Gaithersburg, MD Internet
Internet Providers in Gaithersburg, MD
Compare every internet provider in Gaithersburg, MD: 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 79% of the city, while its overall footprint reaches about 98%. If Verizon reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber speeds up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps reaching about 29% of the city.
Local availability varies sharply: Xfinity dominates Olde Towne and ZIP 20898, while Kentlands is nearly split between Xfinity and Verizon, with Verizon fiber reaching about 42% of that ZIP. Verizon also has a strong showing in ZIP 20883, reaching about 40%, and leads ZIP 20885 at about 50%, but ZIP 20884 is entirely Xfinity at the listed tier. Lakelands and Crown can resemble those nearby ZIP patterns, yet the address-level split matters more than the neighborhood label. Astound Broadband is worth checking where available, with cable speeds up to 1,500 Mbps reaching about 17% of the city, while fixed wireless from T-Mobile or AT&T may suit lighter-use households. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing, especially if you want Verizon fiber.
Best Internet Providers in Gaithersburg, MD
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in Maryland
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload81Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload70Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload66Our 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 Gaithersburg
Xfinity’s up to 2 Gig cable plan reaches about 79% of Gaithersburg, giving many households a strong chance of qualifying for its fastest tier. With a Speed Score of 89/100, it is a solid cable option and ranks well above the city average of 51, offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Availability is address-dependent, so confirm that the 2 Gig tier reaches your specific 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 97.8% of Gaithersburg, giving most shoppers a strong chance of getting its cable service. Cable is excellent for most modern needs, with broadly available plans offering up to 1,200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, while the fastest up to 2,000 Mbps option reaches only about 79% of the city, so check your address for the best available tier.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload66Our 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 MbpsDownload66Our 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 Gaithersburg
Fiber is Verizon’s strongest connection option here, with the 1 Gig plan offering up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 70/100 that is above the city average of 51. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 92% of Gaithersburg on these plans, while 5G Home reaches about 13% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so confirm which technology serves 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 Verizon
Verizon’s fiber plans offer excellent service for everyday use, with up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus symmetrical speeds on the 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps options. Fiber is available to about 92% of Gaithersburg, but the 5G Home fallback reaches only about 13% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Speed Score: Faster than 88% of all internet options in Maryland
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 Gaithersburg
Astound Broadband is a solid option for demanding home internet use, with cable service offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 88/100. This plan covers 17.4% of Gaithersburg, so check your exact address to confirm availability before relying on these speeds.
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 Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a strong option for demanding internet use at addresses it serves, with a cable plan offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. That plan has an excellent speed score of 88/100, but availability is limited to about 17% of Gaithersburg, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 Gaithersburg
Households seeking affordable internet for streaming, remote work, and everyday browsing may find T-Mobile a competitive fit. Its Rely Home Internet plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 70/100, above the city average of 51, while the Amplified and All-In plans offer up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload at the same score. These fixed wireless plans are adequate but may be more variable than wired service, and each is available to about 67% of Gaithersburg, so check your 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want affordable, reasonably fast home internet for streaming, work, and everyday use, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download speeds and a Speed Score of 70/100. Its fixed wireless service is available to about 67% of Gaithersburg, so check your address first, since availability and performance can vary and another provider may be a better choice where faster fiber or cable is offered.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 66% of all internet options in Maryland
- 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 MbpsDownload66Our 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 Gaithersburg
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 66/100. That score is above Gaithersburg’s city average of 51, making it a competitive value for everyday use, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. Availability is address-dependent, and this plan reaches about 32% of the city, so check your address 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 AT&T
For $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a reasonably priced option for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households. This fixed wireless plan has a 66/100 speed score and is available to about 32% of Gaithersburg, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber, so check your address for faster wired alternatives first if you work from home, game online, or have several heavy users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload51Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload14Our 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 Gaithersburg
Satellite internet can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a 70/100 Speed Score that is above Gaithersburg’s 51 average, and it is available to 100.0% of the city. Check which connection types reach your address before choosing, since lower-latency alternatives may provide a better experience for demanding applications.
