FindBetterInternet

NORFOLK, VA

Find internet providers in Norfolk, VA

Find internet offered in Norfolk, VA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.

Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.

We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.

Austin Shrum, FindBetterInternet

Austin Shrum

Charlotte, NC

Ali Yazdi, FindBetterInternet

Ali Yazdi

Charlotte, NC

Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.

Person using internet

Shop and compare 8 internet providers for Norfolk, VA

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In Norfolk, VA, your best bet is Cox Communications, covering ~89% of the city. Its cable footprint reaches 83% of the city, with FCC-filed speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Local results swing sharply: Metronet fiber leads ZIP 23505 at 82.3%, and also leads 23503 and 23502 at 59.7% and 56.7%, respectively, while Cox holds 36.6% and 38.1% in those ZIPs. Larchmont-Edgewater, ZIP 23508, is much more Cox-heavy at 78.5%, while Ocean View, ZIP 23518, is nearly split between Cox at 44.8% and Metronet fiber at 40.4%. Near Tidewater Community College, Cox takes 53.4% of 23510, and the Norfolk State University area is Cox-heavy at 74.6% in 23504. For students at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, or Tidewater Community College, apartment buildings can have different choices than nearby homes, and older DSL or copper lines may not handle Zoom, streaming, and gaming well. Verizon is a useful fixed-wireless alternative, reaching 34% of the city with speeds up to 300/20 Mbps. Check the exact address before signing up, especially in Ghent, Colonial Place, and around Naval Station Norfolk, because coverage can change street by street.

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $50–$115 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~89.3% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
98

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

98

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.

Download 2,000 Mbps
Upload 35 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

Cox Communications is a reliable cable choice in Norfolk, with a headline Speed Score of 98/100, above the city average of 64. Its 2 GIG plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for $115/mo promotional pricing, then $154/mo, making it the strongest performance option shown. The plan is available to 83.4% of the city, so confirm your address, while the 300 Mbps plan offers a lower-cost solid option at up to 300 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload for $55/mo promotional pricing, then $74/mo.

About Cox Communications

Cox is a strong choice for Norfolk households that want fast cable internet, including options suitable for streaming, gaming, and multiple users. Its 2 GIG plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download with a Speed Score of 98/100, and its cable plans are available to 83.4% of the city, though you should check your address because availability is not universal.

Available Plans

95
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 83.4% of city
81
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 10.1% of city
97
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 5,120 Mbps

Plans start at $49.95 /mo *


Coverage ~44.3% of city
Connection type Fiber
99

Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Virginia

SPEED SCORE

99

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.

Download 5,120 Mbps
Upload 5,120 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

Homes with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or multiple users should find Metronet Holdings an excellent choice, with fiber offering up to 5120 Mbps download and 5120 Mbps upload and a 99/100 Speed Score. That score is above Norfolk’s average top speed score of 64, making this a top-tier option for demanding internet use. Fiber service reaches 44.3% of Norfolk, so confirm availability at your specific address before counting on these speeds.

About Metronet Holdings

For households that stream heavily, work from home, game online, or have many connected devices, Metronet Holdings is an excellent option with fiber speeds up to 5120 Mbps download and 5120 Mbps upload. Fiber service is available across 44.3% of Norfolk, so check your exact address to confirm eligibility.

Available Plans

99
Fiber
5120 Mbps Download
5120 Mbps Upload
Coverage 44.3% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $50–$70 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~86.5% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
72

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

72

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.

Download 498 Mbps
Upload 55 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

Households seeking a lower-cost option for streaming, browsing, and everyday work may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service appealing, with Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo and All-In offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo. Both plans have a Speed Score of 72/100, above the city average of 64, making T-Mobile competitive, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Availability is limited to 50.2% of Norfolk, so confirm your address and check wired alternatives if reliability and low latency are priorities.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile suits households that need solid everyday internet for streaming, video calls, and work, but do not require fiber-level performance. Its 5G fixed wireless plans offer 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, and both have a Speed Score of 72/100; they are available to 50.2% of Norfolk, so check your address before counting on service.

Available Plans

49
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 27.8% of city
28
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 22.4% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $55 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~60.4% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
72

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

72

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.

Download 300 Mbps
Upload 300 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

At the $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a 72/100 Speed Score. That score is above the city average of 64, making it a competitive option for the price. Because 5G fixed wireless performance can vary by location and network conditions, confirm service at your address, which is included in the plan’s 60.1% availability across Norfolk.

About AT&T

At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up, a solid value for streaming, video calls, and everyday use. It is fixed wireless rather than fiber or cable, and availability is address-dependent, reaching 60.1% of Norfolk, so check your address to confirm service and reliability before choosing it.

Available Plans

28
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 51.8% of city
49
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 8.3% of city

Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$45 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~48.4% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless, Fiber
73

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

73

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.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

5G fixed wireless is an adequate choice for everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls, although signal and congestion can affect real-world consistency. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 73/100 Speed Score, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 72/100 score. Both plans are available to 47.1% of Norfolk, and Verizon’s 73/100 headline score is above the city average of 64, so check your address to confirm service reaches your home.

About Verizon

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle everyday streaming, video calls, and browsing, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, or 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional. Both plans are available to 47.1% of Norfolk, so check your address first; fixed wireless is an adequate option, though it can be less consistent than fiber or cable.

