When it comes to internet service, we're all looking for the same thing: a fast, reliable connection that isn't going to break the bank. Luckily, there are multiple options to choose from, including cable, fiber, 5G home internet, satellite internet, and DSL.
The best internet connection for you depends primarily on where you live and what download and upload speeds you need. Your choices for internet connectivity are:
- Fiber internet: Fastest on the market but has limited availability and can be expensive.
- Cable internet: Fast and widely available, making it a great option for most customers, but limited in rural areas.
- 5G home internet: Available to customers near 5G wireless networks and can be bundled with mobile phone plans from several carriers.
- Satellite internet: Widespread availability in remote locations, but can suffer from spotty service and high prices.
- DSL internet: Available in rural areas and operates through telephone networks, but offers slow speeds and is being phased out across much of the country.
Let's dive into each type of internet connection and help you decide which one is best for your location, budget, and online habits.
Internet connection types at a glance
| Type |
Speed | Latency | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Up to 8Gbps | Low | $20–$200/month | Limited (Cities/Suburbs) |
| Cable | Up to 1Gbps | Low | $20–$75/month | Widely available |
| 5G Home | Over 400Mbps | Medium | $35–$75/month | Near 5G networks |
| Satellite | Up to 250Mbps | Medium | $50–$120/month | Widely available (Rural) |
| DSL | ~100Mbps | High | $45–$65/month | Phasing out |
Fiber internet has the fastest speeds
Fiber is the fastest internet connectivity type, making it the best choice for things like remote work, 4K streaming, or playing online video games.
It uses fiber-optic cables containing glass or plastic filaments to send data. These delicate fibers use light pulses to transmit information—literally delivering your internet connection at the speed of light. The fastest fiber internet plans offer download speeds up to 8Gbps.
This ultra-fast broadband internet offers yet another advantage—symmetrical download and upload speeds. Typically, upload speeds are significantly slower, as most people use more bandwidth to download information to their devices. With fiber internet, upload speeds are nearly always equal.
The downside is that fiber internet is not yet widely available due to the costly nature of building the infrastructure. It's mostly limited to cities and suburbs. Still, the technology is steadily making its way through the U.S. with providers like Google Fiber, Verizon Fios, and AT&T. If you're lucky enough to have it in your neighborhood, it's your best option for service. See how two of these ISPs stack up against each other in our internet comparison of AT&T and Google Fiber.
Pros:
- Download speeds up to 8Gbps
- Very reliable
- Equal download and upload speeds
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Plans can be more expensive
|
#1
|
AT&T
Internet 300 (Fiber 300Mbps)
$35/mo
Price after Autopay & Paperless bill discount. Plus taxes & fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
|
|
#2
|
Frontier
Fiber 500 Internet
$29.99/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#3
|
Xfinity
1.2 Gig
$100/mo
5 year price guarantee
|
|
#4
|
Kinetic
100 Mbps
$24.99/mo
for 12 months. This advertised price includes a $5.00 credit for AutoPay enrollment.
|
|
#5
|
Quantum Fiber
Internet 8 Gpbs
$165/mo
price and speed may vary by location
|
Modems vs. routers vs. gateways, oh my—what's the difference?
Your internet connection type will also dictate the kind of equipment you need to get online. With words like "modem" and "router" often used interchangeably, it can get pretty confusing pretty fast.
Jump over to our guide to internet equipment to learn the differences between the types of hardware, along with which ones are essential for your specific connection.
Cable internet is most widely available
Cable is the most common type of internet connection in cities and towns across the nation. Compared to fiber, it's not as fast, but it is much more widely available.
It uses the same coaxial cables as a cable TV connection, sending information through the copper wires via electricity. That means buildings routed for cable television already have the infrastructure for internet access.
It's also fast and offers low latency, with many cable internet providers offering speeds ranging from 25-400Mbps, and sometimes up to 1Gbps. And because cable networks are already built out, unlike fiber networks, cable internet prices tend to be cheaper, making it the best choice for customers on a budget.
Keep in mind, though, that your cable internet bandwidth is shared among other network users in your area. When you get home from work and finally start streaming your favorite shows, all of your neighbors are likely doing the same thing. If they have cable internet too, you could experience network congestion, leading to deprioritization and slower speeds.
Rural customers may find cable internet hard to come by because of the difficulty connecting miles of cables to reach remote areas and/or laying underground wires in rugged terrain.
Pros:
- Widely available for most customers
- Cheaper than fiber
- Download speeds up to 1Gbps
Cons:
- Subject to slowdowns during peak usage
- Low accessibility in rural and remote areas
|
#1
|
Xfinity
300 Mbps
$40/mo
5 year price guarantee
|
|
#2
|
Spectrum
Internet Gig
$70/mo
($60 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
WOW!
