Most Reliable Internet Provider in 2022
Access to the internet is vital for many of our daily activities, including business, entertainment, or working from home. If you want to know how to find a good internet provider, make sure you compare the prices, availability, connection type, and download speed before choosing one.
This article covers the individual services’ reviews, FAQs, and customer satisfaction that will help you find the best internet provider for your needs.
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Last Updated: April 14, 2022
1. Verizon
Verizon is available across the US offering stable internet connection at an affordable rate. The customer support is always there to help you and Verizon also has excellent customer ratings. Other features offered are parental control, discounts and special offers for military and first responders. Full Review
- Good customer support
- Offers parental control apps
- Available even in remote areas
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Verizon is available across the US offering stable internet connection at an affordable rate. The customer support is always there to help you and Verizon also has excellent customer ratings. Other features offered are parental control, discounts and special offers for military and first responders. Full Review
4/5
4/5
4/5
5/5
2. Xfinity
Xfinity offers high speed internet that is suitable for high-tech households, gamers and even small businesses. You can choose from a variety of plans that cater to your needs. It has excellent customer ratings and good customer support. Full Review
- Good for online gaming
- Fast speed
- Offers multiple plans
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Xfinity offers high speed internet that is suitable for high-tech households, gamers and even small businesses. You can choose from a variety of plans that cater to your needs. It has excellent customer ratings and good customer support. Full Review
3/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
3. T-Mobile Home Internet
T-mobile home internet offers reliable and steady internet connection to all parts of the US including rural areas. The process to set up your T-mobile home account is quite simple and the customer support is available 24 X 7 in case customers need help. Full Review
- Affordable
- Unlimited data
- Available even in rural areas
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T-mobile home internet offers reliable and steady internet connection to all parts of the US including rural areas. The process to set up your T-mobile home account is quite simple and the customer support is available 24 X 7 in case customers need help. Full Review
5/5
3/5
4/5
5/5
4. Cox
Cox offers fast and consistent internet speed in all their plans. It is suitable for both businesses and households. The company provides a good customer support service and offers affordable rates to customers.
- Offers multiple plans
- Minimal downtime
- Consistent speeds
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Cox offers fast and consistent internet speed in all their plans. It is suitable for both businesses and households. The company provides a good customer support service and offers affordable rates to customers.
5/5
4/5
5/5
4/5
5. AT&T Internet
AT&T Internet provides high-speed internet, good coverage and even wireless solutions to customers. It provides a steady connection even in bad weather. The company even provides a TV package and most of their repair technicians are highly rated. Full Review
- Good coverage
- High speed internet
- Good customer care
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AT&T Internet provides high-speed internet, good coverage and even wireless solutions to customers. It provides a steady connection even in bad weather. The company even provides a TV package and most of their repair technicians are highly rated. Full Review
4/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
6. RCN Internet
RCN Internet not only provides reliable internet, but also provides home phone service digital cable TV. It offers many plans to choose from and has an excellent download speed. It has good customer reviews and many were happy with the services. Full Review
- Affordable
- High customer satisfaction
- Fast download speed
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RCN Internet not only provides reliable internet, but also provides home phone service digital cable TV. It offers many plans to choose from and has an excellent download speed. It has good customer reviews and many were happy with the services. Full Review
5/5
4/5
4/5
3/5
7. MetroNet
MetroNet offers excellent internet speed in all their plans. It can support a couple of devices streaming simultaneously. It is very affordable and even offers cheap rates for students. The customer support is always ready to help you whenever needed. Full Review
- Offers cheap rates for students
- Fast speed
- Good customer
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MetroNet offers excellent internet speed in all their plans. It can support a couple of devices streaming simultaneously. It is very affordable and even offers cheap rates for students. The customer support is always ready to help you whenever needed. Full Review
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
8. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a good internet provider offering services at an affordable rate. It offers unlimited data for all plans and does not charge any cancellation fee from customers. The average internet speed is 940 Mbps and the company also offers parental controls. Full Review
- Affordable
- Unlimited data for all plans
- No cancellation fees
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CenturyLink is a good internet provider offering services at an affordable rate. It offers unlimited data for all plans and does not charge any cancellation fee from customers. The average internet speed is 940 Mbps and the company also offers parental controls. Full Review
5/5
4/5
4/5
3/5
Our Methodology
Internet providers have to match specific criteria to be listed as one of the best providers. The requirements should help you determine the valuable features that make them stand out from their competitors in the oversaturated internet services market. These are the points we took into consideration when compiling the list of top providers:
- A provider that offers an easy-to-manage service
- A good and constant internet connection
- High-speed internet providers with maximum download speed options
- Providers that can handle an increased number of online activities for multiple users at the same time without significant interruptions in service
- Providers that are highly rated. Customer reviews are critical when choosing a product. If the service is rated with generally positive reviews, there’s a bigger chance that it will suit your needs as well
In-Depth Reviews
- Good customer support
- Available even in remote areas
- Offers parental control apps
- High prices
- Slow download speed
Overview
Verizon has a broad reach across the US, well known for selling phones and phone plans. Thanks to its extensive network of cell towers, the connection is stable and available almost anywhere. The company has discounts and special offers for members of the military and first responders. It is known as one of the top internet providers.
Features
My first impression of the company was that the prices were somewhat higher than other similar services but so is the level of service it offers. It comes with excellent coverage, and with 5G available in some areas.
The manufacturer claims that the service is stable and reaches even to areas where other providers fail. According to customer feedback and other trustworthy reviews, this is correct.
Verizon offers a 100% fiber-optic network and speeds up to 940/880 Mbps, perfect for multiple users. The consistency of the network is excellent, and service and support are very good. Value-added services such as 18GB of shareable data are a nice touch. Verizon is known as one of the cheap internet providers that offer excellent service. Its self-service mobile app is a helpful tool that gives you access to and control over your account and all services.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| Verizon | $80 to $100 | $165 | $80 | $99 |
Customer Satisfaction
Users are happy with the Verizon service. It is rated 4/5 on ConsumerAffairs, based on 968 ratings submitted in the last year. The connection is better and faster than that offered by most internet providers, moving it to the top of the list.
Competition Overview
The biggest pros are that it offers 5G in most areas and parental control apps. One of the cons is that its prices are higher compared to other internet providers.
- Good for online gaming
- Fast speed
- Offers multiple plans
- High prices
- No uniform coverage within an area
Overview
Xfinity offers plans that are suitable for high-tech households and small businesses, however, it has family plans as well. As possibly the fastest internet provider, it’s perfect for using between 5 to 11 devices, downloading, streaming, or online gaming.
Features
When I first started researching this service, I could immediately tell that it’s ideal for gamers. The extra speed and stable fiber or cable connection is a perfect choice for users that require a high-level service and strong connection.
The excellent balance between speed and price makes it very popular amongst its users. The family deal has the speediest connection and the most affordable price.
Customer support is helpful and gives quick answers to all inquiries. Xfinity’s mobile app can help you set up the network with no technician needed and take complete control over your profile.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| Xfinity | $39.99 to $299.95 | / | $49.99 | Free |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers appreciate the variety of plans and no-contract options that Xfinity offers. It is rated 4.2/5 on ConsumerAffairs, based on 1,852 ratings submitted in the last year. The customers say that the provider offers something for every user, depending on the plan they choose.
Competition Overview
The biggest advantages are that it offers different plans that will suit your needs, whether you need a fast speed or a basic plan. When you compare internet providers, one of the cons is that the price can be very high for some programs, such as the Gigabit Pro.
- Available even in rural areas
- Affordable
- Unlimited data
- Low internet speed
- Low download speed
Overview
T-Mobile is a high-speed home internet provider with no annual service contract. The fast and reliable service makes it distinct from other internet and phone providers that offer similar products.
