CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Find internet providers in Charlottesville, VA
Find internet offered in Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, VA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Charlottesville, VA, your best bet is Xfinity, covering ~70% of the city overall; its FCC-filed cable speeds reach up to 2,000 Mbps, but that fastest tier reaches ~16% of the city. However, if Brightspeed is available at your address, it can be the better, faster pick where its network reaches, covering ~48% of the city overall, with fiber speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching 3% of the city. Greenbrier (22901) favors Xfinity, with 47.7% on cable speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and 16.0% on up to 2,000 Mbps, while Ting fiber reaches 22.6% at up to 1,000/1,000 Mbps. Belmont is nearly split between Ting fiber at 36.2% and Xfinity’s up-to-2,000 Mbps tier at 34.7%, while Fry’s Spring leans Ting at 36.8%, with Xfinity at 24.5% on 1,200 Mbps and 18.6% on 2,000 Mbps. ZIP 22904 is even more Xfinity-heavy, while ZIPs 22905 and 22906 lean Ting fiber at 64.9% and 54.8%; North Downtown is not separately broken out. For students at the University of Virginia or Piedmont Virginia Community College, apartments can differ from nearby homes, and older copper lines may complicate Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Among fixed-wireless alternatives, Verizon reaches 31% with speeds up to 300/20 Mbps, versus T-Mobile at 28% with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps. Coverage changes street to street, so check the exact address before settling.
Best plan here: Brightspeed 1 Gig — faster than 88% of all internet options in Virginia
- Brightspeed 1 Gig$150 Brightspeed Prepaid MastercardFiber940 MbpsDownload88Our score$49.99Per month
- Brightspeed 500 Mbps$100 Brightspeed Prepaid MastercardFiber500 MbpsDownload73Our score$39.99Per month
- Brightspeed 200 MbpsFiber200 MbpsDownload73Our score$29.99Per month
Source: Brightspeed 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 Charlottesville
With a Speed Score of 88/100, Brightspeed’s fiber plan offers up to 940 Mbps download and upload, making it a top-tier option for multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and large downloads. Its score is above Charlottesville’s city average of 71, and fiber provides excellent performance with low latency. Availability is address-dependent, since the 1 Gig fiber plan reaches 6.2% of the city, so verify your address before expecting these speeds.
About Brightspeed
Up to 940 Mbps both ways can comfortably support multiple 4K streams, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices, making Brightspeed fiber an excellent choice for demanding home internet use. That fastest fiber plan is available to 6.2% of Charlottesville, while the up to 500 Mbps and up to 200 Mbps fiber plans are available to 6.3%, so check your address carefully because the provider’s 47.5% overall footprint does not show where its best fiber service is available.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
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 Charlottesville
Xfinity’s cable plans reach 69.2% of Charlottesville, so many addresses have a reasonable chance of service. Its 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for $70/mo, with a Speed Score of 82/100, making it a solid cable option above the city average of 71. The 500 Mbps and 300 Mbps plans score 73/100 and 72/100, respectively, but availability should be confirmed at your address before choosing.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 69.6% of Charlottesville, giving you a decent chance of getting service, though your address will determine availability. Where offered, its cable plans are excellent for most households, including up to 1 Gig download and 35 Mbps upload for $70/mo, with 500 Mbps for $60/mo and 300 Mbps for $45/mo, but check your address because these plans are available to 69.2% of the city.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Ting
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 91% 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Charlottesville
Households that need fast, low-latency internet for streaming, gaming, remote work, or multiple users should find Ting’s fiber service an excellent choice. It offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a 91/100 speed score, making it a top-tier option, but this plan reaches 29.7% of Charlottesville, so verify availability at your specific address.
About Ting
Ting is a strong choice for households that stream, work from home, game, or have several connected devices, with fiber offering up to 1000 Mbps download and upload and a Speed Score of 91/100. That fiber plan covers 29.7% of Charlottesville’s census blocks, so check your address to confirm availability, but where it is offered, it is an excellent all-purpose option.
