CAMBRIDGE, MA
Find internet providers in Cambridge, MA
Find internet offered in Cambridge, MA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.
Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Cambridge, MA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Cambridge, MA, your best bet is Xfinity, covering ~100% of the city overall; its fastest cable tier reaches up to 2,000 Mbps but is available to ~77% of the city. However, if Astound Broadband is available at your address, it can be the better, faster pick where its network reaches, with its cable tier reaching up to 1,500 Mbps across ~43% of the city. West Cambridge (02138) and Cambridgeport (02139) lean heavily Xfinity, whose top cable tier reaches 75.1% and 77.9% of those ZIPs. ZIP 02238 is 82.4% Xfinity on that tier, though 17.6% uses the slower tier. North Cambridge (02140) and East Cambridge (02141) show Astound at 9.4% and 5.9%, while fiber reaches 1.2% through Xfinity in North Cambridge, 1.5% through Xfinity and 0.6% through Verizon in East Cambridge, and 2.0% through Verizon in ZIP 02142. Students at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lesley University, and Hult International Business School should check apartment wiring, since older copper can affect Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Fixed wireless is worth a budget-minded look, but confirm the exact address and available speed tier before signing up.
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Massachusetts
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Astound Broadband is a strong choice in Cambridge, especially for demanding internet use. Its fiber plan is a top-tier option with up to 1500 Mbps download and 1500 Mbps upload, a 99/100 Speed Score, and availability at 0.9% of the city, while its cable plan is a solid option with up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, an 82/100 score, and coverage of 43.1%. Your address determines which technology is available, so check whether the faster, symmetrical fiber service reaches you; both top scores are above Cambridge’s average top speed score of 63.
About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a good option for many Cambridge households, with cable offering excellent download speeds and reaching 43.1% of the city. Its fiber plan is even stronger, with up to 1500 Mbps both ways and a 99/100 Speed Score, but it covers just 0.9% of census blocks, so check your address because fiber availability is limited and cable’s 50 Mbps upload may be less suitable for heavy uploading.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 80% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber/Cable1,200 MbpsDownload80Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber/Cable1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber/Cable500 MbpsDownload69Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber/Cable300 MbpsDownload41Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Xfinity reaches 99.6% of Cambridge, giving most local shoppers a strong chance of finding service at their address. Its 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 63; fiber is an excellent, top-tier option, while cable is a solid, reliable choice, so confirm which technology your address receives.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.6% of Cambridge, giving most residents a strong chance of getting service. Its fiber/cable plans are excellent options for modern households, with speeds up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, though the exact technology is address-dependent, so check whether your location receives fiber or cable before ordering.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload69Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload69Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
For households seeking everyday streaming, video calls, and browsing, T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with All-In, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with Rely. Both plans have a Speed Score of 69/100, above Cambridge’s city average of 63, but fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, so confirm availability at your address, where each plan reaches 84.2% of the city.
About T-Mobile
Households looking for a reasonably fast option for streaming, browsing, and everyday work may find T-Mobile useful, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional pricing, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo. Both are fixed wireless plans with a Speed Score of 69/100 and availability at 84.2% of Cambridge, so they are adequate rather than top-tier choices, and performance is address-dependent; check for fiber or cable first if your household needs consistently strong speeds for heavy streaming, gaming, or uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 70% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload70Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload69Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is adequate for everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls, with 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, and 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Home Plus has a 70/100 Speed Score and Home has 69/100, putting Verizon’s headline 70/100 above Cambridge’s city average of 63, though fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired connections. Both plans are available to 69.3% of Cambridge, so check your address to confirm which option is available.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with 5G Home Plus, which is suitable for streaming, video calls, and many connected devices, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable. The faster plan is available to 69.3% of Cambridge at $45/mo promotional pricing, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo; availability is address-dependent, so check your address and compare any fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 64% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload64Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload42Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload42Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may make video calls, gaming, and other real-time use less responsive than terrestrial connections. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and up to 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 64/100, about the same as Cambridge’s city average of 63. The other options offer up to 200 Mbps download and up to 25 Mbps upload, or up to 100 Mbps download and up to 25 Mbps upload, and each scores 42/100, so check what else is available at your address before choosing, even though the listed plans reach 99.7% of Cambridge.
About Starlink
Satellite internet is available across 99.7% of Cambridge, but its higher latency can make video calls, gaming, and other real-time uses less reliable than fiber or cable. Starlink offers up to 400 Mbps for $130/mo, up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo, or up to 100 Mbps for $55/mo, so it can be a practical option where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for faster fiber or cable first.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Starry Gigabit — faster than 70% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Starry Gigabit$45/mo promotional rate, then $50/moFixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload70Our score$45Per month
- Starry 500$40/mo promotional rate, then $45/moFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month
- Starry 200$30/mo promotional rate, then $35/moFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload64Our score$30Per month
Source: Starry Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Starry is a competitive fixed-wireless option in Cambridge, earning a 70/100 Speed Score above the city average of 63. Its Starry Gigabit plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, then $50/mo, while Starry 500 offers up to 500 Mbps download and 250 Mbps upload with a 69/100 score. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, and these plans are available to 65.5% of Cambridge, so check your address before signing up.
About Starry Inc
Starry is a solid option where available, though its fixed wireless service is generally adequate rather than as consistently strong as fiber or cable. Its fastest plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional pricing, with a 70/100 Speed Score, but it is available to 65.5% of Cambridge, so check your address before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a 69/100 Speed Score. That score is above the city average of 63, making it a competitive value, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Availability is address-specific and reaches 61.6% of Cambridge, so confirm service at your address and consider checking other providers first if reliable, low-latency performance is important.
