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Columbus, Ohio has robust competition for home internet in 2025. The primary wired options are AT&T Fiber (fiber), Spectrum (cable), Breezeline (cable) and Metronet (fiber), with 5G Home Internet from T‑Mobile and Verizon widely available and satellite (e.g., Starlink) covering harder-to-reach addresses. Availability and pricing vary block by block, so start with an address lookup on BroadbandNow’s Columbus page and confirm with provider tools and the FCC National Broadband Map. To gauge real‑world performance trends, check the latest median speeds on Ookla’s Columbus city page.
Since 2020, the local market has shifted: WOW! exited Columbus and its network now operates as Breezeline, while AT&T and Metronet expanded fiber builds. Spectrum continues to offer citywide cable with no data caps. Fixed wireless options from T‑Mobile and Verizon have become mainstream alternatives. Some neighborhoods are also seeing new competition from GFiber.
Based on our research, these are our top three picks for the best internet providers in Columbus, Ohio.
The 3 Best Internet Providers in Columbus
- Spectrum – Best coverage area among cable providers; common tiers are 300/500/1,000 Mbps with no data caps and no annual contract (promo pricing varies by address; see Spectrum Internet).
- AT&T – Best multi‑gig fiber network; symmetrical 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps with equipment included, no data caps, and no annual contract (see AT&T Fiber plans).
- Bresco Broadband – Local fixed‑wireless alternative in parts of Ohio; availability is address‑specific. Most Columbus households should also compare Breezeline (cable) and Metronet (fiber) first due to wider urban coverage and introductory pricing.
The Best Columbus Internet Providers: Summed Up
All information accurate as of 11/11/2025.
Spectrum – Best Coverage Area
Spectrum is one of the most widely available wired internet options across Columbus. Spectrum offers cable (HFC) internet with no data caps and address‑based speed eligibility. Plans include access to Spectrum WiFi hotspots. For current plan details and typical speeds/latency at your address, review Spectrum’s site and the plan’s FCC Broadband Label and confirm availability using Spectrum’s checker.
Common tiers include Internet 300, Internet Ultra (500), and Internet Gig (up to 1 Gbps). Residential internet includes a modem, optional Advanced WiFi gateway (~$5/mo. where offered), no data caps, and no annual contract. Spectrum periodically promotes a contract buyout; verify eligibility during checkout. See Spectrum Internet for current promotional pricing, which varies by location.
- Price: Promotional pricing from $49.99/mo. for Internet 300 (varies by address)
- Speed and Data: 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or up to 1,000 Mbps; unlimited data on residential plans
- Plans/Packages: Internet 300, Internet Ultra (500), or Internet Gig
- Contract Options: No annual contract
AT&T – Best Network
AT&T is available across large parts of the metro, with AT&T Fiber availability varying by neighborhood and address. Symmetrical fiber tiers range from 300 Mbps to multi‑gig where eligible, making AT&T a top choice for work‑from‑home and creator uploads.
AT&T Fiber plans include equipment, unlimited data, and no annual contract, with symmetrical speeds from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gbps where available. See current AT&T Fiber plans and confirm eligibility for your address.
For additional savings, you can bundle your internet service with TV or wireless through AT&T. Check the plan’s FCC Broadband Label for typical speeds and fees.
- Price: Fiber 300 $55/mo., Fiber 500 $65/mo., 1 GIG $80/mo., 2‑Gig $110/mo., 5‑Gig $225/mo. (autopay/paperless; equipment included)
- Speed and Data: 300, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 5,000 Mbps; unlimited data on fiber
- Plans/Packages: Fiber 300, Fiber 500, 1 GIG, 2‑Gig, or 5‑Gig
- Contract Options: No annual contract
Bresco Broadband – Best Local Provider
Bresco Broadland is a small fixed‑wireless provider serving parts of Ohio; availability in the Columbus metro is address‑specific and should be verified on the provider’s site. For most households within city limits, prioritize wired options first: Breezeline (cable; operates the former WOW! Columbus network) and Metronet (fiber). Both advertise no data caps and competitive first‑year pricing in Ohio markets.
If wired service isn’t available, consider fixed wireless or satellite. T‑Mobile 5G Home Internet lists typical speeds often in the 70–245+ Mbps range, while Verizon 5G Home markets about 50–300 Mbps and 5G Home Plus about 300–1,000 Mbps where coverage supports it. Satellite like Starlink can serve rural addresses but usually at higher cost and latency than wired or 5G. Always verify address‑level offers and review each plan’s FCC Broadband Label.
- Price: Varies by address and technology; check the provider’s checkout for current promos and fees
- Speed and Data: Fixed‑wireless performance varies with signal; many plans market unlimited data subject to network management. Breezeline commonly offers ~500 Mbps and 1 Gbps tiers; Metronet ranges from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps symmetric
- Plans/Packages: Options vary by address and provider; verify current plan names and equipment details
- Contract Options: Typically no annual contract for major providers listed; Bresco terms vary
How We Found the Best Internet Providers in Columbus
With multiple providers to pick from, here’s how we determined the best options for Columbus in 2025.
- Coverage. We favor providers with strong address‑level availability in Columbus. Confirm eligibility using each provider’s checker (e.g., AT&T, Spectrum) and cross‑verify on the FCC National Broadband Map. Aggregators like BroadbandNow help you see who serves your exact location.
- Value. We compared speeds (including uploads), data policies, fees, equipment, and contract terms. Use the standardized FCC Broadband Labels to compare typical speeds and latency, price, and any data caps side by side.
- Customer Satisfaction. Recent studies show ISPs remain among the lower‑scoring sectors, with fiber‑led offers tending to do better on speed/reliability than legacy cable/DSL. Reference the latest J.D. Power industry studies and the American Customer Satisfaction Index updates for current scores and trends.
Columbus Internet FAQ
What is the best internet provider for me?
Your best pick depends on your exact address, speed/upload needs, and budget. Compare at least two wired options (AT&T Fiber or Metronet where available, plus Spectrum or Breezeline) and one 5G Home option (T‑Mobile or Verizon). Use address checkers, BroadbandNow, and each plan’s FCC Broadband Label to evaluate typical speeds, fees, and data policies.
Should I choose DSL or fiber-optic internet?
Fiber uses light over glass to deliver symmetrical speeds (e.g., 300 Mbps–multi‑gig) with lower latency and no data caps from major providers like AT&T and Metronet. DSL is a legacy copper technology with lower speeds and limited availability. If fiber isn’t at your address, compare cable from Spectrum or Breezeline against 5G Home Internet (T‑Mobile, Verizon) using each plan’s label.
How do I purchase internet service?
After confirming provider availability at your address, most ISPs support online ordering through their availability tools or by phone. Before checkout, review the plan’s FCC Broadband Label for typical speeds/latency, monthly price, fees, and any data cap. To understand expected performance in your area, also consult Ookla’s Columbus metrics.
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