Quick Picks:
- Best Overall: Google Fiber (1 Gbps starting at $70/month, up to 8 Gbps)
- Best Value: Astound Broadband (300 Mbps starting at $20-$25/month)
- Widest Availability: Xfinity (150 Mbps starting at $20-$25/month)
- Fastest Residential: Frontier (up to 7 Gbps in select markets)
- Best for Reliability: Verizon Fios (300 Mbps starting at $50/month)
- Best No-Data-Cap Option: Spectrum (100 Mbps starting at $30/month)
- Best Wireless Alternative: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50/month, $35 with mobile)
High-Speed Broadband Internet Plans and Pricing Comparison Table (May 2025)
| Provider | Plan Name | Speed | Monthly Price | Setup Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fiber | Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $70.00 | $0 |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | $100.00 | $0 | |
| Fiber 8 Gig | 8 Gbps | $150.00 | $0 | |
| Verizon Fios | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $50.00 ($35 w/mobile) | Varies |
| Gigabit | 1 Gbps | $85.00 ($70 w/mobile) | Varies | |
| 2.3 Gig | 2.3 Gbps | $110.00 ($95 w/mobile) | Varies | |
| AT&T Fiber | Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $55.00 | Varies |
| Internet 1000 | 1 Gbps | $85.00 | Varies | |
| Internet 2000 | 2 Gbps | $125.00 | Varies | |
| Internet 5000 | 5 Gbps | $245.00 | Varies | |
| Astound Broadband | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $20.00-$25.00 (Promo) | Varies |
| 600 Mbps | 600 Mbps | $35.00-$40.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $45.00-$50.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| 1.5 Gbps | 1.5 Gbps | $55.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Brightspeed | Fiber 200 | 200 Mbps | $29.00 (Promo) | Varies |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $49.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $69.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | $89.00 | Varies | |
| Frontier | Fiber 200 | 200 Mbps | $30.00 (Promo) | Varies |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $45.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Fiber Gig | 1 Gbps | $55.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | $80.00 | Varies | |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | $100.00 | Varies | |
| Fiber 7 Gig | 7 Gbps | Varies by location | Varies | |
| Xfinity | Connect | 150 Mbps | $20.00-$25.00 (Promo) | Varies |
| Fast | 300 Mbps | $35.00-$40.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Superfast | 600 Mbps | $55.00-$60.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Gigabit | 1 Gbps | $70.00-$75.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Gigabit Extra | 1.3 Gbps | $80.00-$85.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Gigabit Pro (Fiber) | 10 Gbps | $300.00 | Installation varies | |
| Cox | Essential | 100 Mbps | $50.00 | Varies |
| Preferred | 250 Mbps | $70.00 | Varies | |
| Ultimate | 500 Mbps | $90.00 | Varies | |
| Gigablast (Cable) | 1 Gbps | $110.00-$150.00 | Varies | |
| Gigablast (Fiber) | 2 Gbps | $100.00 | Varies | |
| Spectrum | Internet | 100 Mbps | $30.00 (Promo) | Varies |
| Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | $50.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| Internet Gig | 1 Gbps | $70.00 (Promo) | Varies | |
| T-Mobile Home | Home Internet | 87-415 Mbps | $50.00 ($35 w/mobile) | $0 |
| Home Internet+ | 100-500 Mbps | $70.00 ($55 w/mobile) | $0 |
Note: Prices may vary by location. All pricing data is as of May 2025 and subject to change.
High-speed internet has become essential for streaming, remote work, gaming, and smart home devices. The market continues to evolve with faster speeds, expanded fiber networks, and increased competition benefiting consumers. This guide ranks the top 10 high-speed broadband providers of 2025 based on performance, value, and customer satisfaction.