Features
My first impression of the sign-up process was that it is pretty straightforward. 24/7 support is available in case you need help. Getting started with T-Mobile Home is easy and takes just three simple steps:
- confirming coverage at your address
- receiving the Wi-Fi device
- downloading the mobile app to finish setting up the service
The speed is just over 25 Mbps and may differ somewhat depending on location. However, the consistency of the internet is guaranteed by the provider. The service, as well as its support, are highly rated by the customers. At $60/mo, this home internet service provider offers a competitive price and a fast and smooth setup. You can also download a mobile app and quickly pay your bill, manage your account, or upgrade your phone.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| T-Mobile | $60/mo | $100 | $65 | Free |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers agree that T-Mobile Home Internet offers reliable service and steady speed making it the most famous unlimited internet provider. The customer reviews support this. Unlimited data is one of the things that attract customers the most.
Competition Overview
T-Mobile offers a home Wi-Fi network that comes with high-quality equipment. It is a good option for rural areas. One of the few cons is that the internet could be faster, which the company promises to upgrade soon. The provider plans on increasing the speed once it expands across the country.
- Minimal downtime
- Consistent speeds
- Offers multiple plans
- Price changes after 12 months
- Subpar customer care
Overview
Cox is possibly the best business internet provider suitable for residential needs as well. The price has recently gone up, but so has the quality of the service.
Features
My first impression of the online sign-up process was that it is simple and completed in minutes. The provider offers a multiple-plan approach with different speed options. It is suitable for an average family, for people working with multiple devices, and for gamers. The manufacturer claims that they provide excellent service no matter the location, and according to customer feedback and other trustworthy reviews, this is correct.
With Cox, internet speed ranges from 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps. The service overall is highly rated. Internet services range between $29.99 and $99.99 per month, and they are subject to an increase in price after the initial period is over, which is generally 12 months.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| Cox | $29.99-$99.99 | $100 | $40/mo | Free |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers are saying that Cox provides excellent service with fast, consistent speeds and minimal downtime. The customer service is decent compared to other companies, which is why it’s sometimes considered the best business internet provider.
Competition Overview
Speed and price are usually your top priorities when selecting an internet service provider. Cox offers a variety of plans that suit everyone’s needs. Its prices are affordable, which is one of the most substantial pros. The con is that the price changes after 12 months.
- Good customer care
- Good coverage
- High speed internet
- High prices
- Poor streaming quality
Overview
AT&T Internet has many plans and different offers. It is the best option for people looking for high-speed internet, good coverage, and wireless solutions with a possibility of a package that includes the AT&T TV.
Features
Browsing the reviews, I could immediately tell that AT&T’s fiber internet provides excellent and reliable speed. Their service holds even during the bad weather, unlike other wireless internet providers. This provider promises network consistency, and according to many reviews, that’s exactly what it delivers. Service and customer support, including the repairing technicians, are highly rated. The complimentary HBO Max when it comes to internet and TV packages provides added value. When it comes to the pricing of the plans, they are affordable compared to other internet providers. However, their price changes with time.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| AT&T Internet | $55 | $80 | $35 | $10-per-month |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers say that this provider is quite reliable and rarely has any problems with connectivity or billing. A couple of comments mention the change of prices over time, but they all agree that accessibility and reliability are worth a shift in the cost.
Competition Overview
Except for the company’s discounts, loyal customers appreciate the connection and reliability they are paying for. It is one of the top internet providers that aim to consistently provide the best service.
- High customer satisfaction
- Fast download speed
- Affordable
- Subpar customer support
- Subpar connectivity in rural areas
Overview
RCN provides high-speed internet, home phone service, and digital cable TV. With affordable prices and many plans, it is easy to find what you need with RCN.
Features
The manufacturer claims that the internet they provide is strong enough to cover a couple of devices. While not all customers agree with this claim, the company has been working on bettering the connection in some areas.
