Laurel, MD Internet
Internet Providers in Laurel, MD
Compare every internet provider in Laurel, 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 72% of Laurel. Verizon is the safe fallback where Xfinity does not reach, offering mostly fiber with up to 940/880 Mbps and an overall footprint of about 92% of the city. In the biggest local pockets, Xfinity leads Historic Laurel at about 80%, Russett at about 87%, and Montpelier at about 89%, while Verizon takes North Laurel at about 57%.
Fiber is especially meaningful in North Laurel, though Xfinity still covers about 40% there, and Verizon’s fiber also appears in Historic Laurel, Russett, Montpelier, and ZIP 20726. ZIP 20725 is entirely Xfinity, while ZIP 20709 is also Xfinity-led, with the area’s slower cable tier making up about 8% of that ZIP. Capitol Technology University students should check apartment-specific options, since older buildings can still be tied to outdated copper or DSL infrastructure, and reliable service matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile and AT&T are worth a look as budget fixed-wireless alternatives, but coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address before ordering.
Best Internet Providers in Laurel, 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 Laurel
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan reaches about 96% of Laurel, so it is available to most local addresses. Cable is a solid option for most households, and Xfinity’s top Speed Score of 89/100 is above the city average of 51, with up to 2,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload available on the 2 Gig plan. Since plan availability varies by address, confirm which speed tier and connection options 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 95.7% of Laurel, so most residents have a strong chance of getting its cable service. Its standout option is the 2 Gig plan, with up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, while the 1.2 Gig plan reaches about 96% of the city and offers up to 1200 Mbps download, making Xfinity a good choice for demanding households. Availability of the 2 Gig plan is more address-dependent at about 72%, so check your address before choosing it, though the widely available cable plans still offer solid everyday performance.
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 Laurel
Fiber service is a strong fit for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households, with Verizon’s 1 Gig plan offering up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload. Its 70/100 Speed Score is above Laurel’s city average, making Verizon a competitive choice for high-performance home internet. Availability depends on your address, and the 1 Gig fiber plan reaches about 90% of the city, so confirm fiber service is offered at 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 Verizon
Verizon’s fiber plans offer excellent everyday performance, including symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps or 300 Mbps, and up to 940 Mbps download with 880 Mbps upload on the 1 Gig plan. Fiber is available to about 90% of Laurel, making Verizon a strong choice for most households, while its 5G Home option reaches about 15% and offers adequate speeds up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address to confirm which technology is available.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
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 Laurel
Astound Broadband is a solid option in Laurel, offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload on its cable plan. The plan has a Speed Score of 88/100, well above the city average of 51, making it competitive for streaming, gaming, and most connected households. Availability is limited to 9.1% of Laurel, so check your specific 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 Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a strong option for households that can get its cable service, offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple users. Availability is limited to about 9% of Laurel, so check your address first to see whether this high-speed cable plan is offered.
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 Laurel
Homes seeking internet for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service an adequate, competitive option, with up to 500 Mbps download, 60 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 70/100, above Laurel’s city average of 51. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 72% of the city, so performance and access depend on your address, and qualifying plans require a bundled postpaid voice line.
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 up to 500 Mbps download speeds for streaming, remote work, and everyday use, and its Fixed Wireless plans have a good 70/100 Speed Score. The 500 Mbps Amplified plan is available to about 72% of Laurel and costs $45/mo for 12 months before increasing to $60/mo, while the 500 Mbps All-In plan costs $55/mo for 12 months before increasing to $70/mo; both require a qualifying postpaid voice bundle, so check your address and bundle eligibility first.
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 Laurel
At $40/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 66/100 that is above Laurel’s 51 city average. Fixed wireless offers adequate performance, but its score remains below 70, so consider checking other providers first for demanding use, and confirm that this plan reaches your address, since it is available to about 31% of Laurel.
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 provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a reasonably priced option for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households. Its fixed wireless technology is adequate but below average in speed, with a Speed Score of 66/100, and availability is address-dependent, reaching about 31% of Laurel, so check your address for faster fiber or cable alternatives before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Laurel
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Laurel, with a headline Speed Score of 14/100 that falls below the city average of 51. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability at 100% of the city, but satellite service typically has higher latency than cable or fiber, so consider checking other providers first. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 12/100.
