35 Mbps, while fiber reaches 1% at up to 1000/100 Mbps, so check the address. AT&T fiber leads Uptown ZIP 70118 at 41.2% and Garden District ZIP 70115 at 53.8%, making both strong fiber-check areas. Cox dominates Bywater ZIP 70117, with 60.2% at 2000/35 Mbps and 20.4% at 2000/100 Mbps, and is strong in ZIP 70116. Lakeview still merits an address check, since availability can change building to building. Students at Tulane University, Loyola, Xavier, University of New Orleans, Dillard, and Southern University at New Orleans should verify apartment wiring, since older buildings may be limited by DSL or copper, while reliable service matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile and Verizon are worth checking for fixed wireless, with Verizon reaching 57% of the city at speeds up to 300/20 Mbps; coverage can change street to street, so confirm the exact address, including near Coast Guard Base New Orleans.

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $50–$115 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~88.9% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
96

Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 96% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload96Our score$115Per month
  • 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload86Our score$100Per month
  • 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload79Our score$85Per month
  • 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
  • StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload50Our score$50Per month

Source: Cox Communications official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

96

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.

Download 2,000 Mbps
Upload 35 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

Cox is a solid cable option in New Orleans, with a headline Speed Score of 96/100, above the city average of 64. Its 2 GIG plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload with a 96/100 score, while the 300 Mbps plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and up to 10 Mbps upload with a 78/100 score. Both plans are available to 88.3% of the city, so confirm availability at your address, especially if you need strong upload performance.

About Cox Communications

Cox is a strong option for most New Orleans households, offering cable internet with speeds up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, with its listed cable plans available to 88.3% of the city. Those high-speed choices are address-dependent, though, and the StraightUp plan offers only up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload as a basic fallback, so check which faster cable plan is available at your address before signing up.

Available Plans

94
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 88.3% of city
86
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.2% of city
95
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.1% of city

Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$95 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~74.6% of city
Connection type Fiber, 5G Fixed Wireless
99

Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload79Our score$35Per month
  • AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month

Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

99

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.

Download 5,000 Mbps
Upload 5,000 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG buys up to 1000 Mbps both ways with a 90/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option. AT&T’s 99/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 64, but because AT&T also offers fixed wireless, your address determines whether this fiber plan is available, and it reaches 38.9% of New Orleans.

About AT&T

At $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, AT&T Fiber 300 offers up to 300 Mbps both ways, while $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, gets you up to 1000 Mbps both ways, making fiber an excellent value for streaming, work, and gaming. Fiber is available to 38.9% of New Orleans, so check your address first; where it is unavailable, Internet Air costs $55/mo and offers up to 300 Mbps both ways, but fixed wireless can be less consistent.

Available Plans

99
Fiber
5000 Mbps Download
5000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 36.6% of city
5
Copper
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 33.0% of city
42
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 16.8% of city
56
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 4.0% of city
51
Copper
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 3.3% of city
90
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.4% of city
46
Copper
50 Mbps Download
10 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.7% of city
49
Copper
75 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.2% of city
35
Copper
25 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.6% of city

Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$45 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~73.3% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
80

Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 80% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
  • 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month

Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

80

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.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 80/100. That score is above the New Orleans city average of 64, while the 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 78/100 score. Both plans are listed as available to 73.3% of New Orleans, so verify your address and remember that fixed wireless performance can vary with local network conditions.

About Verizon

Verizon uses 5G fixed wireless, which can support everyday streaming, work, and multiple devices, though performance may vary more than with a wired connection. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo. Availability is address-dependent, with both plans reaching 73.3% of New Orleans, so check your address before choosing this adequate fixed wireless option, especially if you need the consistency of fiber or cable.

Available Plans

77
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 57.2% of city
79
Licensed Fixed Wireless
1000 Mbps Download
75 Mbps Upload
Coverage 15.1% of city
47
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $50–$70 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~79.5% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
78

Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 78% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload78Our score$70Per month
  • Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month

Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

78

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.

Download 498 Mbps
Upload 55 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

Households that want above-average speeds for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service a competitive fit, with All-In rated 78/100 and offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload. Rely has the same 78/100 score and offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload, putting both plans above the New Orleans city average of 64. Because fixed wireless can be more affected by signal and congestion than wired service, verify that your address is among the 45.4% of the city where these plans are available before choosing.

About T-Mobile

Households seeking good everyday speeds from a fixed-wireless connection may find T-Mobile a solid option, with plans offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo, both with a Speed Score of 78/100. These plans are available to 45.4% of the city, so check your address, and consider fiber or cable first if you need especially consistent service for heavy streaming, gaming, or work.

Available Plans

56
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 26.9% of city
42
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 18.5% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
34

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 66% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload34Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload6Our 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

34

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months and $119.99/mo after that, Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload over satellite, a limited performance package reflected in its 34/100 Speed Score, below New Orleans’s city average of 64. Although Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of New Orleans, satellite’s higher latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses, so consider checking what else is available at your address first.

