The internet truly holds the future of the world in its arms, with so many things that have become online in the last decade. Whether it is business, work, shopping, entertainment, or even learning, you can now find everything over the internet. A fact that has led to more and more people subscribing to the service in the past years. While the internet in its most conventional form is delivered through an Ethernet cable, the advancement of Wi-Fi routers has led to the internet service turning into wireless connections. As long as you have access to high-speed internet and a router, you can access the internet wirelessly from any spot in your home.

In this article, we talk about some of the best home Wi-Fi service providers in 2022. Wired or Wireless internet providers differ on the basis of internet connection type, service features, perks, and of course the price point you should expect to pay.

What is Wi-Fi and How Does It Work?

A Wi-Fi connection is a wireless internet entity that helps you connect to the internet without the need for any wires. The name Wi-Fi was not chosen as an acronym for anything, rather, it was just used to market the technology making it trendy enough to catch on quickly.

The internet modem takes the internet up and turns it into a usable internet signal that you can use at home. Next, your Wi-Fi router takes this internet connection and breaks it into tiny wireless signals that can then connect to your wireless devices.

While you can purchase a Wi-Fi modem and router separately, we live in an era of peak technology, which has brought us gorgeous gateway devices. A gateway device doubles both as a modem and a router, summing up all your functionality in one device. Gateway devices have been gaining popularity over the past few years since they take up less space, are more efficient, and go well with the aesthetics of a modern home.

What Equipment Do I Need to Set Up Home Wi-Fi?

A complete home Wi-Fi is a magical experience as it allows you to enjoy full internet connectivity from any part of your house. However, to set up such a seamless Wi-Fi connection, there are a few things you need. These components form part of your home internet network. These include:

Modem: A modem modulates the internet signal coming from your internet provider and turns it into a signal that other devices in your house can understand and connect to.
Router: A router converts your internet connection into bite-sized wireless signals. Through these signals, your wireless devices can finally connect to the internet without any wires. Depending on the internet speed you have, there are a variety of compatible Wi-Fi routers, bringing you a great wireless internet experience.

Wireless Network Adapter: This device connects your PC to the wireless internet signals. However, with newer PCs that have an in-built Wi-Fi receiver, these are no longer an important prerequisite.
Wi-Fi extenders: If you live in a very large house and are looking for wall-to-wall internet coverage, you may benefit from Wi-Fi extenders. These work in quite a simple way, only enhancing and propagating the internet signals they get. Of course, it is an optional thing, you can choose to forego it if there is no need for it.

How to Set Up Your Home Wi-Fi Connection?

Your dream home Wi-Fi connection is merely a few steps away and does not take more than a couple of minutes to set up. All you need is an internet modem and a wireless router, or you can substitute the two devices with a single gateway device, and you are ready to set up Wi-Fi in your house. Some of the steps that you will have to take during the process include:

Picking an optimal spot: Your router needs to lie in a central point of your house so the signals can be evenly distributed throughout your house. Pick your living room or den for optimal router placement.

Connect your router and modem: The next thing to do is to connect your router and modem device. You can do so by using an Ethernet cable and it will help transmit the signal between devices without any loss in signal strength or value.

Configure your Wi-Fi router: This setup will allow your router to establish itself and mesh in with your home network. You can find a guide with your router to help you complete this process.

Set up credentials: Set a name for your Wi-Fi network and create a strong password to go with it. Remember that your password protects your home network from getting misused. Now your Wi-Fi connection is not just ready to connect, it is also well-protected against unwelcome users.

Connect devices: Your network is now ready. Connect as many devices as you want, using the credentials you created previously. Once your device connects, you can browse, stream, or do whatever you love doing!

Best Home Wi-Fi Providers

As long as you have a router and an internet service, you can create a Wi-Fi network out of most internet providers. Even so, some clear industry favorites have stood the tests of time, resilience, customer satisfaction, and more. Some of the best home internet providers in the U.S. are Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and AT&T. Let us take a look at what each of these services has to offer.

1. Xfinity from Comcast

Xfinity is one of the top internet and TV providers in the U.S. and has a set of unique features that help it stand out. With service in over 36 states and 31 million subscribers, Comcast Xfinity has some of the largest coverage witnessed within American lands. Xfinity offers a large range of speed-tiers with different prices, so everyone can find something to fit their budget. Some of the things that you get to enjoy with Xfinity Internet include:

Xfinity Internet plans usually range from $19.99 to $80.00 per month, depending on the speed tier you choose to get. In some areas where multi-gig speeds are available, you can get 6000 Mbps of symmetrical internet speeds for about $299.95 per month. However, the service is still quite limited in terms of availability. Moreover, the xFi Gateway device comes up to a rental of about $14.00 per month and sets you up with a smooth and enjoyable internet experience.

