High-speed internet has been considered a necessity for quite some time now. With almost everyone seeking a reliable and fast internet connection, it has been somehow challenging for every internet service provider to keep up with the growing demand for high-speed internet. Fortunately, people have many options to choose from cable and fiber internet providers. But for rural areas, it’s a different story since they have limited options that do not include the two fastest internet connections we have right now.
Internet speeds vary between internet service providers (ISPs) and your location. Most households and businesses can access gigabit and multi-gigabit plans, which can deliver around 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) up to 5,000Mbps. Thankfully, the competition between ISPs has kept the prices of these fast internet plans relatively low, featuring contacts and data caps.
During this year, some internet service providers have risen to the top due to different factors, such as speed, price, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Here are the leading high-speed internet service providers in the US this 2024.
1. Google Fiber
Google Fiber is one of the faster internet providers in the United States this year. As one of the first providers to offer a 2-Gigabit internet plan at only $100 per month, it has certainly satisfied many of its consumers consistently. It currently advertises a maximum speed of up to 2,000Mbps and an average 12-month download speed of 161Mpbs; it earned a whopping 170.0 integrated speed score (ISS) from HighSpeedInternet.
Google Fiber’s 1-Gigabit plan that starts at $70 per month is usually more than enough for most households with heavy internet users. But if you can spare $30 more every month, the 2-Gigabit plan is a better deal for you. Both internet plans come with unlimited data and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) equipment at no additional monthly fees. It also does not come with long-term contracts, so you don’t have to worry about early termination fees if you are not satisfied with their internet.
2. HughesNet
HughesNet has been consistently staying on top of its game as one of the satellite internet service providers with the widest coverage in the United States. According to statelliteforinternet.com, HughesNet’s available and consistent fast internet speeds have helped it stand out among its satellite ISP competitors.
With HughesNet Gen 5’s maximum advertised download speed of 25Mbps, it can provide you with a decent internet connection for your online activities, such as sending emails, browsing the web, attending video conferences, and streaming video content. It does not also come with hard data limits that let you stay connected at reduced speeds. Its internet plans range from $64.99 to $159.99 with free standard installation.
3. Xfinity
Comcast’s Xfinity has long been considered the fastest residential cable internet with its Gigabit Pro plan, advertising its maximum download speeds up to 3,000Mbps. However, the availability of this internet plan is still limited at the moment. It comes with a two-year contract and a monthly price of $300. Most prospective subscribers mostly think twice about this plan because of its price.
On the other hand, the Xfinity Gigabit plan is much more affordable and available. It is currently offered in the market for $80 a month with maximum advertised download speeds of up to 1,200Mbps, far greater than other internet service providers’ Gigabit plans with 940Mbps to 1,000Mbps. Additionally, Xfinity’s Gigabit Pro plan utilizes a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network in specific areas, allowing it to transmit more stable and consistent internet speeds. However, most of Xfinity’s service areas will still be under cable or hybrid networks.
4. Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios Gigabit Internet Connection offers up to 940Mbps download speeds and up to 880Mbps upload speeds. It costs around $90 per month with no data caps, contract requirements, and equipment fees. However, if you don’t avail Verizon Fios’ gigabit plan, you will have to pay a slightly pricier equipment fee than from other internet service providers.
If you’ve decided to avail the Fios Gigabit Connection, you might also receive gift cards or free service subscriptions apart from the free equipment if you’re a new customer. As of writing, Verizon is offering a free 12-month Disney bundle subscription that includes ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, and Hulu and a $100 gift card.
Speeds and reliability are not much of an issue for Verizon. And with the combination of the high-speed internet and the freebies that come with it, there’s no wonder why Verizon always ends up as one of the leading choices for high-speed internet connection. However, if you’re not satisfied with Verizon’s internet speeds, you might want to visit emergingwireless.com to stay updated with the latest wireless internet trends and updates in the US.
5. AT&T
AT&T is known for its low-cost high-speed internet. Its multi-gig connection, Internet 5000, costs under 4 cents per Mbps or $180 per month. However, it’s still an expensive option for many despite the 100% fiber connection AT&T offers. The Internet 5000 connection can deliver up to 5,000 Mbps maximum download and upload speeds, which beats most internet plans, even Google Fiber’s 2-Gigabit plan.
While 5,000Mbps can be too much for one household, if you are to weigh the overall value of this plan, it’s still much better than most high-speed internet plans from other internet service providers. Aside from that, it’s also one of the most accessible internet connections, with the AT&T Fiber currently available to around 16 million people in the United States.
Takeaway
With many internet service providers competing to be on top, there were five major ISPs that dominated the industry this early. However, there are still spots for honorable mentions for other reliable high-speed internet providers, such as Spectrum, Cox Communications, Century Link, and Frontier FiberOptic. It’s best to keep in mind that even though the maximum advertised speeds can be tempting, your internet connection will only be as great and reliable as your internet service provider.
