Boston, MA Internet
Internet Providers in Boston, MA
Compare every internet provider in Boston, MA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
Updated| Rank | Provider | Speed Score | Coverage in Boston | Up to | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  XfinityBest overall | 91 | 99% | 2,000 Mbps | $40/mo |
| 2 |  Astound | 89 | 86% | – | – |
| 3 |  VerizonBroad backup | 69 | 87% | 940 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| 4 |  Starry | 77 | 60% | 1,000 Mbps | $30/mo |
| 5 |  T-Mobile | 69 | 80% | 500 Mbps | $35/mo |
| 6 |  AT&T | 64 | 52% | 300 Mbps | $40/mo |
Xfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 72% of the city, while its overall footprint, across technologies, is about 99%. Verizon is the safe fallback where Xfinity does not reach, mostly fixed wireless, with an overall footprint of about 87% and a fastest common fixed wireless tier of up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 43%.
Fiber is the variable. Fiber reaches 84% of South End (02118) but only 48% of Fenway (02215). Find your neighborhood on the map.
Best Internet Providers in Boston, MA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload64Our 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 Boston
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan reaches about 99% of Boston, giving most addresses a strong chance of getting up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Cable is a solid, reliable choice for most households, and the plan scores 81/100, while Xfinity’s 2 Gig plan scores 91/100, above the city average of 47. The top 2 Gig tier is address-dependent and available to about 72% of the city, so check your address before counting on the fastest option.
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 99.2% of Boston, so most residents have a strong chance of getting its service. Its cable options are excellent for most households, including up to 2 Gig with a Speed Score of 91/100, while the up to 1.2 Gig plan is available to about 99% of the city; availability of the fastest tier is address-dependent, so check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Speed Score: Faster than 89% of all internet options in Massachusetts
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Boston
Astound Broadband is a strong, competitive choice in Boston, with a cable plan offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, a Speed Score of 89, and solid performance well above the city average of 47. Its fiber plan is an excellent, top-tier option with up to 1500 Mbps in both directions and a Speed Score of 89, but it reaches only about 11% of the city, while the cable plan covers about 86%. Availability varies by address, so check which technology is offered at yours, since fiber provides the best overall experience when 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 Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a strong option in Boston, with excellent cable service offering speeds up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload across about 86% of census blocks. A faster fiber plan is also available with up to 1500 Mbps both ways, but it reaches only about 11% of census blocks, so availability of the best option depends on your address.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload64Our 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 MbpsDownload64Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Boston
Fiber offers low-latency, consistent performance for streaming, gaming, and work, with Verizon’s 1 Gig plan providing up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus a 69/100 Speed Score that is above Boston’s city average. This fiber plan is available to about 65% of the city, so the strongest connection may not reach your address. Where fiber is unavailable, 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 64/100 Speed Score, making it worth checking the technology available at 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 Verizon
Verizon’s fiber service offers excellent everyday performance, with plans providing up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, while the 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps options are both ways, available to about 65% of Boston. Fiber availability is address-dependent, and elsewhere 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload to about 70% of the city, though it requires a qualifying mobile bundle and may be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: Starry Gigabit — faster than 77% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Starry Gigabit$45/mo promotional rate, then $50/moFixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$45Per month
- Starry 500$40/mo promotional rate, then $45/moFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month
- Starry Internet 300 MbpsFixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload64Our score$30Per month
Source: Starry Inc 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 Boston
Starry is a competitive fixed wireless choice in Boston, with its Starry Gigabit plan offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 77/100 that is above the city average of 47. The plan is available to about 59% of the city, but fixed wireless performance and availability can vary by address, so confirm service 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 Starry Inc
Starry Inc is a good option for many Boston households, especially if you want affordable high-speed service, with Starry Gigabit offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload for $45 per month initially, plus a good 77/100 Speed Score. Its fixed wireless service is available to about 59% of the city, so check your address first, since performance can vary and the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps plans have below-average and good Speed Scores respectively.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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 Boston
Budget-conscious households that need internet for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile a competitive option, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 69/100, above Boston’s city average. Its fixed wireless technology is adequate but can be more variable than wired service, so households needing consistently low latency or maximum reliability should check other providers first. Plan availability is address-dependent, reaching about 76% of Boston for the 500 Mbps options.
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 reasonable fit for small households that need everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload, although its 69/100 Speed Score is below average. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 76% of Boston, but performance can vary by address, so households with heavier needs should check for fiber or cable first and treat T-Mobile as an adequate fallback.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 64% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload64Our 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 Boston
At $40/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, a reasonable value for moderate use, with a 64/100 Speed Score that is above Boston’s 47 average. Fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, and this plan is available to about 52% of Boston, so check your address and consider other available options if you need more reliable 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 AT&T
At $40 per month for the first year, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and some work-from-home use. Its fixed wireless technology and 64/100 Speed Score make it an adequate rather than top-tier choice, so check your address first for faster fiber or cable options if you need consistently strong performance for many users, gaming, or heavy uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload47Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload10Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Boston
Satellite internet can provide broad access, but its higher latency may be noticeable in video calls, gaming, and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 69/100, above Boston’s average of 47, and is listed as available to 100.0% of the city, though you should confirm service at your address and check other available technologies before choosing satellite.