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, which reaches homes broadly but can have higher latency that may affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, a good speed for satellite service, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps options cost less but are more limited; since all three plans show availability to 100% of Gaithersburg, Starlink is worth considering where faster fiber or cable service is not available at your address.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 86% of all internet options in Maryland
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload14Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload12Our 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 Gaithersburg
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with a provider Speed Score of 14/100 versus the Gaithersburg average of 51. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers 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, and both are available to 100% of the city. Because both plans use satellite, check what other technologies are available 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 basic option, but you should check for faster internet before choosing it. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan covers 100% of Gaithersburg and offers 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 satellite may feel limited for busy households, streaming, gaming, or remote work.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 86% of all internet options in Maryland
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload14Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload12Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload2Our 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 Gaithersburg
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 14/100 Speed Score is below Gaithersburg’s city average of 51. HughesNet’s satellite service offers limited performance compared with alternatives, so check what other technologies are available at your address before choosing, even though Fusion is available to 100% 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 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 has below average performance and is costly for what you get. All three plans are available to 100% of Gaithersburg, yet you should check for faster fiber, cable, or other options at your address first because satellite’s latency and limited speeds may not handle modern household needs well.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Gaithersburg
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 MbpsDownload81Our score$100Per month~97.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~97.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~78.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload70Our score$45$55Per month~97.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month~97.8%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 MbpsDownload70Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~91.7%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 MbpsDownload70Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~91.7%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 MbpsDownload66Our score$49.99Per month~91.7%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload51Our 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 Gaithersburg
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 98% of Gaithersburg.
Its 300 Mbps tier reaches about 98%, supporting shared streaming, coursework, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm the address qualifies; the promotional price may require provider-specific terms.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon 940 Mbps fiber where available, reaching about 92% of Gaithersburg.
The fiber tier offers 940 Mbps downloads and 880 Mbps uploads across about 92% of the city.
Check first: Verizon's 2,048 Mbps fiber reaches only about 29%, so verify the exact address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 79% of Gaithersburg.
Its 2,000 Mbps cable tier provides the city's strongest widely available top download speed.
Check first: The 2 Gig tier reaches about 79%, not Xfinity's roughly 98% overall footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo, available everywhere in Gaithersburg.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan reaches every address where wired options may be limited.
Check first: The promotional price and service performance should be confirmed for the specific address.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Gaithersburg
Kentlands 20878
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber service.
Verizon leads Kentlands with about 42% on 2,048 Mbps fiber, while Xfinity reaches about 41% on 2,000 Mbps cable.
Olde Towne 20877
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad high-speed cable.
Xfinity covers about 86% of Olde Towne on 2,000 Mbps cable, compared with Verizon's roughly 11% 2,048 Mbps fiber.
ZIP 20884
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Consistent cable availability.
Xfinity reaches 100% of ZIP 20884 with its 2,000 Mbps cable tier.
ZIP 20883
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable coverage.
Xfinity reaches about 49% of ZIP 20883 on 2,000 Mbps cable, while Verizon's comparable fiber reaches about 40%.
Internet providers near Gaithersburg
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Gaithersburg, check the neighboring market directly.
Gaithersburg Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Gaithersburg, MD?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 79% of Gaithersburg. If Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, but that tier reaches only about 29%.
What is the fastest internet in Gaithersburg, MD?
Verizon fiber is fastest where available, reaching about 29% of Gaithersburg at 2,048/2,048 Mbps. Xfinity is the best overall provider, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 79%, making it the stronger broadly available option.
Which internet provider covers the most of Gaithersburg, MD?
Xfinity covers the most among non-satellite providers, reaching about 98% of Gaithersburg overall. Satellite providers are available everywhere, while Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps and lower tiers reach about 98% and its 2,000 Mbps tier reaches about 79%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Gaithersburg, MD?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest at $35/mo promotional pricing for 400 Mbps, reaching about 67% of Gaithersburg. The offer requires a qualifying credit, postpaid T-Mobile wireless line, and new Internet line, and the promotional rate lasts 12 months.
Can I get fiber internet in Gaithersburg?
Verizon fiber reaches about 94% of Gaithersburg overall, while its fastest 2,048/2,048 Mbps tier reaches about 29%. Address-level availability matters because the overall Verizon footprint includes multiple technologies and does not mean the fastest fiber tier is everywhere.
What internet speed do I need in Gaithersburg?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Gaithersburg households, and Xfinity's 300 Mbps tier reaches about 98% of the city. Larger households with simultaneous streaming, gaming, and remote work can consider Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps tier, also reaching about 98%.
Which internet provider is strongest in Kentlands?
Verizon leads Kentlands ZIP 20878 with about 42% on 2,048 Mbps fiber, while Xfinity reaches about 41% on 2,000 Mbps cable. Check the exact address because both providers have substantial coverage there, but the fastest Verizon tier is not citywide.
How We Analyze Internet in Gaithersburg
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 Gaithersburg report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Gaithersburg
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.