Did you know the average American spends over seven hours online each day? Think about spending all these hours dealing with slow speeds and buffering.
Don’t you deserve better?
If your answer is “YES,” I want you to imagine a new world.
A world where your Netflix binge sessions are as smooth as silk, your Zoom meeting calls are easy and breezy, and online gaming is a lag-free dream.
Perfect, right?
Well, you can create this world and rule it with an iron fist.
Ready?
Roll up your sleeve and get ready to bid farewell to your slow internet. This guide will help you escape the prison of data caps, sluggish speed, outages, and more.
Top 5 Internet Service Providers of 2025
In today's hyper-connected world, slow internet is unacceptable. Period.
However, picking an internet connection is not as straightforward as most people think. In the world of the internet, options are endless, competition is fierce, and time is limited. So, the user has to pick the right option among 1,305 internet service providers (ISPs) in the United States.
If you are confused, we have sorted a simple list for you.
Here are our top picks to help you narrow down your options:
Good for up to 4 devices at a time―download music/photos, stream content or video chat
For 12 months, 1-year term contract. Taxes and equipment not included. Incl. up to $10/mo. auto-pay & paperless bill discount.
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Safe, secure, and high-speed internet with no contract and no data cap
*See Offer Details for terms and conditions.
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Budget-friendly plan, best for web browsing and streaming
Everyday low price. No annual contract.
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The fastest starting speed available Unlimited data Ultra-low latency with ping under 12ms
Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d. * *Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. Ltd. avail/areas.
See DetailsSee Broadband Facts: www.att.com/dapbbfacts ^Ltd. avail/areas. Fastest among major internet service providers, based on 5Gbps offering. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. Speeds vary, not g’td.
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Full home coverage with smart WiFi 6E Gateway
For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. In select markets only. View Full Disclaimer.
Check PlansNow that you have checked our top picks, you might be wondering how we got here.
To give you a perspective, here is everything that you need to consider while choosing an internet service provider.
Things to Look for When Choosing an Internet Service Provider
In an ideal world, a good internet connection should have it all – fast speed, budget-friendly plans, nationwide availability, and more.
However, in the real world, things are far from perfect. Most ISPs with good speed have limited availability, whereas widely available ISPs do not offer prompt customer service. As a user, you need to set your priorities based on your internet needs and then weigh your options accordingly.
Here is a checklist of all the factors that can affect the choice of your internet service provider.
Online Activities |
Understand your internet requirements and match them with your internet package. Why pay extra for browsing or attending online meetings? |
|
Speeds |
Learn about your speed requirements and ensure your internet package is good enough for you. There is no need to look for symmetrical speed for watching reels online. |
|
Bandwidth |
Keep a check on the number of users and available connected devices at your home. More devices mean you need high-speed internet with a good bandwidth. |
|
Price |
Determine your budget. Internet prices range somewhere between $40-70. You don’t have to pay a high fee just for internet browsing. |
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Contract |
Understand terms and conditions. Contracts can bind you to stay with the same ISP for a long time. So, it’s better to choose an ISP with no contract policy. |
|
Data Cap |
Be aware of data limitations. Data caps ensure that users have access to a certain quantity of data each month; after that, ISPs start snubbing the speed. It's recommended to pick a brand that offers unlimited internet. |
|
Customer Service |
Choose an ISP that provides 24/7 customer support. Online bill payment, technical support, outage information, or more, good customer service can transform the customer experience. |
|
Outage Frequency |
Ensure your ISP has a proven record of high uptime percentage. Outage mapping is an excellent way of getting outage and restoration information. |
|
Availability |
Select a provider with high availability, specifically in your area, to ensure reliable connectivity. |
|
Connection Type |
Stick to cable internet for basic internet activities. But for advanced usage like gaming or streaming, fiber internet is ideal. |
Our Picks for the Best Internet Providers
Xfinity: Best for Affordability and Speed
Cox: Best of Technical Support
AT&T: Best for Fiber Availability
Optimum: Best for Plan Variety and Bundling
Xfinity
If you are a customer on a budget, Xfinity is a good pick for you. You can choose any package of your desired speed and price range. Moreover, Xfinity offers a user-friendly DIY installation kit, so you can take charge of your technical needs.
Pros
- Wide availability
- High speed
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Price may vary based on the region and location
Spectrum
When it comes to availability, no one can top the Spectrum. Serviceable in more than 41 states, Spectrum ensures the user gets the best value for the buck. Moreover, it has a hybrid internet backed by fiber, which packs affordability and speed in one.
Pros
- No data cap
- High speed
- Good speed in all areas
Cons
- Frequent Price revisions
Cox
If you are a frequent mover, living at a temporary place, or are just someone who is exploring options, Cox is a perfect fit for you. With its no-contract policy, 24/7 customer support, no cancellation fee, and reliable internet, it’s an ISP that you can’t miss.
Pros
- No contract
- Reliable and fast
Cons
- Price renewal after promotion
AT&T
When it comes to fiber internet, AT&T is a household name that’s hard to ignore. As an exceptional legacy brand, AT&T ensures a wide availability and a huge variety of plans so the user has room to select an option based on personal needs and preferences.
Pros
- A wide variety of plans
- Fiber and fixed wireless connection type
- Wide availability
Cons
- DSL connectivity is more common
Optimum
As a cable and fiber internet provider, serving in more than 21 states, Optimum ensures the user has easy bundling options. Whether it's type of connection, speed, or price, Optimum ticks all the boxes for an ideal internet service provider.
Pros
- No data limit
- High-speed fiber optics
- Easy bundling option
Cons
- Limited availability
Compare Top Internet Providers
| Company | Connection Type | Availability | Price range | Download speeds | Bundle Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable | 41 states | $19.99–$75.00/mo. Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area. |
150 – 1200 Mbps | Learn More |
| Spectrum | Cable, fiber | 41+ states | $50–$70/mo. For 1 year* *See Offer Details for terms and conditions. |
500–1,000 Mbps | Learn More |
| Cox | Cable, fiber | 19 states | $50.00–$150.00/mo. Everyday low price. No annual contract. |
100–2,000 Mbps | Learn More |
| AT&T | Fiber, fixed wireless | 21 states | $55.00–$245.00/mo. plus taxes Eligible Autopay & Paperless Bill req’d. * *Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). |
300–5,000 Mbps ^Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. | Learn More |
| Optimum | Cable, fiber | 21 states | $40.00–$280.00/mo. For 12 mos. w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. In select markets only. |
Upto 300 - 8000 Mbps | Learn More |
Picking the best internet service provider in 2025 is as challenging as choosing a show on Netflix to watch – too many options and not enough clarity. However, before you pick and research an ISP, understand your requirements and online activities first.
This guide will help you understand your needs better and then pick a suitable ISP accordingly.
FAQs
Yes, AT&T offers WiFi. Moreover, the brand offers WiFi 6, which is reliable and delivers fast speed and better coverage.
The cheapest internet varies by the provider and location. However, the price can be as low as $19.99/month in some regions.
The average internet speed in the United States is nearly 267 Mbps download and 24 Mbps upload.
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Robert is a dedicated and knowledgeable author, an SEO expert with a passion for all things tech. He has a keen eye for detail, allowing him to write interesting blogs that are informative and engaging for readers. He has extensive knowledge of internet, TV, and phone pricing and plans, and has created numerous how-to guides to help users make informed decisions. As a tech geek and TV buff, he is always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry, making his content always fresh and relevant.
Robert