About HughesNet

At $39.99 to $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25, 50, or 100 Mbps, but its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores of 1, 6, and 34 and may feel limited for modern needs. HughesNet is available to 100.0% of New Orleans, but satellite’s higher latency makes it worth checking your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are generally better for streaming, gaming, and multiple users.

Available Plans

33
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
6

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in Louisiana

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month

Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

6

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for New Orleans

Viasat Inc is a limited-performance choice for New Orleans internet, so check what else is available at your address first. Its satellite Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 6/100, below the city average of 64. Essentials is available to 100.0% of New Orleans, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1/100.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat is a broad-coverage fallback, but it is not a strong choice for demanding modern internet use. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of New Orleans, but the fastest offers only up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 6/100, while the other offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a score of 1/100. Check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options first, since satellite service can have higher latency and may feel limiting for video calls, gaming, and multiple users.

Available Plans

18
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Every plan available in New Orleans

All 22 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 22 plans

  • Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload96Our score$115$154Per month~88.3%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload86Our score$100$124Per month~88.3%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload72Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload72Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload79Our score$85$94Per month~88.3%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55$74Per month~88.3%CoverageCable
  • Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$70Per month~73.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35$60Per month~73.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • Cox CommunicationsStraightUp Internet100 MbpsDownload50Our score$50Per month~88.3%CoverageCable

Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.

Compare New Orleans providers head-to-head

See how New Orleans’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.

Best Fit by Household Type in New Orleans

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Cox 300 Mbps where available; that plan reaches 88.3% of New Orleans.

Cox's 2000/35 Mbps cable footprint covers 60.2% of Bywater, the ZIP's largest listed share.

Check first: Confirm the exact address; Cox's overall city footprint is 88.9%, not universal.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose AT&T Fiber 300 at its promotional starting rate of $35/mo; it reaches 38.9% of New Orleans.

AT&T fiber is listed at 53.8% in Garden District and 41.2% in Uptown.

Check first: Verify fiber at the address: AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 38.9%, despite AT&T's 74.6% overall footprint.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Consider Verizon 5G Home Plus at its promotional starting rate of $45/mo for 1,000 Mbps, reaching 73.3% of New Orleans.

Cox's 2000/35 Mbps cable coverage is 60.2% in Bywater, while Verizon appears at 7.4% in ZIP 70112.

Check first: Check address-level availability; Verizon's 1,000 Mbps plan reaches 73.3%, not every address.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at its promotional starting rate of $55/mo; it reaches 100% of New Orleans.

Starlink's basic 220/30 Mbps NGSO footprint reaches approximately 100% citywide.

Check first: Check the address; terrestrial footprints vary, with Cox at 88.9% and AT&T at 74.6% overall.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in New Orleans

70130

French Quarter

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Cable availability.

Cox's 2000/35 Mbps cable entry is 25.6% in the French Quarter, ahead of Starlink at 20.7% and AT&T fiber at 17.7%.

70115

Garden District

AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.

AT&T fiber covers 53.8% of the Garden District, ahead of Cox's largest listed cable share at 27.3%.

70117

Bywater

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Cable-heavy households.

Cox's 2000/35 Mbps cable entry leads Bywater at 60.2%, followed by its other cable entry at 20.4%.

Internet providers near New Orleans

Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside New Orleans, check the neighboring market directly.

New Orleans Internet FAQs

What is the fastest internet provider in New Orleans?

AT&T offers New Orleans's fastest listed plan, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG, at 5,000 Mbps, reaching 36.6% of the city. Check your address carefully because this plan reaches only 36.6%, despite AT&T's broader 74.6% overall footprint.

Can I get fiber in the Garden District?

Yes—AT&T fiber reaches 53.8% of the Garden District in ZIP 70115. At your address, confirm the specific plan before ordering: AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 38.9% citywide, while the 5 GIG plan reaches 36.6% citywide in New Orleans.

What is the cheapest internet plan in New Orleans?

The city's cheapest listed plan is AT&T Fiber 300 at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 38.9% of New Orleans. Check your exact address because the plan's reach is 38.9%, even though AT&T's overall footprint is 74.6%.

What internet speed should I choose for a New Orleans household?

For a multi-user household, 300 Mbps is a listed tier; AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 38.9% of New Orleans. Cox also lists 300 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $55/mo, reaching 88.3%, so compare address-level availability.

Is internet coverage good in Bywater?

Yes—Cox's largest listed cable share is 60.2% in Bywater, while AT&T fiber is listed at 10.5%. Check your exact ZIP 70117 address, because provider shares vary across the area and plan availability remains address-specific.

How We Analyze Internet in New Orleans

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 New Orleans report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for New Orleans

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
7011270113701147011570116701177011870119701217012270123701247012570126701277012870129701307013170139701417014370146701487015070151701527015370156701577015870163701657017070172701747017570176701777017870179701817018270183701847018570186701877018970190
Census Tracts: 201 tracts
Census Blocks: 8,495 blocks analyzed

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.