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The Best Seattle Internet Providers
Seattle’s 2010s boom has given way to steadier, post-pandemic growth. The city rose from 608,660 (2010 Census) to 737,015 (2020 Census), a 21.1% decade gain per Census QuickFacts. After a brief 2021 dip, federal estimates show continued growth through mid-2024 into the low-760,000s (Census PEP), and Washington’s official April 1 estimates also show gains into 2025 (WA OFM). Earlier coverage from The Seattle Times highlighted the city’s rapid growth in the 2010s. As Seattle continues to expand, keeping technology and infrastructure apace remains a priority.
Several internet providers serve the Seattle area to provide connectivity to everyone. The city of Seattle wants to make technology accessible to all as well, offering programs that connect residents with low-cost home internet options, device support and free public computer/Wi‑Fi access. Note that the federal Affordable Connectivity Program has wound down; see the FCC for details (ACP). Even without ACP, many providers continue discounted or no‑contract offers, and the City can help eligible households navigate low-cost home internet options. Take a closer look at the best Seattle internet providers.
The 4 Best Internet Providers in Seattle
- CenturyLink – Best Long-Term Deal
- Frontier Fiber – Best Speed Options
- Wave Broadband – Best Local Provider
- Xfinity – Best Bundles
Snapshot last reviewed 11/08/2025. Pricing and availability vary by address and change frequently — confirm details on each provider’s FCC Broadband Consumer Label (learn more).
* Wave Broadband now operates as Astound Broadband (Wave). Promotional pricing and equipment fees vary by market; verify your address-specific label.
CenturyLink – Best Long-Term Deal
CenturyLink offers straightforward, no-annual-contract internet to Seattle addresses via its “Simply Unlimited Internet” DSL option, while its sister brand Quantum Fiber provides fiber-to-the-premises in select neighborhoods. CenturyLink’s DSL speeds vary by location (often up to ~100 Mbps), while Quantum Fiber commonly offers 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps and multi-gig tiers — all with no data caps and equipment typically included. Here’s more of what CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber offer in Seattle today.
- Price: CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited Internet is commonly around $55/month with no annual contract (check current price). Quantum Fiber typically lists 500 Mbps at about $50/month and 1 Gig around $75/month in many markets (see plans). Always confirm your address-specific FCC Broadband Label (details).
- Speed and Data: DSL speeds depend on copper line conditions (often up to ~100 Mbps). Quantum Fiber offers symmetrical 500 Mbps–1 Gbps broadly and multi-gig options in select areas — all with no data caps.
- Plans/Packages: Internet-only plans are common; phone and other add-ons vary by address. Use the provider’s label at checkout to see fees, equipment, and promo terms.
- Contract Options: No annual contract is typical for both CenturyLink DSL and Quantum Fiber; service is generally month-to-month.
Frontier Fiber – Best Speed Options
Fiber options in and around Seattle are extensive, with most city addresses served primarily by Ziply Fiber and Quantum Fiber, and strong cable coverage from Xfinity. Frontier’s current fiber footprint does not typically include Seattle city addresses; however, if you have Frontier Fiber at your location elsewhere in the region, its lineup is comparable to other fiber-first ISPs.
- Price: Frontier Fiber commonly advertises 500 Mbps around $45–$55/month, 1 Gig around $65–$75/month, and multi-gig tiers at higher rates — with equipment included and no annual contracts (see plans).
- Speed and Data: Frontier Fiber’s typical tiers include 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps with symmetrical uploads and no data caps.
- Plans/Packages: Frontier offers internet-only service and bundles in some markets; see options such as the Double Plan availability by address and consult the FCC Broadband Label for exact pricing and fees.
- Contract Options: Frontier Fiber generally does not require an annual contract on fiber internet plans.