Service, in general, is good. However, the customer service could be better. RCN is dedicated to innovation and now offers fast internet up to 940 Mbps, which is a pretty good deal.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| RCN | $49.99 | $100 | $49.99 | Free |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers say that the provider is quite reliable when it comes to internet service. However, in some areas, the speed can be better. The company is currently working on upgrading the service, which should push it up on the list of the top-rated internet services.
Competition Overview
As mentioned above, fast and reliable service, especially in rural areas, would make this company stand out more. However, loyal customers stick to it and enjoy the 940 Mbps. RCN may be on top of the list of the best contenders in the future if they develop their tendency to consistently deliver better service.
- Good customer
- Offers cheap rates for students
- Fast speed
- Good service limited to midwestern US
- Pricing changes after promotional contract expires
Overview
MetroNet is a telecommunications and internet service provider that offers internet, TV, and phone services. As it provides many options and a combination of various benefits, it suits many customers’ needs.
Features
When I first started researching this home internet service provider, I was expecting a lot from the services that are rated 4.2/5 on ConsumerAffairs. The manufacturer claims high speed and consistency, and reviews prove that this is true. MetroNet is pretty fast and can support a couple of devices streaming simultaneously. The service has favorable online reviews. MetroNet offers internet with speeds of up to 1 Gbps, which is a good deal. The company provides fast and reliable service with competitive promotional pricing, from $49.95 to $89.95 per month. There are also TV packages with up to 250 channels.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Estimated Cost | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| MetroNet | $39.95 – $89. 95/mo. | / | $49.95 | $9.95 |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers say that this is one of the TV and internet providers that offer good service and decent customer service. Many appreciate its cheap rates for students. The rate is unmatched compared to the other providers offering similar services.
Competition Overview
MetroNet is a reliable internet service provider that offers fiber-optic services, known for their high speed. Pricing is competitive, with advantages like a streaming library and promotional freebies. While there are only a few customer complaints, most are associated with customer service or pricing after the promotional contract expires.
- No cancellation fees
- Affordable
- Unlimited data for all plans
- Not available in all States
- Unstable service in rural areas
Overview
CenturyLink is one of the best high-speed internet providers that offer TV and phone services to residential customers and telecommunication services for business customers.
It offers a decent service as a DSL provider and is an excellent option for multiple high-bandwidth users.
Features
When I first started researching about this provider, I could immediately tell that it offers great deals, such as the price for life guarantee, no contracts, and low prices in general.
CenturyLink claims that the internet it offers is stable, and according to most customer evaluations and other trustworthy reviews, this is true. However, a couple of the reviews on internet providers mention the possibility of unstable service in rural areas.
The provider supports speeds up to 940 Mbps, depending on the plan you choose. The company offers great deals, even though customer support could use some improvement. The locked price and no contract options are just two things that provide added value. The cost of the internet plans ranges from $49 to $65. For that price, you get a self-service mobile app to connect your phone to a modem, control your bill payment, and manage your settings. Parental control and guard against inappropriate web content are additional features for Secure WiFi customers.
Pricing:
| Internet Provider | Monthly Prices | Standard Price | Equipment Fee |
| CenturyLink | $50 to $65 | $65/mo | Free |
Customer Satisfaction
Customers are generally satisfied with the CenturyLink service. It has a good rating of 4.2/5 on ConsumerAffairs, based on 2,456 ratings submitted in the last year. It is sometimes considered the go-to internet provider for gaming.
Competition Overview
CenturyLink’s biggest advantage is that it offers a speed of up to 940 Mbps. One of the cons is that it is not available in all states.
Best Internet Provider – Buyer’s Guide
Just like buying any other product or service, you should research all the details about each internet service provider that you are considering.
How to Choose the Most Convenient Provider of Internet?
The right internet provider is the one that offers the service that suits your needs most. Determine your requirements carefully. Here are some things you may want to consider:
- The internet speed depends on how good the connection in your area is, and it is something you cannot change. However, you are in control when choosing the features and services and you can avoid overpaying the provider.
