Internet access is essential today, so choosing a plan with the right balance of price and performance matters. In this article, we’ll look at the main types of home internet service in the U.S. and compare several major providers (thanks to readers 山上雪, 牧之, and others for providing screenshots).

Types of Broadband Internet

There are currently four main types of internet access: fiber (Fiber), cable (Cable), DSL over phone lines (DSL), and satellite (Satellite). Fiber offers symmetrical download and upload speeds, with bandwidth up to 2000 Mbps (2G). It works well for households with multiple users uploading and downloading data at the same time, such as streaming HD video or gaming simultaneously. Cable internet can also provide fast download speeds, but upload speeds are usually much slower. It uses the same wiring as cable TV. In many cases, you can bundle internet and cable TV for a decent discount, and pricing is generally relatively affordable, with speeds up to 500 Mbps. DSL should be familiar to many people; it is similar to traditional dial-up in the sense that it runs over standard phone lines. It is still seen in remote rural communities. Because speeds are much slower, with maximum speeds around 75 Mbps, performance can become strained if more than two people are online at the same time. It is better suited for users with lighter data needs; basic web browsing is fine, but streaming and online gaming can be challenging. In remote areas or some rural regions where fiber and cable are not widely available, satellite internet may be necessary, such as Starlink from SpaceX, though plans are still relatively expensive. This article will mainly focus on the first two types of internet service.

Overview of Major U.S. Broadband Providers

AT＆T

AT＆T is the third-largest internet provider in the U.S., offering fiber and hybrid fiber broadband service. The biggest advantage of AT&T fiber is speed. With a fast fiber connection, you can do just about anything online, including playing large online games, watching HD video, and even downloading a two-hour HD movie in just seconds. AT&T Fiber is mainly available in large cities, though the company also offers DSL service in suburban and rural areas. In general, you need to rent AT&T equipment and related installation hardware. If a technician comes to your home for installation, AT&T charges a $99 installation fee. Equipment rental is $10 per month. Plan pricing is $35/month for 300M, $45/month for 500M, and $60/month for 1G (with HBO Max included). For most households, 300M is enough, and the service includes unlimited data, so you do not need to worry about overage charges.

Cox

Cox is currently the largest privately held telecommunications company in the U.S. Its main product is cable internet, and it is probably one of the cheaper broadband options. The author currently uses Cox internet. With Cox, you can use your own modem. If you rent Cox equipment, the rental fee is $10 per month. My current plan is $49.99 per month. The 500M plan is $45 per month, with a data cap of 1.25 TB (1280GB). If you go over, you are charged $10 for every additional 50GB, up to a maximum of $100. If your data allowance is not enough, you can consider upgrading: pay an extra $20 per month for an additional 500GB, or an extra $50 per month for unlimited data. If you want to subscribe to Cox internet, remember to use your own router. Opening a new Cox account through cashback sites such as Swagbucks/Rakuten/Topcashback can also earn extra cashback. Generally speaking, the first time you exceed the data cap, Cox may waive the extra charge as a courtesy credit, but after that, overages are charged at $10 per 50GB. Be sure to choose the right plan based on your own needs.

Xfinity

Xfinity internet covers almost all of the U.S., though prices vary somewhat by region. One of its main advantages is its nationwide network of thousands of WiFi hotspots. Customers with Xfinity Mobile service or Xfinity home internet can connect to these hotspots for free.

Xfinity also offers other services, including Xfinity Cable TV and Xfini mobile phone plans. Xfinity mobile plans have stable coverage, competitive pricing, and run on the Verizon network.

Spectrum

Spectrum is another provider with broad coverage, offering Internet, Cable TV, Mobile Network, and related services. Its broadband plan is $49.99 per month for the first 12 months, or $600 for the year, with advertised speeds up to 200Mbps. An Internet+Cable TV bundle costs $89.98 per month. An Internet+Cable TV+Mobile Network bundle costs $99.97 per month. Spectrum also has a number of less obvious fees, so pay attention to those as well.

Verizon

Verizon is a leader among U.S. telecom companies and offers nearly every major type of telecom service. Verizon Fios Home Internet is said to be very good. The 200 Mbps plan is $39.99/month, the 400 Mbps plan is $59.99/month, and the 940 Mbps plan is $79.99/month. Verizon also offers some Verizon TV+Internet bundles. If you are a Verizon Wireless Unlimited customer, you may be eligible for additional discounts.

How to Come Out Ahead With AT＆T Fiber

If fiber is available in your area, it is highly recommended. AT＆T fiber is the option recommended here. The screenshot below shows a speed test from an AT＆T fiber user; both upload and download speeds are very fast.

At the moment, new AT＆T fiber customers may be able to stack multiple promotions, potentially getting service for free or even coming out ahead. Here is a quick summary of a practical AT＆T fiber strategy.

1. Start from a cashback portal. Rakuten is recommended here. If you are not familiar with it, see our earlier guide:

At present, subscribing to AT＆T Fiber through Rakuten offers $100/10000MR in cashback.

2. After entering through the cashback site, choose the appropriate plan. Most people will choose the 300Mbps plan at $35 per month. Equipment rental is $10 per month, for a total of $45 per month. For the initial setup, AT＆T typically sends a technician to install the equipment. Under normal circumstances there is a $99 installation fee, though it may currently be waived. (You should still be prepared to tip the installer.) In addition, selecting AutoPay and paperless billing can reduce the monthly bill by an extra $5 starting from the second month.

Currently, orders for plans of 300Mbps or higher come with a $200 Visa gift card. In most areas, you can also receive an extra $50 Visa gift card. In addition, before checkout you can enter a promo code to stack another gift card offer. Available promo codes include:

  • FALL50: an extra $50 Visa gift card
  • ACTNOW: an extra $150 Visa gift card
  • XTRACASH: an extra $75 Visa gift card

The recommendation here is to use ACTNOW for the extra $150 Visa gift card.

3. Use an appropriate credit card at checkout and stack a credit card cashback offer.

Some users currently have an AT＆T fiber offer on cards from Chase/BoA/Wells Fargo/USbank:

Using one of these cards for a purchase of $35 or more with AT＆T fiber can trigger $75 back. Some Amex cardholders also have a similar offer: spend $50 or more and get $50 back.

If you use one of these cards at checkout, the one-year cost of subscribing to AT＆T fiber works out to $45*2+$40*10=$490. If you estimate a $10 tip for the installer, the total first-year cost becomes $500. On the rewards side, there is the AT＆T offer ($200+$50+$150), cashback from the portal (Rakuten $100), and credit card rebates (Chase/BoA/Wells Fargo/USbank $75, AMEX $50). Based on that math, even without a credit card offer, you may be able to get one year of AT＆T fiber effectively for free; with a credit card offer, you could even come out ahead. If AT＆T fiber is available in your area, this may be a great opportunity. If you know of similar deals, feel free to share them in the comments.