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Although there are numerous internet service providers out there, finding the best internet in your area can be tricky. Real gaming performance varies by access technology and location. Independent testing in 2025 consistently shows true fiber leading on latency and stability for gaming, with Google Fiber the top overall performer where available. Start by checking address-level options on the FCC National Broadband Map and comparing fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite choices for your home.
To find the best internet providers for gaming, we analyzed leading ISPs on latency, jitter, packet loss, upload speed, price, availability, and customer satisfaction. Our picks reflect findings from recent independent measurements and regulator data showing fiber’s advantage for gaming responsiveness (FCC Measuring Broadband America 2024; Ookla U.S. analyses 2025) and current product capabilities from provider sites.
These are our picks for 2025’s best internet providers for gaming (by category) and what to consider locally if multiple options are available.
The Top 10 Internet Providers for Gaming
- AT&T: Multi-gig symmetric fiber value (note: where Google Fiber is available, it’s the best overall for gaming performance)
- Xfinity: Cable speeds with DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades emerging; fiber still leads for latency under load (FCC)
- Frontier: Competitive fiber value with symmetric tiers in many markets
- Verizon: Low-latency fiber with symmetric multi-gig in supported areas
- CenturyLink: Straightforward plans; prioritize Quantum Fiber areas for gaming
- Spectrum: Broad cable availability; uploads and latency improving as low-latency DOCSIS features roll out
- RCN: Now part of Astound Broadband; strong metro deals where available
- Viasat: GEO satellite fallback; if available, LEO options like Starlink often have lower latency
- Cox: Flexible cable tiers; optional unlimited data add-on in many markets
- Suddenlink: Now Optimum by Altice; useful where fiber choices are limited
| Availability | Bandwidth | ACSI rating | Monthly Prices starting at | |
| AT&T | Fiber (legacy copper limited) | 300 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps (symmetric) | Use latest ACSI study; fiber ISPs tend to lead satisfaction | Typical 1 Gbps standalone ~$60–$90/mo before fees (OTI 2024) |
| Xfinity | Cable (DOCSIS; limited fiber) | 75 Mbps – multi-gig; some DOCSIS 4.0 symmetric markets | See ACSI telecommunications study (ISPs score below many sectors) | Common 300 Mbps ~$40–$70/mo; 1 Gbps often ~$60–$90 before fees (OECD/market snapshots) |
| Frontier | Fiber (legacy DSL in some areas) | 500 Mbps – multi-gig (symmetric in fiber markets) | Refer to latest ACSI; fiber typically outperforms cable/DSL | 1 Gbps offers commonly ~$60–$90/mo before fees (market-dependent) |
| Verizon | Fiber | 300 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps (symmetric where supported) | ACSI telecom study indicates fiber leaders score higher on reliability/value | Gig/multi-gig tiers priced above lower tiers; verify current Fios plans |
| CenturyLink | Fiber in select areas; legacy DSL | 200 Mbps – multi-gig (fiber); DSL slower | See ACSI telecom study; experience varies by tech (fiber vs DSL) | Fiber gig pricing typically ~$60–$90/mo (varies by market) |
| Spectrum | Cable | 300 Mbps – 1,000+ Mbps; uploads improving with DOCSIS upgrades | See ACSI; cable ISPs generally trail fiber on satisfaction | Common 300 Mbps ~$40–$70/mo; verify fees via broadband label |
| RCN | Astound Broadband (fiber/cable in metros) | 300 Mbps – gigabit+ (varies by city) | Not always separately rated; check ACSI study coverage | Promotional pricing varies by metro; compare total monthly cost |
| Viasat | Satellite (GEO) | 10 Mbps – 100 Mbps (higher latency than wired) | Not rated; satellite generally scores lower for gaming needs | Plans/pricing vary; contracts/equipment typical |
| Cox | Cable (limited fiber) | 100 Mbps – multi-gig; uploads improving in upgraded areas | See ACSI study; cable tends to have higher latency under load vs fiber | 300 Mbps ~$40–$70/mo; unlimited data add-on available in many markets |
| Suddenlink | Optimum by Altice (cable; fiber in some areas) | 300 Mbps – 1,000+ Mbps (multi-gig in some fiber areas) | See ACSI telecom study | Market-dependent intro offers; review broadband label for full cost |
*Data ranges reflect widely reported 2024–2025 offerings; verify your address and plan label for exact pricing, fees, and technology.
AT&T
AT&T Fiber offers symmetric multi-gig “Hyper-Gig” tiers (1–5 Gbps) with no data caps on fiber, strong uploads for voice/chat/streams, and low latency that favors competitive play (AT&T Fiber plans; FCC 2024). Where available, Google Fiber sets the overall bar for gaming performance, but AT&T is a top nationwide fiber choice.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Symmetric multi-gig fiber; low-latency competitive gaming; heavy downloads/streams with no data caps | Addresses without AT&T Fiber (legacy copper/DSL performs worse for gaming) |
- Multi-gig symmetric: Tiers up to 5 Gbps support gaming + 4K streaming + large patches simultaneously (AT&T).
