How to find the best internet providers and deals online in 2023
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
Shopping online has become the new norm - so if you shop for clothes online, smartphones, and home appliances, why not do the same for internet deals available in your area?
Internet service providers (ISPs) are available far and wide across the United States - so searching and comparing broadband plans can seem quite daunting. But in this day and age, it's quite easy.
HomeLinkd provides a comprehensive guide on what you should look for in a provider, what connection type is best for you, and a list of some of the best deals on the market.
What to look for when choosing an internet provider online
Connection type
There are four main types of connections - cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet, and fiber internet. Cable is widely available but can be subject to slow speeds during high-traffic periods. DSL is a good middle ground, offering decent speeds at a reasonable price. Fiber optics is the fastest option, but is also the most expensive and is yet to be accessible to everyone.
Download and upload speeds
Download speed is how fast data can be pulled from the internet to your computer or device. Upload speed is the opposite - how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. Most providers offer a variety of speed options, so you can choose what’s best for your needs.
Availability in your area
Not all providers are available in all areas. For instance, while fiber is the fastest internet connection type currently available, infrastructure for it isn't yet widely available. That said, make sure to check that your chosen provider offers service where you live.
Contracts
Some providers require a contract, while others don’t. The last thing you want is to be bound by a 2-year long contract if you only wanted a short-term service or have to pay early termination fees for canceling before your contract is up. Be sure to read the fine print so you know what you’re signing up for.
Learn more about HomeLinkd's choice of the the best internet providers that you can choose and compare.
Factors to consider when choosing a broadband deal
Internet speed
Your internet speed is important, especially if you have a lot of people in your household who are all using the internet at the same time. You’ll want to make sure you have a fast enough connection to support everyone’s needs.
Reliability
You want to be able to rely on your internet connection, especially if you work from home or are a student who needs to be able to access the internet for research and schoolwork. Make sure to check reviews of your chosen provider before you commit to a plan.
Pricing
Of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal on your internet plan. Compare pricing among different providers and plans before making a decision. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find one within your set price range.
Availability
As with providers, not all broadband deals are available in all areas. Make sure to check that the deal you’re interested in is available where you live.
Data caps
Some broadband plans have data caps, which means you’re limited in how much data you can use each month. If you have a lot of people in your household who use the internet regularly, or if you stream TV, you may want to look for a plan with unlimited data.
Equipment needed
Depending on the type of internet connection you have, you may need to rent or purchase equipment such as a router or modem from your provider. Be sure to factor this into the overall cost of your plan as some providers may charge an additional monthly fee for the equipment you need. If you decide to go with a DSL connection, you will need a landline connection - so take that into consideration as well.
Bundle options
You may be able to get a discount on your internet plan if you bundle it with other services, like TV or phone service. If you’re interested in bundling, compare pricing and options among different providers to find a provider with the best bundle package offers.
Cheap internet doesn't necessarily mean bad internet, and HomeLinkd has proven that.
We help you find the best home internet options from top providers across the country. Whether you're a serious gamer looking for gigabit speeds, or a casual internet user on the search for cheaper plans - we have something just for you.
Let our friendly assistants call you back to get you signed up to high-speed internet with HomeLinkd, 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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