Wave Broadband – Best Local Provider
Wave Broadband now operates as Astound Broadband (“Astound powered by Wave”) in the Seattle area. It offers local customer support and widely available cable internet across many neighborhoods, with promotional pricing that varies by address and no data caps marketed on many residential plans. Always verify your address-specific FCC Broadband Label for current pricing, fees and typical speeds.
- Price: Typical Astound cable tiers include 300, 600 and up to ~940–1200 Mbps, with introductory promos often around $25–$40/month for 12 months and market-dependent standard rates thereafter. See local offers here: $19.95 per month (legacy page; check current promos) and on the main site at Astound Broadband.
- Speed and Data: Expect 300–600 Mbps and up to ~940–1200 Mbps depending on plan and address; many residential plans are marketed without data caps.
- Plans/Packages: Besides internet, you can create a TV bundle and add equipment such as TiVo Streaming DVR to personalize your setup (availability varies).
- Contract Options: Astound/Wave generally does not lock customers into long-term contracts for internet-only tiers; promo terms may apply.
Xfinity – Best Options
Xfinity Comcast delivers cable internet to much of the Greater Seattle area, including downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Renton, Vashon and Kent, with multi-gig downloads widely available and symmetrical multi-gig rolling out in select areas via DOCSIS 4.0. Availability and performance vary by address.
- Price: In many markets, Xfinity’s promo pricing commonly starts around $30–$40/month for ~300 Mbps with AutoPay, with higher tiers priced accordingly; equipment fees may apply. Some plans include a Flex 4K streaming device at no additional cost. Always check the FCC Broadband Label for your address.
- Speed and Data: Typical plan names include Connect (~150 Mbps), Connect More (~300 Mbps), Fast (~500 Mbps), Superfast (~800 Mbps) and Gigabit (≈1000 Mbps), with 1.2–2 Gbps options in many areas. Data policies vary by region; consult your plan label for any caps or network management.
- Plans/Packages: Xfinity bundles internet with phone and TV at various speed tiers (see local availability); pricing and channel lineups vary.
- Contract Options: Options vary by market and promotional term; no‑term plans are available in many areas, while some promos may require 12–24 months.
How We Found the Best Internet Providers in Seattle
We analyzed several companies to find the best internet companies in Seattle. Some of the key features we examined are:
- Coverage: Seattle and its suburbs are growing every day. We focused on providers with broad address-level availability and validated fiber/cable footprints using the FCC National Broadband Map and provider availability tools.
- Value: We weighed features such as speeds, data policies, bundles and contract terms — and we now require checking the new FCC Broadband Consumer Labels for base price, promo period, fees and typical performance before recommending a plan.
- Customer Satisfaction. Consumer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power inform our view; latest figures change annually, so we reference the most recent studies available at the time of review.
Seattle Internet FAQ
How Much Speed Do I Need to Stream Music and Movies?
For most households, a 300–500 Mbps plan comfortably supports multiple 4K streams, video calls and smart-home devices. Heavy uploaders, large households, or creators may benefit from 1 Gbps or higher — especially with fiber’s symmetrical uploads. Always match your choice to your home’s devices and work needs, and review the plan’s FCC Broadband Label for typical speeds and latency.
How Fast is Internet Service in Seattle?
Seattle residents are in luck — fiber is widely available alongside high-capacity cable and growing 5G Home options. ≥1 Gbps plans are common, and multi-gig tiers are increasingly available via fiber and, in select areas, cable upgrades (DOCSIS 4.0). To verify what your address can get, use the FCC National Broadband Map and consult recent metro speed reports (e.g., Ookla).
Is Fiber Internet Faster than Broadband Cable?
Fiber typically delivers the best overall experience thanks to symmetrical uploads (great for video calls, cloud backups and creators) and abundant headroom for multi-gig tiers. Cable networks offer very fast downloads and, where DOCSIS 4.0 is deployed, can provide symmetrical multi-gig service at some addresses — but uploads on non‑DOCSIS 4.0 tiers are usually lower than fiber. Your best option depends on what’s available at your address and the plan details on the provider’s label.
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