CHESAPEAKE, VA
Find internet providers in Chesapeake, VA
Find internet offered in Chesapeake, VA – 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 Chesapeake, VA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Chesapeake, VA, your best bet is Cox Communications, which covers about 89% of the city; FCC filings list speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, and that cable tier reaches about 87% of the city. However, if Lumos is available at your address, it can be the better, faster pick, covering about 16% of the city and reaching speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. Cox leads the local listings in Greenbrier (23320), Great Bridge (23322), Deep Creek (23323), and Western Branch (23321), making it the default locally. Lumos dominates ZIP 23324 at 75.6% and reaches 24.8% in ZIP 23325, showing why a ZIP-level winner is not automatically the city-wide winner. Verizon fiber appears in those neighborhoods and ZIP 23327, which otherwise leans on Cox cable. Students at Tidewater Community College Chesapeake Campus should verify apartment service, since options can differ from homes and older DSL or copper lines can hurt Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Verizon’s fiber reaches 60% of the city at speeds up to 940/880 Mbps; T-Mobile fixed wireless reaches about 38% and AT&T about 5%, both at speeds up to 100 Mbps. Coverage changes street by street, so confirm the address.
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 Chesapeake
Cox is a solid cable option in Chesapeake, led by speeds up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a 98/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 65. That makes it a strong fit for demanding households, although cable’s 35 Mbps upload is less capable for upload-heavy work than fiber can be. The plans listed are available to 86.7% of the city, so check your address and compare the technologies available there before choosing.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a strong choice for most Chesapeake households, offering cable plans with up to 2000 Mbps download speeds and a Speed Score of 98/100, plus lower-priced options starting at $50/mo. The faster cable plans are available to 86.7% of the city, so check your address before counting on them, especially if your household needs reliable service for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Lumos
Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
Plans start at $50 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 99% 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 Chesapeake
Lumos’s fiber plan reaches 15.7% of Chesapeake, so your odds of getting its best service depend heavily on your address. Where available, fiber is a top-tier option, with up to 5000 Mbps download and 5000 Mbps upload, plus a 99/100 Speed Score above the city’s 65 average. Lumos also lists copper service with up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload and a 1/100 Speed Score, so confirm the technology available at your address and consider checking other providers first if fiber is unavailable.
About Lumos
Lumos’s fiber reaches 15.7% of Chesapeake, so availability is limited and depends heavily on your address. At eligible addresses, its fiber offers excellent performance with up to 5000 Mbps both ways, but the fallback copper plan reaches only 0.1% of census blocks and offers up to 10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up, which may not be sufficient for modern households, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
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 Chesapeake
Households seeking strong everyday performance at a moderate price may find T-Mobile’s 5G Fixed Wireless a competitive choice, with a 72/100 Speed Score that is above Chesapeake’s city average of 65. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo, but both plans are available to 61.2% of Chesapeake, so confirm service at your address first.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that need solid everyday performance for streaming, video calls, and browsing, offering fixed wireless service up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both plans have a Speed Score of 72/100, but fixed wireless is only available to 61.2% of Chesapeake, so check your address and consider wired options first if you need the most consistent 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 Chesapeake
5G fixed wireless is a practical option for streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but signal and network conditions can make performance less consistent than a wired connection. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 73/100 Speed Score, above Chesapeake’s city average of 65, at a $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo. The 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, scores 72/100, and costs $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both plans are listed as available to 30.1% of the city, so address eligibility is the key check.
About Verizon
5G fixed wireless is a practical choice for streaming, video calls, and working from home, though performance can be less consistent than fiber or cable. At eligible addresses, Verizon offers 5G Home Plus with up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo, or 5G Home with up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo; both are available to 30.1% of Chesapeake, so check your address before counting on these faster options.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Chesapeake
Satellite service can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may limit gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities compared with wired connections. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a Speed Score of 68/100, above Chesapeake’s city average of 65. It is available to 100.0% of Chesapeake, but checking what other options reach your address is worthwhile if latency-sensitive performance matters.
About Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, so it can support everyday browsing and streaming across Chesapeake, but higher latency may make gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses less consistent. Its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with availability at 100.0% of the city. It is a useful fallback where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first if you need the strongest performance for demanding modern internet use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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 Chesapeake
At $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a 72/100 Speed Score, above the city’s 65 average. As a 5G fixed wireless plan, performance can vary with local conditions, and it is available to 47.6% of Chesapeake, so confirm service at your address before signing up.
About AT&T
At the $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload, a solid value for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls. Its Speed Score of 72/100 makes it a good, though not top-tier, option, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber, and this plan is available to 47.6% of Chesapeake based on your address.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 82% of all internet options in Virginia
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload73Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload72Our 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 Chesapeake
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload can support multiple 4K streams, video calls, online gaming, and busy households. With an 82/100 Speed Score, above Chesapeake’s city average of 65, this cable plan is a solid, reliable choice for most uses. Internet Gig is available to 2.3% of Chesapeake, so confirm availability at your address before choosing it.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s fastest plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices. That cable service is available to only 2.3% of Chesapeake, so check your address first, while the 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps cable plans are decent alternatives but may feel less comfortable in busy households.
