As internet technology options like 5G and fiber continue to become more widely available and change home internet offerings, making the right choice for your home is crucial. Because of its increasing availability and high speeds, fiber internet is usually the best option, and there are more fiber internet service providers (ISPs) to consider.
Not sure where to start? We’ve done the research. Our top picks for the best fiber internet include AT&T, Optimum and Comcast Xfinity. Read on for our full list of recommendations.
Our picks
AT&T: Best fiber internet service provider
Optimum: Best for bundling services
Comcast Xfinity: Best for Gig internet
Kinetic by Windstream: Best for rural fiber internet access
Mediacom Xtream: Best for affordability
Verizon Fios: Best intro offers
AT&T Internet: Best fiber internet service provider
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Prices: $55 to $250 per month
Download speeds: 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps
Data caps: Some plans
Why we picked AT&T
With the nation’s largest fiber network, AT&T Internet is our choice for the best ISP for fiber internet. With some of the best customer service ratings in the industry and a Better Business Bureau grade of A-, AT&T Internet surpasses competitors in terms of service and availability (49 states). Moreover, with no annual contract and a variety of bundling plans available, you can get great monthly rates on internet, mobile and more services.
Who should use AT&T
AT&T Internet is often the only fiber choice in many parts of the country. If it’s your only choice for fiber internet, bundling home internet with a mobile plan or cable TV is a good idea to maximize your budget.
Pros and cons of AT&T Internet
Pros
- Available nationwide
- Many plans available with no data caps
- No contract necessary
Cons
- Prices are high if you’re not bundling
- Installation can be tricky in certain locations
Optimum: Best for bundling services
Star rating: 4.8 out of 5
Prices: $69.99 to $110 per month
Download speeds: 300 Mbps to 8 Gbps
Data caps: No
Why we picked Optimum
When you bundle Optimum fiber internet with auto pay and paperless billing with an unlimited mobile plan, you can get 300 Mbps Wi-Fi (and the mobile plan) for just $55 per month for the first year. That’s one of the best bundle prices you’ll find anywhere.
Who should use Optimum
If you’re in the market for both Wi-Fi and mobile plans, starting with Optimum will likely give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to fiber Internet.
Pros and cons of Optimum
Pros
- Very high speeds for a good price when bundling
- Unlimited data caps on all plans
- No contracts necessary
Cons
- Poor customer service ratings
- Available in only 21 states
Comcast Xfinity: Best for Gig internet
Star rating: 4.7 out of 5
Prices: $19.99 to $100 per month
Download speeds: 50 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps
Data caps: 1.2TB per month, but unlimited plans are available
Why we picked Comcast Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity has an A+ BBB rating and is available* in 40 states, plus Washington, D.C. Although it doesn’t offer the highest speeds, it offers very competitive pricing and various bundling options. You can pay extra to remove data caps on all plans, but the standard 1.2TB per month data allotment is more than enough for most users.
Who should use Comcast Xfinity
Families looking for a competitively priced complete package of high-speed fiber internet, home phone and cable service.
Pros and cons of Comcast Xfinity
Pros
- Many plan options
- Very affordable, especially when bundling
- Above-average customer service ratings
Cons
- Often need a contract to get the lowest price
- Some plans have data caps
- Low availability in rural areas
Kinetic by Windstream: Best for rural fiber internet access
Star rating: 4.7 out of 5
Prices: $40 to $100 per month
Download speeds: 300 Mbps to 8 Gbps
Data caps: No
Why we picked Kinetic by Windstream
Although it’s available in only 18 states, Kinetic by Windstream is one of the few services with strong fiber infrastructure in the rural United States. Though it’s the only fiber internet option available in many rural areas, that doesn’t mean it offers lower-quality service than other providers. In fact, Kinetic by Windstream has an A+ BBB rating*, and its app has earned sterling reviews on the Google Play Store (4.5 stars out of 5-star rating) and App Store (4.8 stars out of 5-star rating) at the time of writing, delivering a strong customer experience.
One drawback, however, is that its standard security is lacking, so if you’re concerned about cybersecurity, you’ll have to pay extra for the Kinetic Secure app.
Who should use Kinetic by Windstream
People living in rural areas who want the best fiber internet service available.
Pros and cons of Kinetic by Windstream
Pros
- Best choice for many rural areas
- No contract necessary
- Outstanding customer service ratings
Cons
- Wide variance in speed and pricing depending on area
- Poor security unless you pay to upgrade
- Poor customer service ratings
Mediacom Xtream: Best for affordability
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Prices: $19.99 to $54.99 per month
Download speeds: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
Data caps: Some plans
Why we picked Mediacom Xtream
Mediacom is available in just 22 states, but at just $19.99 per month for its 100 Mbps plan, it offers some of the most affordable fiber internet in the country. You won’t get locked into any contracts, and unlike many of its competitors, Mediacom offers free professional installation.
