Get the lowdown on the best internet providers in Chicago

Matthew Harrington
Internet Provider Comparisons

Having a reliable internet connection is of the utmost importance today. Whether you loving binge-watching series, striking moves to TikTok, gaming for hours, or just working and browsing emails, having a dependable affordable internet connection is imperative. But did you know that certain internet providers only offer services in the certain states or counties? Today, we look at the great city of Chicago, the wide variety of internet providers and deals available in the area and help you find out which one is the best option for you!

As one of the most populated cities in the state of Illinois, there are multiple internet service providers in Chicago offering high internet speeds at affordable prices. From AT&T to Comcast, and Earthlink to Viasat, which one has the best internet coverage, speeds, reliability, and deals to suit your pocket and needs? HomeLinkd takes a look at the top providers in Chicago to help make your decision just a little bit easier!

The latest internet statistics for Chicago

Here's a general overview of the internet statistics in the city of Chicago:

- There are over 2.7 million people living in Chicago.

- 96% of the population have access to high-speed internet.

- The average download speed in Chicago is 97 Mbps.

- The average upload speed in Chicago is 11 Mbps.

- The average ping rate is 28 ms.

Types of internet available in Chicago

The type of internet available in Chicago will depend on the provider you choose.

The main types of internet available in the city are DSL, cable, fiber optic, and satellite. Each one of these options have varying price and data plans, speed options, and availability in your area. It' s important to remember to check if your preferred option is available in your area and if the connection is good - there's no point in signing up for a service and then getting slow or non-existent speeds!

DSL

This is a type of internet that uses telephone lines to deliver internet service. It is one of the most common types of internet available in Chicago with 94% of residents having access to DSL internet services.

Cable

This type of internet uses the same infrastructure as cable television. It is widely available in Chicago and is often cheaper than other types of internet - 78% of residents have access to cable internet.

Fiber optic

This is the fastest type of internet available. It uses a network of fiber optic cables to deliver high-speed internet service. About 90% of residents have access to fiber internet service.

Satellite

Using a satellite dish to deliver internet service to residents, satellite internet is available and easy to use and access in Chicago.

Best internet providers in Chicago

Comcast Xfinity - Best provider overall

Comcast Xfinity is known to offer the best internet service in Chicago. It offers a variety of plans with different speeds and prices. Comcast also has a very good reputation for reliability and customer service.

Xfinity offers DSL and fiber internet plans with speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 2 Gbps. The prices of these plans vary depending on the speed and length of the contract. Comcast also offers a variety of bundle deals that include TV, phone, and home security services.

Verizon 5G Home Internet - Fastest wireless mobile broadband service

Verizon's 5G Home Internet is the fastest wireless internet service available in Chicago. It offers a reliable service with speeds of up to 1 Gbps and no data caps.

EarthLink - Cheapest internet service provider

EarthLink is the cheapest internet service provider in Chicago. It offers internet plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps and has a very good reputation for internet reliability and customer service.

Viasat - Widest availability

Viasat is a satellite internet provider that offers plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps. With excellent coverage in Chicago, it's one of the top internet providers in the area.

AT&T - Fastest internet provider In Chicago

AT&T internet is the fastest provider in Chicago. It offers fiber internet options with speeds of up to 5 Gbps in selected areas with a very good reputation for reliability and customer service.

Compare internet plans

When choosing the right internet provider and plan for your needs, it's important to make a comparison of all the available providers in your area. This is where we can help! To find the optimal internet plan for your needs, simply use our comparison tool - it will help you find the best internet plans in Chicago based on your location, budget, and usage.

Simply enter your address and zip code into our Coverage Map tool to get started. You will then be able to see a list of all the available internet providers and plans in your area. From there, you can easily compare prices, speeds, data caps, and more to make a more informed decision.

Chicago internet FAQs

How much does internet cost in Chicago?

The cost of internet in Chicago will vary depending on the type of service you choose. DSL, cable, and fiber plans are typically cheaper than satellite plans. The price of your plan will also depend on the speed and length of the contract.

Which Chicago neighborhoods have the best internet?

The following Chicago neighborhoods have the best internet:

- Downtown: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon

- Near North Side: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon

- Lincoln Park: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon

- Lakeview: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon

- Uptown: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, RCN

- Edgewater: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, WOW!

- Rogers Park: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, WOW!

Do I need a modem or router for my Chicago internet connection?

For most types of internet service, you will need a modem and router. You may be able to rent these devices from your internet service provider.

Do any internet providers offer unlimited data in Chicago?

Yes, some internet providers offer unlimited data in Chicago, such as AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, and Verizon.

Are there internet plans for low-income households?

Yes, there are internet plans for low-income households. These plans typically have lower speeds and data caps than standard plans. Providers that offer these types of plans include Comcast Xfinity, AT&T, and CenturyLink.

Pick the best provider for your residential internet needs with HomeLinkd

Not only does Chicago offer scenic views, hiking trails and great modern architecture to browse through, but it is also home to a number of internet providers offering great broadband internet services at an affordable price.

With HomeLinkd, you'll be able to find a variety of internet packages from some of the top providers on the market. Whether you're looking for the fastest connection possible or the cheapest deal, we can help you compare and find the perfect plan for your needs – so don't waste another moment, get in touch and let us help you make the right internet choice for you and your family!

Written by:
Matthew Harrington

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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