1. Google Fiber: Best Overall High-Speed Internet
Google Fiber takes the top spot in our 2025 rankings with its exceptional performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Minimum Speed: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
- Maximum Speed: 8000 Mbps (8 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $70/month
- Technology: Fiber
Coverage and Availability
While Google Fiber offers industry-leading service, its limited availability remains its biggest drawback. Currently available in select metropolitan areas across approximately 20 cities nationwide, the company has been gradually expanding its footprint but remains a regional provider rather than a national one.
Performance
With a minimum advertised speed of 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) and plans reaching up to 8 Gbps, Google Fiber consistently delivers on its speed promises. According to recent High-Speed Internet (HSI) ratings, Google Fiber maintains the highest satisfaction ratings and most consistent actual-to-advertised speed ratios in the industry. Its symmetrical speeds benefit both content creators and heavy downloaders equally.
Notable Features
- Symmetrical upload/download speeds on all plans
- No data caps on any plans
- No contracts required
- Free equipment with straightforward pricing
- 99.9% uptime reliability
- Simple installation process
2. Verizon Fios: Best for Reliability
Verizon Fios continues to be a top-tier broadband provider in 2025 with its reliable fiber-optic network offering symmetrical upload and download speeds.
- Minimum Speed: 300 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 2300 Mbps (2.3 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $50/month ($35 with mobile)
- Technology: Fiber
Coverage and Availability
Verizon Fios is primarily available in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. While more limited in geographic scope than some competitors, Verizon’s coverage within its service areas is quite comprehensive, providing reliable options to millions of households in states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Performance
With minimum speeds starting at 300 Mbps and maximum speeds reaching 2.3 Gbps, Verizon Fios delivers consistent, reliable performance. The company consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys, with users reporting actual speeds that match or exceed advertised rates. The symmetrical nature of Fios (equal upload and download speeds) is particularly valuable for remote workers, content creators, and video conferencing.
Notable Features
- True symmetrical speeds across all plans
- No data caps on any plans
- No contract requirements
- Price guarantees for steady, predictable billing
- Mobile bundle discounts that can reduce monthly costs significantly
- Reliable, consistent performance even during peak usage hours
3. AT&T Fiber: Widest Fiber Availability
AT&T Fiber has established itself as a leading fiber internet provider with an impressive combination of speed, reliability, and expanding coverage.
- Minimum Speed: 300 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $55/month
- Technology: Fiber
Coverage and Availability
AT&T Fiber has the widest fiber availability among major providers, serving millions of households across 21 states. The company has invested heavily in expanding its fiber footprint, particularly in the South, Midwest, and parts of the West Coast, making it accessible to customers in both major metropolitan areas and many mid-sized cities.
Performance
AT&T Fiber offers plans ranging from 300 Mbps to an impressive 5 Gbps top-tier option. All plans feature symmetrical upload and download speeds, a significant advantage over cable competitors. Performance testing consistently shows AT&T delivering on its promised speeds, with exceptional reliability and minimal latency—particularly valuable for gaming, video conferencing, and other real-time applications.
Notable Features
- Symmetrical speeds on all fiber plans
- No data caps
- No contract requirements (on standalone internet)
- Multiple speed tiers to fit different budgets and needs
- Consistent reliability during peak usage hours
- Enhanced security features included with service
4. Astound Broadband (RCN, Grande, Wave): Best Value
Astound Broadband has emerged as one of the best value options in the high-speed internet market, offering impressive performance at surprisingly affordable rates.
- Minimum Speed: 300 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 1500 Mbps (1.5 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $20-$25/month (promotional)
- Technology: Cable/Fiber
Coverage and Availability
Astound operates regionally through its RCN, Grande, and Wave brands, serving select markets primarily in the Northeast, Chicago area, parts of Texas, and the West Coast. While not a nationwide provider, Astound has built strong local presences in its service territories with reliable infrastructure and customer service.
Performance
With minimum advertised speeds starting at 300 Mbps and top-tier plans reaching 1.5 Gbps, Astound delivers competitive performance at price points significantly below industry averages. Performance testing shows consistent delivery of advertised speeds, even during peak usage hours, though upload speeds on cable plans are asymmetrical (lower than download speeds).
