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High speed internet is now foundational for work, school, and streaming. In 2025, most U.S. households see typical fixed-broadband downloads well above 200 Mbps, and multi-gig fiber tiers are expanding while 5G Home Internet grows as an alternative where wired options are limited. We evaluated five widely available providers using current customer satisfaction results, real-world performance, plan details, and policy changes that affect pricing and transparency.
Our picks weigh: customer satisfaction (latest findings from ACSI and J.D. Power), network performance trends (Ookla), plan speeds/prices and data policies (official provider pages), and availability context (address-level checks via the FCC National Broadband Map). We also factor in technology upgrades (fiber XGS‑PON and emerging 25G PON; cable DOCSIS 4.0) and 2025 consumer behaviors (multi-device streaming and mobile-first usage from Datareportal and Deloitte).
The 5 Best High Speed Internet Service Providers
- AT&T Internet: Best Customer Satisfaction & Fiber Value
- Verizon Fios: Best Unlimited Data (Fiber)
- CenturyLink: Best Simple Pricing via Quantum Fiber (where available)
- Comcast Xfinity: Best Download Speeds at Scale
- Cox Communications Internet: Best Plan Variety
| Reviews.com Score | J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction* | Download Speed | Starting Price | |
| AT&T Internet | — | 2025 South & West Regional Winner (see J.D. Power) | Up to 5 Gbps (fiber) | $55/mo (Internet 300; see AT&T Fiber) |
| Verizon Fios | — | 2025 East Regional Winner (see J.D. Power) | Up to 1 Gbps (symmetrical) | $49.99/mo (Fios 300; see Verizon Fios) |
| CenturyLink | — | Around industry avg; fiber brand (Quantum Fiber) often scores higher (see ACSI) | Up to gigabit in fiber areas | Varies by location |
| Comcast Xfinity | — | Near category avg; very strong download performance nationally (see Ookla) | Gigabit-class (DOCSIS; multi-gig in select areas) | Varies by market |
| Cox Communications Internet | — | Near category avg (see ACSI) | Gigabit-class in many areas | Varies by market |
Information accurate as of 2025. * Regional placements reflect the latest J.D. Power U.S. Residential ISP Satisfaction findings; fiber-first brands (Verizon Fios, AT&T) lead most regions. For historical context, see J.D. Power’s press releases and the prior 2020 Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study average ratings across all regions.
AT&T – Best Customer Service
Pros
Impressive speed
Broad coverage
Customer service
Cons
Availability of fiber-optic service
DSL performance
Data caps
✓ Best For: Excellent customer satisfaction and symmetrical fiber value
✗ Not For: Addresses without AT&T Fiber buildout (check availability)
AT&T earns top-tier satisfaction and routinely leads multiple regions in the latest J.D. Power study, with ACSI results showing fiber brands above the ISP category average (upper‑60s to low‑70s on a 0–100 scale). AT&T Fiber offers symmetrical plans from 300 Mbps up to 5 Gbps with no data caps and no annual contract on fiber (see plans). Multi‑gig tiers are enabled by XGS‑PON, with the industry preparing for 25G PON overlays to further improve capacity and latency (Ookla; ITU‑T 50G‑PON).
Availability is highly address‑specific. Use the FCC National Broadband Map to list providers at your home, then confirm orderability on AT&T’s site. AT&T also offers simple pricing and included equipment on fiber; verify your all‑in cost via the ISP’s broadband label before you buy.
AT&T Internet Further Reading:
- AT&T vs. Cox
- AT&T Internet Review
Verizon Fios – Unlimited Data
Pros
Gigabit speed
Faster-than-average uploads
No data caps
Customer service rating
Cons
Availability
✓ Best For: East Coast fiber seekers who want unlimited data
✗ Not For: Addresses outside Fios’ Northeast/Mid‑Atlantic footprint
Verizon Fios typically tops the East region in J.D. Power satisfaction and sits above the ISP category average in ACSI. Fios fiber plans include unlimited data and symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps (current offers). While multi‑gig fiber (2–5+ Gbps) is expanding industry‑wide at providers like AT&T and Google Fiber, Fios’ widely advertised tiers currently top out at 1 Gbps; check your address for any ZIP‑specific promotions.
Expect low latency and strong consistency typical of fiber; improvements stem from modern PON technology (XGS‑PON today, with 25G PON emerging) and ongoing core/network upgrades (Ookla; 3GPP Release 18 for 5G‑Advanced on the mobile side).
Verizon Fios Internet Further Reading:
CenturyLink – Price-Lock Guarantee
Pros
Availability of fiber-optic service
Plans for every budget
Price guarantee without a contract
Cons
Data caps
✓ Best For: Straightforward, contract‑free fiber pricing via Quantum Fiber (in supported areas)
✗ Not For: Households prioritizing top-tier satisfaction leaders (AT&T, Verizon Fios)
CenturyLink’s fiber service is marketed as Quantum Fiber in many areas and commonly features contract‑free pricing. Satisfaction results for fiber brands generally sit above legacy DSL and around or above the ISP average in ACSI, though category leaders remain AT&T and Verizon Fios in J.D. Power regional rankings. Where available, Quantum Fiber delivers gigabit‑class, symmetrical speeds suitable for heavy streaming and gaming; plan specifics and availability vary by address.