Who should use Mediacom Xtream
Mediacom’s affordable fiber internet plan is an excellent option if you’re on a budget but still want fast internet speeds.
Pros and cons of Mediacom
Pros
- Affordable plan options
- No contract necessary
- Free professional installation
Cons
- Available only in 22 states
- Poor customer service ratings
Verizon Fios: Best intro offers
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Prices: $24.99 to $84.99 per month
Download speeds: 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps
Data caps: No
Why we picked Verizon Fios:
Given Verizon’s nationwide recognition, it may be surprising to learn that Fios is available only in eight states and Washington, D.C. Nonetheless, with attractive introductory prices ($24.99 per month for 300 Mbps) and sign-up perks like free streaming subscriptions, gift cards and other offers depending on your area, Verizon is an excellent option for anyone looking to switch providers or find the best fiber internet in their area.
Who should use Verizon Fios:
Current Verizon mobile customers or customers of other telecom companies may find Verizon’s introductory offers in their area worthwhile. The 300 Mbps plan is $59.99 monthly after the promotional period, so it’s still relatively affordable.
Pros and cons of Verizon Fios
Pros
- Good customer service record
- No data caps on any plans
- Free equipment with 1 Gig plan
Cons
- Low fiber availability for a national company
- Prices jump after promotional period
Cox Communications
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Prices: $49.99 to $149.99 per month
Download speeds: 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps
Data caps: 1.25 TB, although unlimited plans are available
Why we picked Cox Communications
Although all of its plans have monthly data caps, Cox Communications’ 1.25 TB monthly allotment is more than enough for the average family to avoid overages. (You can also pay extra for unlimited.) Otherwise, Cox is consumer-friendly, with multiple fiber internet plans ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gig. By bundling fiber internet and cable TV you can get 100 Mbps and 140 channels for $55 per month, making Cox one of the more affordable options on this list.
Who should use Cox Communications
Customers who prefer to prepay for internet service won’t have an issue with Cox’s contract requirement and may prefer predictable pricing.
Pros and cons of Cox Communications
Pros
- About 4 million public hotspots available for subscribers
- Variety of plan options available
- Good bundling prices
Cons
- No free professional installation
- Annual contract required
* BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2024.
Our picks at a glance
|
Our rating
|
Speeds
|
Plan price range
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet | 5/5 |
300 Mbps - 5 Gbps |
$55 - $250 per month |
| Optimum | 4.8/5 |
300 Mbps - 8 Gbps |
$70 - $110 per month |
| Comcast Xfinity | 4.7/5 |
75 Mbps - 1,200 Mbps |
$20 - $100 per month |
| Kinetic by Windstream | 4.7/5 |
100 Mbps - 8 Gbps |
$40 - $100 per month |
| Mediacom Xtream | 4.5/5 |
100 Mbps - 1 Gbps |
$20 - $55 per month |
| Verizon Fios | 4.4/5 |
300 Mbps - 2 Gbps |
$25 - $85 per month |
| Cox Communications | 4.4/5 |
100 Mbps - 2 Gbps |
$50 - $150 per month |
What didn’t make the cut
Ziply Fiber (4.4) and Earthlink (4.4) just missed being included in this list. Ziply Fiber offers some of the fastest fiber internet in the world, reaching up to 50 Gbps, but it’s available in only four states. Although Earthlink runs on one of the nation’s largest (and most affordable) fiber networks and is available in 48 states, it has a notoriously poor customer service track record. It also doesn’t offer services beyond home internet.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet is a rapidly improving technology that uses groups of glass fibers, called bundles, to transfer data by modulated light rather than electricity. Modulated light allows infrastructure facilities to process data much faster than other internet types. This means higher bandwidth, faster data transmission and symmetrical (or nearly symmetrical) upload and download speeds. Ultimately, it’s both quicker and more reliable than other connections.
Advantages of fiber internet
- Speed: Fiber internet can achieve much higher speeds than cable or DSL. It can send information at nearly the speed of light.
- Stability: Fiber networks are more stable than cable, DSL or even 5G networks. Fewer outages allow you to stay connected at all times.
Disadvantages of fiber internet
- Price: Fiber internet is usually the most expensive option available from ISPs, generally starting at $40 per month or more.
- Availability: Although ISPs and the federal government are investing in fiber network infrastructure, fiber internet was available to just 51.5% of American households as of late 2023.
Fiber internet vs. DSL vs. cable: A comparison
Fiber internet, DSL and cable all have pros and cons; the right choice will likely depend on availability and cost.