About AT&T
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up, which is decent value for a symmetrical connection, though its Speed Score of 69/100 is below average. It should handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, so verify your address and compare any faster wired option first since this plan is available to 61.6% of Cambridge.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 68% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload32Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload1Our 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
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 32/100 Speed Score makes it a weak value for the price. The satellite plan is available to 100.0% of Cambridge, but satellite latency can hinder video calls, gaming, and other real-time use, and its score is below the city average of 63, so check what other technologies are available at your address first.
About HughesNet
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s fastest Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 32/100 Speed Score and satellite technology make it a limited value for modern streaming, gaming, or work. HughesNet reaches 100.0% of Cambridge with these satellite plans, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first, since the available satellite options may not be sufficient for demanding needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 99% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload1Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cambridge
Viasat is a limited-performance satellite option in Cambridge, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Both plans have a Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 63. Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo; both are available to 100.0% of Cambridge, but satellite latency can make video calls, gaming, and other responsive activities less consistent.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is best treated as a fallback rather than a first choice, since it offers satellite service with a Speed Score of 1/100. Viasat Essentials costs $69.99/mo for up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, and both are available to 100.0% of Cambridge, so check your address for faster options first if you need reliable streaming, video calls, or service for several people.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Cambridge
All 20 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 20 plans
- Xfinity1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$60$70Per month~99.6%CoverageFiber/Cable
- Xfinity1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/mo1,200 MbpsDownload80Our score$90$100Per month~99.6%CoverageFiber/Cable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo500 MbpsDownload69Our score$50$60Per month~99.6%CoverageFiber/Cable
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload64Our score$130Per month~99.7%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload69Our score$50$60Per month~84.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload69Our score$70$80Per month~84.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload70Our score$45$70Per month~69.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload69Our score$35$60Per month~69.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Starry IncStarry Gigabit$45/mo promotional rate, then $50/mo1,000 MbpsDownload70Our score$45$50Per month~65.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Starry IncStarry 500$40/mo promotional rate, then $45/mo500 MbpsDownload69Our score$40$45Per month~65.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Cambridge providers head-to-head
See how Cambridge’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Cambridge
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Starry Inc’s Starry 200 for 200 Mbps at a $30/mo promotional starting rate.
Starry 200 is Cambridge’s cheapest listed plan and reaches 65.5% of the city.
Check first: Verify your building; Starry’s 65.5% plan reach leaves some Cambridge addresses uncovered.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Xfinity 1 Gig for 1,000 Mbps and 99.6% plan reach across Cambridge.
Xfinity’s 1 Gig plan reaches 99.6% of Cambridge, offering broad availability for work-heavy households.
Check first: The 2,000 Mbps great-cable tier reaches about 77%, so verify exact building availability.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Starry Gigabit where available for 1,000 Mbps and 65.5% plan reach.
Its good licensed fixed-wireless tier offers 300/100 Mbps across about 60% of Cambridge.
Check first: Check your exact address; Starry’s 65.5% plan reach leaves some Cambridge buildings uncovered.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose HughesNet Lite for 25 Mbps reaching 100% of Cambridge.
HughesNet Lite reaches 100% of Cambridge, matching the broadest listed plan reach.
Check first: Verify your exact address despite HughesNet Lite’s listed 100% Cambridge reach.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Cambridge
West Cambridge
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable availability.
Xfinity’s 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 75.1%, while its 1,200/35 Mbps tier covers 21.0%.
Cambridgeport
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Shared-home cable bandwidth.
Xfinity’s 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 77.9%, while its 1,200/35 Mbps tier covers 17.4%.
Kendall Square
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable with limited fiber.
Xfinity’s 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 82.0%; Verizon fiber appears at 2.0% with 940/880 Mbps.
Internet providers near Cambridge
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Cambridge, check the neighboring market directly.
Cambridge Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Cambridge, MA?
Xfinity offers Cambridge’s fastest listed speed: 2,000 Mbps, with its great cable tier reaching about 77% of the city. Check your address because that faster cable tier is not citywide, while Xfinity’s 300 Mbps plan reaches 99.6% of Cambridge.
Can I get fiber in Kendall Square?
Yes—Verizon fiber appears in 2.0% of ZIP 02142, with listed speeds of 940/880 Mbps. Confirm the building before choosing, because the ZIP figure represents a small fiber footprint rather than universal Kendall Square availability.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Cambridge, MA?
Starry Inc’s Starry 200 is Cambridge’s cheapest at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 200 Mbps, reaching 65.5% of the city. Check your address because its 65.5% plan reach does not cover every Cambridge location.
How much internet speed do I need in Cambridge for streaming and work?
Cambridge households can choose 300 Mbps, and Xfinity’s 300 Mbps plan reaches 99.6% of the city. Households wanting more headroom can consider Xfinity 1 Gig at 1,000 Mbps, also reaching 99.6%, subject to address verification.
Which providers serve West Cambridge in ZIP 02138?
In West Cambridge ZIP 02138, Xfinity’s 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 75.1%, its 1,200/35 Mbps tier covers 21.0%, and Astound Broadband covers 3.9%. The ZIP breakdown is cable-dominant, so verify the exact address before relying on a specific tier.
How We Analyze Internet in Cambridge
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Cambridge report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Cambridge
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.