Hyattsville, MD Internet
Internet Providers in Hyattsville, MD
Compare every internet provider in Hyattsville, 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 92% of Hyattsville, and an overall footprint of about 99%. Verizon is the safe fallback where Xfinity does not reach, offering mostly fiber with speeds up to 940/880 Mbps and an overall footprint of about 93%.
The city’s local pattern is especially clear in ZIP 20784, where Xfinity reaches about 99% of addresses, while fiber has a stronger showing in ZIP 20787, serving about 41% through Verizon. In the Hyattsville Historic District, Xfinity covers about 75%, with Verizon fiber reaching about 21%; West Hyattsville is even more cable-heavy, with Xfinity at about 94% and Verizon at about 4%. ZIP 20783 follows the same pattern, with Xfinity at about 89% and Verizon at about 10%, while ZIP 20785 is nearly all Xfinity at about 99%. Kirkwood and University Hills are worth checking address by address because neighborhood-level availability can shift quickly. T-Mobile and AT&T are the budget fixed-wireless options, and the practical move is to confirm the exact address before choosing, since coverage changes street to street.
Best Internet Providers in Hyattsville, 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 Hyattsville
Xfinity’s 2 Gig cable plan reaches about 93% of Hyattsville, giving many households access to up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 89/100, above the city average of 48. Cable makes this a solid option for most households, but availability is address-specific, so confirm that the 2 Gig plan reaches your home 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.4% of Hyattsville, so most shoppers have a strong chance of getting its cable service. Its best options are excellent for most modern needs, including up to 2 Gig with a Speed Score of 89/100, while the 1.2 Gig and 1 Gig plans are also widely available; exact availability depends on your address, so confirm the faster tier before choosing a lower-speed fallback.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
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 Hyattsville
Verizon’s fiber plans offer low-latency performance for streaming, gaming, and busy households, with the 1 Gig plan providing up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 70/100, above Hyattsville’s city average of 48. Fiber plans are available to about 91% of the city, but address eligibility matters, while Verizon’s 5G Home reaches only about 10% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so confirm your address to see which technology is available.
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 everyday performance, including symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps or 940 Mbps, making them strong choices for streaming, gaming, remote work, and busy households. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 91% of Hyattsville, while the 5G Home option reaches about 10% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address to see whether the faster fiber options are available.
Available Plans
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 Hyattsville
Astound Broadband is a solid cable option in Hyattsville, with its plan offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload and earning a Speed Score of 88/100, well above the city average of 48. The plan is shown in 5.0% of the city, so confirm availability at your specific address before counting on this performance.
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 choice for demanding internet use, but its availability in Hyattsville is very limited. Its cable plan offers excellent speeds of up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 88/100, yet it reaches only about 5% of census blocks, so check your exact 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 Hyattsville
Budget-conscious households that already have or want a qualifying T-Mobile voice line may find T-Mobile a practical fit, with the Rely plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month. Its fixed wireless service has a 70/100 Speed Score, above Hyattsville’s city average of 48, but it is generally less consistent than wired options, especially during congestion. The 500 Mbps plans reach about 60% of the city, so confirm availability at your address before choosing, and note that all listed plans require a qualifying bundle.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a solid fit for households that want affordable fixed wireless service with up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload speeds, especially if they already have a qualifying postpaid voice line and bundle requirement works for them. Its Speed Score of 70/100 is good but not top-tier, and the 500 Mbps plans are available to about 60% of Hyattsville, so check your address first because service quality and availability can vary.
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 Hyattsville
At $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 fixed wireless option for everyday connectivity. Its Speed Score of 66/100 is above Hyattsville’s city average of 48, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired technologies. Availability is address-dependent, with this plan reaching about 34% of the city, so check your address and compare available alternatives before deciding.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
At $40 per month for the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households, though its 66/100 Speed Score is below average. This fixed wireless plan is available to about 34% of Hyattsville, so check your address first, especially if you need consistently strong performance for several users, remote work, or heavy uploads.