Available Plans
Fiber
Firefly Fiber Broadband
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 91% 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Charlottesville
Homes with heavy streaming, remote work, gaming, or multiple users should find Firefly Fiber Broadband’s fiber plan an excellent choice, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload and a 91/100 Speed Score. The plan covers 24.1% of Charlottesville, so availability depends on your specific address.
About Firefly Fiber Broadband
Homes with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or many connected devices are a strong fit for Firefly Fiber Broadband’s fiber service, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload and an excellent 91/100 Speed Score. Fiber coverage is 24.1% of Charlottesville, so availability is address-dependent, but it is an excellent option for modern internet needs where offered.
Available Plans
Fiber
Lumos
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Plans start at $50 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 91% 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Charlottesville
Lumos’s fiber service reaches 3.3% of Charlottesville, so your odds of getting its fastest plan are limited. Where available, fiber is an excellent choice, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a 91/100 Speed Score, above the city’s 71 average. Address-level availability matters because some locations may receive only copper service, which offers up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload with a 1/100 score, so consider checking other providers first if fiber is unavailable.
About Lumos
Lumos reaches only 9.9% of Charlottesville, so your chances of getting service are limited. Its fiber plan offers excellent speeds of up to 1000 Mbps both ways, but it covers just 3.3% of census blocks, making that strong option highly address-dependent. Where fiber is unavailable, the up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload copper plan is mainly suitable for basic browsing, so check for faster alternatives first.
Available Plans
Copper
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 Charlottesville
Satellite internet can support browsing, streaming, and remote work, but its higher latency may make gaming and interactive video calls less responsive. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, is available to 100.0% of Charlottesville, and has a Speed Score of 68/100, below the city average of 71. Its Residential – 200 Mbps and Residential – 100 Mbps plans score 43/100, so check what other options reach your specific address before choosing Starlink.
About Starlink
Starlink’s satellite connection is available to 100.0% of Charlottesville and can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but higher latency may affect competitive gaming and some video calls. Its fastest Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans cost $85/mo and $55/mo, so check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive use.
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 Charlottesville
For households seeking a practical option for streaming, browsing, and everyday work, T-Mobile offers 5G fixed wireless plans with up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps on All-In or 354↓/55↑ Mbps on Rely, both with a Speed Score of 72/100, about the same as the city average of 71. Fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired service, and these plans are available to 43.9% of Charlottesville, so confirm service at your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a practical fit for households that need solid everyday internet for streaming, browsing, and video calls, especially where fiber or cable is not available. Its 5G Fixed Wireless plans offer up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo, with both available to 43.9% of Charlottesville, but fixed wireless is an adequate option that can vary by address, so check for faster wired service first if your household has heavy usage or needs consistently strong performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Charlottesville
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus, making it practical for streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, though performance can be more variable than wired connections. The plan has a Speed Score of 73/100, about the same as the city average of 71, and is available to 34.6% of Charlottesville. Verizon also offers 5G Home with up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, but 5G availability depends on whether service reaches your specific address.
About Verizon
Verizon offers 5G fixed wireless, which is an adequate choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday work, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home. Both plans are available to 34.6% of Charlottesville, so check your address and compare fiber or cable first if either is available, since wired service is usually more consistent.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Charlottesville
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 21/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 71. Because this is satellite service, latency and real-world performance can be limiting for interactive use, so check what other options reach your specific address even though Fusion is available to 100.0% of Charlottesville.
About HughesNet
HughesNet’s Fusion plan costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, for up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while Select and Lite cost $49.99/mo and $39.99/mo initially for up to 50/5 Mbps and 25/3 Mbps. These satellite plans have low speed scores, 21/100 for Fusion and 1/100 for the others, so they are best treated as a fallback, and you should check whether a faster fiber or cable option is available at your address before choosing HughesNet, even though these plans reach 100.0% of Charlottesville.