Notable Features
- Extremely competitive promotional pricing
- No contract requirements
- Possible data caps only on lowest-tier plans
- Customer’s Choice awards from HighSpeedInternet.com
- Transparent billing practices
- Simple installation options
- Price increases typically occur after two years (longer than many competitors)
5. Brightspeed: Fastest ISP of 2025
Brightspeed has quickly established itself as one of the most promising fiber internet providers, earning recognition for its reliability and performance since taking over former CenturyLink territories.
- Minimum Speed: 200 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 2000 Mbps (2 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $29/month (promotional)
- Technology: Fiber/DSL
Coverage and Availability
Brightspeed operates in 20 states, primarily in regions formerly served by CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies. The company has invested heavily in expanding fiber infrastructure while maintaining some DSL service in rural areas where fiber deployment remains challenging. Their fiber expansion has been particularly notable, with rapidly increasing availability in mid-sized cities and suburban areas.
Performance
Named the Fastest ISP of 2025 by HighSpeedInternet.com, Brightspeed offers fiber plans starting at 200 Mbps and reaching up to 2 Gbps. Performance testing shows excellent reliability and consistency, with actual speeds typically matching or exceeding advertised rates. All fiber plans feature symmetrical upload and download speeds, providing a significant advantage over cable alternatives.
Notable Features
- Competitive promotional pricing
- No data caps on fiber plans
- No contracts required
- Straightforward installation process
- Symmetrical speeds on all fiber tiers
- Expanding coverage areas
- DSL options available in regions without fiber (at slower speeds)
6. Frontier Communications: Most Affordable Fiber
Frontier Communications has undergone a remarkable transformation following its restructuring, emerging as a competitive fiber internet provider with impressive speeds and attractive pricing.
- Minimum Speed: 200 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 7000 Mbps (7 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $30/month (promotional)
- Technology: Fiber/DSL
Coverage and Availability
Frontier provides service across 25 states, with its fiber options primarily available in urban and suburban areas while maintaining DSL service in more rural regions. The company has aggressively expanded its fiber footprint, particularly in the West, Southwest, and parts of the Midwest and Northeast, reaching millions of new potential customers in 2024-2025.
Performance
Frontier’s fiber service starts at an impressive 200 Mbps and now reaches up to 7 Gbps in select markets—one of the fastest residential offerings available. All fiber plans provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, and performance tests show consistent delivery of advertised rates with minimal latency and high reliability.
Notable Features
- Affordable introductory pricing
- Symmetrical speeds on all fiber plans
- No data caps on fiber service
- No contract requirements on fiber plans
- Multiple speed tiers to fit different needs and budgets
- Price increases typically occur after first year
- DSL options available in non-fiber areas (at slower speeds and different pricing)
7. Xfinity (Comcast): Most Widely Available
Xfinity remains the largest cable internet provider in the United States, leveraging its extensive infrastructure to provide a wide range of service options across most of the country.
- Minimum Speed: 150 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 10000 Mbps (10 Gbps – limited fiber); 2000 Mbps (2 Gbps – cable)
- Starting Price: $20-$25/month (promotional)
- Technology: Cable/Fiber
Coverage and Availability
Xfinity boasts the widest availability among major providers, serving approximately 70 million households across 39 states. Their hybrid fiber-coaxial network reaches both urban centers and suburban areas, making them the only high-speed option in many regions. This extensive coverage is a significant advantage for customers in areas not yet served by fiber providers.
Performance
Xfinity offers plans ranging from 150 Mbps up to 10 Gbps (in limited fiber locations), with most cable areas now capable of 1.3 Gbps through DOCSIS 3.1 technology. As with most cable providers, upload speeds are asymmetrical and significantly lower than download speeds. Performance can vary during peak hours, though recent infrastructure investments have improved consistency.
