MEMPHIS, TN
Find internet providers in Memphis, TN
Find internet offered in Memphis, TN – 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 Memphis, TN
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Memphis, TN, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~92% of the city with FCC-filed speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. That fiber tier reaches ~37% of the city, while Xfinity is a close coverage runner-up at 97.5%, with cable up to 2000/300 Mbps reaching ~69%. Harbor Town (38103) is 90.7% Xfinity cable at up to 2000/300 Mbps, while Cooper-Young (38104) is 54.5% AT&T fiber at up to 5000/5000 Mbps. ZIP 38111 favors AT&T at 73.7%, but ZIP 38101 is 80.9% Xfinity and ZIP 38105 is 92.9% Xfinity. Midtown Memphis and East Memphis need address checks, especially in apartments or buildings still using older copper lines. Students near the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center should prioritize reliable service for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. For a budget-minded fixed-wireless option, T-Mobile’s licensed service reaches ~26% at up to 100/20 Mbps, while Verizon’s reaches ~46% at up to 300/20 Mbps. Confirm the exact address, including around Memphis Air National Guard Base, because coverage can change street to street or building to building.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in Tennessee
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our 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 Memphis
At $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG buys up to 5000 Mbps down and 5000 Mbps up with a 98/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option above the city average of 63. Fiber is an excellent choice for heavy streaming, gaming, work, and large households, but this plan is available to 37.3% of Memphis, so the best technology may not reach your address. Where fiber is unavailable, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up for $55/mo promotional pricing, with a 76/100 Speed Score and the more variable performance typical of fixed wireless.
About AT&T
AT&T offers strong value in Memphis, with fiber plans from $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, for up to 300 Mbps, $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, for up to 1,000 Mbps, and $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, for up to 5,000 Mbps. Fiber is the standout for demanding households, but availability is address-dependent, reaching 41.8% of the city for the 300, 500, and 1 GIG plans and 37.3% for 5 GIG. Where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo, then $60/mo, but fixed wireless can be less consistent for heavy use, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 84% of all internet options in Tennessee
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber/Cable1,200 MbpsDownload84Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber/Cable1,000 MbpsDownload84Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber/Cable500 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber/Cable300 MbpsDownload70Our 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 Memphis
Xfinity’s 1 Gig plan is available to 97.5% of Memphis, giving most local shoppers a strong chance of finding it at their address. It offers up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 84/100, above the city average of 63, making it a competitive choice. Because the plan may be delivered over fiber or cable depending on the address, verify the technology available: fiber is a top-tier option, while cable is a solid, reliable choice.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 97.5% of Memphis, giving most residents a strong chance of qualifying for service. Its Fiber/Cable lineup offers excellent choices, including up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus plans as low as 300 Mbps, although the exact fiber or cable connection depends on your address, so verify what is available at your home.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 76% of all internet options in Tennessee
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload76Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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 Memphis
Households seeking fast everyday service for streaming, work, and multiple devices can consider T-Mobile a competitive fixed wireless option in Memphis, with up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on All-In or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on Rely; both have a 76/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 63. These plans are available to 47.9% of the city, so check your address, and remember that fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired service.
About T-Mobile
Households that need solid everyday performance for streaming, video calls, and multiple 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, and Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. These 5G fixed wireless plans have a good Speed Score of 76/100, but they are available to 47.9% of Memphis, so check your address and compare any fiber or cable options first for a more consistent connection.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in Tennessee
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload70Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload70Our 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 Memphis
Satellite internet can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and work, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and real-time video calls. Starlink’s Residential – 200 Mbps plan offers up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $85/mo, is available to 100.0% of Memphis, and has a 70/100 Speed Score. That score is above the city average of 63, making Starlink competitive among satellite options, though you should still confirm service at your address and compare latency with any wired alternatives available there.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach homes that wired providers may not, but its higher latency can make video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities feel less responsive than fiber or cable. Starlink’s Memphis plans are available to 100.0% of the city, including up to 400 Mbps download and up to 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with lower-cost options of up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo or 100 Mbps for $55/mo, so it is a solid fallback where faster wired service is unavailable, but check fiber or cable at your address first.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Ritter Communications
Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 91% of all internet options in Tennessee
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 Memphis
At its monthly price, Ritter Communications offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on cable, with a Speed Score of 91/100, making it a reliable choice for demanding home use. This plan is listed across 1.1% of Memphis, so check your address before counting on these speeds.