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 Charlottesville
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Charlottesville, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo. Both satellite plans have a Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 71, although Viasat Essentials is available to 100.0% of the city.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option in Charlottesville, so check for faster internet before choosing it. Its satellite plans are available to 100.0% of the city, but offer only up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo, with satellite latency that can make video calls, gaming, and other modern uses less reliable.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Charlottesville
All 18 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 18 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload68Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$70Per month~69.2%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps500 MbpsDownload73Our score$60Per month~69.2%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps300 MbpsDownload72Our score$45Per month~69.2%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload43Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload43Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload72Our score$50$60Per month~43.9%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70$80Per month~43.9%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload73Our score$45$70Per month~34.6%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35$60Per month~34.6%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 Charlottesville
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps at a $45/mo promotional starting rate; the plan reaches 69.2% of Charlottesville.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches 69.2%, while Ting's 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 30%.
Check first: Confirm service at your address; cable coverage varies across ZIP 22902–22906.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Ting's 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber where available; its fiber reaches about 30% of Charlottesville.
Ting fiber reaches 36.2% in Belmont and 64.9% in ZIP 22905.
Check first: Verify fiber at the exact address; Ting's overall Charlottesville coverage is 29.7%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Ting's 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber where available; it reaches about 30% of Charlottesville.
Ting is the top listed provider in ZIP 22902 at 36.2% and ZIP 22903 at 36.8%.
Check first: Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches only about 16% citywide, so verify high-speed availability.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Charlottesville.
Starlink's basic 220/30 Mbps satellite service also reaches approximately 100% of Charlottesville.
Check first: Confirm the exact address and tier before ordering, although Starlink's listed plans each reach 100%.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Charlottesville
Belmont
Ting is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical gigabit fiber.
Ting fiber leads at 36.2%, while Xfinity's 2 Gig cable reaches 34.7% in Belmont.
Fry's Spring
Ting is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical gigabit fiber.
Ting fiber reaches 36.8% in Fry's Spring; Xfinity's fastest listed cable tier reaches 18.6% there.
Greenbrier
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fast cable for streaming.
Xfinity's 1.2 Gig cable reaches 47.7% in Greenbrier, ahead of Ting fiber at 22.6%.
Internet providers near Charlottesville
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Charlottesville, check the neighboring market directly.
Charlottesville Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Charlottesville, VA?
Xfinity offers Charlottesville's fastest listed speed—2,000 Mbps over cable, reaching about 16% of the city. For broader availability, Starlink's Residential – Max provides 400 Mbps at a $130/mo promotional starting rate and reaches 100%, while Ting's 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 30% where available.
Can I get fiber in Charlottesville, VA?
Yes—Ting fiber reaches about 30% of Charlottesville, Firefly Fiber Broadband about 24%, and Lumos fiber about 3%. These fiber tiers offer 1,000/1,000 Mbps where available, so verify the exact address before assuming service availability.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Charlottesville, VA?
The cheapest listed plan is Brightspeed Brightspeed 200 Mbps: $29.99/mo promotional starting rate for 200 Mbps, reaching 6.3% of Charlottesville. Check your address before choosing it, because this plan's availability is narrower than Brightspeed's 47.5% overall footprint.
What internet speed do I need for my Charlottesville home?
A 300 Mbps plan is a widely listed option: Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches 69.2% of Charlottesville. For heavier streaming or multiple users, consider Xfinity 1 Gig at a $70/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 69.2%, or Ting's symmetrical 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber where available.
Is Ting fiber available in Belmont?
Ting fiber covers 36.2% of ZIP 22902, including the Belmont area listed in Charlottesville's data. That is the leading listed share there, but confirm the exact address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service before ordering.
How We Analyze Internet in Charlottesville
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 Charlottesville report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Charlottesville
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.