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Comparing Internet Providers: Find the Best Provider In Your Area
Yolisa Motha
June 5, 2023
Finding an internet service provider (ISP) available in your area that meets all your internet needs can be challenging. There are so many factors to consider, so many providers to comb through, so many options available that you might feel a bit overwhelmed. But, HomeLinkd has done the hard work for you. We've searched far and wide, and done all the research needed to find out who some of the best ISPs are on the market right now. We make it as easy as entering your zip code to find internet options that are right for you.
What is an internet service provider?
An internet service provider is a company that provides you with access to the internet. There are many types of ISPs, from large national providers like AT&T and Comcast to small local companies. Some ISPs focus on providing residential customers with internet service, while others focus on business customers. And some companies, like Google, offer both business and residential services.
What are the different types of internet service providers?
There are four main types of internet service providers:
1. National/regional ISPs: These include companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast. They tend to be large companies that offer services in many areas of the country.
2. Local ISPs: These companies are smaller and only offer service in certain areas.
3. Wireless ISPs: These companies use wireless technology to provide internet access, often in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
4. Satellite ISPs: These companies use satellites to provide internet access, often in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Tips to choose the best internet provider
1. Find local internet service providers in your area
By using our zip-code tool or searching online for available providers in your area or state, you can find both national and local internet service providers (ISPs) that offer residential and/or business services. It is also a good idea to shop around for other providers. Switching providers could help you save a lot of money by offering better plans at better rates.
2. Figure out what type of internet connection you want
Once you have a list of the providers available to you, the next step is to decide which type of internet connection you want - which can help you narrow down your options even further. The five main types of internet connections are:
- Dial-up internet
Dial-up is one of the oldest internet connection types that offer users a way to connect to the internet using a regular phone line. This type of connection is very slow, with speeds averaging around 56Kbps.
- DSL internet
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a type of internet that uses your existing phone line to deliver high-speed internet service. It's much faster than dial-up, with average speeds ranging from 128Kbps to 3Mbps.
- Cable internet
Cable internet uses the same cables as your TV service to deliver high-speed internet service. It's one of the fastest types of internet available, with average speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
- Fiber-optic internet
Fiber optic internet is the newest and fastest type of internet connection, with average speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps. This type of connection uses fiber optic cables to deliver internet service, which are much thinner and faster than traditional copper cables.
- Satellite internet service
Satellite internet is a type of high-speed internet that uses satellites to deliver internet service. It's available in rural and hard-to-reach areas where other types of internet service aren't available. However, it's often slower than other types of internet and can be affected by weather conditions.
3. Consider the internet speed you're after
The next step is to decide how fast of an internet connection you need. This will depend on how you plan to use the internet - for example, if you just want to browse the web and check email, you won't need as much speed as someone who wants to download movies or play online games.
4. Look at your budget
After you've considered your needs, the next step is to look at your budget. Internet service providers offer a variety of plans with different speeds and prices, so it's important to find internet providers that fit your budget.
5. Consider internet plans and bundle options
Many ISPs offer bundle plans that include TV, phone, and/or mobile service along with your internet – which can save you money. If you're interested in bundling, be sure to ask about bundle options when you're shopping around for internet service.
Compare internet providers in your area with HomeLinkd
HomeLinkd works with some of the top internet providers in the country, offering only the best of the best. Here's our top picks:
AT&T is one of the largest and most well-known internet service providers in the country. They offer a variety of plans with speeds ranging from 5 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps. Prices range from $55 to $180 per month, and most plans come with unlimited data, high-speed internet and great customer satisfaction ratings.
Xfinity from Comcast is the biggest cable internet provider in the US, and is also one of the most used providers for home internet. They offer a variety of plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps. Prices start from $45 per month and are rated as one of the best cable providers in the country.
Spectrum Internet is one of the most popular fiber optic internet providers in the country, with average speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps. Prices start from $50 per month and they offer a variety of plans that come with unlimited data and no contracts.
CenturyLink is a well-known provider of cable and DSL internet service, and they offer a variety of plans with speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Prices start from $50 per month, and most plans come with no data caps and no contracts.
EarthLink is one of the oldest home internet service providers, and they offer a variety of dial-up, DSL and cable plans. They have some of the most affordable prices in the market, with plans starting from $55 per month.
Viasat is a satellite internet provider that offers plans with speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Prices start from $70 per month, and most plans come with unlimited data.
HughesNet is another satellite provider, and they offer plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Prices start from $60 per month and most plans come with 50 GB of data.
Cox Communications is one of the largest cable providers in the US, and they offer a variety of plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Prices start from $40 per month, and most plans include unlimited data.
Verizon Fios is a fiber internet provider that offers some of the fastest speeds in the country. They have plans with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and prices start from $50 per month. Most plans come with unlimited data, high speeds and wide availability.
Three of the best internet service plans on the market
Here are three of the best internet service plans on the market:
- AT&T Internet 1000: This plan offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps. It comes with unlimited data and is available in select areas.
- Xfinity Internet Blast!: This plan offers speeds up to 200 Mbps. It comes with unlimited data and is available in most areas.
- CenturyLink Internet 100: This plan offers speeds up to 100 Mbps. This plan is perfect for online gaming, streaming and having multiple devices connected to the internet at once.
Frequently asked questions
Who offers the fastest internet?
According to our research, AT&T offers some of the fastest internet speeds around, reaching 5 Gbps. But this speed and plan is only available in certain areas - making it not as accessible as other lower-speed plans on the market.
Is it better to bundle your TV and internet?
It can be, depending on the provider. Some providers offer discounts when you bundle your TV and internet services together. It’s always best to compare pricing and plans before you make a decision.
Satellite internet vs cable internet: Which is better for high-speed internet access?
Both satellite and cable internet offer high-speed plans with speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, but cable speeds can generally reach much higher, going to 1 Gbps. Cable internet is typically more affordable and offers faster internet speeds than satellite.
Which broadband providers offer bundle options?
AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, and Verizon FiOS all offer bundle options that include TV, broadband internet, and phone services. AT&T has the most affordable prices.
Who are the best internet providers for online gaming?
Some of the best major internet providers for online gaming are AT&T, CenturyLink and Spectrum. They all offer high-speed plans with unlimited data and no contracts. AT&T has the most affordable prices.
Find the best internet service providers for your home internet needs with HomeLinkd
Comparing internet service providers can be a daunting task, but it’s important to find the right fit for your needs. By using our helpful comparison tools, you'll be able to find wireless internet plans fitted to your needs and budget. Find and compare the best internet providers today with HomeLinkd.
Written by:
Yolisa Motha
Senior Copywriter
Yolisa is a word artist who's on a quest to help businesses make an impact so powerful - it causes a ripple effect. If Yolisa isn't painting pictures with her words, you'll find her hiking up a mountain or soaking up the beach sun.
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