The internet has become an indispensable utility in American homes. As per the reports shared by U.S. Census Bureau, almost 90 percent of all American households have access to an internet connection.
As the importance of internet access is increasing every day, most people find themselves struggling to find a good and high-speed internet connection.
Some internet service providers stand out due to their connection speeds and customer service levels. However, it might seem hard to research thoroughly to find out the ISPs that are better than the rest. The whole process to find a decent internet provider can be a little overwhelming, which is why many people end up subscribing to a provider that does not really suit their needs.
The first thing you should do is evaluate your internet requirements and usage. Once you know the level of your internet usage, find out the providers who offer services in your locality, compare prices and perks, and then decide what packages suit you.
In this article, we have put together a list of the best internet service providers of 2021 specifically for streaming.
- Spectrum Internet
Starting Price: 49.99 USD
Connection Type: Hybrid Fiber Coax
Download Speed Range: 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, and TV
Owned by Charter Communications, Spectrum offers superfast internet speeds in 44 states and serves almost 29 million users. It is a one-stop shop for all your broadband network requirements and offers internet, TV, home phone, and mobile.
Furthermore, students and senior citizens can take benefit of Spectrum discounts and enjoy high-speed internet, extensive channel count, and unlimited calling options at all times. What’s more, all of its plans are contract-free and have no data limitations. Spectrum also has a 500 USD buyout policy that lets you be free of any current contract you might be obligated to. Click here to find out the best internet deals offered by Spectrum.
- Xfinity Internet
Starting Price: 29.99 USD
Connection Type: Fiber, Cable
Download Speed Range: 15 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, TV, and Home Security
Xfinity is a well-rounded internet provider offering two fiber and six cable internet plans. At a low rate of only 29.99 USD a month, you can enjoy 2 Mbps upload speeds and 15 Mbps download speeds.
Owned by Comcast, Xfinity is available to almost 58 million commercial and residential sites. It is available in 39 states and offers Xfinity TV, Xfinity Home Security services Xfinity wireless mobile service, and Xfinity Voice phone service.
- Verizon Fios
Starting Price: 39.99 USD
Connection Type: Fiber
Download Speed Range: 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, and TV
Verizon Fios has been one of the most favored internet service providers for a long time now. When it comes to reliability and performance, Verizon Fios never disappoints. Its plans range from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps, suiting everyone’s requirements.
It offers coverage in most parts of the Northeast region including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Massachusetts. Almost 15 million households and enterprises consume Verizon Fios.
- AT&T Internet
Starting Price: 35.00 USD
Connection Type: Fiber
Download Speed Range: 0.8 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet and TV
Over 100 million U.S. citizens use one or more services or products of AT&T. It is a major internet service provider and has become a household brand. According to the FCC reports, almost 80 percent of users of AT&T receive accurate internet speeds as advertised.
In addition to the fast internet connection, AT&T also offers access to over 4,500 apps including Pandora and Netflix. It does not restrict data usage and offers free installation services.
- RCN Internet
Starting Price: 19.99 USD
Connection Type: Fiber, Cable
Download Speed Range: 25 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, and TV
RCN was founded in 1993 and is the sixth-largest cable provider since 2018. It offers fiber and cable internet in select areas including Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. Philadelphia, New York City, and Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.
All of the RCN plans flaunt a no-contract policy, which is great for people who like to utilize a month-to-month internet plan. Moreover, its customer service unit is available 24/7 to handle all your technical issues.
- CenturyLink Internet
Starting Price: 49.00 USD
Connection Type: Fiber, DSL
Download Speed Range: 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, and TV
CenturyLink is best known for its TV, internet, and phone services to residential customers. It offers internet through the means of Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) as well as fiber optics.
As per the recent reports of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), more than 50 percent of its users enjoy the speeds mentioned in its advertisements. CenturyLink internet is available in 36 states including Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, South Dakota, and South Carolina.
- Optimum Internet
Starting Price: 24.95 USD
Connection Type: Fiber, Cable
Download Speed Range: 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps
Available Services: Internet and TV
Owned by Altice, Optimum is based in New York. When it comes to statistics, Optimum is the fourth-largest cable provider in the United States. It offers affordable internet packages and even waives off the entire price for deserving students.
With its home wireless system, you can enjoy the internet from anywhere inside the home and when you go out, you can stay connected, thanks to its millions of secure and public wireless hotspots.
If you live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania – you should give Optimum a chance.
- Cox Internet
Starting Price: 29.99 USD
Connection Type: Fiber, Cable
Download Speed Range: 10 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps
Available Services: Internet, Phone, TV, Home Automation and Security
Available in 19 states including Arizona, Georgia, Arkansas, Ohio Missouri, Idaho, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts, Cox is the largest private telecom provider in the United States. At present, Cox internet is available to more than 6 million commercial and residential sites. It supplies the internet with cable and fiber solutions.
A great feature of Cox internet is that as a customer, you can access more than 650,000 free wireless hotspots throughout the nation.