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, making it available across 100.0% of Boston, but satellite service can have higher latency that affects video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities. Its fastest plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with less expensive options at up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo or 100 Mbps for $55/mo, so check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies are generally better suited to modern internet needs.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 90% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload10Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload9Our 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
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 Boston
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 10/100 Speed Score is below the Boston average of 47. Satellite service offers limited performance compared with alternatives, so check what else is available at your address, 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
HughesNet starts at $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, but that price buys satellite service with speeds of up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, while the $94.99/mo Fusion plan reaches up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. It is available across 100.0% of Boston, but satellite service has higher latency and below-average speed scores, so check your address for faster cable or fiber options before choosing HughesNet, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple connected devices.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 90% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload10Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload9Our 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 Boston
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with its satellite service scoring well below Boston’s average. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 10/100 and availability across 100.0% of the city. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, scoring 9/100 at $99.99 per month, so check what 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a backup option rather than a top choice for most Boston households, since its satellite plans offer below-average performance, with Viasat Essentials providing up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month and Viasat Unleashed offering up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month. Both plans are available to 100% of Boston, but satellite’s high latency and limited speeds may not be sufficient for modern streaming, gaming, or heavy work needs, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Internet Provider Reviews in Boston, MA
We read 332 recent Google reviews of Boston listings for Verizon, Astound and Xfinity and sorted each one by what it is about. Store visits and phone-plan reviews are set aside.
What Verizon customers report
Billing
Mixed
26% mention
Support
Mixed
40% mention
Equipment
Poor
16% mention
“Lee helped us switch from T-Mobile cellular & WiFi to Verizon. He was extremely insightful on what the process would look like, what benefits we would gain from switching, & was able to maximize our savings by switching. He setup our new iPhones for us too and made the process seamless! Thank You, Lee!”
“Had awful experience here. Asked to transfer my 45$ internet to new adress. Everything was done quickly, when returned home discovered that Instead of adress change received additional line for 90$ with new services additional 75$ and had to cancel it via phone at Verizon support. Disgusting experience.”
What Astound customers report
Outages
Good
22% mention
Speed
Good
7% mention
Billing
Mixed
5% mention
Support
Good
57% mention
Installation
Good
31% mention
Equipment
Good
13% mention
“I’ve had ongoing issues with intermittent internet interruptions. Andy found that the lines outside had been chewed and damaged by squirrels and repaired them. He was great! Sure hope this solves all the problems!”
What Xfinity customers report
Outages
Very poor
15% mention
Billing
Very poor
18% mention
Support
Poor
59% mention
Installation
Mixed
14% mention
Equipment
Mixed
28% mention
Cancelling
Very poor
7% mention
“had to pivot from another provider to xfinity last minute after moving and got a notification our wifi router was ready to pickup 15 minutes before they closed. We came in , not sure if they be able to help us that late, but Ben the manager got us our router quickly and was SO nice !!! great experience. And they had ice creams and water. So glad we ended up going w xfinity”
“Went to pick up a router for our apartment, the account was under my wife’s name. Even though I was willing to provide all of the information the advisor was unhelpful effectively wasting my time.”
Reviews are shown exactly as posted on Google and link to the listing they came from. Star averages and counts are Google’s; the service rating and the subject grades are our reading of each review, refreshed monthly. How we do this.
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Boston
All 24 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 24 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~99.1%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~99.1%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload69Our score$45$55Per month~99.1%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month~71.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload64Our score$40Per month~99.1%CoverageCable
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload69Our score$35$50Per month~75.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload69Our score$45$60Per month~75.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload69Our score$55$70Per month~75.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload47Our 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.
Compare Boston providers head-to-head
The matchup many Boston households compare. Green marks the better number.
Verizon FiberVerizon Fiber wins on upload and reviews; Xfinity wins on reach, top speed, gig price and starting price.
Best Fit by Household Type in Boston
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for broad availability and enough capacity for shared streaming and coursework.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches about 99% of Boston, including about 70% in Northeastern University's ZIP 02115.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility because Xfinity's 2 Gig tier reaches only about 72% citywide.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber where available for symmetrical 940/880 Mbps performance.
Verizon fiber reaches about 65% of Boston, including about 23% in ZIP 02115.
Check first: Verizon's fiber footprint is smaller than its overall 87% coverage.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, or Astound's 1,500 Mbps fiber where offered.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 72%, while Astound's 1,500 Mbps fiber reaches about 11% citywide.
