The internet is a primary source of connectivity, entertainment, and information globally. Recent times have also enunciated the need for a high-speed and reliable internet connection. As remote working is becoming a new norm, the demand for a reliable internet connection is on the rise. Hence, it is very important to know the available internet options in your area so you can pick the best provider.
Finding the right ISP is not an easy task and mainly depends on your location. Considering the speed, coverage, and reputation, we have created this guide to help you deal with this tedious process. No matter where you live, there is bound to be an ISP suitable for your needs. So without further ado, let’s look at the top 5 internet service providers of 2022.
Best Internet Providers
Charter Spectrum
Cable internet is the next best choice if fiber internet is not an option in your area. Ranking 1st on our list, Spectrum is the second-largest cable internet provider known for its wide coverage and fiber-like internet speeds. Available in 44 states, Spectrum uses a hybrid coaxial cable, relying on both cable and fiber lines to deliver its services.
Spectrum offers three simple internet plans, with Spectrum internet ultra being the most popular choice. The costs of these plans range from $49.99 to $89.99 a month, and speeds from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps. The prices are straightforward, and you can also save some money if you bundle the internet service with TV or phone service. However, each plan comes with a promotional price that only lasts a year.
The best thing about Spectrum is that it doesn’t enforce any data caps or contracts and provides a free modem. It gives you the freedom to cancel your subscription at any given moment without worrying about paying an ETF. On the other hand, it offers a contract buyout service for up to $500. With transparent prices and simple plans, Spectrum is your best option for cable internet.
AT&T
One of the giants in the telecommunication world, AT&T is the largest internet provider in the US. The company provides fiber and hybrid-fiber internet service and has been phasing out its DSL service since 2020. AT&T has one of the largest fiber internet coverage as it covers 21 states.
AT&T is another best option as it offers remarkable value at affordable prices. AT&T internet plans start from $55 and go all the way up to $80 a month, with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. AT&T is also the only ISP that offers the fastest internet plan in the U.S. The provider also offers multi-gigabit plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds. However, note that while AT&T provides unlimited data with its fiber internet plans, it enforces data caps on its hybrid-fiber plans.
AT&T is also one of the no-contract internet providers and is known for its customer service. It is a top-ranked provider according to ACSI and J.D. Power. Although its hybrid-fiber plans are much less impressive, you can get greater value with its fiber internet plans if available in your area.
Verizon
Verizon tied with AT&T as the top-ranked ISP in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s rankings in 2021. This provider is known for offering flexible fiber internet plans with unlimited data. Verizon Fios fiber service is limited to 8 states in the Northeast, and its DSL service covers the rest of its coverage area.
Verizon Fios offers three simple fiber internet plans with costs ranging from $49.99 to $89.99 a month and speeds from 300 Mbps to 940 Mbps. It also provides symmetrical upload and download speeds and doesn’t bind you in any contract. The best thing about Verizon is that, unlike other providers, it automatically doesn’t hike up your prices after a year.
Verizon’s subscribers can also bundle its phone, internet, and TV services. It also offers remarkable additional perks like a free Disney Plus bundle and cloud storage with its plans. Fios is a versatile provider as it also provides options for businesses with various office-oriented features. Moreover, Verizon has recently expanded its 5G service to approximately 900 cities.
Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider in the U.S, offering its services to over 100 million people. It also uses a coaxial cable to deliver its services. Xfinity’s wide range of plans and affordable prices make it an ideal choice for many people.
Xfinity offers six cable and two fiber internet plans with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 3000 Mbps. The availability and prices of these plans depend on your location; Northeast, Central, or West. All of its internet plans come with 1.2 TB data caps, but if you are fortunate enough to live in the Northeast, you don’t have to worry about them as it has delayed the data caps for another year in that region. While its starter plans are much more affordable, the price gets steeper as the speed increases.
Xfinity is one of the fastest internet providers and is a remarkable cable internet option. You can also opt for various Xfinity bundles.
Viasat
If you live in an area with satellite internet as your only option, then Viasat is an ideal choice. Known for covering all the states, you can find it anywhere in the US. Although much more expensive than cable and fiber internet, Viasat offers decent speeds for a satellite internet service.
Viasat offers a wide range of internet plans with speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps and costs from $30 to $149.99 a month. However, the prices of these plans go up by 33% after the initial three months. The speeds also drop after exceeding the data limit, but you can buy additional data tokens, although they don’t carry over to the next month. Viasat also binds you in a 2-year contract and charges an ETF of $15 each month for the remaining months of your contract.
Viasat is working to launch new satellite technology, and we can expect a great improvement in speeds in the upcoming years. But for now, Viasat is a suitable option for people living in rural areas.
Final Words
It is not easy to name a single provider as the “best internet provider”, and the term itself is relative. It always comes down to your internet requirements, availability, and other factors like speeds, pricing, and customer reviews. Considering all these factors, we have picked some of the best internet providers in the US. Explore this guide and see which providers work the best for you.
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