- Latency and stability: Fiber access delivers lower latency/jitter than cable/DSL in regulator tests (FCC 2024).
- Competitive alternative to GFiber: In markets without GFiber, AT&T Fiber is among the best national options for gaming.
Further Reading:
Xfinity
Xfinity offers widely available high-speed cable and is expanding DOCSIS 4.0 in select cities to enable higher uploads and multi-gig symmetric tiers (Comcast 2025). For gaming, cable can be very fast, but independent and regulator data show fiber still delivers lower latency and jitter under load (FCC 2024).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Broad availability; fast downloads; bundle seekers | Ultra latency‑sensitive play compared to top fiber; post‑promo pricing can vary by market |
- DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades: Higher uploads and lower latency features are rolling out in some markets (Comcast).
- Competitive bundles: Mix internet with TV/mobile; compare the broadband label for total cost.
- Address variability: Node congestion and peering can affect latency; prefer wired Ethernet for competitive play.
Further Reading:
Frontier
Frontier Fiber’s expanding footprint delivers symmetric tiers and gaming‑friendly latency where available, while legacy DSL remains slower and more variable. Recent national testing places fiber ISPs well ahead of DSL/cable on latency/jitter critical to online play (Ookla 2025; FCC 2024).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Value fiber with symmetric upload; low latency and jitter | Addresses limited to legacy copper/DSL |
- Symmetric uploads: Helps voice chat, party chat, cloud saves, and streaming while you play.
- Market dependent: Check exact address; fiber performance varies by local build and interconnects.
- Prefer fiber over DSL: Gaming quality tracks access tech more than headline download speed (FCC).
Further Reading:
Verizon
Verizon Fios is a leader in low-latency, symmetric fiber with multi-gig options (including a 2 Gbps tier in supported areas) and no data caps on fiber plans (Verizon Fios). Fiber’s consistently low jitter and packet loss are key advantages for responsive gameplay (FCC 2024).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Low-latency fiber; symmetric uploads for streaming/voice; multi-gig options | Addresses outside the Fios fiber footprint |
- Symmetric tiers: 300 Mbps to multi-gig support smooth uploads during play (Fios).
- No data caps: Helpful for large patches and cloud gaming.
- Consistently strong for gaming: Independent 2025 testing ranks leading fiber ISPs at the top (PCMag).
Further Reading:
CenturyLink
CenturyLink’s best gaming performance is found in its Quantum Fiber areas, which provide fiber’s low latency and stable uploads. Legacy DSL is slower with higher variability. Many gamers prefer straightforward, no‑nonsense fiber plans over heavy bundle promos.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Straightforward fiber plans; low latency and jitter in fiber markets | Homes limited to legacy DSL; ultra‑high upload needs without fiber |
- Prefer fiber: For gaming, fiber markedly outperforms DSL on latency/consistency (FCC 2024).
- Price/performance: Compare delivered Mbps and total monthly cost using the broadband label.
- No caps on fiber: Common among fiber tiers; verify plan details.
Further Reading:
Spectrum
Spectrum’s cable network is widely available with gigabit‑class downloads. As low-latency DOCSIS techniques (including IETF L4S) roll out across cable, latency under load can improve for gaming while other devices upload/stream (CableLabs on L4S). Fiber still generally wins on latency and jitter (FCC 2024).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Wide cable availability; simple speed tiers; no annual contracts | Gamers who need fiber‑class uploads and the very lowest latency |
- Latency improvements: L4S aims to reduce bufferbloat during busy home use (CableLabs).
- Broad coverage: Useful fallback where fiber isn’t built.
- Optimize at home: Prefer Ethernet and a router with SQM to keep latency stable while gaming.
Further Reading:
- Spectrum Internet Review 2020
- Spectrum TV Review
- Spectrum’s New Streaming Service
- AT&T vs. Spectrum Internet
RCN
RCN now operates under Astound Broadband in most markets, offering competitive metro pricing across fiber and cable footprints. Availability and speeds vary by city and neighborhood; check your exact address for options and whether fiber is offered locally.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Metro deals; strong performance where fiber is available; heavy downloaders/streamers | Addresses outside Astound/RCN footprints; those needing broad rural coverage |
- Address-level check: Astound’s mix of fiber and cable means performance depends on local tech.
- Personalized service: Smaller footprints can enable more responsive local support.
- Review plan terms: Confirm data policy and total monthly cost (fees/equipment) in your city’s broadband label.
