There are thousands of internet providers in the United States, and finding the most reliable internet provider can be confusing. These internet service providers (ISP) deliver broadband services in different forms, including DSL, fiber, cable, and satellite. However, based on where you live, you can find one, some, or all options. If you’re searching for more than just wireless service, you can combine your internet with TV and phone services from one provider.
Moreover, the most reliable internet provider depends on your unique wireless needs. You can choose your ideal plan based on the provider’s coverage availability, plan offerings, speeds, and prices. A reliable internet speed, according to FCC, is at least 25 Mbps. However, these download speeds can handle streaming in HD, online gaming, downloading music, and web browsing. Besides, you can stream in 4K with 25 Mbps, but the speeds vary across all internet providers.
Most importantly, you can benefit from free government internet from the participating internet service providers if you can’t afford to pay internet bills. There are many internet options available on residential connection options for broadband internet. Besides, you can get an internet connection through fiber optic, cable, satellite, and DSL. Some cellphone providers can offer you internet access through a wireless connection or hotspot. However, today’s discussion highlights the most reliable internet providers, so stay put!
How to Find the Best Internet Service Provider?
Due to numerous internet providers available, it can be challenging to identify the best for you and your home. Interestingly, one reliable internet you can take advantage of is the free internet for low-income families.
This internet discount applies especially to households struggling to pay their monthly bills and meet the eligibility guidelines. The following are the critical factors in determining the reliable internet provider is best for you:
i) Availability
First, you need to identify providers who offer internet service in your area. Not all service providers are available in every state. Whether you reside in urban or rural areas, there must be a provider that offers the most reliable internet connection in your location. The best way to identify which providers offer coverage near you is to enter a zip code and see a list of available providers.
ii) Plans and Pricing
Internet service providers and connection types vary significantly in price. The most affordable plan goes for $14.99 per month and provides download speeds of 30Mbps. However, some eligibility requirements may apply. This internet speed is reliable enough for streaming high-definition video and basic web surfing and supports other high-bandwidth tasks.
iii) Speeds
Once you find a list of providers in your area, the next thing is to compare each ISP’s plans, speeds, and prices. First, you should understand how much speed you require for your household. You can evaluate your internet speed requirements by testing your current internet speed and comparing it to the available options. Generally, internet speeds from 50 to 100 Mbps support 4K video streaming on 2 to 3 devices and handle online gaming and faster downloads.
Additionally, speeds around 100 to 500 Mbps will support 4K streaming on 3 to 5 devices, multiplayer online gaming, and numerous smart devices. Besides, speeds between 500 and 1,000 Mbps or higher offer mind-blowing speeds for data-hungry users.
iv) Promotions, Discounts, and Bundles
After determining your suitable internet speed and picking a plan from a few internet providers, the final step is to look for any promotions, discounts, or bundled services from your chosen providers.
If you’re searching for a TV, a phone, or home security services, internet service providers often bundle these services with internet plans. Additionally, many internet service providers offer sign-up promotions to their customers or discounts such as free government lifeline internet to low-income households.
v) Household Size and Internet Usage
Typically, the amount of internet usage and your household size influence your internet performance. Generally, the more internet users you have in your household, the higher the internet usage. In this case, connectivity and speeds may fluctuate.
Heavy internet consumers and large households with 4 to 5+ people require download speeds of 100 Mbps. On the other hand, light internet users and smaller households of 1 to 2 people can work with download speeds of 25 Mbps.
Who Provides the Most Reliable Internet Connection?
1) AT&T
AT&T provides DSL, fiber, and fixed internet services mainly to the Southeastern US, parts of the Great Lake states, plus California and Nevada. AT&T fiber plans start at $55 per month, delivering download speeds of 100 Mbps.
However, those residing in urban areas have access to AT&T’s most reliable internet options for AT&T internet and cell phone, whereas other locations might access its DSL or fixed internet services. Moreover, bundles such as DirecTV are available if you want savings on your monthly bills. AT&T doesn’t require a contract and provides unlimited data for its fiber plans.