About Ritter Communications
At the monthly price quoted for your address, Ritter Communications offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload over cable, an excellent speed option with a 91/100 Speed Score. The plan is available in just 1.1% of Memphis census blocks, so check your address first, but it is a strong choice for most households where available.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 76% of all internet options in Tennessee
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload76Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our 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 Memphis
5G fixed wireless is a good fit for everyday streaming, video calls, and home use, though performance can vary more than wired connections. Verizon’s plans offer up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with 5G Home Plus, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with 5G Home, and both have a Speed Score of 76/100, above the Memphis average of 63. Both plans are available to 55.2% of Memphis, so confirm your address before counting on service or the faster tier.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is a good fit for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload. Both have a Speed Score of 76/100 and are available at 55.2% of Memphis, so availability is address-dependent, and you should compare any fiber or cable option first because fixed wireless can be less consistent.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in Tennessee
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload6Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload6Our 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 Memphis
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below Memphis’s city average of 63. Satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it a weaker choice for demanding streaming, gaming, and video calls, while the lower-cost Select and Lite plans offer only up to 50/5 Mbps and 25/3 Mbps, respectively, with Speed Scores of 6/100. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Memphis, but check what other technologies reach your specific address before committing.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while Select costs $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, making it a relatively limited value for modern heavy use. Satellite service is available to 100.0% of Memphis, but the plans have speed scores of 6/100, 6/100, and 29/100 respectively, so check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options before settling for HughesNet.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
PCs for People
Speeds up to 50 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Slower than 56% of all internet options in Tennessee
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
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Memphis
Up to 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload can handle basic browsing, video calls, and streaming for a small household, but may feel limited with heavier use or multiple simultaneous users. With a Speed Score of 44/100, this fixed wireless plan offers limited performance compared with alternatives, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Coverage is limited to 4.5% of Memphis, making address verification essential.
About PCs for People
Up to 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload on PCs for People’s fixed wireless plan is suitable for basic browsing, email, and streaming, but may feel limited for multiple heavy users, large uploads, or several high-quality streams at once. With a Speed Score of 44/100 and coverage of 4.5% of Memphis, this is an adequate rather than standout option, so check your address and see whether faster alternatives are available first.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in Tennessee
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload6Our 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 Memphis
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Memphis, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 6/100, below the city average of 63; Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34/4 Mbps for $99.99/mo, and both satellite plans are available to 100.0% of the city.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option for Memphis households, so check whether faster cable or fiber service is available at your address first. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of Memphis, but the fastest, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, and both have a Speed Score of 6/100, so satellite latency and limited speeds may not suit modern high-demand use.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Memphis
All 21 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 21 plans
- Xfinity1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload84Our score$60$70Per month~97.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
- Xfinity1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/mo1,200 MbpsDownload84Our score$90$100Per month~97.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo500 MbpsDownload76Our score$50$60Per month~97.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload70Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload70Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/mo300 MbpsDownload70Our score$40$45Per month~97.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35$60Per month~55.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload76Our score$45$70Per month~55.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50$90Per month~41.8%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Memphis providers head-to-head
See how Memphis’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Memphis
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps where available for broad coverage and a listed 300 Mbps tier.
Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches 97.5% of Memphis, broader than AT&T Fiber 300's 41.8%.
Check first: Confirm the address; Xfinity's plan reach still leaves some Memphis addresses uncovered.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber where available for high-upload work; use Xfinity 300 Mbps for broader reach.
AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 41.8% of Memphis, while Xfinity 300 Mbps reaches 97.5%.
Check first: Confirm the address: AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 37.3%, versus 92.2% overall provider coverage.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG at 5,000 Mbps where available; Xfinity 1.2/2 Gig offers 1,200 Mbps across 97.5%.
AT&T fiber leads ZIP 38111 at 73.7%; Xfinity leads Harbor Town's ZIP 38103 at 90.7%.
Check first: AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 37.3%, so verify the exact address before expecting gigabit service.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps for its 100% Memphis reach when wired service is unavailable.
Starlink's Residential – 100 Mbps plan reaches 100% of Memphis, as does HughesNet Lite at 25 Mbps.
Check first: Confirm the exact address and plan terms despite Starlink's listed 100% Memphis reach.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Memphis
Harbor Town
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.
Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches 90.7% of Harbor Town's ZIP 38103; AT&T fiber reaches 3.9%.
Cooper-Young
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical fiber.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 54.5% of Cooper-Young's ZIP 38104, ahead of Xfinity cable at 37.4%.
ZIP 38111
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber availability.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber covers 73.7% of ZIP 38111, the largest listed share there.
ZIP 38107
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable coverage.
Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable covers 55.1% of ZIP 38107; AT&T fiber follows at 35.0%.
Memphis Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Memphis, TN?
AT&T is Memphis's fastest listed provider: Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps where available and reaches 37.3% of the city. Check the address because that fastest fiber footprint is much smaller than AT&T's 92.2% overall coverage.
Can I get fiber internet in Cooper-Young?
AT&T fiber reaches 54.5% of ZIP 38104 (Cooper-Young), with 5,000/5,000 Mbps shown for that share. Use the address checker before choosing because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every individual Memphis address.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Memphis?
Memphis's cheapest listed plan is AT&T Fiber 300 at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 41.8% of the city. Verify your address, since this plan's reach is 41.8%, not AT&T's broader 92.2% provider coverage.
How much internet speed do I need for streaming and remote work in Memphis?
For streaming and remote work, start by comparing 300 Mbps options: Xfinity 300 Mbps reaches 97.5% of Memphis, while AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 41.8%. Check the address and upload needs, because the two 300 Mbps options use different technologies and have different footprints.
What is the best internet provider in Harbor Town?
Xfinity is strongest in Harbor Town's ZIP 38103, reaching 90.7% with 2,000/300 Mbps cable. Check the exact address because the same ZIP lists AT&T fiber at 3.9% and Starlink at 2.9%, so options vary by location.
How We Analyze Internet in Memphis
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 Memphis report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Memphis
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.