Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois

In our analysis, the clear-cut best internet option in Chicago is AT&T Fiber. This speedy fiber internet option is available only to about a quarter of Windy City denizens (though AT&T’s other connection types ensure that AT&T Internet is available in almost every area of the city, even when AT&T Fiber is not). If you can get it, we recommend it: It’s the fastest option and one of the best deals for your money.

If you’re focused on price, you’ll want to check out the plans from WOW!. The provider’s cheapest plan costs $19.99/month per month, which makes it the very cheapest option in Chicago.

Yes, much of Chicago is covered by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet’s service area. This type of wireless home internet connection uses the speedy 5G standard, allowing T-Mobile to offer speeds ranging from 33 to 182 Mbps. That’s much faster than older fixed wireless options. It’s also fast enough to make T-Mobile Home Internet a serious option for budget-minded internet shoppers in Chicago.

Yes, some areas of Chicago fall within Verizon’s 5G Home Internet service area. Verizon 5G Home Internet is blazing fast; the network has even reached speeds that rival those of cable or fiber, though typical performance is more comparable to DSL connections. As is the case with other 5G home internet services, low prices and a lack of long-term contracts are a big part of Verizon 5G Home Internet’s appeal.

Chicago’s two most widely available internet providers are AT&T and Xfinity. Xfinity’s reputation for reliability and customer service has improved significantly in recent years, but our top pick is still AT&T — especially for those Chicagoans who have access to AT&T Fiber. This fiber internet connection is significantly faster than a DSL or cable connection.

Chicago has programs that help make internet access more affordable and equitable. Chicago Connected, a groundbreaking program created in 2020, provides high-speed internet service to 100,000 Chicago public school students. It’s designed to dramatically improve internet accessibility to low-income students and households and is an excellent example of a program designed for digital equity. If you think you qualify, you can check your eligibility online.