Viasat
Viasat’s geostationary (GEO) satellite provides coverage where wired and 5G aren’t available, but latency is higher than terrestrial options. If available in your area, low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) satellite like Starlink often delivers much lower latency—typically in the tens of milliseconds—making more online games playable compared with GEO (Ookla satellite 2025).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Connectivity in unserved areas; basic online play where latency is less critical | Fast‑twitch competitive titles; frequent large downloads and patches |
- Coverage: Reaches many rural/remote locations.
- Expect higher latency: Cloud gaming and twitch shooters will feel better on fiber/cable or LEO where available.
- Consider alternatives: Check for LEO options and 5G Home before committing to GEO satellite.
Further Reading:
Cox
Cox offers a wide range of cable tiers (and limited fiber) suitable for light to heavy usage. For competitive gaming, prioritize higher upload options and a wired connection, and consider the optional Unlimited Data add‑on in markets with data plans (Cox data usage).
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Flexible tiers; casual to heavy usage; improving uploads in upgraded areas | Gamers who require fiber‑class uploads/latency; avoiding caps without add‑ons |
- Control bufferbloat: Use a router with SQM/L4S support to reduce latency under load (CableLabs).
- Use Ethernet: Wired connections usually beat Wi‑Fi for latency consistency.
- Review data policy: In capped markets, the Unlimited add‑on can make sense for large downloads/cloud gaming.
Further Reading:
Suddenlink
Suddenlink now operates as Optimum by Altice in most markets. Optimum offers cable service across many suburban/rural areas and fiber in select neighborhoods. Compare the plan’s broadband label to understand total cost (fees/equipment) and whether fiber is available at your address for the best gaming latency.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Areas with limited provider choice; gigabit‑class downloads; shoppers comparing promo vs. standard pricing | Users needing fiber‑class uploads/latency in non‑fiber areas; avoiding post‑promo price changes |
- Coverage in hard‑to‑serve areas: Useful option in suburban/rural footprints.
- Fiber where offered: Prioritize Optimum Fiber addresses for gaming responsiveness.
- Check labels: Review the broadband label for total monthly cost and renewal pricing.
Guide to Internet for Gaming
Check availability
Not all companies are available everywhere. Use the FCC National Broadband Map to see address‑level fixed broadband options and technology (fiber, cable, DSL, 5G Home, satellite). Where available, true fiber is consistently the best for gaming responsiveness. Independent 2025 tests name Google Fiber the overall performance leader, with Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber also top choices (Ookla U.S. 2025).
If you can’t get fiber, high‑tier cable is a strong second choice, and 5G Home Internet (fixed wireless) can work well for casual gaming, though radio variability makes latency less predictable than wired (Ericsson Mobility Report 2025).
The Best Speed for Internet Gaming
For most households, once you’re above roughly 50–100 Mbps, latency, jitter, and consistency under load matter more than raw download speed. The FCC’s latest fixed broadband report shows fiber providers deliver the lowest latency and packet loss on average, cable trails slightly, and wireless/satellite are more variable (FCC 2024). Wi‑Fi can also add delay; modern routers with features like SQM and Wi‑Fi 7 reduce in‑home latency. You can also increase your internet speed by switching to fiber from cable internet when available.
To figure out what kind of internet speeds you need, check out our Online’s Gamer’s Bandwidth Calculator to find the right speeds for your home.
Study pricing
The cost for high-speed internet varies by tier and market. Across major U.S. ISPs, standalone 1 Gbps plans commonly list around $60–$90/month before taxes/fees/equipment, while 100–300 Mbps tiers are often $40–$70/month (OTI Cost of Connectivity 2024; OECD). Consider any hidden costs and check each plan’s FCC Broadband Consumer Label. Note that the U.S. Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024, affecting out-of-pocket costs for many households (FCC ACP).
Equipment recommended
When you purchase an internet service plan, there is some additional equipment that you may need for your internet to work properly, including these.
- Modem — Your modem, typically rented through your internet service provider, will connect your devices to the internet through your cable, fiber or phone line.
- Router — To power your home with internet access, you can either purchase your own or rent one with your internet plan. Newer routers (Wi‑Fi 6/6E/7) and features like SQM can reduce latency and jitter in busy homes (Wi‑Fi 7).
- Cables — Most of the cables you will need will come with your router so you can connect all of your devices.
Consider bundling
Many internet service providers also offer other services, such as home or wireless phone service or TV packages. When you bundle multiple services, you can enjoy the convenience of a single provider with easier and cheaper billing. The best internet bundles can save you a ton of money on your phone, internet, and TV bills each month. Compare bundle pricing to standalone services and use the broadband label to see fees and renewal pricing; some carriers also offer add-on perks (e.g., Verizon myPlan).
Look for flexible contracts
Another point to consider is whether your internet service provider requires a contract. Month‑to‑month fiber/cable plans are increasingly common; others offer the lowest intro prices with a term. Check renewal terms, equipment fees, and whether data caps or network management policies apply on the plan’s broadband label.
