Compare internet providers and find the best plan for your home

Most cable and DSL internet providers let you use your own equipment, saving you up to $10-15 per month in rental fees. Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Mediacom, and Optimum all support customer-owned modems and routers, though they must be on the provider’s approved equipment list.

For fiber internet, the situation varies by provider. AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios require you to use their gateway equipment initially, but you can often place it in bridge mode and connect your own router for better Wi-Fi performance. Google Fiber provides its equipment at no extra cost and requires it for service.

Before purchasing your own modem:

• Check your provider’s compatibility list to ensure your equipment will work with their network
• Verify your modem supports the speeds in your internet plan (look for DOCSIS 3.1 for gigabit cable service)
• Calculate the payback period—most modems pay for themselves after a year
• Keep your receipt—some providers require proof of purchase for technical support

Using your own router will give you more control over features like parental controls, guest networks, and advanced security settings.

Customer service quality varies significantly among internet providers. According to recent customer satisfaction surveys, fiber providers generally rank highest—Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber consistently receive strong marks for reliability and support responsiveness.

Among cable providers, customer service ratings are more mixed, though many have improved in recent years. Regional providers are known to outperform national brands in customer satisfaction because they offer more localized support and faster response times.

Key factors that affect your service experience:

• 24/7 technical support availability
• Self-service options through mobile apps for troubleshooting and bill management
• Installation and setup assistance (some providers charge extra for professional installation)
• Repair response times and whether technicians arrive during promised windows

Make sure you check recent customer reviews in your area before choosing a provider, as service quality can vary significantly from city to city for the same provider. Our provider review pages include honest customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.

Yes, many providers now include unlimited data as standard. Fiber internet providers like AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber, and Frontier Fiber all include unlimited data with every plan at no extra cost.

For cable internet, Spectrum includes unlimited data on all plans. Xfinity charges extra for unlimited data unless you rent their XFi Complete equipment package. Cox offers unlimited data as an add-on for a monthly charge, or includes it with their Gigablast plan in some markets.

T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet both feature unlimited data with no throttling or overage fees, making them attractive options if available in your area.

These days, most major internet providers offer no-contract options. Spectrum is known for no-contract plans across all service tiers, which gives you the flexibility to cancel anytime. Cox, Optimum, and Mediacom have no-contract options, but promotional pricing may require a commitment.

Xfinity offers both contract and no-contract plans—going contract-free typically means slightly higher monthly rates but complete flexibility. AT&T Internet (fiber) no longer requires contracts for most plans, while its legacy DSL service may still have term agreements in some areas.

Keep in mind that “no contract” doesn’t always mean “no commitment”—some providers offer lower prices if you agree to a 1-year or 2-year term. Always read the fine print about promotional periods, equipment fees, and price increases after the first 12 months, regardless of contract status.

Rural internet options have improved drastically in recent years. Viasat and HughesNet provide satellite internet nationwide, making them available anywhere in the continental U.S., though they come with higher latency and data caps.

T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet are expanding rapidly into rural markets, offering fixed wireless service with no data caps and competitive pricing. These services work well in areas with strong cellular coverage.

Some regional fiber and DSL providers also serve rural communities—CenturyLink, Frontier, and Fidium Fiber have extensive networks in less populated areas. Additionally, the federal government’s rural broadband expansion programs are bringing fiber internet to more remote locations each year.

Fiber internet tops out with the fastest speeds available—Google Fiber reaches up to 10,000 Mbps (10 Gigs) in select areas. AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, and Google Fiber all offer multi-gigabit plans depending on location. For cable internet, Xfinity leads with speeds up to 1,200 Mbps in most markets, while Spectrum and Cox offer gigabit service across their coverage areas.

Your fastest option depends on what is available at your address. Use our zip code search tool to find which providers offer the fastest speeds in your area.