NOVI, MI
Find internet providers in Novi, MI
Find internet offered in Novi, MI – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.
Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.
We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.
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 Novi, MI
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Novi, MI, your best bet is AT&T, which covers ~94% of the city. Its FCC-filed network reaches speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, though that world-class fiber tier reaches ~26% of the city. Spectrum is a close runner-up, covering 90.0% of the city with cable speeds up to 1,000/35 Mbps. ZIP 48374 is led by Spectrum at 42.0%, but AT&T fiber reaches 26.5% at speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps. In Meadowbrook Glens, 48375, Spectrum leads at 51.8%, while AT&T fiber reaches 23.1% at speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps. Island Lake Arbors in 48377 is closer, with Spectrum at 36.6% and AT&T fiber reaching 31.1% at speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps. ZIP 48376 is more limited for high-end fiber, with Spectrum leading at 41.1%, Xfinity fiber reaching 28.6% at speeds up to 1,200/35 Mbps, and AT&T’s tier reaching 3.6% at speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps. Budget fixed-wireless shoppers can check T-Mobile, whose up to 100/20 Mbps tier reaches ~26% of the city, or Verizon, whose up to 300/20 Mbps tier reaches ~44%. Coverage can change street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Michigan
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload81Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Novi
AT&T’s $50/mo introductory price for Fiber 1 GIG, rising to $90/mo after 12 months, buys up to 1000 Mbps both ways and a 95/100 Speed Score, making it an excellent choice and strong value for most households. Fiber 5 GIG costs $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, and raises performance to up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a 99/100 score, above Novi’s 74 city average. The 1 GIG fiber plan is available to 31.2% of Novi, so the best technology may not reach your address; where fiber is unavailable, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300/300 Mbps with an 80/100 score and may be less consistent.
About AT&T
AT&T offers excellent value on fiber, with Fiber 1 GIG at $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, for up to 1000 Mbps both ways, and Fiber 5 GIG at $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, for up to 5000 Mbps both ways. Fiber is excellent for modern needs, but it is address-dependent, with Fiber 1 GIG available to 31.2% of Novi and Fiber 5 GIG to 26.5%. At addresses without fiber, Internet Air is available to 62.3% of the city at up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo, then $60/mo, and its fixed wireless connection is adequate but can be less consistent, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Michigan
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload81Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload73Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum 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 Novi
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 92/100 Speed Score can comfortably support multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and connected households. Spectrum is a reliable cable choice in Novi, with a score above the city average of 74, and its Internet Gig plan is available to 90.0% of the city, though your address should confirm availability.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s cable Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plenty for 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices at once. It is a strong option for most households, with 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps cable plans for different needs, but the fastest plan’s availability is address-dependent even though it reaches 90.0% of Novi.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in Michigan
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Novi
Households looking for affordable internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless a practical fit, with plans offering up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $50/mo or up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $70/mo. Both plans have an 80/100 Speed Score, which is above Novi’s city average of 74, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber for demanding households. Both plans are available to 47.7% of Novi, so confirm your address before choosing T-Mobile.
About T-Mobile
Households that need solid speeds for streaming, video calls, and several connected devices may find T-Mobile a good fit, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, or Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both have an 80/100 Speed Score, but they are available to only 47.7% of Novi, so check your address first, and remember that this fixed wireless service is adequate rather than as consistently dependable as fiber or cable for demanding households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Michigan
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber1,200 MbpsDownload92Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber500 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber300 MbpsDownload81Our 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Novi
Xfinity’s 1 Gig fiber plan reaches 5.9% of Novi, so availability at your specific address is limited. Where available, it offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 95/100 Speed Score, making it an excellent choice and placing it above Novi’s city average of 74.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 33.1% of Novi, so it is worth checking your address, but it is not a citywide option. At the 5.9% of locations with its fiber service, it offers excellent plans with speeds up to 1200 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload, though this strong option is highly address-dependent, so compare other providers if fiber is not available at your home.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
123.NET Inc
Speeds up to 6,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Michigan
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 Novi
Households with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or large uploads will find 123.NET Inc’s fiber, with up to 6000 Mbps download and 6000 Mbps upload, an excellent choice. Its 99/100 Speed Score is a top-tier option and competitive in a Novi market where the average top speed score is 74. Fiber coverage is listed at 3.3% of Novi, so confirm this service reaches your exact address before counting on these speeds.
About 123.NET Inc
123.NET Inc is a great fit for households that need exceptionally fast, symmetrical internet for remote work, gaming, streaming, and many connected devices. Its fiber plan offers up to 6000 Mbps both ways and has a 99/100 Speed Score, but availability is limited to 3.3% of Novi’s census blocks, so check your address to see whether this excellent option is available.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 73% of all internet options in Michigan
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload73Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload73Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Novi
Satellite internet offers broad availability, but its higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities feel less responsive than wired connections. Starlink offers plans with up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $55, up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $85, or up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130, all with a Speed Score of 73/100 and availability to 100.0% of Novi. That score is about the same as the city average of 74, so check other technologies available at your address if lower latency is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach 100.0% of Novi and offers plans with speeds up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making Starlink a practical option for browsing, streaming, and homes without reliable wired service, though satellite latency can affect gaming and interactive video calls. Check your address for fiber or cable first if available, since those technologies are generally more responsive for work, gaming, and multiple heavy users.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 81% of all internet options in Michigan
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Novi
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle everyday streaming, work, and browsing, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 81/100. That score is above the city average of 74, making it a competitive option, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100. Availability is address-specific, and both plans are shown as available to 54.1% of Novi, while fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired service.