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 coverage-friendly fallback, but you should check for faster cable or fiber 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, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available to 100% of Laurel, but may feel limited for busy households, streaming, gaming, or frequent video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
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 Laurel
Satellite internet can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may affect gaming and some video calls; Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload. Available to 100.0% of Laurel, it has a Speed Score of 70/100, above the city average of 51, making it a competitive option where wired service 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 Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad coverage across Laurel, with the Residential Max 400 Mbps plan available to 100.0% of the city and offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, though satellite latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. It is a practical option where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are typically better for modern, latency-sensitive use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Ngso 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 Laurel
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 satellite connection is reflected in a Speed Score of 14/100. That is below Laurel’s city average of 51, and satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking other providers first for demanding activities such as streaming and video calls. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Laurel, but address-level options for other technologies may differ.
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
HughesNet costs $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, but the plans provide only up to 25, 50, or 100 Mbps download and have below-average satellite performance, so you should check for faster cable or fiber options first. Its Fusion plan offers the best HughesNet speeds here at up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, with availability at 100% of Laurel, but satellite latency and limited performance may still make it a fallback rather than a strong choice for modern households.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Laurel
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~95.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~95.6%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~95.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~71.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month~95.6%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~90.1%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~90.1%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~90.1%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 Laurel
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40 promotional pricing with broad 96% plan reach.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches about 96% of Laurel, supporting shared streaming, coursework, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm your address, because Xfinity’s 2,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 72%.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon 300 Mbps fiber for $49.99 promotional pricing where its roughly 90% fiber reach applies.
Verizon’s fiber network reaches about 90% and offers symmetrical 300 Mbps service for demanding video calls.
Check first: Verify fiber availability directly; Verizon’s 5G Home tier reaches only about 15%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig for $100 promotional pricing where its cable tier reaches about 72%.
The 2,000 Mbps cable tier is Laurel’s fastest broadly available option at meaningful city coverage.
Check first: The 2,000 Mbps tier is unavailable at many addresses outside its roughly 72% reach.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55 promotional pricing, available everywhere in Laurel.
Starlink offers 100 Mbps service everywhere, making it a fallback where wired providers do not reach.
Check first: Check address-level performance expectations before choosing satellite service for heavy real-time use.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Laurel
Historic Laurel 20707
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable service.
Xfinity reaches about 80% of Historic Laurel, while Verizon fiber reaches about 18%.
North Laurel 20723
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fiber-first households.
Verizon fiber leads North Laurel at about 57%, compared with Xfinity’s roughly 40% cable reach.
Russett 20724
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 87% of Russett, while Verizon fiber reaches roughly 11%.
Montpelier 20708
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Widely available cable.
Xfinity reaches about 89% of Montpelier, with Verizon fiber reaching approximately 7%.
Laurel Park 20725
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Maximum wired reach.
Xfinity’s 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers all listed Laurel Park blocks.
Internet providers near Laurel
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Laurel, check the neighboring market directly.
Laurel Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Laurel, MD?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps across about 72% of Laurel. Verizon is the broadest backup, with about 92% overall coverage and 940/880 Mbps fiber reaching about 90%.
What is the fastest internet in Laurel, MD?
Xfinity’s 2,000 Mbps cable plan is the fastest meaningful option, reaching about 72% of Laurel. Its availability is address-specific, so check whether your home falls inside that tier’s reach.
Which internet provider covers the most of Laurel, MD?
Xfinity covers the most Laurel addresses among non-satellite providers, reaching about 96% overall. Satellite services are available everywhere, but wired Xfinity is the broadest practical high-speed choice.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Laurel, MD?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet costs $35 per month promotionally for 400 Mbps, reaching about 72% of Laurel; qualifying credit, a postpaid wireless line, and a new bundled Internet line are required. Verify the address before relying on this price and availability.
Can I get fiber internet in Laurel?
Verizon’s 940/880 Mbps fiber reaches about 90% of Laurel. Check your address because the provider’s overall footprint is broader than its fiber tier, and availability varies by location.
What internet speed do I need in Laurel?
A 300 Mbps plan reaches about 96% through Xfinity and suits many homes with streaming, work calls, and connected devices. Larger households can consider Xfinity’s 2,000 Mbps tier, but it reaches only about 72%.
Is Xfinity available in Historic Laurel?
Xfinity reaches about 80% of ZIP 20707, including much of Historic Laurel, with its listed 2,000 Mbps cable tier. Verizon fiber reaches about 18%, so compare the exact address before selecting service.
How We Analyze Internet in Laurel
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 Laurel report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Laurel
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.