Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in 2023
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
When you’re on the hunt for a great connection, there’s an endless amount of information out there to compare internet providers—but what really matters, and who is the best? Whether it’s speed, budget or location HomeLinkd is here with the answers you need when making a choice about which internet plans and providers to choose.
Get the full report and make the best decision.
Which Internet Service Provider Has The Best Internet Service?
Everybody’s needs are different. That’s why comparison of internet providers can be a tricky business.
Maybe you’re looking for a trusted brand, value-for-money, flexibility, great customer support or super-fast speed. So, ask yourself – what’s important to you?
If you’re at home most of the time, using your personal internet, instead of a connection provided by your business, you may want to invest in a fast line that gives you a reliable connection. As of 2022, we all know there’s nothing more unprofessional than unstable internet during a business meeting.
However, if you’re using your connection in your downtime to stream services, game or entertain —your quest to compare available internet plans may depend on a reliable connection with great customer service, to get you back up and running without eating into your working hours or leisure time.
Maybe you’re not the biggest tech and internet user, and you connect mainly to take care of personal admin or send WhatsApps to the kids...either way, internet needs are individual.
To help you compare, here’s a list of the top 12 best overall internet service providers of 2023 ranked by Android Authority:
4 Factors to consider when choosing an Internet provider
Our comparison of major internet providers was done by analyzing the most important factors to consider when searching for a connection. But what are the factors you should think about when making your pick?
We suggest you consider the following:
1. Cost
It goes without saying that internet connection prices in the US vary and that not all internet service providers are budget-friendly. While you can pay as little as $20 or as much as $100 per month for a connection, the amount you pay is usually a good indication of the connection speed you can expect.
2. Reliability
With the world at large moving to Work from Home and entertainment as a whole becoming a more at-home affair, reliable internet connection has never been more crucial in the search to compare internet providers. Simply put, internet has to work.
3. Speed
Every household’s internet speed needs are unique. If you’re working from home, streaming online, gaming, or just using your connection to do personal admin —consider the number of people in your home, why they access the internet, and how often they’re in need of speed.
4. Service
When there are hiccups in your connection, the last thing you want to deal with is poor customer service. Make sure your chosen service provider doesn’t have a multitude of poor reviews online or ask your friends, family and community about their experience with their provider. This will give you a good indication of what the service is like in your specific area.
Types of Internet Connection
When you compare internet plans, you definitely want to consider what type of connection suits your needs. There are 6 different internet types, as described by the Federal Communications Commission, namely:
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet
This wireless internet transmission technology transmits data faster than traditional copper lines previously installed in homes and businesses. While most providers have switched to fiber optics, some areas are only served by copper or DSL lines.
Cable Internet
This technology uses a cable modem that’s connected to your internet service provider through the same coaxial cable that brings TV programming into your home. The speed of this connection varies depending on the number of people using it in your neighborhood as well as how much bandwidth each user is taking up at any given time.
Fiber Internet
Fiber-optic internet uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data at high speeds. Fiber internet services offer the fastest type of high-speed internet available, making it a great option for large households with multiple devices or for people who need to upload and download large files frequently.
Wireless
Wireless connection technology uses longer-range directional equipment to deliver broadband services to areas where DSL or cable are not readily available, or costly. While the speeds are usually similar to DSL or cable modems, external antennas are needed for this connection type.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is beamed from space and then received by a dish installed on your property. This type of connection usually has higher latency than other types of high-speed connections because there’s a longer distance for the signal to travel.
However, satellite internet is available in more rural areas where other types of high-speed internet are not. Satellite internet is typically great for rural internet users who want a fast internet connection.
Broadband over Powerline (BPL)
Broadband Powerline is similar in speed to DSL and cable providers. This connection type uses existing electrical connections and outlets — so you don’t have to worry about setup. This convenient emerging technology is only available in limited areas.
Comparison of The Best Internet Providers: The HomeLinkd Guide
When you compare major providers, make sure you take your individual needs into consideration, instead of going with the first package you lay your eyes on.
There are many important factors like customer service, connection speed, type reliability, ease of installation, flexibility and budget to consider.
At HomeLinkd, we offer a comprehensive range of home internet service providers, to cater to a wide variety of needs.
Service: Free installation, 30-day money-back guarantee, McAfee Internet Security Suite included
Price: from $29.99 -$119.99
Verizon Fios Internet
Line speed: up to 940/880 Mbps
Data caps: unlimited
Service: In-home WiFi, Verizon Protect Whole-Home Internet Security powered by McAfee
Price: From $39.99/mo for 12 mos with Auto Pay + taxes & equipment fees w/ No Term Agreement
What Internet Speed Would I Need?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. It depends on how you use internet technology and how many devices are connected to your network at one time.
For example, if you live alone and only use the internet for light browsing, streaming movies and checking email, you won’t need as much speed as someone who has a family of five with multiple devices all trying to connect to the internet at the same time. You would require a basic internet connection which will most likely incur low internet costs.
Medium internet use comprises a household that games often, stream most of their videos or have users who work from home regularly - thus requiring a faster internet connection from one of the top providers listed above.
The best way to find out what speed you need is to do an internet speed test. This will give you a good idea of your current speeds and help you determine if you need to upgrade.
Which Provider Offers The Best Value Internet Service Plan In My Area?
If you're looking for the best value when it comes to internet service near you, you'll want to compare providers and plans in your area. There are a few things to keep in mind when you're doing this:
1. What is the price?
2. What is the speed?
3. What is the data allowance?
4. What are the extras?
Once you've considered these factors, you'll be able to find the best internet service provider for your needs. HomeLinkd can help you compare providers and plans so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
HomeLinkd Tip: If you're looking for an internet provider that offers the best value for your money, Xfinity is a great option. They frequently offer promotions and discounts on their services, so you can get the most bang for your buck. Like Xfinity Internet, another great option is AT&T. AT&T offers a variety of plans to fit your needs and budget, and their customer service is top-notch. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable option, AT&T is definitely worth considering.
Which Providers Offer The Best Customer Service?
If you're looking for the best internet provider in terms of customer service, there are a few options that stand out. Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T all have great reputations when it comes to taking care of their customers. This means that if you have any problems with your service, you can expect them to be handled quickly and efficiently.
I'm Looking To Switch to Fiber - Who Offers The Best Fiber Internet Option?
If you're looking for the best fiber internet plan, Verizon Fios is a great choice. They offer speeds up to 940/880 Mbps, which is some of the fastest available. Additionally, some fiber providers may offer no data caps, so you can use as much internet as you want without worrying about overage fees.
Compare Internet Plans with HomeLinkd
HomeLinkd makes getting internet access easy - by offering you the easiest way to navigate the comparison of internet providers, with our aggregator. Here, you can compare providers based on your needs, against price, speed and other requirements.
HomeLinkd will provide you with the best deals and assist you in deciding what best suits you, your needs and your home today.
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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