- The speediest internet is always the best option. However, it is not always necessary, especially if you are on a budget, and your internet needs are not high.
- Choosing the right type of connection to a network, such as fiber or DSL, is essential as well.
- The installment of the equipment you are buying should be straightforward and not too difficult to manage by yourself.
- Customer reviews can be of good use, especially if you have trouble choosing. If the service is rated negatively, there is a bigger chance that this product will not serve you as well as you need.
Types of Internet Providers
There are different types of internet service providers, depending on the technology used to connect to the network. Not all of them are the best choice for all users.
Cable Connection
This is still the most popular broadband connection that uses a fiber optic cable to transmit data on a long distance. It’s easy to install and equipment change is not a problem. The best thing about it is that it is better than DSL. However, it can be slower at times because you share the service with other users in your neighborhood.
Fiber Connection
It offers solid speed and reliability compared to other types of internet service providers. The availability may be limited to specific ZIP codes or neighborhoods, which is the only drawback. The price won’t be any higher than the other connections, but it gives better quality of service.
DSL Connection
DSL is highly available thanks to the widespread and straightforward installation of the required lines. It is usually faster than a satellite connection and is suitable for streaming. It is the cheapest form of broadband internet and is delivered through already existing household telephone lines.
Even though many companies are discontinuing the satellite internet service, it is still the best option for rural locations. It is delivered via satellite. It is the connection with the slowest speed, below 20 Mbps. However, rural internet providers that use satellites are generally stable, with minor connectivity issues.
What Is a Good Upload and Download Speed?
When looking to find an internet provider that will suit your needs, the upload and download speed is one of the most important factors. Depending on the purpose, the speed you need may differ, and in some cases, you may want to stick to a more limited plan that is just perfect for your needs.
Generally, the best upload speed is around 5 Mbps. The right download speed depends on many factors, and one of them is how many users there are. If you are the only one streaming, online shopping, and checking social media, 25 Mbps might be enough for you. However, if you share the internet with other people, you should not go for anything under 50 Mbps. Gamers and large businesses will need more than that, depending on their preferences and choice of local internet providers.
Top-Rated Internet Providers at a Glance
| Internet Providers | Free Trial | Equipment Fee | Max Download Speeds | Max Upload Speed | Best For |
| Verizon | 14 days | $99 | 940 Mbps | 880 Mbps | Rural areas |
| Xfinity | 30 days | Free | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | High-tech households and small businesses |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 30 days | Free | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Rural areas |
| Cox | 2 Months | $10.99/mo | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps | Multiple devices, gamers |
| AT&T Internet | 7 days | $10 | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | High-speed internet |
| RCN Internet | 30 days | $6/mo | 110 Mbps | 15 Mbps | TV & internet & phone packages |
| MetroNet | 1 month | $9.95 | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | TV & internet packages |
| CenturyLink | / | Free | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | Home internet service |
Wrap Up
Besides providing you with a legitimate internet address, an internet provider offers services and access to specific software tools that can make your everyday life more comfortable. A good internet provider is essential if you want to get a solid internet connection for your devices and prevent getting blocked.
A word of caution before you go is to make sure that along with the chosen internet provider, you get yourself a good VPN router or service to prevent online security breaches especially if you are when streaming and/or torrenting.
FAQ
To find internet providers in your area, try locating the nearest one via InMyArea.com or a similar service. By entering your ZIP code, address, or sharing your device’s location, you’ll discover the fiber-optic, DSL, and cable providers near you.
First, make sure you research new options and choose the one that suits you best. It’s essential to compare it with the package you already have, keeping your budget in mind. The next step is calling your current internet provider to inquire about the details on how to cancel the service and return your old equipment. Finding the best internet provider requires detailed research before any purchase.
You cannot determine the cheapest internet providers just by looking at their cost. The provider that offers the best features for the money you are paying is more affordable even if it costs more. On the other hand, if you’ll end up paying for features you don’t use, then that service is just too expensive. The key is to find the best and cheapest internet provider for the exact services you need.