Notable Features
- Widest availability of any major provider
- Huge variety of plan options to fit different needs
- Extensive bundling options with TV, mobile, and home security
- Large network of public WiFi hotspots
- Data caps (1.2 TB) in many regions
- Often requires contracts for promotional pricing
- Equipment fees and price increases common
8. Cox Communications: Best for Gaming
Cox Communications remains a significant regional provider, offering both cable and limited fiber internet services with a focus on reliability and performance for gaming and streaming.
- Minimum Speed: 100 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 2000 Mbps (2 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $50/month
- Technology: Cable/Fiber
Coverage and Availability
Cox provides service to approximately 20 million households across 18 states, with particularly strong presence in Arizona, California, Virginia, and parts of the Northeast and South. While not a nationwide provider, Cox focuses on providing comprehensive coverage within its operating territories.
Performance
Cox’s internet plans start at 100 Mbps and reach up to 2 Gbps in select areas. The company offers both cable and fiber options, though fiber availability remains limited to specific neighborhoods in their service areas. Like other cable providers, Cox’s upload speeds are asymmetrical on cable plans, though their fiber options offer symmetrical performance.
Notable Features
- Strong gaming-optimized performance with low latency options
- Panoramic WiFi system available for whole-home coverage
- Data caps (1.25 TB) on all plans
- Often requires contracts for promotional pricing
- Price increases common after promotional periods
- Comprehensive security features included
- Bundle options with TV and home security
9. Spectrum (Charter): Best No-Contract Cable Option
Spectrum has established itself as a reliable cable internet provider with a customer-friendly approach to pricing and policies that sets it apart from many competitors.
- Minimum Speed: 100 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
- Starting Price: $30/month (promotional)
- Technology: Cable
Coverage and Availability
Serving approximately 55 million households across 41 states, Spectrum provides extensive coverage in the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of the Northeast and West Coast. The company’s acquisition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks expanded its footprint significantly, making it one of the most widely available providers nationwide.
Performance
Spectrum’s internet plans start at 100 Mbps and reach up to 1 Gbps, placing them firmly in the mid-tier of performance options. While not offering the multi-gigabit speeds of some fiber providers, Spectrum delivers reliable performance suitable for most household needs. As a cable provider, upload speeds are asymmetrical and substantially lower than download speeds.
Notable Features
- No data caps on any plans
- No contract requirements
- Free modem included with service
- Promotional pricing typically increases after one year
- Router fees may apply unless bundled
- Simple installation options
- Bundle discounts available with TV and mobile services
10. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Best Wireless Option
T-Mobile has disrupted the home internet market with its 5G-based fixed wireless service, offering a simple, contract-free alternative to traditional cable and DSL providers.
- Minimum Speed: ~87 Mbps
- Maximum Speed: ~415 Mbps
- Starting Price: $50/month ($35 with mobile)
- Technology: 5G Fixed Wireless
Coverage and Availability
T-Mobile Home Internet is available nationwide to eligible addresses within T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE coverage areas. The service targets both urban markets and previously underserved suburban and rural areas, providing an alternative in regions with limited broadband competition.
Performance
T-Mobile’s home internet service delivers speeds ranging from 87 Mbps to 415 Mbps, depending on location, network congestion, and signal strength. Performance can vary throughout the day and based on proximity to cell towers, making it somewhat less consistent than wired alternatives. However, for many households, the service provides more than adequate speeds for streaming, browsing, and moderate work-from-home needs.
Notable Features
- Simple, transparent pricing
- No contracts required
- No data caps
- No equipment fees
- Significant discounts for T-Mobile mobile customers
- Easy self-installation
- No early termination fees
- Portable service that can move with you
You may also like: Unlimited High-Speed Hotspot Plans for Home Internet
Factors Affecting Broadband Performance
Several factors can impact your actual broadband experience beyond advertised speeds:
Network Congestion
Performance often declines during peak usage hours (typically 7-11 PM) when many subscribers are online simultaneously. Fiber networks generally handle congestion better than cable or wireless alternatives.
