ARLINGTON, VA
Find internet providers in Arlington, VA
Find internet offered in Arlington, VA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 10 internet providers for Arlington, VA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Arlington, Xfinity is your best bet, covering ~92% of the city, while its fastest cable tier reaches ~91% of the city at speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. However, if Cox Communications is available at your address, it may be the better, faster pick, with its cable tier reaching ~12% of the city at speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Xfinity’s fastest tier covers 92.0% of ZIP 22206, 62.7% of Clarendon, and 51.0% of Ballston. Crystal City is 53.8% on that tier and 41.1% on a lower-upload tier, while Rosslyn is 48.0% and 45.7%, so building-level checks matter. Verizon fiber reaches ~92% citywide at speeds up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, yet its local best-option share is 3.8% in Crystal City and 4.2% in Rosslyn. Students at Marymount University and George Mason University Arlington Campus need reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming, so check apartments individually for older DSL or copper limitations. Around Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Starry Inc offer fixed wireless where cable or fiber is unavailable. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address and fastest available tier before signing up.
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 82% of all internet options in Virginia
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$70Per month
- 500 MbpsCable500 MbpsDownload73Our score$60Per month
- 300 MbpsCable300 MbpsDownload72Our 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 Arlington
Xfinity’s cable plans reach 92.0% of Arlington, giving many households a strong chance of finding service at their address. Its 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 82/100, above the city average of 67, making it a reliable choice for streaming, gaming, and busy households. The 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps plans also offer solid performance, scoring 73/100 and 72/100, respectively, but confirm availability and the best fit for your specific address.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 92.1% of Arlington, so many households have a good chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are a strong choice for most modern needs, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload for $70/mo, though availability is address-dependent and the plans shown reach 92.0% of the city.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 98% of all internet options in Virginia
- 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$115Per month
- 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$100Per month
- 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload73Our score$85Per month
- 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month
- StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload72Our score$50Per month
Source: Cox Communications 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 Arlington
Cox is a strong, reliable cable option in Arlington, with a headline Speed Score of 98/100, above the city average of 67. Its 2 GIG plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 98/100 score, while the 1 GIG plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with an 82/100 score. Both plans show 11.9% availability, so confirm your address before counting on Cox’s highest speeds, and remember that cable generally provides stronger download than upload performance.
About Cox Communications
Cox is a strong option for demanding internet use at eligible Arlington addresses, though its limited local availability means you should check your address first. Its cable lineup is excellent for most uses, offering up to 2000 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up with a 98/100 Speed Score on the fastest plan, but that plan is available to 11.9% of Arlington, making the quality of the option highly address-dependent.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 73% of all internet options in Virginia
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload73Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our 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 Arlington
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and work, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload and a 73/100 Speed Score. That score is above Arlington’s 67 city average, but fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service. The listed plans are available to 19.9% of Arlington, so confirm your address, and note that 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 72/100 Speed Score.
About Verizon
5G fixed wireless can support everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with Verizon offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus for $45/mo promotional pricing, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home for $35/mo promotional pricing. Both plans are available to 19.9% of Arlington, so check your address carefully, and compare wired options first if available because fixed wireless performance can vary with signal and congestion.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 68% of all internet options in Virginia
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload68Our 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 Arlington
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency can be noticeable for video calls, gaming, and other real-time use. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 68/100, about the same as Arlington’s city average of 67, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 43/100 and offer up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, and up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, respectively. The Max plan is listed as available to 100.0% of Arlington, but satellite has more limitations than wired options, so check what alternatives reach your address before choosing it.
About Starlink
Satellite internet is widely available, but its higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities less smooth than wired service. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo and is available to 100.0% of Arlington, making it a practical option where fiber or cable is unavailable, though you should check for those faster, lower-latency options at your address first.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 72% of all internet options in Virginia
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload72Our 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 Arlington
Households seeking a practical option for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service a good fit. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for a 72/100 Speed Score, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with the same score. That score is above the city average of 67, but fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, and these plans are available to 73.2% of Arlington, so check your address before signing up.
About T-Mobile
Homes with streaming, video calls, and several connected devices can find T-Mobile a good fit, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo. Its fixed-wireless service has a good Speed Score of 72/100, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address and compare faster fiber or cable options first if your household needs consistently strong performance or demanding uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 72% of all internet options in Virginia
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T 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 Arlington
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload for a 72/100 Speed Score, which is above the city average of 67. Because it is fixed wireless and available to 54.7% of Arlington, eligibility depends on your address, and performance can be less consistent than fiber or cable, so check what is available at your location.
About AT&T
At $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps both ways, making it a solid value for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Available to 54.7% of Arlington with a Speed Score of 72/100, it is a reasonable option at eligible addresses, but check for faster fiber or cable service first if your household has heavy usage or needs maximum reliability.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Virginia
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 Arlington
Astound Broadband is a solid, competitive option for Arlington addresses it serves. Its cable plan offers up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, earning a Speed Score of 82/100, above the city’s average top speed score of 67, but availability is limited to 5.4% of Arlington, so check your address.
About Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a strong option for fast internet at the addresses it serves, but its Arlington availability is limited. Its cable plan offers up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 82/100, yet coverage is just 5.4% of Arlington, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Starry Gigabit — faster than 73% of all internet options in Virginia
- Starry Gigabit$45/mo promotional rate, then $50/moFixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload73Our score$45Per month
- Starry 500$40/mo promotional rate, then $45/moFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload73Our score$40Per month
- Starry 200$30/mo promotional rate, then $35/moFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload68Our 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 Arlington
Starry Inc is a competitive fixed wireless option in Arlington, but it is a practical alternative rather than a top-tier wired connection. Its top plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload with a 73/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 67, and is available to 15.7% of the city. Because fixed wireless availability and performance depend on your address and local conditions, check eligibility and compare it with wired options available there.
About Starry Inc
Starry is a reasonable option for strong speeds where available, offering fixed-wireless plans up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional pricing, with slower options at 500/250 Mbps for $40/mo and 200/50 Mbps for $30/mo. Fixed wireless is adequate rather than as dependable as fiber or cable, and Starry’s plans reach 15.7% of Arlington, so check your address for faster wired service first if you need consistently strong performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in Virginia
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our 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 Arlington
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 Speed Score of 21/100 is below the city average of 67. As satellite service, it offers limited performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, making it a weaker choice for demanding use. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Arlington, but confirm availability and check other providers at your specific address before choosing it.
About HughesNet
HughesNet costs $39.99/mo for Lite with up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, $49.99/mo for Select with up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, or $94.99/mo for Fusion with up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, so you are mainly paying for basic satellite connectivity rather than high-performance internet. Each plan is available to 100.0% of Arlington, but the low speed scores, 1/100 for Lite and Select and 21/100 for Fusion, plus satellite’s typical latency, make it wise to check for faster fiber or cable options at your address first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 99% of all internet options in Virginia
- 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 Arlington
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Arlington, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Its satellite plans have a Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 67. 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, and both plans are available to 100.0% of the city.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is best treated as a backup rather than a first choice for modern internet needs: its fastest plan offers up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 1/100. Both satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Arlington, but satellite’s high latency and limited speeds may not be sufficient for demanding use, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options first; Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $99.99/mo.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Arlington
All 24 product lines from the 9 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 24 plans
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$70Per month~92%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload68Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps500 MbpsDownload73Our score$60Per month~92%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps300 MbpsDownload72Our score$45Per month~92%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload72Our score$50$60Per month~73.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70$80Per month~73.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload43Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload43Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55$60Per month~54.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Arlington
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Try Starry 200 at its $30/mo promotional starting rate for 200 Mbps; it reaches 15.7% of Arlington.
That is Arlington's cheapest listed plan, but its availability is limited to a small city footprint.
Check first: Verify Starry eligibility at your address before choosing it.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber's 940/880 Mbps service where available; its fiber footprint reaches about 92% of Arlington.
The symmetric profile supports video calls, uploads, and multiple remote-work sessions.
Check first: Verizon's 95.7% overall footprint is broader than its 940/880 Mbps fiber reach; check your address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier where available; it reaches about 91% of Arlington.
Its symmetrical upload capacity suits simultaneous streaming, gaming, and large-file transfers.
Check first: Clarendon's 2,000/2,000 Mbps tier covers 62.7% of ZIP 22201; verify your address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Arlington.
Its plan-level reach is broader than Starry 200's 15.7% city reach.
Check first: Confirm Starlink's Residential – 100 Mbps eligibility at your exact Arlington address.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Arlington
Clarendon
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable households.
Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier covers 62.7% of ZIP 22201, while Verizon fiber reaches 0.4%.
Crystal City
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Shared streaming households.
Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier covers 53.8% of ZIP 22202; Verizon fiber reaches 3.8%.
Ballston
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Multi-device connectivity.
Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier covers 51.0% of ZIP 22203, with its 2,000/300 Mbps tier covering 48.7%.
Rosslyn
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fast cable service.
Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier covers 48.0% of ZIP 22209, while Verizon fiber reaches 4.2%.
Internet providers near Arlington
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Arlington, check the neighboring market directly.
Arlington Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Arlington, VA?
Xfinity is Arlington's fastest listed provider, with 2,000 Mbps download and upload on world-class cable reaching about 91% of the city. That tier is the strongest choice for symmetrical performance, but confirm the 2,000/2,000 Mbps option at your address because the provider's overall footprint is 92.1%.
Can I get fiber in Arlington, VA?
Yes—Verizon fiber reaches about 92% of Arlington and offers 940/880 Mbps where that fiber is available. Because fiber coverage is not necessarily address-wide, check your exact location before relying on symmetrical service for remote work or heavy uploads.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Arlington, VA?
The cheapest listed plan is Starry Inc's Starry 200: a $30/mo promotional starting rate for 200 Mbps, reaching 15.7% of Arlington. Check your address before choosing it, because the city's lowest price has a limited plan-level footprint.
How much internet speed do I need for my Arlington home?
For a shared Arlington home, 300 Mbps is a practical starting benchmark; Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches 92% of the city. Households with intensive simultaneous streaming, gaming, and uploads can consider Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier, which reaches about 91% where available.
Is Xfinity available in Clarendon, Arlington?
Yes—Xfinity's 2,000/2,000 Mbps cable tier covers 62.7% of ZIP 22201 in Clarendon. Since the ZIP also lists Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps tier at 36.8%, verify which cable tier your specific address can receive before ordering.
How We Analyze Internet in Arlington
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 Arlington report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Arlington
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.