What’s the best internet provider in your area?
Choosing the best internet provider for your home involves comparing connection types, speeds, pricing and more. But first, you’ll need to narrow down the ISPs that are actually available at your address.
CNET uses the most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission to determine availability of internet providers across the US. Xfinity is the largest wired provider and is available to more than a third of US households, though T-Mobile has the greatest home internet coverage area of any nonsatellite provider. AT&T holds the title of largest fiber internet provider, though Verizon Fios, Quantum Fiber and others help bring fiber service to approximately 38% of US residences.
Where you live will be the determining factor when it comes to which providers are available, the technologies they use and the speeds you can get. It’s possible you’ll have access to fiber, cable, 5G, DSL or other internet options from a variety of providers. However, it’s more likely that you’ll have just two or three practical choices when it comes to home internet service.
The ISP search tool below uses proprietary in-house technology to find internet providers near you and the plans they offer. It asks for a ZIP code to ensure we’re providing the most accurate results of internet providers in your area, and that’s it. Our money is made from advertising and partnerships with the providers, not your data.
Internet provider availability overview
ISP availability is always changing, which is why the FCC updates provider data twice per year (see CNET’s breakdown of the FCC data by Ry Crist). It’s this data that we use to determine available internet providers in your area and the technologies they use.
In general, large cities like Seattle or Chicago are where you’ll find the greatest fiber availability and fastest speeds, though cable internet can deliver gig download speeds and is available to roughly 83% of households. Rural areas are often and unfortunately limited to slower options like DSL or satellite. 5G home internet, particularly from T-Mobile, is a growing alternative to broadband service in rural areas.
Top internet providers by availability
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Available in 49 states, 70% nationwide coverage.
- EarthLink: Available in 36 states, 63% nationwide coverage.
- Xfinity: Available in 39 states, 34% nationwide coverage.
- Spectrum: Available in 41 states, 28% nationwide coverage.
- AT&T: Available in 21 states, 25% nationwide coverage.
- Verizon Fios: Available in nine states, 15% nationwide coverage.
- CenturyLink: Available in 36 states, 13% nationwide coverage.
- Frontier: Available in 25 states, 8% nationwide coverage.
- Cox: Available in 18 states, 7% nationwide coverage.
- Optimum: Available in 21 states, 6% nationwide coverage.
- Rise Broadband: Available in 16 states, 6% nationwide coverage.
- Windstream: Available in 18 states, 3% nationwide coverage.
- Astound: Available in 14 states, 3% nationwide coverage.
- Mediacom: Available in 22 states, 2% nationwide coverage.
There’s a good chance one or more of the providers listed above are available in your area. You’ll find detailed information about each provider’s availability and network below.
Explore internet providers by city
What internet providers serve your city? We provide an in-depth look at the best internet providers in cities across the US from New York to San Francisco. Click any of the links below to learn more about available internet options in the area.
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Brooklyn, New York
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Houston, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- San Diego, California
- San Francisco, California
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Nashville, Tennessee
We didn’t forget about local internet providers
A dozen or so internet providers make up the majority of internet serviceability, but there are literally thousands of smaller ISPs that operate in hyperlocal markets. Providers such as Armstrong, Ziply Fiber and WideOpenWest, among many, many others, do a great job of serving their local communities, but there are simply too many to list here.
If you didn’t see a provider you know to be available in your area in the search tool towards the top of the page, don’t worry. We’re working to get them in there to give you a full, accurate picture of the best internet providers in your area.
Broadband and high-speed internet availability
According to the FCC, 99.99% of US residents have access to a broadband internet connection, which it defines as one that can provide download speeds up to 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3Mbps.
The lived experience of the broadband divide suggests those FCC numbers are high, and satellite internet may be the reason why. When you remove satellite technology from the list, broadband availability drops to 89%, with less than a third of US residents having three or more ISPs in their area. As you go up in speed from 25 to 100, 250 and 1,000Mbps, it’s evident that high-speed options can be limited.
Internet availability by technology
The available internet tech type can make a big difference in available speeds and performance. Fiber internet is the preferred option, as it comes with the best upload and download speed potential, not to mention superior reliability, but availability is still relatively low. Unless you live in or near a large city, it’s unlikely you’ll find fiber internet near you.
Cable internet is another popular choice for high-speed internet in many areas, boasting much higher availability than fiber internet but without the fast upload speeds or same reliability. DSL and fixed wireless internet are excellent rural internet options, but can’t compare to the speeds or reliability of fiber or cable connections.
For a further breakdown on the various types of internet, check out our guide to internet connection types.
Internet connection type availability
How to choose the best internet in your area
Finding the best internet provider in your area starts with discovering what’s available. Again, the search tool further up the page will give you an idea of what providers serve your area, the speeds they offer and how much it costs.
Once you’ve narrowed down the available internet providers in your area, take a look at the plans and service terms. Look for a plan that offers the speeds you need for the lowest price, but also be mindful of potential data caps and overage fees, contract requirements, equipment rental fees and other factors that can affect your service and what you pay each month.
For more tips on how to choose the right internet provider and plan, see our guide to selecting the best home internet service.
How we selected the top ISPs in your area
CNET takes into account everything the average customer should know when determining the best internet service providers. Connection type, speeds, pricing, service terms, customer satisfaction and other attributes are always important, but broadband availability is the primary consideration when focusing on the ISPs that may be in your area.
We source the most recent FCC data to determine provider availability and the technologies they use. It’s not perfect, but it does help us to identify the top internet providers in terms of availability and where to find them.
Check out our page on how we review internet providers for more information.