Equipment Quality
Outdated modems and routers can bottleneck your connection. For gigabit or faster connections, you’ll need:
- DOCSIS 3.1 modem for cable
- WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router for wireless speeds over 500 Mbps
- Ethernet cables rated Cat5e or higher for gigabit connections
Home Layout
WiFi signals weaken through walls, floors, and with distance from your router. Larger homes may require mesh WiFi systems for consistent coverage throughout the property.
Service Type Limitations
Different technologies have inherent advantages and limitations:
- Fiber: Best overall performance with symmetrical speeds and lowest latency
- Cable: Good download speeds but significantly slower uploads
- 5G Fixed Wireless: Performance varies by location and weather conditions
- DSL: Speed decreases with distance from the provider’s equipment
Hidden Costs to Consider
When evaluating total cost:
- Equipment rental fees (typically $10-15/month)
- Installation charges ($0-500 depending on provider and service type)
- Contract early termination fees (up to $240)
- Annual price increases after promotional periods
- Data overage charges (typically $10 per 50GB over the cap)
How to Choose the Right High-Speed Broadband Provider
When selecting a broadband provider, consider these key factors:
- Availability: Start by checking which providers service your specific address, as options vary significantly by location.
- Speed Requirements: Assess your household’s needs based on:
- Number of connected devices
- Types of online activities (streaming, gaming, video conferencing)
- Number of simultaneous users
- Upload requirements (important for video conferencing, content creation)
- Connection Type: Understand the advantages and limitations of:
- Fiber (fastest, most reliable, symmetrical speeds)
- Cable (widely available, fast downloads, slower uploads)
- 5G Home Internet (good alternative where fiber isn’t available)
- DSL (available in many rural areas but with limited speeds)
- Cost Considerations: Look beyond the advertised price to understand:
- Equipment rental fees
- Installation costs
- Price increases after promotional periods
- Contract requirements and early termination fees
- Bundle discounts with mobile or TV services
- Reliability and Support: Research:
- Uptime guarantees
- Customer service ratings
- Technical support availability
- Satisfaction scores in independent surveys
- Data Caps: Consider whether providers impose data limitations:
- Some providers have no caps (most fiber providers)
- Others impose 1-1.25TB monthly limits (many cable providers)
- Overage charges can be substantial
- Contract Terms: Evaluate the commitment required:
- No-contract options offer flexibility but sometimes at higher prices
- Contract plans may offer lower rates but include termination penalties
- Price guarantee periods vary significantly between providers
You may also like: The Cheapest Prepaid 5G Internet Plans
The high-speed broadband landscape in 2025 offers more options than ever before, with fiber expansion, multi-gigabit speeds, and increased competition benefiting consumers nationwide. When selecting a provider, carefully consider your specific household needs, available options in your location, and the total cost of service beyond promotional pricing.
Google Fiber stands out as our top overall pick for those fortunate enough to have access to its service, offering unmatched reliability, customer satisfaction, and performance. Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber complete our top three with their impressive combination of symmetrical speeds, reliability, and expanding coverage areas.
For value-conscious consumers, Astound Broadband delivers exceptional performance at industry-leading prices, while Brightspeed has emerged as a rising star with its recognition as 2025’s fastest ISP. Frontier Communications offers impressive fiber speeds up to 7 Gbps in select markets, demonstrating the industry’s push toward ever-faster connections.
Xfinity remains the most widely available option with the most diverse plan selection, though like other cable providers, it comes with asymmetrical speeds and potential data caps. Cox and Spectrum round out the cable options with their regional strengths and differing approaches to data limitations and contracts.
For those seeking flexibility and simplicity, T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet provides a compelling wireless alternative with straightforward pricing and no long-term commitments.
As remote work, 4K/8K streaming, cloud gaming, and smart home technologies continue to drive bandwidth demands higher, investing in the right high-speed broadband connection remains essential for households of all sizes. The good news is that competition continues to drive improvements in both performance and value across the industry.