About Verizon
5G fixed wireless can handle streaming, video calls, and most work-from-home needs, with Verizon offering up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up or up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up. It is a strong option where available, but fixed wireless can be more affected by signal and congestion than fiber or cable, and both plans reach 54.1% of Novi, so check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 74% of all internet options in Michigan
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload26Our 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 Novi
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 26/100 Speed Score indicates limited performance for the price. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Novi, yet satellite service scores below the city average of 74, so check which other technologies reach your address before choosing it.
About HughesNet
HughesNet costs $39.99/mo for Lite, $49.99/mo for Select, or $94.99/mo for Fusion during the first 12 months, buying up to 25/3, 50/5, or 100/5 Mbps respectively, so the value is mainly basic connectivity rather than high-speed service. All three satellite plans show 100.0% availability in Novi, but satellite’s higher latency can be limiting for video calls, gaming, and other real-time use, so check your address for faster cable or fiber options before choosing HughesNet.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 99% of all internet options in Michigan
- 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 Novi
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Novi, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Its satellite service has a Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 74, and satellite’s higher latency can be noticeable for video calls, gaming, and other interactive use. The Viasat Essentials plan is available to 100.0% of the city with up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Viasat Unleashed has the same 1/100 score and up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Novi, so check whether a faster provider is available at your address first. Its satellite service reaches 100.0% of the city, but the best plan is only up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $69.99/mo, while the other is up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $99.99/mo; both have a Speed Score of 1/100, so latency and limited performance may fall short for video calls, gaming, and other modern needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Novi
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
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60$70Per month~90%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload73Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload73Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload81Our score$40$50Per month~90%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload73Our score$30Per month~90%CoverageCable
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$60Per month~62.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$45$70Per month~54.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~54.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~47.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
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 Novi
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage: 100 Mbps for a $30/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 90.0% of Novi.
Its $30/mo promotional starting rate and 90.0% reach make it a strong shared-household value.
Check first: Confirm the plan reaches your exact address; ZIP-level availability can differ.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 300 at 300 Mbps where available; this plan reaches 31.2% of Novi.
AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 31.2% of Novi, giving remote workers a local wired option where available.
Check first: Check eligibility carefully; AT&T Fiber 5 GIG reaches only 26.5% of Novi.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Pick Spectrum Internet Gig: 1,000 Mbps cable service reaches 90.0% of Novi.
Spectrum's 90.0% plan reach is the broadest listed cable availability for high-speed service.
Check first: The listed cable profile is 1,000/35 Mbps, and that plan reaches 90.0%; verify your address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps: $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 100% of Novi.
Starlink's 100% plan reach contrasts with AT&T Fiber 300's 31.2% and 123.NET fiber's approximately 3%.
Check first: Compare wired options at the address; AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 31.2% citywide.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Novi
ZIP 48374
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum leads ZIP 48374 at 42.0%, ahead of AT&T fiber at 26.5%.
Meadowbrook Glens
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Shared-home connectivity.
In Meadowbrook Glens, Spectrum reaches 51.8% in ZIP 48375, compared with AT&T fiber at 23.1%.
Island Lake Arbors
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broadest listed local option.
Island Lake Arbors' ZIP 48377 lists Spectrum at 36.6% and AT&T fiber at 31.1%.
ZIP 48376
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fiber access where available.
Xfinity fiber leads ZIP 48376 at 28.6%, followed by AT&T fiber at 16.1%.
Internet providers near Novi
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Novi, check the neighboring market directly.
Novi Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Novi, MI?
123.NET Inc offers Novi's fastest listed speed: 6,000 Mbps symmetrical fiber, reaching about 3% of the city. If that footprint misses your address, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG provides 5,000 Mbps where available and reaches 26.5%, so confirm service at your exact location.
Can I get fiber internet in Novi, MI?
Yes—AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 31.2% of Novi, and 123.NET Inc.'s 6,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 3%. ZIP data also lists Xfinity fiber in ZIP 48375 and ZIP 48376, so availability depends heavily on the exact address rather than the provider's broader city footprint.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Novi, MI?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Novi's cheapest plan: a $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 90.0% of Novi. It offers the strongest low-price footprint in the supplied data, but confirm that this plan is available at your exact address.
What internet speed do I need for gaming and streaming in Novi, MI?
1,000 Mbps is a strong fit for simultaneous gaming and streaming, and Spectrum Internet Gig reaches 90.0% of Novi. AT&T Fiber 1 GIG also offers 1,000 Mbps where available and reaches 31.2%, so check the exact address before choosing.
Which internet provider works best in Meadowbrook Glens?
Spectrum leads ZIP 48375, reaching 51.8% with cable service listed up to 1,000 Mbps. AT&T fiber reaches 23.1% there, so Spectrum is the broader listed option in Meadowbrook Glens, while address-level verification remains necessary.
How We Analyze Internet in Novi
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 Novi report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Novi
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.