2. Spectrum

Spectrum is another great internet and TV service provider in the U.S., with coverage in 41 states and 32 million subscribers to date. Spectrum is known for its contract-free and competitively-priced internet plans. You also get a completely free modem and antivirus program. Zero data caps with Spectrum mean that you can browse, watch, stream and do more to your hearts’ content without worrying about data overage fees. Some of the things that you get with Spectrum Internet include:

Spectrum internet plans usually range between $49.99 and $89.99 per month for a speed tier of your choosing at a promotional rate. The Spectrum modem comes included in the price, but if you want to activate the router feature on it, you can do so for as little as $5.00 per month.

Cox

Cox is a cable internet provider with coverage in 19 states reaching over 6.5 million subscribers. Cox is known for its high-speed internet, courtesy of the fiber-based cable network, wide availability of gig speeds, and market-competitive plan pricing. With Cox, you get the freedom to build and customize your bundles however you see fit, which is definitely a big plus. Some of the things that you get to enjoy with Cox Internet include:

Cox Internet plans usually range from $49.99 to $99.99 per month at a promo rate, for speeds from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. The Cox Panoramic Wifi can be rented at an additional $12.00 per month for all the benefits that come with the gateway device, including unlimited streaming.

4. AT&T

AT&T started out as a traditional DSL internet service but has come to be known in recent years for its cutting-edge and fast-spreading fiber network – the largest in the country. AT&T has coverage in over 21 states with about 17 million subscribers. AT&T offers a large variety of internet speeds in most locations, including high-speed internet via its IPBB network, which tops out at 100 Mbps. And of course, pure fiber-optic, which can now reach multi-gig speeds up to 5000 Mbps on the AT&T network.

Some of the things that you get to enjoy with the AT&T Internet include:

AT&T home internet comes in different varieties, and depending on what is available at your location you can choose. Pricing typically varies between $55 and $180 per month, subject to the speed tier and the type of connection you pick. Since there are no annual contracts, you only pay on a month-to-month basis, leaving you as free as a bird.

Best Home Internet Providers at a Glance

Provider	Download Speed Range	Price Range	Equipment Fee
Xfinity	50 Mbps – 6000 Mbps	$19.99/mo — $299.95/mo. Price subject to location	$14.00/mo.
Spectrum	300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps	$49.99/mo. — $89.99/mo.	$5.00/mo. (for router feature)
Cox	100 Mbps – 1000 Mbps	$49.99/mo. — $99.99/mo.	$12.00/mo.
AT&T	25 Mbps – 5000 Mbps	$55/mo. - $180/mo.	Free

Unlimited Wi-Fi Data

Some internet providers such as AT&T and Spectrum come with unlimited Wi-Fi plans, hence their bundles are not capped. This means you can enjoy as much streaming, gaming, and other online activities as you want without having to worry about any data overage fee.

Other providers like Xfinity and Cox offer unlimited data at an additional cost. With Xfinity, you can also get unlimited data if you opt for their Wi-Fi Complete with any eligible internet plan, which is another $25.00 added to your monthly bill, but it does get you an unlimited data allowance along with the xFi Gateway.

Tips to Improve Wi-Fi Signal in Your Home

Since the internet is an important utility to the modern home, it is imperative to maintain good signal coverage throughout your house. There are a few tips that can help you improve the Wi-Fi signals around your house.

Router placement in a central location: Placing your router in the center of your house will help distribute signals better to all nooks and crannies of your house. Try placing it in a place with few obstructions like appliances, walls, etc. if any so the signal stays as good as ever.

Disconnect idling devices: Devices that are connected to the internet but not in use tend to slow down the internet and affect the Wi-Fi signal strength. Disconnect all tablets, phones, and PCs not in use to prevent a decline in the Wi-Fi signal.

Setup a mesh network: If you have a larger home and you feel like a single router is not enough, you can get a mesh WiFi network instead. A mesh network works with a series of Wi-Fi extenders arranged to enhance the Wi-Fi signals and push them to all corners of your home. The perfect way to get wall-to-wall coverage, especially with larger homes.

To explore more of the best internet providers in your area, call us at 1-855-349-9328.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Wi-Fi free?

Some providers such as AT&T offer their internet equipment for free when you subscribe to their eligible internet plans, so you can enjoy Wi-Fi free of cost. However, with most providers, you do have to pay some equipment charges to get the Wi-Fi feature.

Are Wi-Fi speeds slower than wired connections?

There may not be a very big difference but wireless speeds as with Wi-Fi are typically slower than wired connections. This is simply because a wired connection transmits data a lot faster than a wireless signal can do. Call 1-855-349-9328 to get a better home Wi-Fi connection.

What home Wi-Fi service is available in my area?

Depending on where you live, you may have at least one of Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, AT&T, or other options servicing your area. To know about the internet providers available at your address, call our experts at 1-855-349-9328 and let them guide you on the best offers and prices at your location.

By Robert/Entertainment Buzz / 25 May, 2021

Home Wi-Fi Service Providers in 2022