Confirm service using the FCC National Broadband Map, then verify your exact plans and terms on CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber’s address checker. Data policies on fiber typically have no caps, while non‑fiber options may differ—always review the provider’s broadband label for your location.
CenturyLink Internet Further Reading:
Comcast Xfinity – Fastest Top Speed
Pros
Consistent, impressive speed
Broad availability
Plans for every budget
Flexible contract terms
Cons
Pricing may vary
Customer service
Data caps
✓ Best For: Fast download speeds across a broad footprint
✗ Not For: Those who want no data caps in capped Xfinity regions
Xfinity often ranks among the fastest for national median downloads in independent testing, with large-cable peers trading places quarter to quarter (Ookla U.S. Market Report). Cable performance continues to improve with DOCSIS 3.1/4.0 upgrades that raise throughput and, in some markets, increase upload speeds and lower latency. Multi‑gig service is available in select areas; availability is neighborhood‑specific, so always run the address checker (Xfinity availability).
Data policy: Xfinity enforces a 1.2 TB monthly data plan in most non‑Northeast markets, with unlimited add‑ons (e.g., xFi Complete) available for an extra fee (Xfinity data plan details). Use the provider’s broadband label to compare all‑in costs, typical speeds, and data policies before ordering.
Xfinity Internet Further Reading:
Cox Communications Internet – Plan Variety
Pros
Plan variety
Great equipment
Cons
Upload speeds
✓ Best For: Flexible plan options with a managed WiFi gateway
✗ Not For: Shoppers who want fully unlimited data everywhere
Cox offers a wide range of tiers and equipment options, including the Panoramic Wifi Gateway for whole‑home coverage. Cable performance has trended up thanks to DOCSIS upgrades, and Cox is frequently competitive on download speeds alongside other large providers in Ookla reporting (see U.S. Market Report). Availability is neighborhood‑specific across its multi‑state footprint—confirm using the Cox address checker (service areas).
Plan terms, data policies, and promos vary by ZIP. Review the provider’s broadband label for typical speeds, fees, and any caps in your market before ordering.
Further Reading:
How Much Is High-Speed Internet?
“High-speed” spans fiber, cable, fixed wireless (5G/LTE), and satellite, and prices vary by ZIP and promo. As of 2025, entry fiber tiers around 300 Mbps commonly list about $45–$60/month (overview; AT&T Fiber), cable plans in the 300–500 Mbps range often promote ~$40–$75/month depending on market and term (Spectrum), and fixed wireless home internet typically runs ~$40–$60/month with taxes/fees often included (T‑Mobile; Verizon 5G Home). Always check the ISP’s broadband label for the all‑in monthly price, promo length, typical speeds, and data caps.
Where you live still matters. Urban areas generally have more providers and sharper pricing, while rural build costs and capacity can limit options. Use state context as background but verify at the address level via the FCC National Broadband Map. Note that the federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped providing benefits after spring 2024 and remains in wind‑down; many ISPs offer voluntary low‑income plans, but ACP credits are no longer applied (FCC ACP).
How Much Speed Will I Actually Get?
Real‑world speeds depend on technology, provider, and neighborhood load. Nationally, median fixed‑broadband downloads are now well above 200 Mbps, with uploads and latency improving as fiber share rises (Ookla U.S. Market Report). Fiber’s symmetrical speeds and lower latency help creators and remote workers, while upgraded cable networks deliver very high downloads and improving uploads with DOCSIS 4.0 rollouts.
Typical use guidance: multi‑device households that stream 4K, game, and join video calls concurrently benefit from 300–500 Mbps or higher. For task‑based minimums, consult the FCC broadband speed guide. Consumer behavior data show time online remains high and continues shifting toward video and creator content, which increases peak‑hour demand (Datareportal 2025; Deloitte). On wireless alternatives, 5G Standalone and 5G‑Advanced upgrades are improving latency and consistency for fixed wireless users in covered areas (3GPP Rel‑18; Ericsson Mobility Report).
Guide to High Speed Internet
Check coverage
Footprints are block‑by‑block. Start with the FCC National Broadband Map to list fixed providers at your address. Then confirm orderability with each provider’s checker: cable (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox), fiber (e.g., Fios, AT&T Fiber), and fixed wireless (T‑Mobile; Verizon). Availability can pause in sectors at capacity and reopen after upgrades.
Decide how much speed you need
Count users and devices, and consider upload needs (cloud backup, creators). Fiber’s symmetrical tiers of 300 Mbps–multi‑gig handle heavy multi‑device homes; upgraded cable is excellent for downloads but may have lower uploads depending on your market. Performance keeps improving as networks adopt XGS‑PON/25G PON on fiber and DOCSIS 4.0 on cable (50G‑PON roadmap; Ookla).
Study pricing
Compare the all‑in cost using the new broadband labels (required for all ISPs). Labels show monthly price (including fees), promo duration, typical speeds/latency, and data caps. Note that the federal ACP subsidy ended in 2024 and is in wind‑down (FCC ACP), so factor the post‑ACP bill if you previously used the discount.
Consider bundling
Mobile + home internet bundles can materially lower your bill if you already have an eligible mobile plan. T‑Mobile often prices Home Internet as low as $30/mo with Go5G Plus/Next and AutoPay (details), and Verizon advertises $20–$35/mo in combined credits when pairing myPlan Unlimited with Fios or 5G Home (current offers). Always compare the true all‑in cost versus standalone services.
