HOUSTON, TX
Find internet providers in Houston, TX
Find internet offered in Houston, TX – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Houston, TX
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Houston, TX, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~95% of the city; its FCC-filed speeds reach up to 5,000 Mbps, with that fiber tier reaching ~67%. Xfinity is a strong runner-up, reaching 98.8% citywide, while its up to 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches ~66%. Houston Heights, ZIP 77008, is 90.7% AT&T fiber, while Montrose, ZIP 77006, is 59.3% AT&T fiber and 20.2% Xfinity cable up to 2,000 Mbps. Third Ward, ZIP 77004, favors Xfinity at 43.1% for cable up to 2,000 Mbps and 30.6% for up to 1,200 Mbps; AT&T fiber up to 5,000 Mbps reaches 23.7%. ZIP 77002 around University of Houston-Downtown favors Xfinity, while AT&T fiber up to 5,000 Mbps reaches 10.9%, so check for older copper. Students at Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, University of St. Thomas, and University of Houston-Downtown need reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming, while apartments may differ from nearby homes. Fixed wireless is worth checking too, with Verizon up to 300 Mbps reaching ~53% of the city and T-Mobile up to 100 Mbps reaching ~40%. River Oaks and Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base still deserve an exact-address check, since coverage changes street to street.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Texas
- 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 MbpsDownload93Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload75Our 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 Houston
At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG offers up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up with a Speed Score of 93/100, making it a top-tier option for streaming, gaming, and busy households. AT&T’s headline Speed Score of 99/100 is above the city average of 67. Fiber is available to 75.7% of Houston, so confirm your address qualifies, since fixed-wireless Internet Air offers different performance where fiber is unavailable.
About AT&T
AT&T offers excellent value on fiber, with up to 300 Mbps for $35/mo for the first 12 months, up to 500 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps for $50/mo, and up to 5,000 Mbps for $95/mo. Fiber is an excellent choice for demanding households, but availability is address-dependent: the 300 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps plans reach 75.7% of Houston, while the 5,000 Mbps plan reaches 67.2%. Where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, but fixed wireless can be less consistent, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 88% of all internet options in Texas
- 1 GigFiber/Coax1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$70Per month
- 500 MbpsFiber/Coax500 MbpsDownload78Our score$60Per month
- 300 MbpsFiber/Coax300 MbpsDownload75Our score$45Per 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 Houston
Xfinity’s 1 Gig plan is available to 98.6% of Houston, giving most shoppers a strong chance of finding it at their address. With up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for $70/mo, it earns a Speed Score of 88/100, above the city average of 67. Since the plan may use fiber or coax depending on the address, verify the technology available: fiber is an excellent choice, while coax is a reliable choice for most households.
About Xfinity
Xfinity covers 98.8% of Houston, so most shoppers have a strong chance of getting service. Its fiber/coax plans are excellent for modern needs, including up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for $70/mo with a Speed Score of 88/100, plus 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps options, but the available connection type and plan depend on your address, so check your exact location before ordering.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Ezee Fiber
Speeds up to 8,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Texas
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 Houston
Up to 8,000 Mbps download and upload can handle demanding 4K streaming, large downloads, gaming, and many connected devices at once. With a 99/100 Speed Score, this fiber plan is an excellent choice and well above Houston’s average top speed score of 67, but its availability is limited to 6.3% of Houston, so check your address to confirm access.
About Ezee Fiber
Ezee Fiber’s fiber plan offers up to 8,000 Mbps both ways, easily handling multiple simultaneous streams, gaming, video calls, and large downloads. That makes it an excellent option, but fiber reaches only 6.3% of Houston, so check your address to see whether this exceptionally fast service is available to you.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 76% of all internet options in Texas
- 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 MbpsDownload75Our 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 Houston
Households seeking good everyday speeds at a moderate price may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless a competitive choice, with All-In offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional pricing and a Speed Score of 76/100, above Houston’s city average of 67. All-In is available to 61.1% of Houston, so check your address before choosing it, and remember that fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Rely costs $50/mo promotional pricing and offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with a 75/100 Speed Score.
About T-Mobile
Households that need solid everyday performance for streaming, video calls, and multiple devices could find T-Mobile a good fit, with 5G fixed wireless plans offering up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional, then $80/mo, or up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo. These are good speeds, but fixed wireless is less consistent than fiber or cable for demanding homes, and the plans are available to 61.1% of Houston, so check your address before choosing T-Mobile.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 81% of all internet options in Texas
- 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 MbpsDownload75Our 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 Houston
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers practical speeds for streaming, work, and connected homes, with 5G Home Plus providing up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 81/100. That score is above Houston’s city average of 67 and makes the service competitive, while the 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 75/100 score. Fixed wireless can be affected by local signal and network conditions, so verify availability at your address, as 5G Home Plus is available to 68.3% of Houston.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G Fixed Wireless service is an adequate choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo. The 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, and both plans are available to 68.3% of Houston, but performance is address-dependent, so check your address and compare fiber or cable if available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 65% of all internet options in Texas
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload65Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload43Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload43Our 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 Houston
Satellite internet can handle everyday streaming and browsing with up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, but its higher latency can affect gaming and video calls. Starlink’s Residential Max plan has a Speed Score of 65/100, about the same as Houston’s city average of 67, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 43/100. The Max plan is listed as available to 100.0% of Houston, but confirm plan availability at your address and consider checking other providers first if low latency or more consistent performance matters.
About Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, so it is available across Houston at 100.0% coverage and can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but satellite’s higher latency may make gaming and other real-time uses less comfortable. The fastest plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with options up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $85/mo or up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $55/mo, so check your address for fiber or cable first if you need lower latency, heavy uploads, or capacity for several busy users.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 88% of all internet options in Texas
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload65Our 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 Houston
Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households with 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices, and it earns a Speed Score of 88/100. As a cable plan, it is a solid option and scores above Houston’s city average of 67, but availability is address-dependent, with this plan shown for 1.2% of Houston.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households. Its cable service is strong for most needs, but Internet Gig is available to only 1.2% of Houston, so check your address first; Premier offers up to 500 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up, while Advantage drops to up to 100 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 72% of all internet options in Texas
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload28Our 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 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 Houston
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion satellite plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 28/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 67. Satellite service can have higher latency and limited real-world performance, so consider checking other providers first for more demanding uses. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Houston, but confirm availability at your address and check which other technologies may be available there.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet Lite offers up to 25 Mbps, while Select costs $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps, so higher prices buy more speed but still come with below-average Speed Scores of 1, 6, and 28. HughesNet can be a useful fallback with 100.0% availability shown for these plans, but satellite service has higher latency and limited performance, so check your address for faster fiber or cable first, especially if your household streams, games, or uses several devices at once.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in Texas
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our 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 Houston
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Houston, with its best plan offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 6/100, below the city average of 67. Satellite service can have higher latency and slower real-world performance than other technologies, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Viasat Essentials is available to 100.0% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed drops to up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1/100.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Houston, not a strong first choice for modern internet needs. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of the city, but offer up to 55 Mbps for $69.99/mo with a Speed Score of 6/100, or up to 34 Mbps for $99.99/mo with a 1/100 score, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Houston
All 23 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 23 plans
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$70Per month~98.6%CoverageFiber/Coax
- Xfinity500 Mbps500 MbpsDownload78Our score$60Per month~98.6%CoverageFiber/Coax
- Xfinity300 Mbps300 MbpsDownload75Our score$45Per month~98.6%CoverageFiber/Coax
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload93Our score$50$90Per month~75.7%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95$135Per month~67.2%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload65Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35$60Per month~75.7%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/mo500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50$75Per month~75.7%CoverageFiber
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$45$70Per month~68.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload75Our score$35$60Per month~68.3%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.
Compare Houston providers head-to-head
See how Houston’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Houston
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan where available for shared streaming and coursework.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches 98.6% of Houston, including 33.1% of Downtown Houston ZIP 77002.
Check first: Verify the exact address because ZIP 77002 shows different Xfinity cable tiers.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG where available for symmetrical 1,000 Mbps uploads and downloads.
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches 75.7% of Houston and provides 1,000/1,000 Mbps where available.
Check first: AT&T's 95.4% overall footprint exceeds its Fiber 1 GIG plan's 75.7% reach; verify your address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG where available for 5,000/5,000 Mbps gaming and streaming capacity.
Its 5 GIG plan reaches 67.2% citywide, including 85.4% of Rice University ZIP 77005.
Check first: Check the exact address: AT&T 5 GIG reaches 67.2%, not its 95.4% overall footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $55/mo; it reaches 100% of Houston.
Its 100 Mbps satellite plan reaches 100% citywide, exceeding AT&T Fiber 1 GIG's 75.7% plan reach.
Check first: Confirm the exact address and plan tier despite Starlink's listed 100% city coverage.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Houston
Downtown Houston
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable for central households.
Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches 33.1% of Downtown Houston ZIP 77002, the ZIP's largest listed share.
Third Ward
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Shared streaming and gaming via cable.
Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable leads Third Ward ZIP 77004 at 43.1% coverage.
Rice University
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical high-speed fiber.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 85.4% of Rice University ZIP 77005.
Montrose
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber for remote work and uploads.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 59.3% of Montrose ZIP 77006, ahead of Xfinity's 20.2% 2,000/300 cable share.
Houston Heights
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Broad fiber availability.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber covers 90.7% of Houston Heights ZIP 77008.
Internet providers near Houston
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Houston, check the neighboring market directly.
Houston Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Houston?
Ezee Fiber is Houston's fastest listed provider at 8,000 Mbps symmetrical fiber, reaching approximately 6% of the city. For broader high-speed availability, AT&T's 5 GIG reaches 67.2%, while its 1 GIG plan reaches 75.7%, so address-level checking matters.
Can I get fiber in Houston?
Yes—AT&T Fiber 300 and Fiber 1 GIG each reach 75.7% of Houston, while AT&T Fiber 5 GIG reaches 67.2%. Ezee Fiber's 8,000 Mbps fiber reaches approximately 6%, so verify the exact address even where a provider's overall footprint looks larger.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Houston?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Houston's cheapest plan at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 1.2% of the city. It is the lowest listed price, but its limited reach makes address verification essential before ordering.
How much internet speed do I need for streaming and working from home in Houston?
For streaming and working from home, 300 Mbps is a practical starting point; Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches 98.6% of Houston. For heavier simultaneous use, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches 75.7%, while AT&T Fiber 5 GIG reaches 67.2%, where available.
What internet is available in Houston Heights?
In Houston Heights ZIP 77008, AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 90.7%, making AT&T the leading listed option there. Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches 8.8%, so confirm the exact address and technology carefully before ordering service.
How We Analyze Internet in Houston
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 Houston report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Houston
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.