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Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Fast internet is needed for streaming, gaming and video calls. Households with several devices connected at once also need top speeds to prevent annoying buffering. The best internet providers with high speeds include AT&T, Xfinity, Optimum, Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber and Kinetic by Windstream. Compare the highest internet speeds in your area here, or find high-speed internet near you when you enter your address on this page.
Best high-speed internet services
- Frontier Fiber: Most affordable price
- Google Fiber: Best for simple pricing
- Kinetic by Windstream: Best for rural areas
- Optimum: Best for plan variety
- Xfinity: Fastest cable internet
Compare the fastest internet providers
| Provider | Fastest speed available | Starting price range* | Connection type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4,700 Mbps | $55–$250/mo. | Fiber | |
 | 5,000 Mbps | $39.99–$154.99/mo. | Fiber | |
 | 8,000 Mbps | $70–$150/mo. | Fiber | |
 Call to order: (877) 818-8727 | 8,000 Mbps | $39.99/mo.–$299/mo. | Fiber | Call to order: (877) 818-8727 |
 Call to order: (877) 818-8727 | 5,000 Mbps | $40–$180/mo. | Cable, fiber | Call to order: (877) 818-8727 |
 | 6,000 Mbps | $9.95–$299.95/mo. | Cable, fiber |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. As of 1/18/24.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Fastest internet plan breakdown
Enter your address on this page to discover the fastest home Wi-Fi and best internet speeds near you. Learn more about the cable and fiber internet providers with fast upload and download speeds here.
AT&T – Best for bundling
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read the full .
AT&T has five fiber optic plans from 300 to 4,700 Mbps, all without contracts or data caps. Equipment is already included in the monthly price, and installation is typically free. Plus, AT&T routinely runs new-customer promotions for gift cards and other bonuses.
Pros
Bundle with a qualifying AT&T Wireless plan for discounted rates.
Cons
Fiber service is not available throughout all of AT&T’s coverage area.
Frontier Fiber – Most affordable price
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read the full Frontier review.
Frontier offers cheap internet with fiber-optic speeds. Frontier’s fastest plan is 5 GB, but the provider also has 1 and 2 GB plans available. Frontier has a competitive starting price; however, rates increase by $10/mo. or more in year two. Frontier plans come with free installation and an advanced Wi-Fi 6E router. They also have unlimited data and no contracts.
Pros
Multiple GB plans with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Cons
Promotional rate ends after 12 months.
Google Fiber – Best for simple pricing
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read the Google Fiber review.
Google Fiber doesn’t have promotional pricing that increases. Its four simple plans are $70 for 1 GB, $100 for 2 GB, $125 for 5 GB and $150 for 8 GB. Upload and download speeds are the same for this fiber-optic connection, and equipment is included at no additional charge.
Pros
No contracts or installation costs for simple setup.
Cons
Currently in only 14 states; availability is the most scarce with this provider.
Kinetic by Windstream – Best for rural areas
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read the full Windstream review.
Kinetic by Windstream is a fiber connection that is often available in communities outside of large cities. The 100, 300 and 1,000 Mbps plans have affordable pricing under $70/mo. However, the 8 GB plan jumps to nearly $300/mo.; it’s only necessary for those who consider the fastest speeds a must-have.
Pros
Only provider that offers up to 8 GB other than Google Fiber.
Cons
Also offers DSL internet service in areas that are not upgraded to fiber lines with top speeds of 100 Mbps.
Optimum – Best for plan variety
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read the full Optimum review.
Optimum is a cable and fiber internet provider primarily available in the Northeast. You can bundle internet and TV with Optimum and add Mobile services as well. Plans come with free installation, free equipment, no data limits and no contracts.
Pros
Eight different plan options between 300 and 5,000 Mbps.
Cons
Fiber service not available in all markets. Cable internet with slower upload speeds is available in some areas.
Xfinity – Fastest cable internet
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read the full Xfinity review.
Xfinity is mainly a cable internet service, but its fastest plans use a fiber connection. Fiber offers upload speeds that are the same as download speeds, perfect for uploading large files including photos and video. The top speeds at 3 GB or 6 GB are the most expensive of all the fast ISPs at $299.95/mo. Other fast Xfinity plans are available at 300, 600, 900 and 1,200 Mbps.
Pros
Coverage area reaches the most households nationwide.
Cons
Additional fees may include equipment rental and installation.
What to consider when searching for fast internet
If you require the utmost consistency, a fiber connection is a better option. Fiber is a dedicated connection, so network congestion doesn’t cause slowdowns. Fiber also has upload speeds that match its download speeds, a feature you won’t find with any other connection type.
Pros and cons of high-speed internet
Consider these pros and cons when shopping for the fastest home internet.
Pros
Provides the fastest Wi-Fi
Can connect more devices
Less lag and buffering
Faster upload speeds
Cons
Fastest speeds not available everywhere
More expensive plans
May pay for more speed than you need
Speeds might be throttled during heavy usage
Who should look for high-speed internet plans?
High-speed internet is perfect for anyone who wants to browse the web without delay. While most streaming services like Netflix and Hulu can run on a minimum bandwidth of around 3 Mbps, fast speeds can cut down on aggravating lag or buffering. The highest internet speeds are not for everyone because most households can operate smoothly on 300–500 Mbps.
Consider an internet plan with 1 GB or more if:
- You currently experience lag or have trouble with your Wi-Fi not working.
- You need fast upload speeds only available with a fiber connection.
- Your home has multiple people streaming at the same time.
- You are a content creator or regularly livestream from your home.
- You don’t want to worry about fixing slow internet.
- You are a competitive gamer.
- You work from home with frequent video calls.
- You want the very best in internet quality.
- Your budget is more flexible.
Other high-speed internet providers
| Provider | Fastest speeds available | Starting price range* | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 1 GB | $49.99–$79.99/mo. | Cable |
| Verizon Fios | 940 Mbps | $49.99–$89.99/mo. | Fiber |
| Cox | 2 GB | $50–$150/mo. | Hybrid |
| CenturyLink | 940 Mbps | $30–$75/mo. | Fiber, DSL |
| Mediacom | 1 GB | $19.99–$59.99/mo. | Cable |
| Brightspeed | 940 Mbps | $50–$65/mo. | Fiber, DSL |
High-speed internet FAQs
What is a good high speed for internet?
A good fast internet speed would typically be considered anything over 300 Mbps.
What is the highest speed internet?
The highest residential widely available speed is 8 GB from Google Fiber or Kinetic by Windstream.
Is 2,000 Mbps a fast internet speed?
Yes. 2,000 Mbps is equivalent to 2 GB. Internet plans that offer speeds of 1 GB, 2 GB, 5 GB and 8 GB are all extremely fast and can support over 40 devices running simultaneously.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
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