Check first: Check technology at your address; top speeds do not match each provider's full footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps when wired providers do not reach the address.
Starlink satellite service is available everywhere, and its 100 Mbps plan costs $55 monthly as a promotional starting.
Check first: Compare satellite performance with wired options before choosing solely on availability.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code and Neighborhood in Boston
Almost every block in Boston can get Xfinity. What changes from one neighborhood to the next is fiber. Tap a ZIP code on the map, or type yours.
Blocks with fiber50%65%80%90%
All of Boston
72% of the city can get fiber
- Xfinitycable99%
- Astoundcable86%
- Verizonfiber65%
- Starryfiber3%
95% of the city can choose between two or more cable or fiber providers.
All 11 residential ZIP codes in Boston
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Any fiber | Xfinity cable | Astound cable | Verizon Fiber | 2+ choices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02108 | Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Downtown | 78% | 99% | 88% | 59% | 96% |
| 02109 | North End, Waterfront, Financial District | 71% | 99% | 80% | 50% | 93% |
| 02110 | Financial District, Waterfront, Custom House District | 71% | 98% | 94% | 43% | 97% |
| 02111 | Chinatown, Leather District, Downtown Crossing | 65% | 97% | 95% | 44% | 95% |
| 02113 | North End, Little Italy | 81% | 100% | 74% | 68% | 93% |
| 02114 | Beacon Hill, West End | 76% | 99% | 73% | 61% | 93% |
| 02115 | Fenway, Longwood Medical Area, Symphony | 72% | 100% | 82% | 68% | 98% |
| 02116 | Back Bay, South End, Copley Square | 79% | 99% | 89% | 73% | 98% |
| 02118 | South End, Blackstone/Franklin Squares | 84% | 100% | 84% | 84% | 96% |
| 02210 | Seaport District, Fort Point, South Boston Waterfront | 55% | 97% | 87% | 34% | 87% |
| 02215 | Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle | 48% | 99% | 98% | 44% | 99% |
Share of each ZIP’s census blocks where the provider files that technology with the FCC; DSL and fixed wireless are not counted as fiber. Neighborhood names are approximate.
Internet providers near Boston
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Boston, check the neighboring market directly.
Boston Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Boston, MA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps to about 72% of Boston; its overall footprint is about 99%. Faster options may exist where available, but Xfinity's ranking combines broad reach with the city's strongest widely available top tier.
What is the fastest internet in Boston, MA?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier is the fastest qualifying option, reaching about 72% of Boston. Its 1,200 Mbps cable tier reaches about 99%, so the faster 2 Gig plan requires address-level confirmation.
Which internet provider covers the most of Boston, MA?
Xfinity covers the most Boston addresses among non-satellite providers, reaching about 99% overall. Satellite services are available everywhere, while Xfinity offers the broadest practical wired footprint for most households.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Boston, MA?
Starry Internet 300 Mbps is the cheapest listed plan at $30 per month for 300 Mbps, as a promotional starting rate, reaching about 59% of Boston. Verify address eligibility because Starry's plan reach is smaller than satellite availability.
Can I get fiber internet in Boston?
Verizon fiber reaches about 65% of Boston with a 940/880 Mbps tier, while Astound fiber reaches about 11%. Fiber availability varies by address, so check whether your building is within the technology-specific footprint rather than relying on overall provider coverage.
What internet speed do I need in Boston?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical baseline for many Boston households, and Xfinity's 300 Mbps tier reaches about 99% of the city. Larger shared households, heavy streamers, and gamers can consider Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier where its about 72% coverage applies.
Which internet provider is strongest near Boston University?
Xfinity reaches about 83% of ZIP 02215, making it the strongest listed provider near Boston University. Verizon fiber reaches about 9% there, so students should verify the building before choosing fiber over broadly available cable.
Is Verizon Fiber better than Xfinity in Boston?
Verizon Fiber's 1 Gig plan is $89.99/mo with 880 Mbps upload; Xfinity's is $50/mo with 35 Mbps upload. Verizon Fiber sells up to 940 Mbps here and Xfinity up to 2,000 Mbps. Xfinity reaches more of Boston (about 99% vs 65%), so check which one your address gets.
Is Starlink worth it in Boston?
Rarely. Starlink starts at $55/mo, and cable or fiber reaches about 100% of Boston. It makes the most sense at an address with no wired or 5G home internet option.
Is $100 a month a lot for internet in Boston?
For most homes, yes. A 1 Gig plan in Boston costs $45 (Starry), $50 (Xfinity), $89.99 (Verizon) a month in our latest price check. If you pay more than $80 for a gig, your promo price may have ended.
How We Analyze Internet in Boston
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 Boston report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Boston
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.