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 Hyattsville
Satellite internet can provide useful broadband for streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may feel less responsive than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 70/100, above the city average of 48, and is available across 100.0% of Hyattsville. Since real-world satellite performance can vary by address and conditions, check what other connection types are available at your specific location 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 Starlink
Satellite service reaches 100.0% of Hyattsville and offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, which can support everyday browsing, streaming, and many remote-work needs, though satellite latency may affect gaming and video calls. Starlink is a useful widely available option, with plans from $55/mo for up to 100 Mbps to $130/mo for up to 400 Mbps, but check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies usually provide a more responsive experience for modern internet use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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 Hyattsville
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 14/100 versus the Hyattsville average of 48. 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 plans are available to 100% of the city. Because satellite service typically has higher latency than wired technologies, check which other providers reach 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 practical fallback, but you should check for faster local options first because its satellite plans have below-average speeds and higher latency. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, reaching 100% of Hyattsville, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; these may handle basic browsing and streaming but can feel limited for modern households.
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 Hyattsville
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload over satellite, and is available to 100% of Hyattsville. Satellite offers limited performance compared with wired technologies, and HughesNet’s 14/100 Speed Score is below the city’s average of 48, so check which other technologies reach 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 HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 Mbps, 50 Mbps, or 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service delivers below-average value for modern streaming, gaming, and work needs. All three plans reach 100% of Hyattsville, though you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, since satellite’s higher latency and limited upload speeds can be frustrating.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Hyattsville
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
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~92.5%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload81Our score$100Per month~99.4%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~99.4%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload70Our score$45$55Per month~99.4%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month~99.4%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~91.3%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~91.3%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~91.3%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 Hyattsville
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 99% of Hyattsville.
Its 300 Mbps plan combines broad local availability with enough capacity for shared streaming and coursework.
Check first: Confirm the address, since the plan's availability is not literally universal.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon 300 Mbps fiber at $49.99/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 91% of Hyattsville.
Verizon's fiber footprint covers about 91% of the city and supports dependable 300 Mbps service.
Check first: Verify fiber eligibility because Verizon's overall footprint is broader than its fiber reach.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 92% of Hyattsville.
Its 2,000 Mbps cable tier is the city's fastest widely available option.
Check first: The fastest tier remains address-dependent despite Xfinity's roughly 99% overall footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps at $55/mo promotional pricing, available everywhere.
Starlink's entry plan reaches every address and provides a consistent fallback where wired options miss.
Check first: Check wired availability first, because satellite may trade network convenience for broader reach.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Hyattsville
Hyattsville Historic District 20781
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 75% of ZIP 20781, while Verizon fiber reaches about 21%.
West Hyattsville 20782
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-availability cable service.
Xfinity reaches about 94% of ZIP 20782, with Verizon fiber covering about 4%.
ZIP 20787
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable coverage.
Xfinity reaches about 59% of ZIP 20787, while Verizon fiber reaches about 41%.
Internet providers near Hyattsville
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Hyattsville, check the neighboring market directly.
Hyattsville Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Hyattsville, MD?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps and reaching about 92% of Hyattsville. Verizon is the broadest backup, with about 93% overall coverage and 940/880 Mbps fiber reaching about 91%, where available.
What is the fastest internet in Hyattsville, MD?
Xfinity's 2 Gig plan delivers 2,000 Mbps and reaches about 92% of Hyattsville. It is the fastest widely available tier in the data; Verizon's 940 Mbps fiber reaches about 91%, while faster-looking wireless tiers have tiny footprints.
Which internet provider covers the most of Hyattsville, MD?
Among non-satellite providers, Xfinity covers about 99% of Hyattsville overall. Satellite services are available everywhere, but Xfinity offers the broadest wired footprint and its 300 Mbps plan also reaches about 99%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Hyattsville, MD?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest at $35/mo promotional pricing for 400 Mbps, reaching about 60% of Hyattsville. The price requires a qualifying credit, postpaid wireless line, and new Internet line, and applies for 12 months.
Can I get fiber internet in Hyattsville?
Verizon fiber reaches about 91% of Hyattsville, with its 940/880 Mbps tier available across roughly that same footprint. Xfinity's city data lists no fiber speed ladder, so check your exact address before assuming fiber service or a specific tier.
What internet speed do I need in Hyattsville?
A 300 Mbps plan reaches about 99% through Xfinity and suits many households, while 500 Mbps plans are also widely offered. Larger shared households, heavy streamers, and gamers can consider Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier, which reaches about 92%.
What internet options are available in the Hyattsville Historic District?
In ZIP 20781, Xfinity reaches about 75% and Verizon fiber reaches about 21%, making Xfinity the leading listed wired option. Confirm your address because the ZIP includes different provider technologies and coverage levels.
How We Analyze Internet in Hyattsville
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 Hyattsville report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Hyattsville
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.