Internet 300
$20/mo
with AutoPay
+ $10 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
Optimum
300 Mbps Internet
$25/mo
with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas.
|
|
#5
|
Breezeline
Internet 100
$20/mo
for 24 months then $45.00/month. Includes $10/mo EcoSave/ AutoPay discount.
|
5G home internet is best for bundling
5G home internet is delivered by the same wireless networks that run your phone plan, making it an excellent choice for bundling your phone and internet bills.
What is 5G internet? It's a broadband internet service that uses a wireless company's 5G network to provide home internet. Unlike cable or fiber, 5G home internet is a fixed wireless service, meaning you can't travel around with it like you would with your mobile phone. This type of connectivity is not wired: It uses radio waves (wideband 5G waves in this case) to connect to nearby towers. Because it's wireless, it typically has a higher latency than cable or fiber—but still lower than satellite and DSL.
Its download speeds and bandwidth can be impacted by your home's distance from a 5G tower. The closer you live to a tower, the better your experience will be, with some plans offering download speeds over 400Mbps. However, compared to fiber or cable, 5G home internet is much slower and less reliable.
All of the major carriers offer 5G home internet service, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. These plans can be bundled with their wireless phone plans for extra savings, and some are even available with MVNO plans. You can compare each major 5G home internet service below:
- AT&T Internet Air vs. T-Mobile 5G Home
- T-Mobile 5G Home vs. Verizon 5G Home
- Verizon 5G Home vs. AT&T Internet Air
This type of internet is also largely self-installed using equipment purchased from the carrier, which is not always a great experience. The latest Wi-Fi 6 devices can significantly improve your home internet connection, especially if you have lots of users connecting to the same Wi-Fi signal.
Pros:
- Bundle with wireless service for lower pricing
- Easy installation
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not widely available in rural areas
- Self-install system
- Speeds depend on distance from tower
|
T-Mobile
Rely Internet + T-Mobile voice line
$35/mo
5 year price guarantee. With AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
Verizon
myPlan + 5G Home
$35/mo
with AutoPay and any Verizon mobile phone plan
|
Satellite internet is best for rural customers
Satellite internet sends and receives signals via a dish installed at your home, pinging satellites orbiting the Earth. The main advantage of satellite internet is its versatility. Since it doesn’t require cables or wires to work, satellite internet can be accessed by customers living in rural areas where wired cable, DSL, and fiber connections can't reach.
Like 5G home internet, satellite internet is a wireless connection. However, satellite historically offered some of the slowest speeds on the market, especially with its latency—the delay between when your signal pings the satellite and then receives a response. Satellites from early companies like HughesNet and Viasat were roughly 22,000 miles overhead, meaning it took a long time for signals to travel. Newer companies like Starlink and Project Kuiper rely on low-orbit satellites that are only around 350 miles above, so speeds and latency are much faster on these networks.
There's a lot of diversity in the satellite internet market, with each provider offering different services. Starlink generally provides one of the best satellite internet services because of its speeds up to 250Mbps, but it's also expensive and requires you to purchase and install the system yourself. Viasat and HughesNet are generally cheaper, but they have slower speeds and require a technician for installation.
Satellite internet is also sensitive to weather, solar flares, and other natural phenomena; even a rogue tree branch can impede your signal. In general, we only recommend satellite internet if you have no options for another type of internet.
Pros:
- Widely available
- Accessible in rural areas
- Fast speeds with select plans
Cons:
- Slower speeds than cable or fiber
- Typically more expensive
- Sensitive to obstructions and weather
|
#1
|
Starlink
Residential 100 Mbps
$55/mo
Available in select locations
+ $369 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Viasat
Viasat Essentials
$71.22/mo
for 12 months. Contract required.
|
|
#3
|
Hughesnet
Lite
$49.98/mo
($39.99 plan + $9.99 modem)
for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.
+ $99 Upfront
|
DSL internet is being phased out
DSL stands for "digital subscriber line." It utilizes the copper wires inside landline phone cables to transmit data via electricity.
For years, DSL was the most widely available and reliable type of internet connection in the country since it simply needed a phone line. However, as cable, fiber, satellite, and 5G networks have expanded, it has lost its relevance. Now, most internet providers have begun phasing out their DSL plans.
DSL internet speeds top out around 100Mbps, but many customers have much slower speeds. It's significantly impacted by the number of users on a line and by how far away you are from your internet service provider. The farther away your home is from the local connection point, the slower your speeds. All these factors contribute to DSL having a higher latency than other forms of wired internet.