Available Plans

71
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 34.4% of city
73
Licensed Fixed Wireless
1000 Mbps Download
75 Mbps Upload
Coverage 12.2% of city
87
Fiber
940 Mbps Download
880 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.4% of city
42
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.5% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
21

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

21

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 64, making the value limited for the price. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Norfolk, but satellite latency and limited upload capacity can affect video calls, gaming, and large uploads, so check which other technologies reach your specific address before choosing it.

About HughesNet

At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while Fusion costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. All three satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Norfolk, but their Speed Scores are 1/100 for Lite and Select and 21/100 for Fusion, so satellite latency and limited speeds may not suit modern needs; check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.

Available Plans

20
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 150 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
1

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

1

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Norfolk

Viasat is a limited-performance option in Norfolk, so check what other providers are available at your address first. Its satellite plans are available to 100.0% of the city but score just 1/100, below the city average of 64: Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with satellite’s higher latency also affecting real-world use.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat is mainly a fallback option rather than a first choice for modern internet needs, since its satellite plans have a Speed Score of 1/100. Its fastest plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and up to 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo and is available to 100.0% of Norfolk, so check for fiber, cable, or another faster provider at your address first.

Available Plans

41
Gso Satellite
150 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Every plan available in Norfolk

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

  • Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$115$154Per month~83.4%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$100$124Per month~83.4%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~83.4%CoverageCable
  • Cox CommunicationsStraightUp Internet100 MbpsDownload72Our score$50Per month~83.4%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55$74Per month~83.4%CoverageCable
  • AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55$60Per month~60.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • 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~50.2%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 Norfolk providers head-to-head

See how Norfolk’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.

Best Fit by Household Type in Norfolk

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Verizon 5G Home: $35/mo promotional starting rate, 300 Mbps, reaching 47.1% of Norfolk.

It is the city's cheapest listed plan, making 300 Mbps practical for shared living near Old Dominion University.

Check first: Confirm service at your address; Verizon's overall footprint is 48.4%, but this plan reaches 47.1%.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Prefer Metronet's 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber where available; it reaches about 44% of Norfolk.

Metronet's footprint is strongest in ZIP 23505 at 82.3% and reaches 56.7% in ZIP 23502.

Check first: In Ocean View ZIP 23518, Metronet reaches 40.4%; confirm service at the exact address.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Cox 1 GIG internet for 1,000 Mbps; that plan reaches 83.4% of Norfolk.

Cox reaches 78.5% in Larchmont-Edgewater and 74.6% in ZIP 23504.

Check first: Cox's cable coverage is not universal; verify the address before relying on gigabit service.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps: $55/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 100% of Norfolk.

Its 100% reach exceeds Cox's 89.3% overall footprint, helping address harder-to-serve homes.

Check first: Check for wired alternatives; Metronet's 5,120 Mbps fiber reaches about 44% citywide.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in Norfolk

23510

Downtown Norfolk

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Cox cable reaches 53.4% in Downtown Norfolk's ZIP 23510, while Verizon fixed wireless reaches 8.4%.

23508

Larchmont-Edgewater

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable availability.

Cox cable covers 78.5% of ZIP 23508; its listed fiber reaches 5.2%.

23518

Ocean View

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Cable or fiber comparison.

Cox cable leads at 44.8%, closely followed by Metronet fiber at 40.4% in Ocean View ZIP 23518.

23504

Norfolk State University

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Shared-home cable access.

Cox cable reaches 74.6% of ZIP 23504, with Starlink listed at 12.2%.

Internet providers near Norfolk

Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Norfolk, check the neighboring market directly.

Norfolk Internet FAQs

What is the fastest internet provider in Norfolk, VA?

Metronet Holdings is Norfolk's fastest listed provider at 5,120 Mbps symmetrical fiber, reaching about 44% of the city. Availability varies sharply: Metronet covers 82.3% in ZIP 23505 and 40.4% in Ocean View's ZIP 23518, so verify your address.

Can I get fiber internet in Norfolk, VA?

Yes—Metronet's 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber reaches about 44% of the city, and Cox also lists fiber in Norfolk's ZIP data. Metronet reaches 82.3% in ZIP 23505 and 40.4% in Ocean View ZIP 23518, while Cox fiber appears at 7.5% there; check your address.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Norfolk, VA?

Verizon 5G Home is Norfolk's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 47.1% of the city. Confirm your address because this plan's reach is 47.1%, not Verizon's 48.4% overall coverage, before ordering.

How much internet speed do I need for a Norfolk household?

A 300 Mbps plan is a practical Norfolk starting point for several connected users, matching Verizon 5G Home where it reaches 47.1% of the city. For heavier simultaneous use, Cox's 1,000 Mbps plan reaches 83.4%, while Metronet's 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber reaches about 44%; address-check both.

What internet is available in Ocean View, Norfolk?

In Ocean View ZIP 23518, Cox cable reaches 44.8%, while Metronet's 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber reaches 40.4%. Cox fiber is listed at 7.5% there, so verify your exact address before choosing between cable and fiber plans.

How We Analyze Internet in Norfolk

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 Norfolk report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Norfolk

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
23501235022350323504235052350723508235092351023511235132351423515235172351823523235292354123551
Census Tracts: 81 tracts
Census Blocks: 3,244 blocks analyzed

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.