Cost
Although fiber has been used longer in communications than cable, cable and DSL have been the primary internet options for most of the 21st century so far. As such, fiber networks aren’t as robust, making them less available, more challenging to install in homes and more expensive.
|
Price range
|
|
|---|---|
| Fiber internet | $78/month on average, plus installation fees |
| Cable internet | $63/month on average, with DIY installation |
| DSL | $53/month on average, with DIY installation |
Availability
Not surprisingly, fiber comes up short compared to cable and DSL availability. While there is a heavy investment in expanding fiber networks beyond major urban and suburban areas, they still cover only about 51.5% of households. Cable, on the other hand, is available to 88% of households, while DSL is available to 89%.
Speed
Fiber internet is clearly superior, and there is such an investment in building fiber networks because it’s significantly faster than cable and DSL. It also achieves symmetrical, or near-symmetrical, download and upload speeds.
|
Download speed
|
Upload speed
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Fiber internet | 200 Mbps to 20 Gbps |
200 Mbps to 20 Gbps |
| Cable internet | 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
5 to 50 Mbps |
| DSL | 5 to 120 Mbps |
1 to 20 Mbps |
Factors when choosing a fiber internet provider
Our selection of the best fiber internet providers is just a guideline. You’ll have to consider your unique situation to choose the right ISP for you.
Availability
If you live in a small town, there’s a good chance you won’t have access to fiber internet. Fiber networks are scarce in deeper suburban and rural areas, and availability can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. If fiber internet is available, you may only have one choice of provider.
Cost and speed
Fiber internet is much faster than cable but is also more expensive. You must decide if you really need the 250 Mbps plan or if you can get by with a less expensive plan from another provider or on another type of connection.
The internet speeds you need depend on how you use the internet. If it’s just you on your network and you use the internet for video calls, streaming and some light gaming, 25 Mbps and a cable or DSL connection is probably enough. Suppose, though, you live in a four-person household where everyone enjoys streaming and gaming and two people work from home. In that case, you should opt for at least 100 Mbps and seriously consider fiber internet to support the heavy network demands.
Ultimately, you should never spend more than you can afford on high-speed internet because there are almost always more budget-friendly options available.
Premiums and bundles
As many companies work to transition customers to fiber internet, there are many compelling options to help you save. For instance, cable companies like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T incentivize customers to keep their cable subscriptions by offering a steeply discounted price for fiber internet and a cable TV package.
Likewise, you’ll find many offers for streaming service trials, gift cards and more from different companies. After identifying the ISPs available for your home, research their introductory premiums and bundles.
Type of fiber connection
There are three types of fiber internet:
- Fiber to the home or premises (FTTH or FTTP): This type of connection runs the fiber cables from the server center up to your home or to a connector on your property. Not every provider can offer this construction.
- Fiber to the curb (FTTC): This connection type has fiber bundles constructed into boxes or pedestals on the curb. From there, the cable goes onto your premises.
- Fiber to the node or neighborhood (FTTN): In one of the most popular fiber constructions, a fiber internet provider brings fibers to a single spot in a neighborhood, then runs cable out from a central node to customers within a one-mile radius. It’s still fiber internet, but the node serves multiple users, devices and cables, so you may experience minor speed limitations.
FTTH/FTTP is the best connection type for customers, giving you the most direct and exclusive access to fiber internet. However, it’s also the most uncommon, present primarily in cities and larger suburbs.
Still, both FTTC and FTTN services are fiber internet and will offer better speeds than cable or DSL.
Cost of fiber internet: Is it worth it?
As we’ve discussed, there are several cost factors associated with fiber internet. If it’s available in your area, you may have to rely on an FTTC or FTTN connection, rather than the preferred FTTH or FTTP.
If you can get FTTH or FTTP, the cost to install cables to connect to your house will range between $8 to $12 per linear foot, which can add up quickly. Between installing the infrastructure and setting up the best router for fiber internet, you could spend between $500 to $1,500 in installation fees on top of your monthly subscription fee.
Those monthly subscription fees will likely be at least $15 more per month than cable internet, depending on your plan. Ultimately, you have to decide how much high-speed internet is worth to you.
Fiber internet has faster upload and download speeds, can handle more devices and is more reliable than cable or DSL. If you rely on home internet every day for work or entertainment, it’s probably worth the extra expense. You could always opt for a less expensive plan if you’re on a budget,
Steps to get fiber internet in your home
If fiber internet is available in your area, your home still may not be set up for it. To get set up for fiber internet, follow these steps.
- Check availability: First and foremost, verify that an ISP offers fiber internet in your area.
- Choose a plan: Using this guide and your own research, find a plan that makes sense for your budget and internet usage.
- Get equipment: As part of your plan, you’ll need an accessible fiber network and an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) box to capture fiber pulses of light that support the network.
- Service set up: Unlike cable or DSL, you can’t install fiber internet yourself unless you’re an experienced professional. Signing up for a plan usually includes a verification process that your home actually can get fiber internet. From there, schedule professional installation for the provider to verify the network connection, install an ONT box, set up your network and connect your devices. Some providers, like Mediacom, offer this installation for free, but most don’t.