We recommend selecting a cable, fiber, or 5G home internet plan instead of DSL. If you're in a rural area, look into satellite internet if you can afford it. Otherwise, popular DSL internet providers are AT&T, Kinetic, CenturyLink, and EarthLink. However, even if you can currently purchase a DSL plan, don't count on having access forever. AT&T has announced it will end its DSL service by 2029, and other providers are likely to follow.
Pros:
- Widely available, even in rural areas
- Relatively inexpensive plans
Cons:
- Being phased out
- Quality is contingent upon your distance from ISP
- Slower speeds than cable
|
CenturyLink
Simply Unlimited 100 Mbps
$55/mo
Available in select locations. Paperless billing required.
|
Choosing the right internet connection
Consider your location
Your location may limit your options for internet service, as not all types of internet providers offer nationwide service.
- Cable is widely available in most of the country, except in rural areas.
- Cities and suburbs have the best access to fiber and 5G home internet connections.
- Rural customers should look into satellite internet.
Evaluate your speed requirements
Basic web browsing and email don't require a super speedy connection for a smooth experience, but activities like live TV streaming, gaming, and video calling require a much faster connection to prevent lag—especially if you have multiple users and connected devices in your household.
Here are the top speeds you can expect from each connectivity type:
- Fiber: 8,000Mbps (8 Gbps)
- Cable: 1,000Mbps (1 Gbps)
- 5G home: 400Mbps
- Satellite: 250Mbps
- DSL: 100Mbps
Here are a few common activities and their recommended speeds:
Internet speed recommendations
| Activity | 1 User | Up to 4 Users |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Web Use | 1Mbps | 4Mbps |
| Streaming Music | .5Mbps | 2Mbps |
| Streaming Standard Video | 4Mbps | 16Mbps |
| Streaming HD Video | 8Mbps | 32Mbps |
| Streaming 4K Video | 25Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Standard Video Call | 1Mbps | 4Mbps |
| Online Gaming | 4Mbps |
16Mbps |
| Virtual Reality - Low Res | 25Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Virtual Reality - HD | 100Mbps | 400Mbps |
| Virtual Reality - 360 Retina | 600Mbps | 2.4Gbps |
| Augmented Reality - Low Res | 25Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Augmented Reality - HD | 100Mbps | 400Mbps |
| Augmented Reality - 360 Retina | 1Gbps | 4Gbps |
Note that if you have multiple people in your home using Wi-Fi, you'll need a faster plan that offers more bandwidth.
Set your budget
Once you've evaluated what kind of internet is available in your area, and you've figured out the best range of speeds to fit your daily habits, you'll need to consider the cost and your budget.
- Cable is typically the most affordable internet due to its wide availability.
- Fiber can be expensive, but prices are dropping in many regions due to its steady expansion and adoption.
- 5G home internet is expensive, but it can also be bundled with wireless plans to lower your bill.
- Satellite internet is the most expensive internet type and may require additional charges for purchasing equipment or installation.
Find the best internet plan
Now that you know the different types of internet services available to you, you can compare plans and providers in your area. Type your address into our WhistleOut internet search engine so you can get the results you're looking for right away.
|
T-Mobile
Rely Internet
$50/mo
5 year price guarantee. With AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
+ $35 Upfront
|
|
Verizon
myPlan + 5G Home
$35/mo
with AutoPay and any Verizon mobile phone plan
|
|
AT&T
Internet 300 (Fiber 300Mbps)
$35/mo
Price after Autopay & Paperless bill discount. Plus taxes & fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
|
|
Xfinity
300 Mbps
$40/mo
5 year price guarantee
|
|
T-Mobile
Rely Internet + T-Mobile voice line
$35/mo
5 year price guarantee. With AutoPay. Guarantee exclusions like taxes and fees apply.
+ $35 Upfront
|
Internet connection types: FAQs
What is the most reliable internet connection?
Fiber is the most reliable internet connection due to its fast speeds, low latency, and wired connection.
Which internet is best for gaming and streaming?
Fiber internet is best for gaming and streaming due to its low latency.
What is the best internet for rural areas?
Satellite internet is the best internet for rural areas because it does not require a wired connection. Most customers can access satellite internet if they have a clear view of the sky.
What is latency and why does it matter for my connection type?
Latency is the delay between an action and an internet system's response, like clicking a link or uploading a video. A low latency means your internet connection is responsive and quickly completes tasks. A high latency means your connection is slow, so you may face slow websites, lag in online games, or buffering videos.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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