Available Plans
Cable
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 Chesapeake
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload and is listed as available to 100.0% of Chesapeake, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 65. As a satellite service, it has more limited performance and higher latency than wired alternatives, while Select offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload and Lite offers up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, with both scoring 1/100, so check what other options reach your specific address before choosing.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan offers up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up; Fusion costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, but satellite service is generally a limited, high-latency choice for modern heavy use. All three plans show 100.0% availability in Chesapeake, so HughesNet can be a fallback, but check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, especially for streaming, gaming, remote work, or multiple connected devices.
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 Chesapeake
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Chesapeake. Its Essentials plan 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; both have a Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 65. Satellite service is available across 100.0% of Chesapeake, but its higher latency and lower scores make it worth checking what else is available at your address first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option in Chesapeake, not a first choice for most households. Its fastest plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload; both satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Chesapeake. Check your address for faster fiber or cable service first, since satellite latency and these speeds may be limiting for video calls, gaming, and other modern needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Chesapeake
All 21 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 21 plans
- Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$115$154Per month~86.7%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$100$124Per month~86.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload68Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload73Our score$85$94Per month~86.7%CoverageCable
- Cox CommunicationsStraightUp Internet100 MbpsDownload72Our score$50Per month~86.7%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55$74Per month~86.7%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload72Our score$50$60Per month~61.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70$80Per month~61.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload43Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload43Our score$85Per 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 Chesapeake
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Cox StraightUp Internet, a $50/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps reaching 86.7%.
Cox’s 100 Mbps plan reaches 86.7%, offering broad local availability for shared coursework and streaming.
Check first: Confirm the exact address; Cox’s 89.1% overall footprint does not guarantee this plan.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Prefer Verizon fiber: 940/880 Mbps reaches about 60% of Chesapeake where available.
Its 880 Mbps upload supports video calls, cloud work, and large file transfers.
Check first: Confirm fiber specifically; Verizon’s 5G Home reaches only 30.1% at its listed 300 Mbps plan.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Consider Cox 2 GIG internet: 2,000/100 Mbps reaches 86.7% of Chesapeake.
Cox’s top cable tier offers the city’s listed fastest cable download with broad wired availability.
Check first: The 2 GIG tier reaches 86.7%, so verify gigabit-plus service at your address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps, a $55/mo promotional starting rate reaching 100% of Chesapeake.
Starlink’s listed 100 Mbps plan reaches 100% of Chesapeake, matching the provider’s full city coverage.
Check first: Check the exact address before ordering, even though this plan reaches 100% of Chesapeake.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Chesapeake
Greenbrier
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Cox cable leads Greenbrier with 43.4% at 2,000/35 Mbps and 33.4% at 2,000/100 Mbps; Verizon fiber reaches 7.8%.
Great Bridge
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Cable-heavy households.
Cox cable covers 65.5% of Great Bridge at 2,000/35 Mbps; Cox fiber adds 8.2%, with Starlink also at 8.2%.
Deep Creek
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Fast cable downloads.
Cox cable covers 54.6% of Deep Creek at 2,000/100 Mbps, while Lumos fiber reaches 9.4%.
Western Branch
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.
Cox cable covers 55.4% of Western Branch at 2,000/35 Mbps and 31.2% at 2,000/100 Mbps; Verizon fiber reaches 4.1%.
ZIP 23324
Lumos is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical fiber speeds.
Lumos fiber covers 75.6% of ZIP 23324 at 5,000/5,000 Mbps, the strongest listed local fiber presence.
Internet providers near Chesapeake
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Chesapeake, check the neighboring market directly.
Chesapeake Internet FAQs
Which internet provider is fastest in Chesapeake, VA?
Lumos is the fastest listed provider, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 16% of Chesapeake. For broader high-speed availability, Cox’s 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 86.7%, while Lumos has no published pricing, so check your address before choosing.
Can I get fiber in Chesapeake, VA?
Yes—Verizon fiber reaches about 60% of Chesapeake, and Lumos fiber reaches about 16%. ZIP data shows Lumos at 75.6% in ZIP 23324 and 24.8% in ZIP 23325, while Verizon fiber appears at 7.8% in Greenbrier, so exact-address checking matters.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Chesapeake, VA?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Chesapeake’s cheapest listed plan: a $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps reaching 2.3% of the city. It is the lowest price, but its limited footprint makes address verification essential before relying on it.
What internet speed should I get for my Chesapeake, VA home?
A 100 Mbps plan is the listed baseline: Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps reaches 100% of Chesapeake at a $55/mo promotional starting rate. Homes with heavier simultaneous use can consider Cox 500 Mbps or 1 GIG, with each plan reaching 86.7% where available.
What internet options are available in Greenbrier, Chesapeake?
Cox cable is listed across 43.4% of Greenbrier at 2,000/35 Mbps and another 33.4% at 2,000/100 Mbps. Verizon fiber reaches 7.8% there and Starlink 5.9%, so verify the exact address and technology before comparing options.
How We Analyze Internet in Chesapeake
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 Chesapeake report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Chesapeake
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.