2) Verizon
Verizon provides fiber and DSL plans to its subscribers. If you reside in or near a major city in the Northeast US, you’ll have 3 fiber internet plans. Those in more rural areas can access DSL high-speed internet. Verizon’s fiber plans provide the best reliable internet connection.
Besides, the pricing starts at $39.99 for Verizon’s 300 Mbps plan, $64.99 for the 500 Mbps plan, and $89.99 for the Gigabit Connection(1000Mbps). Interestingly, the plan features no contract, and data is unlimited.
3) Xfinity
Xfinity is the best prepaid and cable internet provider that provides mostly cable plans and Xfinity triple play deals plus two fiber plan options. However, the pricing starts at $45 for its prepaid option and $29.99 monthly to $299.95 for its fastest speeds.
Besides, Xfinity puts a 1.2 TB data cap on its plans, although some states in the Northeast get not subjected to those terms. You can achieve the best pricing through Xfinity’s 12 or 24-month contracts or by bundling your internet with TV, streaming services, and home security.
4) Cox
Cox is among the best fiber internet service providers. This carrier is a versatile ISP that provides prepaid cable, plans, and fiber connections. If you enroll for a 12-month contract with Cox, you can enjoy low introductory prices that may save on your internet costs.
The pricing rates start at $29.99 monthly for download speeds of up to 25 Mbps download and go to $99.99 per month for its fastest plan, the Gigablast.
This plan delivers download speeds up to 940 Mbps. Cox caps data at 1 TB per month. However, you can bundle internet services with streaming services, Cox discounts for existing customers, technical support, and home security systems.
5) Spectrum
Spectrum provides cable internet plans to the most extensive parts of the US except for several Midwestern states, Hawaii, and Alaska. However, the plans start at $49.99 per month for download speeds up to 200 Mbps and up for download speeds up to 940 Mbps.
Cox upload speeds lead at 35 Mbps, typical for cable connections. Interestingly, data is unlimited, and there is no contract requirement when signing up with Spectrum. If you need additional services, you can have more savings by bundling services together. Spectrum provides internet assist, TV, and phone services if you’re looking for bundling packages.
6) Mediacom
 Compared to its competitors, Mediacom provides reliable internet plans at a very affordable price. This cable provider provides three plans. However, the lowest-tiered plan price is $29.99 per month. (the cost starts at $19.99 for the first year) and features download speeds up to 60 Mbps. However, Mediacom’s upload speeds don’t match its download speeds, as its connections are through cable.
Moreover, the 1 Gig plan delivers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and uploads speed up to 50 Mbps. These speeds take Mediacom among the best cable ISPs in the United States. Mediacom data caps for plans start from 200 to 6,000 gigabytes, and there is no contract required.
7) CenturyLink
CenturyLink provides two plans that feature DSL or fiber internet connections across 36 states and 19 cities. However, there is no contract needed to receive its services. If you are a budget-conscious customer, CenturyLink provides “Price for Life.” Program.
CenturyLink’s Price for Life program maintains your monthly bill the same for your service period with CenturyLink. Besides, this carrier’s fiber internet plan costs $65 monthly and features download speeds up to 940 Mbps.
On the other hand, its DSL plan delivers much slower download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and costs $50 per month. CenturyLink’s fiber plan features unlimited data, whereas its DSL plan imposes a data cap of 1 TB per month. Luckily, you can bundle services to include internet and phone for both plans.
Bottom Line
Thousands of internet service providers are available, and getting the most reliable is an arduous task. However, not every internet service provider is perfect, and you need to do thorough research to find the one that gives a reliable internet connection.
The most reliable internet provider should be available where you live, meet your budget requirements, and take care of your internet speed needs. You can always find the best provider who matches your needs based on where you reside.